Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
As I write this, I'm on my way home from work on the SEPTA regional rail line. Today was crazy. I don't say that because I work in mental health. I woke up at 5am, got my morning routine out of the way, coffee, oatmeal, getting ready. Left for 30th St station at about 6:25, caught the train, had an ok train ride up to Ambler, had a nicer brisk bike ride to work, then the crazy began. I was the first in the building and a network alarm was going off, no phones, no computers, who knows why.
I held three groups, ate lunch, held two more groups and by that time, the network issue was rectified and it was time for documentation. I am notoriously slow using this computer system for some reason, and I was afraid I was going to be in the office till 8pm due to the aforementioned computer issue as well as my overcrowded group.
Not today.
I don't know what it was, but not only did I finish 70 notes in record time (for me) I got out of the office at 5:22pm, way earlier than usual. I actually got to see the sun for just a minute at the beginning of my ride back to the station.
So, in a nutshell: I got less sleep than desired, I started my matrix of notes five hours later than usual, I had a very large group, I finished all the documentation earlier than usual, and I reached the Ambler station with a few minutes to spare before the train arrived.
Every day on a bike is a good day. I'll chalk up my quick work to just being in a great mindset, provided by my motivation to ride this rare 1949 Rotrax path racer on the windiest day of the season.
I'll do it again tomorrow, then Wednesday I have two interviews.
Phil
I held three groups, ate lunch, held two more groups and by that time, the network issue was rectified and it was time for documentation. I am notoriously slow using this computer system for some reason, and I was afraid I was going to be in the office till 8pm due to the aforementioned computer issue as well as my overcrowded group.
Not today.
I don't know what it was, but not only did I finish 70 notes in record time (for me) I got out of the office at 5:22pm, way earlier than usual. I actually got to see the sun for just a minute at the beginning of my ride back to the station.
So, in a nutshell: I got less sleep than desired, I started my matrix of notes five hours later than usual, I had a very large group, I finished all the documentation earlier than usual, and I reached the Ambler station with a few minutes to spare before the train arrived.
Every day on a bike is a good day. I'll chalk up my quick work to just being in a great mindset, provided by my motivation to ride this rare 1949 Rotrax path racer on the windiest day of the season.
I'll do it again tomorrow, then Wednesday I have two interviews.
Phil
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Cal, have you noticed the North Carolina like summers affecting your guitars? In the Mid-Atlantic region, we're swinging between 21% and 95% humidity over the course of the year, with some wild variation in the spring and especially this last fall.
On a somewhat related note, a former colleague of mine from the previous hospital, is a music therapist and a professional cellist. She likes to use a carbon fiber cello and said it is extremely tolerant of differing weather conditions. Just a thought on how climate change may be affecting your music.
Phil
On a somewhat related note, a former colleague of mine from the previous hospital, is a music therapist and a professional cellist. She likes to use a carbon fiber cello and said it is extremely tolerant of differing weather conditions. Just a thought on how climate change may be affecting your music.
Phil
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Phil,
Wood is hydroscopic, meaning it both expels and absorbs moisture. Ideally a guitar should be assembled in the same environment as far as temperature and humidity that it will live in, but that is not the real world.
Older woods tend to become less hydroscopic over time. They kinda settle in, drying out over long periods of time, and the resins kinda solidify and seal the wood.
This is the idea of Roasted woods that speed up the aging process. This Torification drives off moisture and promotes the resins to kinda petrify. Roasted maple necks as a result are stronger, stiffer, lighter, more stable, but are also more brittle.
Understand that in a way wood is very much like a graphite composite. Long fibers align in one direction (grain) and a resin binds these fibers providing incredible strength in just one direction.
So wood swells in high humidity, and shrinks in low humidity like during the heating season. The worst is forced hot air, very dry.
So in the winter wood can actually split and crack due to drying…
At Santa Cruz they build the guitars under 50% humidity. Pretty much I have large sponges in perforated enclosures to hold water so at least the case resembles something relatively close to a 50% humidity level.
In the summer the belly of the guitar will swell raising the action on acoustic guitars. Generally guitars need “setups” in the spring and fall to adjust for the humidity changes.
The necks also either develop a bow or a reverse bow that effects the “action” meaning the height of the strings.
The thing about graphite composites is that they are not hydroscopic like wood.
Also the higher the quality guitar, generally the lighter the build strength for performance. Pretty much light weight and less structure translates into more tonal range and more volume. So real high end guitars are more delicate to an extent than say a mass produced production guitar.
Then there are guys like me who want more tone, more dynamic range, and more volume. I’m speaking acoustic guitars here. To compound matters I use heavy strings and play the guitar to a certain extent like drum because it is actually a percussion instrument. The heavy strings load the top a lot more.
That Trap-Door guitar I ordered like 20 years ago when I get it, maybe sometime this year is something like a $50K guitar. Of course I made payments and something like 17 years ago I paid it off, but of course it was not $50K back then.
They actually sell display cases that have humidity controls.
Pretty much the same if you owned a Steinway piano. You would try to maintain 50% humidity year round.
That custom Model “F” I bought about 2 years ago was made from wood that was harvested and cut in the 1930’s. This is old growth wood from ancient forests, but this wood has seasoned through almost a hundred winters of drying and the humidity of summers. These aged woods are structurally stronger, stiffer, and lighter, so basically a superior higher performance guitar can be built with these materials.
This custom Model “F” is amazingly light in weight, and it seems less energy of the strings get dampened. There is a crisp articulation and a fast speed to the attack that makes this guitar UBER sensitive and expressive. This guitar has this amazing hyper resonance.
Just know I am humbled, because my playing does not match the excellence of these guitars.
A funny story is at my local guitar shop I had gas for this guitar, and I tried to make a trade, but the deal was not in my favor. Oh-well, it was exciting for a moment…
But I played this guitar and it seemed like it had very light strings on it. I made an inquirey if they were 0.09’s which are vey slinky strings. Matt said he did not know because he did not set up the guitar, but then the guitar tech who had set up the guitar mentioned that he set it up with 11’s which are heavy strings, but because I play 12’s 11’s feel like no strings on the guitar.
I’m at a point where I set up electric guitars with string gauges that compare to medium tension acoustic gauges. The only people that really do this are generally Jazz guys.
BTW the Mirabella Trap-Door Archtop has been called “A Lap Piano.”
Cal
Wood is hydroscopic, meaning it both expels and absorbs moisture. Ideally a guitar should be assembled in the same environment as far as temperature and humidity that it will live in, but that is not the real world.
Older woods tend to become less hydroscopic over time. They kinda settle in, drying out over long periods of time, and the resins kinda solidify and seal the wood.
This is the idea of Roasted woods that speed up the aging process. This Torification drives off moisture and promotes the resins to kinda petrify. Roasted maple necks as a result are stronger, stiffer, lighter, more stable, but are also more brittle.
Understand that in a way wood is very much like a graphite composite. Long fibers align in one direction (grain) and a resin binds these fibers providing incredible strength in just one direction.
So wood swells in high humidity, and shrinks in low humidity like during the heating season. The worst is forced hot air, very dry.
So in the winter wood can actually split and crack due to drying…
At Santa Cruz they build the guitars under 50% humidity. Pretty much I have large sponges in perforated enclosures to hold water so at least the case resembles something relatively close to a 50% humidity level.
In the summer the belly of the guitar will swell raising the action on acoustic guitars. Generally guitars need “setups” in the spring and fall to adjust for the humidity changes.
The necks also either develop a bow or a reverse bow that effects the “action” meaning the height of the strings.
The thing about graphite composites is that they are not hydroscopic like wood.
Also the higher the quality guitar, generally the lighter the build strength for performance. Pretty much light weight and less structure translates into more tonal range and more volume. So real high end guitars are more delicate to an extent than say a mass produced production guitar.
Then there are guys like me who want more tone, more dynamic range, and more volume. I’m speaking acoustic guitars here. To compound matters I use heavy strings and play the guitar to a certain extent like drum because it is actually a percussion instrument. The heavy strings load the top a lot more.
That Trap-Door guitar I ordered like 20 years ago when I get it, maybe sometime this year is something like a $50K guitar. Of course I made payments and something like 17 years ago I paid it off, but of course it was not $50K back then.
They actually sell display cases that have humidity controls.
Pretty much the same if you owned a Steinway piano. You would try to maintain 50% humidity year round.
That custom Model “F” I bought about 2 years ago was made from wood that was harvested and cut in the 1930’s. This is old growth wood from ancient forests, but this wood has seasoned through almost a hundred winters of drying and the humidity of summers. These aged woods are structurally stronger, stiffer, and lighter, so basically a superior higher performance guitar can be built with these materials.
This custom Model “F” is amazingly light in weight, and it seems less energy of the strings get dampened. There is a crisp articulation and a fast speed to the attack that makes this guitar UBER sensitive and expressive. This guitar has this amazing hyper resonance.
Just know I am humbled, because my playing does not match the excellence of these guitars.
A funny story is at my local guitar shop I had gas for this guitar, and I tried to make a trade, but the deal was not in my favor. Oh-well, it was exciting for a moment…
But I played this guitar and it seemed like it had very light strings on it. I made an inquirey if they were 0.09’s which are vey slinky strings. Matt said he did not know because he did not set up the guitar, but then the guitar tech who had set up the guitar mentioned that he set it up with 11’s which are heavy strings, but because I play 12’s 11’s feel like no strings on the guitar.
I’m at a point where I set up electric guitars with string gauges that compare to medium tension acoustic gauges. The only people that really do this are generally Jazz guys.
BTW the Mirabella Trap-Door Archtop has been called “A Lap Piano.”
Cal
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Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
I know the wood is hygroscopic, what I'm wondering is if you have noticed the changes over the years. I'm also wondering if your proximity to the Hudson acts to mediate both humidity and temperature somewhat throughout the year.
Phil
Phil
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
An exciting dinner. I grilled some mighty thick pork chops and made some short grain brown rice.
As I ate I bid on two tele bodies. Don’t tell ”Maggie.”
One was a butterscotch Tele made of pine. I wanted this for the grandson because it was UBER light in weight. I could buy a shorter Gibson scale neck, and it could be switched out to a longer Fender scale later.
Oh-well I got out-bid. Not a problem there is a pretty good selection coming up, and time is my friend. The grandson is only 2 1/2, and pretty much around 4-5 would be a more appropriate age to start a prodogy.
But the body I wanted for me I won: the tobacco burst alder Tele that was a 1-piece body, but not priced or advertised as such. I could tell by looking at the front and back grain patterns that it was in fact one piece.
Someone put in an early bid about an hour before the end of the auction. There was only one bid, so pretty much I lurked and waited and the placed a bid about 5 minutes before the close, then I added an increase bid to discourage other bidders ($5.00), and then I did another follow up bid.
So the opening bid was $250.00 and I got it for something like $261.00, plus shipping and tax.
Remember that usually 1-piece bodies start a $275.00.
So I got lucky.
Oh-well…
Cal
As I ate I bid on two tele bodies. Don’t tell ”Maggie.”
One was a butterscotch Tele made of pine. I wanted this for the grandson because it was UBER light in weight. I could buy a shorter Gibson scale neck, and it could be switched out to a longer Fender scale later.
Oh-well I got out-bid. Not a problem there is a pretty good selection coming up, and time is my friend. The grandson is only 2 1/2, and pretty much around 4-5 would be a more appropriate age to start a prodogy.
But the body I wanted for me I won: the tobacco burst alder Tele that was a 1-piece body, but not priced or advertised as such. I could tell by looking at the front and back grain patterns that it was in fact one piece.
Someone put in an early bid about an hour before the end of the auction. There was only one bid, so pretty much I lurked and waited and the placed a bid about 5 minutes before the close, then I added an increase bid to discourage other bidders ($5.00), and then I did another follow up bid.
So the opening bid was $250.00 and I got it for something like $261.00, plus shipping and tax.
Remember that usually 1-piece bodies start a $275.00.
So I got lucky.
Oh-well…
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Phil,
In the spring and summer I think there is a bonus of humidity. The Baby-Victorian resides in a valley within a valley, and where the marsh is yet another valley. Just to the east of us two blocks away is Blue Mountain Preserve, 1500 acres that have two 600 foot mountains.
On many mornings we have ground fogs in my back-backyard. The views are dreamy, mystical, and enchanting.
In the winters pretty much how dry the air gets is dependent on the outside temperatures as well as the heating systems. As I mentioned forced hot air is dry heat. We have an oil furnace that circulates hot water to old fashion cast iro big heavy radiators. For me this is the best because the cast iron is a really great thermal moderator that stores mucho energy.
I feel it cycles less than a hot air system, and is more efficient.
Also know that a hot ir system would be bad for my skin and breathing, Nose bleeds and dry skin me and suffering with forced hot air.
So only the winter are my acoustic guitars in danger.
Cal
In the spring and summer I think there is a bonus of humidity. The Baby-Victorian resides in a valley within a valley, and where the marsh is yet another valley. Just to the east of us two blocks away is Blue Mountain Preserve, 1500 acres that have two 600 foot mountains.
On many mornings we have ground fogs in my back-backyard. The views are dreamy, mystical, and enchanting.
In the winters pretty much how dry the air gets is dependent on the outside temperatures as well as the heating systems. As I mentioned forced hot air is dry heat. We have an oil furnace that circulates hot water to old fashion cast iro big heavy radiators. For me this is the best because the cast iron is a really great thermal moderator that stores mucho energy.
I feel it cycles less than a hot air system, and is more efficient.
Also know that a hot ir system would be bad for my skin and breathing, Nose bleeds and dry skin me and suffering with forced hot air.
So only the winter are my acoustic guitars in danger.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Should be getting the new Tobacco Burst around February 22d.
I got that bird’s eye baritone neck incoming soon also.
That neck and body could be interesting. Also realize that Tele necks are modular, so pretty much that baritone neck can mount on any Tele.
Hmmm…
Cal
I got that bird’s eye baritone neck incoming soon also.
That neck and body could be interesting. Also realize that Tele necks are modular, so pretty much that baritone neck can mount on any Tele.
Hmmm…
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Lots of economic protesting going on.
“Maggie” tells me Target stock dropped and now shareholders are suing because the cancellation of DEI cause shares to drop, and mucho lost sales due to protest boycotts.
So economic protest against anti DEI companies.
Like I said I think the last day of each month will be “No-Buy.”
A headline about pickup trucks was that sales have peaked, and the reason why is not demand, but price. Ford and GM make the most by selling trucks and SUV’s. They decided not to sell and promote economy and compact cars, so that business went to imported cars like Volkswagen, Nisson, Toyota, Subaru…
So now that Americans have to switch into austerity mode who will buy those trucks made by GM and Ford?
Ford and GM gave away market share thinking it was not important. I forgot Dodge/Chrysler…
Oh-well…
Cal
“Maggie” tells me Target stock dropped and now shareholders are suing because the cancellation of DEI cause shares to drop, and mucho lost sales due to protest boycotts.
So economic protest against anti DEI companies.
Like I said I think the last day of each month will be “No-Buy.”
A headline about pickup trucks was that sales have peaked, and the reason why is not demand, but price. Ford and GM make the most by selling trucks and SUV’s. They decided not to sell and promote economy and compact cars, so that business went to imported cars like Volkswagen, Nisson, Toyota, Subaru…
So now that Americans have to switch into austerity mode who will buy those trucks made by GM and Ford?
Ford and GM gave away market share thinking it was not important. I forgot Dodge/Chrysler…
Oh-well…
Cal
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
For some reason, in 2023, Ford cancelled the Fiesta line of compact cars. They were always a little fuddy-duddy, but also quirky and could be ordered sporty. They were the #2 and #3 best selling (depending upon what era is measured) Ford vehicle since 1976. Always a reliable seller, and also simply reliable cars. The latest 4 generations were largely Mazda, built mostly outside of Mexico City (for the US inventory). My question is why does a company completely end the second or third highest selling product they make? Is Ford being run by old Kodak executives that have been exhumed?
I mention this because I have a Fiesta and I think it is a fantastic car (in spite of it being in the shop right now) and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another in the future if we needed one.
Phil
I mention this because I have a Fiesta and I think it is a fantastic car (in spite of it being in the shop right now) and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another in the future if we needed one.
Phil
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Phil,
The Fiesta does not have as large a profit margin as a SUV or pickup truck. Pretty much the big three decidedly went greedy and gave this pretty much most needed nitch away, which is basic transportation, and is basically an economy car.
Part of this too was economics, as they did not want to support a large workforce either. Again greed…
Maximize profits, screw the workers, never mind a about making a car that America wanted, just make trucks and SUV’s to sell to people that don’t really need them.
So this is a mucho big market, and the way to make money selling economy cars, or basic reliable transportation that does not cost much is to sell a lot of them. This is what Germany, Japan, and now South Korea does.
Instead make fewer gas guzzling trucks and SUV’s, but have bigger profit margins. Pretty much make what is not really needed. Then market and make it a status symbol to drive either a truck or SUV. Then the Germans, the Japanese, and the South Koreans figure out that trucks and SUV’s is a way to make bigger profits by selling to Dumb Americans.
Tell me all the pickup trucks on the road are work trucks, or are they just status symbols. Up here there are some truck drivers that can’t stay in a lane on the Bear Mountain Parkway, and other truck drivers that do 35-40 MPH in a 55 MPH. Zone because they can’t afford the gas.
So in the country that made mass production of the automobile so that the masses could afford them, no longer supplies the basic car that is needed.
I remember in New Mexico how a pickup truck was a symbol of open space, ruggedness, and practicality, but now I don’t see how that applies to the city and the burbs here. “Big hat no cattle as they say.”
Dumb Americans fell for the marketing of the big three. Then a few years ago even Audi started making SUV’s to sell to dumb Americans.
Then the Orange House wonders why Europeans don’t buy U.S. vehicles. Pretty much a full size SUV in the narrow streets in Italy is a liability, and gasoline there is sold in liters which has about the same price as a gallon of gas here. Know that it takes 3.7 liters to make a gallon, so pretty much gas is 3.7 times more expensive in Europe.
Buying a full size pickup or a big SUV is mighty dumb if you are a European. Not practical in Europe.
Here in Peekskill, a working class City of 25K inhabitants I see mostly Hondas and Toyotas. These seem to be the cars for the masses because of reliability, fuel economy, and easy to maintain and repair.
From my owning two Jeeps I learned that trucks cost more in fuel, parts, and to maintain. Not that I’m anti SUV or anti truck, but I know better.
The Audi A4 is AWD and comes from road rally racing. Basically Audi revolutionized road rally racing. Pretty much I have what I need to drive in foul weather without needing a truck or SUV.
I see big trouble for the big three automakers. Now that they milked the pig, trucks are now not selling not because of demand, but because of price. Next will be SUV’s…
Meanwhile who is making a basic, reliable, affordable, economical car? Basically the Europeans, the Japanese, and perhaps even the Koreans.
The big three gave up on this market share. Why? EZ profits and greed.
BTW irony her is that Ford over a hundred years ago developed the concept of an assembly line and the goal was to mass produce and make cars available to every American.
If you read my other posts about my 1966 C-10 pretty much I could replace my engine and tranny, have a 50K mile or 5 year warrentee, using Chevy crate motor engine and tranny packages that include fuel injection, electronic ignition and the computer controls for only $23K.
Add about $4.5K-$5K for a posi Ford 9 inch rear with disc brakes, and pretty much for under $30K a bombproof 450 HP 444 foot pounds of torque, 4-bolt main, aluminum heads, hooked into a T-56 tranny that is basically a 4-speed close ration cast iron tranny with two overdrives that can handle 750 HP.
Other things like front disc brakes and odds an ends, pretty much more cost effective for me to build a truck rather than buy one.
Basically for about $30K I can totally replace my entire drivetrain, but in a “Calzone” way.
The big three performed a big self inflicted wound. They created their own death spiral. When the economic collapse happens they will be burnt toast…
Cal
The Fiesta does not have as large a profit margin as a SUV or pickup truck. Pretty much the big three decidedly went greedy and gave this pretty much most needed nitch away, which is basic transportation, and is basically an economy car.
Part of this too was economics, as they did not want to support a large workforce either. Again greed…
Maximize profits, screw the workers, never mind a about making a car that America wanted, just make trucks and SUV’s to sell to people that don’t really need them.
So this is a mucho big market, and the way to make money selling economy cars, or basic reliable transportation that does not cost much is to sell a lot of them. This is what Germany, Japan, and now South Korea does.
Instead make fewer gas guzzling trucks and SUV’s, but have bigger profit margins. Pretty much make what is not really needed. Then market and make it a status symbol to drive either a truck or SUV. Then the Germans, the Japanese, and the South Koreans figure out that trucks and SUV’s is a way to make bigger profits by selling to Dumb Americans.
Tell me all the pickup trucks on the road are work trucks, or are they just status symbols. Up here there are some truck drivers that can’t stay in a lane on the Bear Mountain Parkway, and other truck drivers that do 35-40 MPH in a 55 MPH. Zone because they can’t afford the gas.
So in the country that made mass production of the automobile so that the masses could afford them, no longer supplies the basic car that is needed.
I remember in New Mexico how a pickup truck was a symbol of open space, ruggedness, and practicality, but now I don’t see how that applies to the city and the burbs here. “Big hat no cattle as they say.”
Dumb Americans fell for the marketing of the big three. Then a few years ago even Audi started making SUV’s to sell to dumb Americans.
Then the Orange House wonders why Europeans don’t buy U.S. vehicles. Pretty much a full size SUV in the narrow streets in Italy is a liability, and gasoline there is sold in liters which has about the same price as a gallon of gas here. Know that it takes 3.7 liters to make a gallon, so pretty much gas is 3.7 times more expensive in Europe.
Buying a full size pickup or a big SUV is mighty dumb if you are a European. Not practical in Europe.
Here in Peekskill, a working class City of 25K inhabitants I see mostly Hondas and Toyotas. These seem to be the cars for the masses because of reliability, fuel economy, and easy to maintain and repair.
From my owning two Jeeps I learned that trucks cost more in fuel, parts, and to maintain. Not that I’m anti SUV or anti truck, but I know better.
The Audi A4 is AWD and comes from road rally racing. Basically Audi revolutionized road rally racing. Pretty much I have what I need to drive in foul weather without needing a truck or SUV.
I see big trouble for the big three automakers. Now that they milked the pig, trucks are now not selling not because of demand, but because of price. Next will be SUV’s…
Meanwhile who is making a basic, reliable, affordable, economical car? Basically the Europeans, the Japanese, and perhaps even the Koreans.
The big three gave up on this market share. Why? EZ profits and greed.
BTW irony her is that Ford over a hundred years ago developed the concept of an assembly line and the goal was to mass produce and make cars available to every American.
If you read my other posts about my 1966 C-10 pretty much I could replace my engine and tranny, have a 50K mile or 5 year warrentee, using Chevy crate motor engine and tranny packages that include fuel injection, electronic ignition and the computer controls for only $23K.
Add about $4.5K-$5K for a posi Ford 9 inch rear with disc brakes, and pretty much for under $30K a bombproof 450 HP 444 foot pounds of torque, 4-bolt main, aluminum heads, hooked into a T-56 tranny that is basically a 4-speed close ration cast iron tranny with two overdrives that can handle 750 HP.
Other things like front disc brakes and odds an ends, pretty much more cost effective for me to build a truck rather than buy one.
Basically for about $30K I can totally replace my entire drivetrain, but in a “Calzone” way.
The big three performed a big self inflicted wound. They created their own death spiral. When the economic collapse happens they will be burnt toast…
Cal
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Nokton48
Veteran
Morning Devil Cal,
HOLY GRAIL 150mm Voigtlander 15cm F4.5 Apo Lanthar Plaubel Maxiflex Auto Aperture by Nokton48, on Flickr
This for me is like finding the HOLY GRAIL of Plaubel Makiflex; I purchased a decent set (just teeniest bit of edge seperation dreaded) LANTHANIUM elements or some such. I've seen a few over the decades, Ken Ruth (famous repair Guy) warned me over very long phone conversation. He got a Maki Apo Lanthar all the way from MILAN to California; he couldn't fix it! He told me to BEWARE seperation in the 15cm Apo Lanthar. This one will not affect optical performance at all I believe. I'll get a Medium Yellow Filter and Rubber Hood to finish this. I bought the cells for 225BP, in a Linhof Compur I put on a Norma board. Recently I purchased this Auto Aperture marked F5.5, I have no idea what it fit. Well it seems to be VERY similar to the Linhof Compur in terma of construction. The image at infinity on the Auto Makkiflex is razor acute sharp on the glass, it appears a perfect match. The F/Stop Band will need to be re-calibrated, that's doable. So HAPPY I bought this for a great deal. I'm so bad. Hee Hee.
HOLY GRAIL 150mm Voigtlander 15cm F4.5 Apo Lanthar Plaubel Maxiflex Auto Aperture by Nokton48, on FlickrThis for me is like finding the HOLY GRAIL of Plaubel Makiflex; I purchased a decent set (just teeniest bit of edge seperation dreaded) LANTHANIUM elements or some such. I've seen a few over the decades, Ken Ruth (famous repair Guy) warned me over very long phone conversation. He got a Maki Apo Lanthar all the way from MILAN to California; he couldn't fix it! He told me to BEWARE seperation in the 15cm Apo Lanthar. This one will not affect optical performance at all I believe. I'll get a Medium Yellow Filter and Rubber Hood to finish this. I bought the cells for 225BP, in a Linhof Compur I put on a Norma board. Recently I purchased this Auto Aperture marked F5.5, I have no idea what it fit. Well it seems to be VERY similar to the Linhof Compur in terma of construction. The image at infinity on the Auto Makkiflex is razor acute sharp on the glass, it appears a perfect match. The F/Stop Band will need to be re-calibrated, that's doable. So HAPPY I bought this for a great deal. I'm so bad. Hee Hee.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Devil Dan,
That Lanthanium glass is radioactive I believe. Am I correct?
Anyways that camera looks “boss.”
What is the format? I kinda want to know how 150 mm translates into FOV.
Also all those side knobs have me wondering. I assume this is a 4x5???
Anyways that camera surely is a standout. Mighty attractive.
Cal
That Lanthanium glass is radioactive I believe. Am I correct?
Anyways that camera looks “boss.”
What is the format? I kinda want to know how 150 mm translates into FOV.
Also all those side knobs have me wondering. I assume this is a 4x5???
Anyways that camera surely is a standout. Mighty attractive.
Cal
Nokton48
Veteran
Yep it's radioactive, some turn yellow, this one is clear. 9x9cm on 4x5, or 9x9cm on 9x12cm, I do both depending on the film.
Truly a camera for the Atomic Age! Introduced 1962ish gone by 1965.
9x9 is my preferred format full frame. But it also takes 6.5x9cm Plaubel Makina Backs, and Makina Plates, too.
150 is slightly longish, perfect for Fashion, for which it was intended. And for reportage.
This works like a European version of the Auto Graflex Super D. Cock the iris, it stops down, then the focal plane goes. These cameras have ODOMETERS on them. This one has been fired 28,000 times, that's no beeg deal. They just go and go.
Truly a camera for the Atomic Age! Introduced 1962ish gone by 1965.
9x9 is my preferred format full frame. But it also takes 6.5x9cm Plaubel Makina Backs, and Makina Plates, too.
150 is slightly longish, perfect for Fashion, for which it was intended. And for reportage.
This works like a European version of the Auto Graflex Super D. Cock the iris, it stops down, then the focal plane goes. These cameras have ODOMETERS on them. This one has been fired 28,000 times, that's no beeg deal. They just go and go.
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Calzone
Gear Whore #1
So in November in Virginia there will be An election for Governor. Presently a Republican is seated, but know and understand that many-many government workers reside in Virginia.
Opps, is this a self inflicted wound that will cause endless bleeding? James Carville thinks so who is a political strategist.
BTW he recommends for the Democrats to stay on the sidelines as protest a opposition builds. Pretty much don’t get hit by the freight train that is building momentum.
He used an expression that suggests keeping your ammo dry, and that the Orange House footing likely will encounter strong foundational damage “sooner than later.”
I would add that the Chinese expression “Time is the best weapon.”
In the news they say that 25% of Americans are being conscious of big companies that were Trump endorsers and supporters. I mentioned Target and them abandoning DEI has cost them dearly. The shareholders filed a lawsuit.
For more than a decade I had profiled Jeff Bezos as being anti labor, immoral, and just a plainly bankrupt person. Meanwhile “Maggie” is an Amazon Prime member…
Maggie cited a writer who wrote something in 2020 that today seems visionary, meanwhile when I pointed out evil over a decade ago it got ignored. I did a “told you so” today but I did not enforce why my vision and profiling held no weight.
So a clock is ticking… This November expect some structural change and damage to occur against MAGA.
Cal
Opps, is this a self inflicted wound that will cause endless bleeding? James Carville thinks so who is a political strategist.
BTW he recommends for the Democrats to stay on the sidelines as protest a opposition builds. Pretty much don’t get hit by the freight train that is building momentum.
He used an expression that suggests keeping your ammo dry, and that the Orange House footing likely will encounter strong foundational damage “sooner than later.”
I would add that the Chinese expression “Time is the best weapon.”
In the news they say that 25% of Americans are being conscious of big companies that were Trump endorsers and supporters. I mentioned Target and them abandoning DEI has cost them dearly. The shareholders filed a lawsuit.
For more than a decade I had profiled Jeff Bezos as being anti labor, immoral, and just a plainly bankrupt person. Meanwhile “Maggie” is an Amazon Prime member…
Maggie cited a writer who wrote something in 2020 that today seems visionary, meanwhile when I pointed out evil over a decade ago it got ignored. I did a “told you so” today but I did not enforce why my vision and profiling held no weight.
So a clock is ticking… This November expect some structural change and damage to occur against MAGA.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Devil Dan,
I have a Plaubel 69W with a 47 Super Angulon. Pretty much an ultra wide 6x9, only 8 shots per roll of 120.
I love the way this thing loads film. EZ-PZ.
Also has shifts…
Had the opportunity to buy the center-filter, but I passed. Oh-well
Them Plaubels are mucho cool.
Cal
I have a Plaubel 69W with a 47 Super Angulon. Pretty much an ultra wide 6x9, only 8 shots per roll of 120.
I love the way this thing loads film. EZ-PZ.
Also has shifts…
Had the opportunity to buy the center-filter, but I passed. Oh-well
Them Plaubels are mucho cool.
Cal
Nokton48
Veteran
These cameras tend to go North of a Grand, they are collectables, like Barnacks, but larger format. Plaubel advertised them as "The Rolls Royce of Photography". And also "The World's Smallest View Camera". So very Leica-like in that aspect, I know about eight or ten people that own and use these. They are great fun! And easy to carry around.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Devil Dan,
I like the concept of being a Barnack on steroids. LOL.
In a ways like carrying around Baby Linhofs and getting a free gym membership. Over the top, yet practical.
Pretty much wisdom, free bonus, and pretty much a cult like quality that is mighty cool.
So I have to ask because we are pretty much seem to have the same personality and DNA. Were you born in January? I wonder if we are like Danny Divito and Arnold in that film “Twins.”
We even have similar taste. Same backyard layout. We feed birds and foster wildlife…
Cal
I like the concept of being a Barnack on steroids. LOL.
In a ways like carrying around Baby Linhofs and getting a free gym membership. Over the top, yet practical.
Pretty much wisdom, free bonus, and pretty much a cult like quality that is mighty cool.
So I have to ask because we are pretty much seem to have the same personality and DNA. Were you born in January? I wonder if we are like Danny Divito and Arnold in that film “Twins.”
We even have similar taste. Same backyard layout. We feed birds and foster wildlife…
Cal
Nokton48
Veteran
Nope I'm a Libra/Scorpio born in 1958. We built a stone patio last year, looking forward to using it, so doggone hot it was.
I call my feeder "The Taj Mahal". It gets swarmed, thanks to the woods. Started modestly, then I got tired of replacing stuff.
Plumbers pipe and concrete from Home Cheapo, planted it extra deep, the winds here could knock it down and break things...
I call my feeder "The Taj Mahal". It gets swarmed, thanks to the woods. Started modestly, then I got tired of replacing stuff.
Plumbers pipe and concrete from Home Cheapo, planted it extra deep, the winds here could knock it down and break things...
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Devil Dan,
Same age: 1958…
So we are not twins.
Anyways you have a lot of style.
BTW “Maggie” has said that I don’t have any style, and my response is “Having no style and not following trends is a style indeed.”
So you know that baritone neck I got a deal on: muy cheapo… Well that led to me finding another deal on mucho expensive Tone Specific pickups like the ones I love that are in the Candy Apple Red flashy Strat that I just built used sold at a huge discount. I’m in love with that new Strat, “Don’t tell Maggie.”
So I think I will name the new Strat “Flash” because it is flashy. The grandson I think has his eye on this guitar, so one day I might have to give it up. He is 2 1/2 years old, so in the meantime I get to enjoy it.
So I discovered a MJT strat body that has a lighter treatment of aging on it: Tiffany Blue. The baritone neck has Arizona Turquoise fingerboard inlays, and if I add a gold anodized aluminum pickguard, “Tiffany” with kinda look like a piece of jewelry.
Know that Fender did not offer this greenish blue.
So you see how things snowball.
So looks like it is “Divine Intervention” beyond my self control, that led to a lucky and odd string of either bad behavior or odd and strange luck.
A baritone Tiffany Blue Strat is a crazy idea, and it seems like I’m being led by outside forces that are not evil. Hmmm…
The entire idea of a baritone Strat is kinda crazy, even bizarre.
Know that the baritone neck not only came with the turquoise inlays for free, it also comes with bird’s eye for free. Then the headstock is a reversed righty al la Jimi Hendrix.
So pretty much I am a weak man guided by pure impulse. Call me “romantic.” I am suspicious though that some odd force though is guiding me. This gets kinda crazy.
Soon Maggie will go shopping for a Communion Dress for the grand daughter. The grandson is like me in that he annoys people. LOL.
So kinda like Devil Dan and me it is not genes. Perhaps it is unique bad behavior.
Cal
Same age: 1958…
So we are not twins.
Anyways you have a lot of style.
BTW “Maggie” has said that I don’t have any style, and my response is “Having no style and not following trends is a style indeed.”
So you know that baritone neck I got a deal on: muy cheapo… Well that led to me finding another deal on mucho expensive Tone Specific pickups like the ones I love that are in the Candy Apple Red flashy Strat that I just built used sold at a huge discount. I’m in love with that new Strat, “Don’t tell Maggie.”
So I think I will name the new Strat “Flash” because it is flashy. The grandson I think has his eye on this guitar, so one day I might have to give it up. He is 2 1/2 years old, so in the meantime I get to enjoy it.
So I discovered a MJT strat body that has a lighter treatment of aging on it: Tiffany Blue. The baritone neck has Arizona Turquoise fingerboard inlays, and if I add a gold anodized aluminum pickguard, “Tiffany” with kinda look like a piece of jewelry.
Know that Fender did not offer this greenish blue.
So you see how things snowball.
So looks like it is “Divine Intervention” beyond my self control, that led to a lucky and odd string of either bad behavior or odd and strange luck.
A baritone Tiffany Blue Strat is a crazy idea, and it seems like I’m being led by outside forces that are not evil. Hmmm…
The entire idea of a baritone Strat is kinda crazy, even bizarre.
Know that the baritone neck not only came with the turquoise inlays for free, it also comes with bird’s eye for free. Then the headstock is a reversed righty al la Jimi Hendrix.
So pretty much I am a weak man guided by pure impulse. Call me “romantic.” I am suspicious though that some odd force though is guiding me. This gets kinda crazy.
Soon Maggie will go shopping for a Communion Dress for the grand daughter. The grandson is like me in that he annoys people. LOL.
So kinda like Devil Dan and me it is not genes. Perhaps it is unique bad behavior.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Devil Dan,
I have to say that Plaubel is rather haunting and charming. Mighty good looking…
I wonder if you too are a vain guy like me. LOL. I know profiling is wrong, but…
So to honor my grandfather who was executed in China, who was a murderer who killed the loan shark that burnt down his store and ruined him because of his gambling, I too will take a risk and do a double gamble.
Or anyways perhaps do a three way approach.
One thing is I could hit the BIN and secure the MJT Tiffinany Blue body for $399.00…
I could also let the guitar go to auction with a starting bid of $250.00…
Then I have a backup plan to exploit buying a custom ordered Sonic Blue Strat body in a “Closet Classic” condition. This would cost $xxx.XX, there would be a delayed gratification, but the sonic blue would echo and be well matched against the sonic blue Thinline that also has a gold anodized aluminum pickguard.
In the end the third option might be the best, but it is also the costliest. Hmmm
Maybe worth the gamble to bid at auction, because I have a backup plan. Then I have a few days to see how much that body is worth to me. I kinda love the Tiffany Blue because it is different and novel… Hmmm Saving money seems wise, but I also want to be happy…
The aging on the MJT is kinda on the light side, which I kinda like.
So I kinda have three ways to proceed. I’m kinda hedged with two backup plans. My thinking is to avoid surprise, but is it worth the gamble? Is time my friend? Is being impulsive or cheap worth the bother? Should I just bite the bullet and pay extra to move forward since I more than made up on savings in other areas? Should I be greedy or cheap?
So I calculate the risks…
Am I making you dizzy with my spin of thoughts?
Anyone want to bet on the outcome? Remember my grandfather was a gambler…
I guess there is still a big part of me that is a child. I like playing games, and my curious mind loves to dream and calculate. Also know that I am gifted in pattern recognition.
So off to my studio to plug in while “Maggie” is off with the kids.
Cal
I have to say that Plaubel is rather haunting and charming. Mighty good looking…
I wonder if you too are a vain guy like me. LOL. I know profiling is wrong, but…
So to honor my grandfather who was executed in China, who was a murderer who killed the loan shark that burnt down his store and ruined him because of his gambling, I too will take a risk and do a double gamble.
Or anyways perhaps do a three way approach.
One thing is I could hit the BIN and secure the MJT Tiffinany Blue body for $399.00…
I could also let the guitar go to auction with a starting bid of $250.00…
Then I have a backup plan to exploit buying a custom ordered Sonic Blue Strat body in a “Closet Classic” condition. This would cost $xxx.XX, there would be a delayed gratification, but the sonic blue would echo and be well matched against the sonic blue Thinline that also has a gold anodized aluminum pickguard.
In the end the third option might be the best, but it is also the costliest. Hmmm
Maybe worth the gamble to bid at auction, because I have a backup plan. Then I have a few days to see how much that body is worth to me. I kinda love the Tiffany Blue because it is different and novel… Hmmm Saving money seems wise, but I also want to be happy…
The aging on the MJT is kinda on the light side, which I kinda like.
So I kinda have three ways to proceed. I’m kinda hedged with two backup plans. My thinking is to avoid surprise, but is it worth the gamble? Is time my friend? Is being impulsive or cheap worth the bother? Should I just bite the bullet and pay extra to move forward since I more than made up on savings in other areas? Should I be greedy or cheap?
So I calculate the risks…
Am I making you dizzy with my spin of thoughts?
Anyone want to bet on the outcome? Remember my grandfather was a gambler…
I guess there is still a big part of me that is a child. I like playing games, and my curious mind loves to dream and calculate. Also know that I am gifted in pattern recognition.
So off to my studio to plug in while “Maggie” is off with the kids.
Cal
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