Black& White Magazine

Roger, I understand the rationale of not depending on a new camera for serious work, and I understand that reviewers have got to deal with lead times and deadlines.

But that doesn't mean that I'm not interested in reading what the camera is like six months down the road, when the true strengths and weaknesses have become apparent.

Mind you, this doesn't mean that I think the reviews in B&WPhotography are bad, far from it; they're fair and without hype. It's just unfortunate that we live in a world where there's too little time to delve just that little bit deeper..
 
Dear pvdehaar,

Yup. You're interested; I'm interested; but magazine publishers often aren't, because advertisers aren't. they want to flog what's new. There's another point I thought of afterwards: money. Reviews don't pay very well, and out of the fee you have to fund materials, shooting time, writing time...

Do you think there would be any interest in long-term reviews on my web site? I'd have to make a nominal charge -- $1, say, via Paypal -- because after all this is how my wife and I earn our living. But we cioud do several thousand words, plus pictures taken with the kit.

Cheers,

Roger
 
Roger Hicks said:
Do you think there would be any interest in long-term reviews on my web site? I'd have to make a nominal charge -- $1, say, via Paypal -- because after all this is how my wife and I earn our living. But we cioud do several thousand words, plus pictures taken with the kit.
Click to expand...
Dear Roger,

the target audience for this would most probably be people considering the purchase of that particular equipment. Given the current life cycles and turn over of photographic equipment, I have some reservations about the probability that you'll be able to raise enough $1 contributions to cover the expenses involved, unless it's a byproduct of an earlier review or article (must be the longest sentence I've typed in a long time).

This may not be a bad thing though. There's the abundancy and (various levels of) quality of 'reviews' on the web to consider. You may need the initial review as a teaser and to build trust before buying the full story.

Why not try a poll on RFF? I'm sure I'm not the only one who's very interested.
 
Last edited:
i would pay $2 bucks for an in-depth review. i'm more interested in old, unfamiliar equipment, though. something i wouldn't likely have the opportunity to see, except to buy one online.
 
I'm not sure if this is the correct protocol or not, but I'll giver it a whirl. I have editions 1-33 of UK B&W Mag for sale. I tried to sell on *bay without success in the past month or so. They are in unbroken sequnce, well thumbed. I am based in Australia so factor that into any calculations you need to make with postage etc. I estimate the weight o be between 8-10 kg Each edition cost me more than $12 AU ( $9 - $10 USD). I'm no treally sure why or how I ceased buying this mag, however it is of excellent quality and has some great photographs as well as well informed articles. Taking reasonable offers.
 
Dear Peter (and also Aizan),

Yes, in order to be affordable it would have to be a by-product: either something I'd been paid to review when it was new (like the MP) or used (in a classic camera column, such as the Pentacon Six TL I recently bought in Prague) or just something I'd just used a lot (like my De Vere 10x8).

The writing wouldn't be the hard bit; the main drag would be scanning in images. I'm hesitant to run a poll because first, it's nakedly commercial (even though I have to be) and second, a lot of people will say "Oh, yeah, I'd buy that" but don't put their money where their mouth is.

There's also the point that there are lots of free 'reviews' on line, and the only advantage mine would have would be that I'm reasonably well known and well regarded: with most of what you get on the 'net, you don't know anything about the writer's credentials. Maybe the best thing would be a couple of test reviews to see what happened.

I'd probably do the MP first, but other options would be Alpa 12, Zorkii 4, Retina IIa, Bessa R2 and Linhof Tech V 13x18cm/5x7 inch. And Frances could to Bessa R2, T and R3A as starters. Any feedback? And what would you like to see?

And do you think I could go to $2? My suspicion is that if you'll spend $1 you'll spend $2 but equally $1 is nothing -- you'd give it to a beggar (how do you think that makes me feel) -- but $2 is actually noticeable.

Cheers,

Roger
 
I'd pay happily if the content has substance, which is something that is very seldom given for free (at least on the internet).
The MP and Alpa12 sound very promising, always interesting to hear about other experiences.... 🙂
 
FrankS said:
Your avatar picture is hilarious! Is that your dog the morning after some hard partying like an animal?
Click to expand...

I thought it was a feline Iggy Pop....after it hard night on the good ol' catnip!!!

Btw thanks for the tip on the mag...i'm interested in the R3A, so i'll be sure to pick up a copy
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

F
Ready for winter?
Replies
14
Views
470
santino
santino
P
Leica m7 misaligned frame counter
Replies
5
Views
629
Richard G
Richard G
jaredangle
Calibrating the Voigtlander Bessa R-series rangefinder mechanism
Replies
2
Views
700
monopix
monopix
PharaohArs
Would any one help me trace who repainted my black M3 — Serial #1025775
Replies
1
Views
111
splitimageview
splitimageview
mrtoml
John Blakemore 1936-2025
Replies
3
Views
596
mrtoml
mrtoml
Back
Top Bottom