redlm:

I do indeed hope your prediction comes true. I think after the first of the year prices on the 10D body might drop a bit, in which case I'll add one to the system. Right now, at least from reputable US dealers, they are a bit over $900 for body only.

Ted

The Epson 4990 scanner arrived today with no firewire cable but a perfectly nice 3' USB 2.0 cable that was just the right length. Firewire is moot for me as I don't have a firewire port in my computer but my computer geek friends tell me I must buy the card immediately as "everything will be better." Sure.

The scanner installed without a hitch, but all I've done so far is scan a 4X6 print and enlarge it to 6X9 and print it. Even using my ancient Epson 820 the scan quality improvement over my old HP Scanjet is noticeable. By the way, the scanner works through whatever version of Adobe Photoshop you've got installed. Turn on the scanner, go to PS, click file, then Import, and Epson 4990 pops up and off you go.

The scanner came with CD's for Silverfast SE and PS Elements 2.0 but I didn't use them as I've got both Vuescan and Silverfast SE and PS Elements 5.0.

Tomorrow I'll try a 6X6 neg and see what happens. Also, tomorrow I'll try to install the Epson R2400 printer. Don't you just love challenges?

Ted

Should be here in a day or two and I'll let you know. However, my Epson R2400 printer arrived today, supplied with a firewire cable but no USB to Printer cable (the printer end is different). As my Dell computer has not got a firewire port I'm left high and dry. Well, I can always re-read Euripides while I'm waiting.

Ted

As for scanners, I bought the Plustek Opticfilm 35mm negative and slide scanner. I've got both Vuescan and Silverfast SE, and it doesn't matter which I use, I still can't get a sharp scan from the Plustek. My advice, don't waste your money.

I've ordered the Epson 4990 as I've read it does a fair job with MF. As I've got a good wet darkroom with two enlargers (Beseler 4X5 and Simmons-Omega B22XL) I think I'll just make proper 5X7's and then scan them in with the Epson.

Ted

Dave:

Very nice stuff, indeed. As one who lives in the Arizona desert, I was struck by the photograph of the elderly gent riding his bicycle through that lush, green world, and the bit of water in foreground was just perfect.

Thank you so much.

Ted

The latest attempt. At last, the gray scale, more naturally, at least to my eye.

Ted

So glad you found it. I was going to suggest that if you have a wife or girlfriend you should call her out to the workshop. You've been searching for the tiny lost widget for an hour, trying all the tricks. She says, what's the matter. You say I've lost this little critical spring that holds (fill in the blank) what is, essentially, my whole world together.

She says, what's it look like? You describe it. She looks around and says, rather too offhandedly, it's right over there by the footstool, and walks out, clearly disenchanted by your incompetence.

Ted

I gotta have one of these. The bleeding Arizona deserts simply cry out for it.

I don't know what "stonking" means, but it's got a fine sound to it.

I've bought the 50-200, but apparently there's a high demand in the US so I'm back-ordered.

Next will be for sure the 16-45. Still scraping up the $400+. Oh, yes. If it's so bright, what's the maximum aperture?

Ted

I'm confused. Does the downloaded firmware get loaded onto the SD card or onto a memory device in the camera itself? You mentioned using a card.

Ted

Peter, thanks. If you wouldn't mind, what are the advantages of V2?

Ted