New York February NYC Meet-Up/ Fourth Annual Camera Beauty Contest

Cal, I wet printed more than anyone (or most) in my school too (but that was out of necessity due to no other alternatives)... but my ink jet will still sit for months on end (due to many other printing options available these days be it books or services that are cheap, etc.). All I'm trying to say is to relax and take things slow. It'll really help you understand what you need if you take it one step at a time and don't try to just do it all 100% full on from day one. Of course you're free to ignore us as well... but we've been there already (meaning printing digitally, digital workflow, etc.). I just don't want to see you your waste time and money before you even shoot your first digital photo.
 
jsrockit said:
Cal, I wet printed more than anyone in my school too (but that was out of necessity)... but my ink jet will still sit for months on end (due to many other printing options available these days be it books or services that are cheap, etc.). All I'm trying to say is to relax and take things slow. It'll really help you understand what you need if you take it one step at a time and don't try to just do it all 100% from day one. Of course you're free to ignore us as well... but we've been there already (meaning printing digitally).
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Good advice. I think being cooped up at home instead of shooting, because I have to avoid the cold, has pushed me over the edge, but also realize if I can't go shooting that I can edit and print to get the mania that's currently driving me nuts.

This lifestyle change and dealing with limitations is not really good for me. Realize that the steep learning curves in digital are the challenge I need to feel alive. You know me as the guy who wanders the streets looking for shots, now imagine that I can't because of my vulnerbility to the cold.

I guess I'm lacking the passion that is missing. Also missing is the struggle (personal) because I need to be challenged or else I don't feel alive. Staying indoors has not been easy.

Cal
 
Calzone said:
Good advice. I think being cooped up at home instead of shooting, because I have to avoid the cold, has pushed me over the edge, but also realize if I can't go shooting that I can edit and print to get the mania that's currently driving me nuts.

This lifestyle change and dealing with limitations is not really good for me. Realize that the steep learning curves in digital are the challenge I need to feel alive. You know me as the guy who wanders the streets looking for shots, now imagine that I can't because of my vulnerbility to the cold.

I guess I'm lacking the passion that is missing. Also missing is the struggle (personal) because I need to be challenged or else I don't feel alive. Staying indoors has not been easy.

Cal
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Just a few more months cal. Hang in there
 
Rats.

Ya'll are going to have a party and I am stuck down here. Maybe one day I will be able to join you folks. At least that is a small ambition if I am allowed to have such a thing in this universe.

It would be nice to meet each of you in NYC. But, alas, I can always live vicariously through you.:)
 
Dave, we'll be sure to take a bunch of photos...and if you ever do come down here, we will have a special meet-up just for you.
 
Cal,
It sounds like you have quite the backlog of negatives. If you have any you want scanned, don't hesitate to ask. I can get you going on some digital workflow and maybe the beginning of a photo archive if you like. I have that brilliant scanner and will soon start working on my own backlog or almost 200 rolls, almost all black & white.
Actually, that offer stands for all the NYC and Philly area RFF folks.

Phil Forrest
 
Phil_F_NM said:
Cal,
It sounds like you have quite the backlog of negatives. If you have any you want scanned, don't hesitate to ask. I can get you going on some digital workflow and maybe the beginning of a photo archive if you like. I have that brilliant scanner and will soon start working on my own backlog or almost 200 rolls, almost all black & white.
Actually, that offer stands for all the NYC and Philly area RFF folks.

Phil Forrest
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Phil,

Thanks for the support. It's rude not being able to shoot like I use to. Last Sunday we had mild weather and I went shooting with John and Pro-Mone. I had a bit of a "Blue Attack" where my ears turned a dark blue due to a lack of circulation, even though I wasn't cold. Last winter shooting I had some rather extreme attacks shooting with John and Andre in the south Bronx where it looked like I was in a fist fight and took a beating because of all the blue and purple that looked like brusing.

Anyways I think many on this forum actually kinda live to shoot, and now that I have this rare form of low level Cancer that does not need any treatment at this time, I am exploring digital printing passionately. Also know that I want to make very small limited editions of books as a way to display my work and get the editing done on those tens of thousands of images. In my past I took a bookbinding course from someone deeply involved with the Center For Book Arts.

Cal
 
dave lackey said:
Rats.

Ya'll are going to have a party and I am stuck down here. Maybe one day I will be able to join you folks. At least that is a small ambition if I am allowed to have such a thing in this universe.

It would be nice to meet each of you in NYC. But, alas, I can always live vicariously through you.:)
Click to expand...

Dave,

It's every month. We have a wonderful group of guys and gals. Also the Beauty Contest is every February, and now we have expanded it to a "Spring Swap Meet" to create "Gearfest 2013."

You have my number so just give me a call. I got plenty of vacation to share. Also your words from another thread involving helping someone buy a M9 for me are rather profound. "It's later than you think," you said.

After having been scared with the possibility of having an abbreviated life, and having to go through a lifestyle change of forced hibernation, I now live life more passionately than ever.

The Cold Aglutinin Disease I have is very rare. The Center for Disease Control says that it effects about one in eighty thousand, and proportionately perhaps in the population of NYC's eight million maybe a hundred people have this disease. Right now my Hematologist says he has about 15 patients like me that only require careful monitoring that remain asymptomatic.

The sticking together of my Red Blood Cells only happens upon exposure to cold, but this can damage cells to the extent that in acute cases severe anemias result that require special transfusions. The disease is treatable with Monoclonal antibodies, but the side effect is a compromised immune system that generally lasts about a year. Also know that this treatment has effects that only moderate the disease short term.

A more drastic approach is chemo if the low level Cancer I now have turns into either a Non Hodgins Lymphoma or the very rare Waldenstrom Macroglobulenemia. I was told that the chance of my disease becoming aggressive is rather remote.

Cal
 
DOOR PRIZE for the furthest distance traveled to attend "GEARFEST 2013:" I have a Cristie's catalog that dates back to 2006 with a portrait of Andy Warhol on the cover and the title "New York Photographs." It a nice kinda coffee table book with lot's of iconic shots. Right now it seems Phil (Phil NM) is favored, as he is returning to New York and coming from New Mexico.

The January meet-up had around 25 people and had this element and character of a flash mob, because it kept building, because about half were newcomers, and because so many came from New Jersey. I talked with Barrett; and we think that the February Meet-Up could be 40-50 people (one of the biggest ever and in the past we had perhaps 35 people at one meet-up); one reason is that typically the camera Beauty Contest draws a big crowd, but also because this year we decided to enlarge the event to include a "swap-meet."

For security we will take over the balcony area at Puck Fair because the stairs offer limited access, and its basically one way in and one way out. Already I was PM'ed by a newcomer who wants to book the date so he can invite two friends from Philly. BTW these guys have some cool retro gear.

Also know in the past we had 7 M9's including a chrome M9P attend a meet-up, and maybe $150K -$200K worth of cameras have been displayed.

I'm culling down and the prize list below will continure to grow. Barrett like last year will be contributing some of his fine prints.

PRIZE LIST:

Two retro Panaview battery powered slide viewers, one with a dead light bulb.

A softcover book on LIC landmarks.

Also Helen did not attend January's Meet-Up so I did not have the opportunity to bribe Helen with another roll of Fuji Neopan 1600. Rule number one: Bribing the Judges (Barrett and Helen) is allowed.

John C. is now printing up the rules and a checklist, but know that really the only rule that is strictly enforced is "No Biting," and that even though there are judges that generally the rule of the mob prevails.

I want to lobby for a "KIT CATAGORY" where multiple bodies and lenses will be allowed, but framed within what could or is reasonable to carry walking for an entire day.

Also know that the openness and grouping of small tables will encourage moving around and socializing.

IF YOU CAN ONLY MAKE ONE MEET UP A YEAR KNOW THAT THIS IS THE BIG ONE.

Cal
 
The Fourth New York Rangefinder Forum Pageant Contest (February 24th, 2013, Sunday)
Same as in 2012

Rules and Regulations​

1) Age limit: 18 years of age or older (under aged contestants (cameras) are required to bribe one of the judges with a beer for an entry);

2) Proportional figures: We will allow as many as two (2) rangefinder bodies with two (2) lenses, same mount.
Additionally, all gears in the set with serial numbers within 10 years of production range (again, exception can be granted with a beer, you get the idea!);

3) No plastic surgery: No shape changing body work has been done (also see accessory rule below). Contestants with dints or scratches will have explaining to do (we want stories, the more dramatic; the better ... pristine condition may not be an advantage);

4) Authenticity: Must be in original finish, no repaint done (must be comfortable under its own skin, except for “medical” reasons);

5) Accessories are encouraged but not required: Each add-on requires a reason. Practicality and creativity count. Less may be more here. However, "Leica Franklin" type cameras did well in the past. Go figure!

6) Play dirty: Each contestant can pick and attack another (just one) contestant of his/her choice (everyone has a little dirty laundry);

7) More than just the look: The set cannot be just pretty ... it has to be functional as well. Maximum two prints (one from each lens in contest max) allowed to show the inner beauty. The artistic value of the photographs will NOT be part of the judging criteria, rather the optional photographs are there to demonstrate the technical capability of the set;

8) Nudity is strictly prohibited (it's a family and workplace friendly event): Leatherette must be on during the course of the contest. But, we don't care how worn out the leatherette is (it can be a nightgown or bikini). Any modification of leatherette has to be tastefully done;

9) The winner promises to promote world peace and represent NYC. To start, the winner needs to be our ambassador and go around the bar and talk to people about Rangefinders; and lastly

10) No biting, per Cal's special request.
 
SuperUJ said:
The Fourth New York Rangefinder Forum Pageant Contest (February 24th, 2013, Sunday)
Same as in 2012

Rules and Regulations​

1) Age limit: 18 years of age or older (under aged contestants (cameras) are required to bribe one of the judges with a beer for an entry);

2) Proportional figures: We will allow as many as two (2) rangefinder bodies with two (2) lenses, same mount.
Additionally, all gears in the set with serial numbers within 10 years of production range (again, exception can be granted with a beer, you get the idea!);

3) No plastic surgery: No shape changing body work has been done (also see accessory rule below). Contestants with dints or scratches will have explaining to do (we want stories, the more dramatic; the better ... pristine condition may not be an advantage);

4) Authenticity: Must be in original finish, no repaint done (must be comfortable under its own skin, except for “medical” reasons);

5) Accessories are encouraged but not required: Each add-on requires a reason. Practicality and creativity count. Less may be more here. However, "Leica Franklin" type cameras did well in the past. Go figure!

6) Play dirty: Each contestant can pick and attack another (just one) contestant of his/her choice (everyone has a little dirty laundry);

7) More than just the look: The set cannot be just pretty ... it has to be functional as well. Maximum two prints (one from each lens in contest max) allowed to show the inner beauty. The artistic value of the photographs will NOT be part of the judging criteria, rather the optional photographs are there to demonstrate the technical capability of the set;

8) Nudity is strictly prohibited (it's a family and workplace friendly event): Leatherette must be on during the course of the contest. But, we don't care how worn out the leatherette is (it can be a nightgown or bikini). Any modification of leatherette has to be tastefully done;

9) The winner promises to promote world peace and represent NYC. To start, the winner needs to be our ambassador and go around the bar and talk to people about Rangefinders; and lastly

10) No biting, per Cal's special request.
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Reposting this so those who use the white theme can read it (and enter).
 
dshfoto said:
Cal,
You can start B&W pizouse with the Epson inkset. This works as a good way to learn how to use quadtone rip.
I have a dedicated 1400 running Inkjet mall's carbon inkset. But, have not used it much lately.
For info on Pizo check out http://www.piezography.com/PiezoPress/category/blog/
and http://www.quadtonerip.com/html/QTRoverview.html and more at
http://shopping.netsuite.com/inkjetmall
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Steve,

I've been doing a lot of research, and this led me to select the Epson 3880 because its a great printer for Piezography. I learned from a Chris Crawford post that the Quadtone RIP is an easy solution to get rid of those ugly color casts that are the result of using the OEM Epson driver. Bonus is that its a baby step towards Piezography.

Because I concentrated on just image capture for the past 4-5 years like a pit bull shooting mucho B&W film, with no printing, it seems like making hand bound limited art books in small editions seems like a productive way to edit and print though the headache I created. When I print I'm sure I'll hammer this printer and print a lot.

I'll take yours and John's advice and use the OEM inks. Also I need the empty carts. I imagine starting basically with just the Selenium inkset, but eventually evolve to either the split-tone or the carbon for those black-blacks.

Al this time waiting for my Monochrome I've not been idle.

BTW "Maggie" is rather excited because I told her about those proofs you shoved me.

Cal
 
SuperUJ said:


8) Nudity is strictly prohibited (it's a family and workplace friendly event): Leatherette must be on during the course of the contest. But, we don't care how worn out the leatherette is (it can be a nightgown or bikini). Any modification of leatherette has to be tastefully done;
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One of my entries is a 1938 black paint Leica II with chrome knobs, but the old leatherette is no longer glued to the body and can be removed. Basically my camera, like me, is an exhibitionist and wishes to go skinny dipping. Effectively the covering can be removed in one piece, but if removed will my camera be disqualified for indecent exposure? BTW it has a good body, underneath, and my spin is if you got a nice butt why not show it off?

Cal
 
Calzone said:
One of my entries is a 1938 black paint Leica II with chrome knobs, but the old leatherette is no longer glued to the body and can be removed. Basically my camera, like me, is an exhibitionist and wishes to go skinny dipping. Effectively the covering can be removed in one piece, but if removed will my camera be disqualified for indecent exposure? BTW it has a good body, underneath, and my spin is if you got a nice butt why not show it off?

Cal
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Cal, are you giving us a heads up that potential wardrob malfunction may happen in our event? I don't think the lack of leatherette will trigger disqualification. It will, however, have impact (good or bad) on the score, it depends on how nice the "butt" is in the eyes of our judges.

John
 
SuperUJ said:
Cal, are you giving us a heads up that potential wardrob malfunction may happen in our event? I don't think the lack of leatherette will trigger disqualification. It will, however, have impact (good or bad) on the score, it depends on how nice the "butt" is in the eyes of our judges.

John
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I remember Helen bringing a Leica to a meet-up that we ended up calling the naked lady. I say, "If you got it work it."

Anyways part of the beauty contest could be a burlesque. You remember from that first beauty pagent when the rowdy crowd started chanting, "Take it off-take it off." LOL

For those who missed that first contest: the event became a face off between Damaso's black M6 TTL with TA Rapidwinder, and John C's M2 that had a rapidload upgrade and had been freshly black painted. It was a stunning camera that effectively looked like a brand new black paint M2, and this camera was the mob's clear favorite. The baseplate even featured the protective plastic like it just left the Leica factory.

The two M9's already had been eliminated, even though they were some of the first available, but the sentiment of the mob quickly changed after I mentioned that John's M2 should get a demerit because it lacked a matching black paint Leicavit, then some serious trash talking occurred from Damaso who said that although the M2 was a beautiful camera that we all wanted that it was a Shelf Queen and that his M6 TTL was a real user.

The gauntlet and challenge was laid out when Damaso said, "If its a user peel off the plastic from the baseplate."

That's when the mob went wild with the chanting. LOL.

Anyways John took a beating like a man.

Cal
 
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