BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
There are a few more people out there who expressed interest in joining us, but have not yet replied to the latest call.
Please let us know if you're coming! S.v.p. laissez-nous savoir si vous viendrez!
Please let us know if you're coming! S.v.p. laissez-nous savoir si vous viendrez!
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back alley
IMAGES
out of embarassment, i have been staying away from this thread.
the ticket price went from 318 to over 600 to over 800 for the flights and times i wanted.
i just cannot justify 6 to 800 bucks for a weekend, i don't have that kind of money and if i did, i would probably talk myself into another piece of gear.
so, i am backing out.
i'm pretty sure some will be very unhappy with me and i apologize to them.
maybe, on a non long weekend and with a seat sale, i can make a toronto get together soon.
bj, thanks for the offer of your lumpy couch, i truly appreciate the generosity.
joe
the ticket price went from 318 to over 600 to over 800 for the flights and times i wanted.
i just cannot justify 6 to 800 bucks for a weekend, i don't have that kind of money and if i did, i would probably talk myself into another piece of gear.
so, i am backing out.
i'm pretty sure some will be very unhappy with me and i apologize to them.
maybe, on a non long weekend and with a seat sale, i can make a toronto get together soon.
bj, thanks for the offer of your lumpy couch, i truly appreciate the generosity.
joe
BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
back alley said:
Well, it's disappointing to hear that you won't be attending, but the reasons are well understood. Would you change your mind, however, if I tell you that the couch isn't lumpy? 
Hi guys,
I will share my cell number if coming so you will be able to track me down. That may be the best idea for all so that we can keep in touch and find the group if lost.
I will share my cell number if coming so you will be able to track me down. That may be the best idea for all so that we can keep in touch and find the group if lost.
BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
I went through the old posts, and added names for everyone who said they would come. The list is here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=545714&postcount=291
If you're coming or not, please confirm by posting a reply so that we have a good idea of what's going on! This will be the last attendance call before the event, so it's important that you let us know.
Cheers,
BJ
If you're coming or not, please confirm by posting a reply so that we have a good idea of what's going on! This will be the last attendance call before the event, so it's important that you let us know.
Cheers,
BJ
vladhed
R.I.P. 1997-2006
BJ Bignell said:
Being near Ottawa, I'm only planning to drive up for one of the days. It also means that those plans are likely to get trumped at a moment's notice...keep y'all posted.
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
Bumpity Bump Bump as the days draw near - please don't make me stay with Hub and Nancy.. I will really go insane.. honest.
Dave
Dave
BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
Just bring one of these bad boys with you. Everytime Nancy or Hub do something that annoys you, use the device to make clear your displeasure. You'll have them trained in no time!dcsang said:
FrankS
Registered User
back alley said:
Apology accepted. See you in TO.
BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
Travel information
Montreal Metro and bus website: http://www.stm.info
Direct link to Metro map: http://www.stm.info/English/metro/a-mapmet.htm
We will be doing most of our travelling around town on the Metro. You can by a strip of six tickets (un lisière de six) for $11.75 from the agent at each Metro stop.
Please note that on the orange line, the Laval extension has been finished, so you will see signs that indicate either "Henri-Bourassa" or "Montmorency" as the direction. These are the same thing (until you get up to the H-B stop). Hopefully all of the signs will be changed to "Montmorency" before the long weekend.
If you arriving by train (VIA rail, Amtrak) your terminus is the Gare Centrale, which is connected to the Bonaventure stop of the orange line. From here you can take the Metro to the stop nearest your hotel, or if you are staying nearby, walk above ground or underground to your destination. There are usually staff hanging around the main hall, and they should be able to help you get on your way.
If you are flying in, you will almost certainly be landing at P.E. Trudeau airport (code YUL, formerly called Dorval). There is no convenient train service, and due to the distance, there is no Metro stop here. A taxi to the greater downtown core is a flat rate of $35, IIRC. Be sure to ask the driver in advance, and double-check if he/she takes a credit card before you get into the car. Tipping rules vary, and you're not obliged to tip, but generally we do tip anyways. I would suggest that ~10% is sufficient, unless the driver was exceptional in some way.
If you are driving up from Toronto, you'll arrive on the island via Autoroute 20, and from Ottawa, Autoroute 40. There is plenty of signage to get you to the downtown area, but once you're there, you had best be prepared. Make sure you've printed out your directions ahead of time! Google Maps usually provides good directions, and they also do a good job of indicating one-way streets.
Some driving tips: Remember that on the island of Montreal, it is prohibited to turn right on a red light. Many lights in the downtown area start with a green forward arrow, followed by a solid green. Do not turn on a forward arrow, unless it is accompanied by a directional arrow; wait for the solid green.
Turning left across traffic is generally permitted on solid green, unless specifically prohibited by a sign. Priority left turns are indicated by a left directonal arrow, a flashing solid green, or both.
Speed limits are loosely enforced, and therefore loosely observed, but it pays to be prudent, especially on the long weekend. Please be careful! And finally, a humourous look at driving here in Montreal: http://www.cs.umanitoba.ca/~arindam/montreal_driving.html
If you are unsure of how to get to your hotel, have general questions, or don't trust the directions that you received online, just ask; I'll be glad to help out to the best of my ability. You can also send me PMs or emails with the details.
Montreal Metro and bus website: http://www.stm.info
Direct link to Metro map: http://www.stm.info/English/metro/a-mapmet.htm
We will be doing most of our travelling around town on the Metro. You can by a strip of six tickets (un lisière de six) for $11.75 from the agent at each Metro stop.
Please note that on the orange line, the Laval extension has been finished, so you will see signs that indicate either "Henri-Bourassa" or "Montmorency" as the direction. These are the same thing (until you get up to the H-B stop). Hopefully all of the signs will be changed to "Montmorency" before the long weekend.
If you arriving by train (VIA rail, Amtrak) your terminus is the Gare Centrale, which is connected to the Bonaventure stop of the orange line. From here you can take the Metro to the stop nearest your hotel, or if you are staying nearby, walk above ground or underground to your destination. There are usually staff hanging around the main hall, and they should be able to help you get on your way.
If you are flying in, you will almost certainly be landing at P.E. Trudeau airport (code YUL, formerly called Dorval). There is no convenient train service, and due to the distance, there is no Metro stop here. A taxi to the greater downtown core is a flat rate of $35, IIRC. Be sure to ask the driver in advance, and double-check if he/she takes a credit card before you get into the car. Tipping rules vary, and you're not obliged to tip, but generally we do tip anyways. I would suggest that ~10% is sufficient, unless the driver was exceptional in some way.
If you are driving up from Toronto, you'll arrive on the island via Autoroute 20, and from Ottawa, Autoroute 40. There is plenty of signage to get you to the downtown area, but once you're there, you had best be prepared. Make sure you've printed out your directions ahead of time! Google Maps usually provides good directions, and they also do a good job of indicating one-way streets.
Some driving tips: Remember that on the island of Montreal, it is prohibited to turn right on a red light. Many lights in the downtown area start with a green forward arrow, followed by a solid green. Do not turn on a forward arrow, unless it is accompanied by a directional arrow; wait for the solid green.
Turning left across traffic is generally permitted on solid green, unless specifically prohibited by a sign. Priority left turns are indicated by a left directonal arrow, a flashing solid green, or both.
Speed limits are loosely enforced, and therefore loosely observed, but it pays to be prudent, especially on the long weekend. Please be careful! And finally, a humourous look at driving here in Montreal: http://www.cs.umanitoba.ca/~arindam/montreal_driving.html
If you are unsure of how to get to your hotel, have general questions, or don't trust the directions that you received online, just ask; I'll be glad to help out to the best of my ability. You can also send me PMs or emails with the details.
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BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
Contact and arrival information
When you arrive in Montreal, I encourage you to call my mobile phone at 514-999-5549. If it's 1am, maybe wait until breakfast time! Please note that here in Montreal, you must dial the full 10-digit number, but it's not a long distance call. In the coming days, I will provide a list of waypoints that will give you an idea of where we might be at certain times, so that we can all easily meet up as you arrive. I would also ask that those of you who are bringing a mobile phone to PM me the number.
I would also like to know in advance your expected arrival days and times, which will help planning. If I see that a large number of people are all arriving at a certain time on the train, it might make sense to be near the train station at that time for shooting activities. If you're not comfortable posting the details, PM it.
When you arrive in Montreal, I encourage you to call my mobile phone at 514-999-5549. If it's 1am, maybe wait until breakfast time! Please note that here in Montreal, you must dial the full 10-digit number, but it's not a long distance call. In the coming days, I will provide a list of waypoints that will give you an idea of where we might be at certain times, so that we can all easily meet up as you arrive. I would also ask that those of you who are bringing a mobile phone to PM me the number.
I would also like to know in advance your expected arrival days and times, which will help planning. If I see that a large number of people are all arriving at a certain time on the train, it might make sense to be near the train station at that time for shooting activities. If you're not comfortable posting the details, PM it.
grainhound
Well-known
BJ, according to my train ticket I'm arriving at 11:56 on 18 May. I'll call you when I get into the station, if that's best for you.
Dave, there's at least one spare bed in the hostel for the entire weekend. $30 per night. So far, it's Frank, me, & hopefully Rover in a room with 4 beds. We'd be happy to have you join us if you stay away from beans for the weekend.
Dave, there's at least one spare bed in the hostel for the entire weekend. $30 per night. So far, it's Frank, me, & hopefully Rover in a room with 4 beds. We'd be happy to have you join us if you stay away from beans for the weekend.
BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
Another sponsor announcement
Another sponsor announcement
I'm glad to announce that we have another sponsor for our RFF Canada weekend: Tom and Tuulikki Abrahamsson from www.rapidwinder.com! They have very generously sent a box full of soft releases and mini soft releases, which we'll be giving away to you. I have enough here that nearly everyone should be able to go home with a soft release.
Along with the softies, they included an extra gift, something truly remarkable: a black Rapidwinder Classic which once belonged to Ted Grant, who is considered by many to be Canada's greatest living photographer. This winder is in like-new condition, and will fit the following Leica cameras without modification: M4-2, M4-P, M6, M6TTL, M7, MP and MP-3.
During the weekend, you will have the opportunity to see, touch, and try this winder. At the end of the weekend, one lucky attendee will win it by random drawing. This is an exciting opportunity to own finely-crafted accessory that is also a small part of Canadian history.
Thank you very much to Tom and Tuulikki for their generous donation.
Another sponsor announcement
I'm glad to announce that we have another sponsor for our RFF Canada weekend: Tom and Tuulikki Abrahamsson from www.rapidwinder.com! They have very generously sent a box full of soft releases and mini soft releases, which we'll be giving away to you. I have enough here that nearly everyone should be able to go home with a soft release.
Along with the softies, they included an extra gift, something truly remarkable: a black Rapidwinder Classic which once belonged to Ted Grant, who is considered by many to be Canada's greatest living photographer. This winder is in like-new condition, and will fit the following Leica cameras without modification: M4-2, M4-P, M6, M6TTL, M7, MP and MP-3.
During the weekend, you will have the opportunity to see, touch, and try this winder. At the end of the weekend, one lucky attendee will win it by random drawing. This is an exciting opportunity to own finely-crafted accessory that is also a small part of Canadian history.
Thank you very much to Tom and Tuulikki for their generous donation.
monochromejrnl
Well-known
any chance a fellow canadian who won't be able to make the Montreal meet due to work committments that will take me south of the border (sad, i know) during the Victoria Day weekend, would be able to get a soft release? if so please let me know what needs to be done to be worthy of such a gift... Dave Chan-Sang is a friend and perhaps he could bring one back for me.. i can offer a couple of 40.5mm filters in exchange ...
much appreciated..
much appreciated..
sienarot
Well-known
Sounds like it's going to be a fun weekend. I wish I could've made it. How often are these meets organized?
BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
Sorry, but if you want one of the softies that I have here, you need to attend the meet. If you're interested in buying some, you can do so directly from www.rapidwinder.com.monochromejrnl said:
This is the first time that we've ever done something this big, but members often get together for smaller meets throughout the year. If you're interested in having others in the future, all you need to do is suggest a date!sienarot said:
sienarot
Well-known
BJ Bignell said:
Hopefully this is successful enough that another one gets organized (fall meet? on the west coast?)! Unfortunately I joined RFF much too late to find cheap tickets, otherwise I'd be there!
somecanuckchick
Tundra Gypsy
The Itinerary
The Itinerary
Is there a cunning plan as to what we are doing the first, second, third day/night, etc.? Or can I just do my thing, and you people can text message me at will?
Seriously... Hub, Dave, and I arrive at about 5:15PM the Friday.... we need to go to Chinatown and deposit our crap at the Holiday Inn... and beyond that, I have no idea as to what we are doing. I was thinking of visiting old haunts like L'Etranger... and Brutopia... and so on...
C'mon men, I need/want a plan... an idea... an inkling... something... anything.
SC
The Itinerary
Is there a cunning plan as to what we are doing the first, second, third day/night, etc.? Or can I just do my thing, and you people can text message me at will?
Seriously... Hub, Dave, and I arrive at about 5:15PM the Friday.... we need to go to Chinatown and deposit our crap at the Holiday Inn... and beyond that, I have no idea as to what we are doing. I was thinking of visiting old haunts like L'Etranger... and Brutopia... and so on...
C'mon men, I need/want a plan... an idea... an inkling... something... anything.
SCsomecanuckchick
Tundra Gypsy
BJ Bignell said:
Joining vous? Where? When? Details!
BJ Bignell
Je n'aurai plus peur
Nancy,
I'm still deciding on the general plan. I might be something like this:
- Friday night we can do beers somewhere like Le Ste Elisabeth or a microbrew like Le Cheval Blanc
- Saturday morning street shooting at a market (most likely Marché Jean-Talon, which also puts us in Little Italy)
- Saturday afternoon depends on what Saturday morning turns out like
- Saturday evening, weather permitting, sunset over the city at one of the two belvederes on Mont-Royal (one of them might be tricky on public transit)
- Saturday night, free to party as you please
- Sunday morning could be spent at Canal Lachine and Marché Atwater, with a (really) long walk all the way to the Vieux Port/Vieux Montreal, or you can cheat and take the Metro
- Sunday early afternoon will be the model shoot for those who choose to join in
- Sunday night, dinner and drinks, most likely at the Claremont Cafe
- Monday morning, you get up at 4:30am for the sunrise and tell the rest of us what it was like
There is so much to do, not everyone will necessarily want to follow along. There is the Plateau to explore, downtown, the Port, the botanic gardens, etc etc etc... We'll make it up as we go along, for the most part. How's that sound?
I'm still deciding on the general plan. I might be something like this:
- Friday night we can do beers somewhere like Le Ste Elisabeth or a microbrew like Le Cheval Blanc
- Saturday morning street shooting at a market (most likely Marché Jean-Talon, which also puts us in Little Italy)
- Saturday afternoon depends on what Saturday morning turns out like
- Saturday evening, weather permitting, sunset over the city at one of the two belvederes on Mont-Royal (one of them might be tricky on public transit)
- Saturday night, free to party as you please
- Sunday morning could be spent at Canal Lachine and Marché Atwater, with a (really) long walk all the way to the Vieux Port/Vieux Montreal, or you can cheat and take the Metro
- Sunday early afternoon will be the model shoot for those who choose to join in
- Sunday night, dinner and drinks, most likely at the Claremont Cafe
- Monday morning, you get up at 4:30am for the sunrise and tell the rest of us what it was like
There is so much to do, not everyone will necessarily want to follow along. There is the Plateau to explore, downtown, the Port, the botanic gardens, etc etc etc... We'll make it up as we go along, for the most part. How's that sound?
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