Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Let's try to set a date, then I can find out if Puck Fair is still available.
GEAR UPDATE: I sent the black SL2-MOT and black SL2 parts/donor camera to Sherry last week with instructions to build me a fresh camera out of the best parts of two. Also changed out the screen on my R8 to a plain ground glass version. The Noct-Nikkor is back on my F3P, and a Nikon D3X will be incoming shortly.
BTW on Maggie's blog the Spring edition of "Grey Magizine" will be available in the U.S. anyday now. Printed in Italy this magazine is distributed to 30 countries and this spring edition features 6 different covers that subscribers can choose from (cost is $35.00), and on one of those covers is "Maggie" wearing Channel from the spring collection. Inside the magizine "Maggie" is featured in six other looks from the spring collection.
Also know that in May some of my Monochrom shots of "Maggie" will be published in Marie Clare magizine (Espania) with an interview of "Maggie." Previously I mention that it was the "Spanish" edition, but I got corrected (yelled at). LOL.
While it seems that "Maggie" is known as the "Accidental Icon" somehow I've become an "Accidental Fashion Photographer." Interesting to note that I'm being kinda forced to shoot color which is rather strange or me.
Generally we do not schedule Meet-Ups on Saturdays and May 16th is a Saturday. We schedule Meet-Ups on Sundays. Pro-Mone tells us that the first Sunday is not good for him, but ther is still the 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st.
Cal
GEAR UPDATE: I sent the black SL2-MOT and black SL2 parts/donor camera to Sherry last week with instructions to build me a fresh camera out of the best parts of two. Also changed out the screen on my R8 to a plain ground glass version. The Noct-Nikkor is back on my F3P, and a Nikon D3X will be incoming shortly.
BTW on Maggie's blog the Spring edition of "Grey Magizine" will be available in the U.S. anyday now. Printed in Italy this magazine is distributed to 30 countries and this spring edition features 6 different covers that subscribers can choose from (cost is $35.00), and on one of those covers is "Maggie" wearing Channel from the spring collection. Inside the magizine "Maggie" is featured in six other looks from the spring collection.
Also know that in May some of my Monochrom shots of "Maggie" will be published in Marie Clare magizine (Espania) with an interview of "Maggie." Previously I mention that it was the "Spanish" edition, but I got corrected (yelled at). LOL.
While it seems that "Maggie" is known as the "Accidental Icon" somehow I've become an "Accidental Fashion Photographer." Interesting to note that I'm being kinda forced to shoot color which is rather strange or me.
Generally we do not schedule Meet-Ups on Saturdays and May 16th is a Saturday. We schedule Meet-Ups on Sundays. Pro-Mone tells us that the first Sunday is not good for him, but ther is still the 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st.
Cal
It's a good thing... gives you a different perspective.
Any date in May works for me so far...
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Check out "Maggie's" blog (link below). Yesterday she posted the cover from "Grey" magazine where she is wearing Channel from the spring collection. So far the magizine is still not available in the U.S.
Probably mid to later in the month is better for me because I'll likely then have the black SL2-MOT back from Sherry.
There is this Nikon 58/1.4 that is an autofocus lens that is made with low coma glass like my Noct-Nikkor. My friend Dirk highly reguards this lens. BTW Dirk also owns a Noct-Nikkor. Glad I got back the Noct-Nikkor as a bridge for using on the incoming D3X. The Leica "E60" would have to use stop-down metering if a Leitax adapter was used to convert the "E60" to Nikon F-mount. Glad that I now have a R8 to exploit the "E60" as is.
Eventually I can see getting another Epson 3880 to print color. I would use Jon Cone's color inks in refillable carts. The inks are combatable with the Epson inks, but cost about half. The gloss overcoat that I use on my Piezography prints is a great enhancer for color printing is the word. Also the Jon Cone Type 5 Baryta paper I'm using is a great choice (100% rag).
As far as gear goes, it seems like I'm covering all extreames, digital, analog, color, B&W small format and medium format. It seems logical that in printing I also cover color. Funny thing is I have been careful in my gear selection and suffer no remorse. I love all my cameras and somehow they inspire me. I figure now is the time to try and do something big. My hope is that in three years I can quit my day job and retire so I can really live. At that time I'll be 59 1/2.
Cal
Probably mid to later in the month is better for me because I'll likely then have the black SL2-MOT back from Sherry.
There is this Nikon 58/1.4 that is an autofocus lens that is made with low coma glass like my Noct-Nikkor. My friend Dirk highly reguards this lens. BTW Dirk also owns a Noct-Nikkor. Glad I got back the Noct-Nikkor as a bridge for using on the incoming D3X. The Leica "E60" would have to use stop-down metering if a Leitax adapter was used to convert the "E60" to Nikon F-mount. Glad that I now have a R8 to exploit the "E60" as is.
Eventually I can see getting another Epson 3880 to print color. I would use Jon Cone's color inks in refillable carts. The inks are combatable with the Epson inks, but cost about half. The gloss overcoat that I use on my Piezography prints is a great enhancer for color printing is the word. Also the Jon Cone Type 5 Baryta paper I'm using is a great choice (100% rag).
As far as gear goes, it seems like I'm covering all extreames, digital, analog, color, B&W small format and medium format. It seems logical that in printing I also cover color. Funny thing is I have been careful in my gear selection and suffer no remorse. I love all my cameras and somehow they inspire me. I figure now is the time to try and do something big. My hope is that in three years I can quit my day job and retire so I can really live. At that time I'll be 59 1/2.
Cal
Looks great...your photo Cal?
Jeff just bought it and I'm thinking of buying it. I'm not sure it matches your Noct-Nikkor but it's nice in its own right.
dshfoto
Well-known
As the "Accidental Fashion Photographer" shooting color, you now have an excellent reason to get the DMR. It is less costly than a medium format digital back, and in Fashion, you can set up the light to really bring out the best in a DMR.
stompyq
Well-known
Guys can we avoid the first week of May? I'd like to come for this one. Feels like I haven't seen you lot in forever
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
John,
The AF 58/1.4 definately has the dreamy OOF like my Noct-Nikkor. Using your "Monster" DF is a very cool rig. From the images I've seen from Dirk it is very Noct-Nikkor like and does especially well at night. Low coma performance is like the Noct-Nikkor again which is great for night shooting, especially in NYC.
This is what I'm talking about when gear can inspire.
The cover shot was taken by Ari Seth Cohen, a friend of ours. It was all very sir-reel when I dropped off Maggie for the photo session at a loft in the photo district. There was a whole crew that included a make-up artist, a hairb stylist, and even an assistant to help dress "Maggie." I excused myself, but the session was basically an all day event. All the clothing was lent to Valentina by the extream high end of the luxury market. Maggie is featured with six other looks within the issue.
A little back story is that Ari is known for his book called "Advanced Style" which feastures fashion on older women. Valentina, the editor and stylist, is this very hip and young multidiciplined art director type from Italy. Ari's book has a very strong backlist, and Ari suggested that I should consider doing a book using the shots I have of Maggie. It is very much a great idea as it is flattering. This is another project that I must start working on that could easily lead to other things.
Anyways, it seems that at some fashion related events that Maggie and I are kinda known now, and we get treated like celebraties. Lyn is meeting with all these people that are up and coming designers and people from all over the world. Basically Maggie's blog has kinda taken over our lives.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Steve,
A DMR for me is an "art camera" and the D3X is the "pro" fashion rig. Your advice and points about the DMR are all well taken. It remains very sureal all that is currently happening. Also a bit overwelming.
Cal
Yeah, I love my Df monster with the 85mm 1.8... so the 58mm will feel right as well. It's funny how I haven't liked any DSLR but now the Df is probably my favorite camera. It just works perfectly. I'll most likely get the 58mm 1.4g soon.
Thanks for the info on your GF's blog / second career. Sounds like you guys are having fun and that's cool.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
John,
After all those tiny cameras, the DF is still small. From what I've seen the sensor has mucho pretty rendering. At B&H one of my friends wanted to show me that using manual focus lenses on a DF is nothing to complain about. If it were not for getting a D3X for free I'd seriously consider getting a DF.
Even though I like simplicity, the new R8 has the right amount of advances for me over my F3P.
After the Cancer scare I had, my friend Dave's comment, "Its later than you think," rings true.
Kinda funny but about two months ago "Maggie" and I both personally met Nancy Hoffman the art dealer while using her gallery as a photo studio. There was an interesting show there by Michelle Pried that became a useful backdrop for a blog post. I think I will be remembered if I try to show her some of my work.
Been shooting "Maggie's" Lumix for color. "Maggie's" Instagram is mighty huge, and the response from the color shots has been mucho great.
We are actually meeting a lot of very interesting people, and "Maggie" is actually getting kinda paid with very expensive luxury gifts. One designer gave her these computer printed silk pajamas that sell for $400.00. An eyewear stylist locked in an exclusive to be the Accidential Icon's eyewear supplier and is supplying frames and an expensive perscription.
Even funnier is yesterday we were resting sitting on a park bench in Union Square, when I took notice that a hipster girl was stalking us with a Nikon DSLR with a long zoom. She made several passes. LOL. I guess we no longer appear as normal New Yorkers. Interesting to see strangers remarking about my gal's style constantly.
At the Pier Antiques Show Maggie had to use the bathroom upon our arrival, but she kinda got sidetracked/kidnapped by the bathroom entrence by this woman who is a famous/reknown Broadway actress that I don't know. She came pretty close to wetting her panties.
The blog is very much like a second full time job for Maggie, and her day job is a big interference and distraction. I'm feeling the same with the conflict between being a photographer and having a day job just for security. I hope to make the jump, and I can feel it happening. Delaying printing untill I could do it on the scale that I'm doing now I think is paying great dividends. The work speaks for itself. I don't need that much money to live, but I would need some small stream of income to make it work.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
SL2-MOT FORENSICS: I just found out from Sherry that there is some desilvering happening on the SL2-MOT prism and that it is not fungus. Not a problem because my donor camera has a good prism. Also found out that the meter on the SL2-MOT is now dead, and again the donor camera comes to the rescue. Learned that Leica will no longer service M5's SL's and SL2's, and that Sherry stockpiled the parts that were being clearenced.
My camera is currently being overhauled. Should be expected soon for the Meet-Up. Also know that I love my R8. I changed out the screen for a plain ground glass. Now its perfect for me.
Cal
My camera is currently being overhauled. Should be expected soon for the Meet-Up. Also know that I love my R8. I changed out the screen for a plain ground glass. Now its perfect for me.
Cal
Villanova
Minister of Silly Walks
Any potential dates? I'd like to attend too.Can we avoid May 16th? I have an opening to attend featuring some of my work.
Nice seeing you yesterday at the Armory, Cal. Sorry we didn't have a chance to talk much.
Nice seeing you yesterday at the Armory, Cal. Sorry we didn't have a chance to talk much.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Salim,
It was an interesting half an afternoon hanging out with my friend Luis Mendez. I met many photograpghers who came to pay respect to a Godfather of street photograpghy. I met allt types from crazies to the working pros. Not only does everyone know Luis it seems, but Luis seems to know everybody.
At one point Luis asked me if he could buy me a bottled water, and I told him I could not drink when out because I have a small bladder. At that point it became sureal as Luis handed me his Crown Graphic to hold while he went to get his lunch, and suddenly I stepped into Luis' shoes. It did not take long for someone to notice that I was impersonating Luis, and that I had his camera. Dream like it was a great and strange experience, and I think a great honor.
Anyways I kinda learned that staking out an area is a valuable way to do street photography. I met a lot of people from all over the world, made some new friends, and it seems that I kinda learned that I do have some of that Luis Mendez charm where people just come up to you and want to know who you are and what you are about.
I still wore the Crown Graphic while Luis ate lunch, so the experience lasted for about 40 minutes. It was like a dream.
Cal
BTW the Spring 2015 issue of "Grey" magazine came out. More sureal than I could ever imagine.
Also generally we do not schedule Meet-Ups on Saturdays. Pro mone says that the First Sunday is not good for him, but we still have the 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st, all Sundays open for a possible Meet-Up.
dshfoto
Well-known
Interesting program upcoming at the Frick:
Seen through the Collector’s Lens: 150 Years of Photography
This two-day symposium will feature presentations by experts from England, France, and across the United States. Topics will include the art form’s early patronage by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the reasons why collectors of American Modernism also collected photographs, photography’s changing fortunes on the art market, and its legitimization as a collectable category in the fine arts. The symposium will conclude with an interview of a major collector of photography today.
http://www.frick.org/research/center/symposia/photography
Seen through the Collector’s Lens: 150 Years of Photography
This two-day symposium will feature presentations by experts from England, France, and across the United States. Topics will include the art form’s early patronage by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the reasons why collectors of American Modernism also collected photographs, photography’s changing fortunes on the art market, and its legitimization as a collectable category in the fine arts. The symposium will conclude with an interview of a major collector of photography today.
http://www.frick.org/research/center/symposia/photography
I was there on Sunday too (early)... too bad I didn't see anyone I knew.
How about May 10th?
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
One room at the New York Public Library is covering 175 years of photography. My friend Anthony told me to see the show.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
John,
The 10th seems like a good date. I'll find out if Puck Fair is still available.
Cal
Thanks Cal. What "monsters" will you be bringing this time? I'll have the Df and 58mm 1.4g this time. Monstrous for me, but tiny for you...
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
John,
Definately bring your Monster DF. I have to firm up a D3X offer very soon. I'm hoping sooner rather than later. I now hate "Maggie's" Lumix because of frustrating difficulties with both the exposure and autofocus. These point and shoots kinda have a mind of their own and to me it seems trying to defeat all the automation is a huge kludge.
Perhaps I might have my black SL2-MOT back from Sherry. I'm in the process of day trading a black paint 35 Cron ASPH for a Leica 35 Lux R with ROM that I think will be killer on the SL2-MOT.
The R8 has become my primary camera. Last week I replaced the screen with a plain ground glass to ultimize my VF'er. I think I will keep the 50 Lux "E60" mounted on this camera so I can use the R8-R9 Never Ready case as a pocket so I can carry both the R8 rigged with the SL2-MOT with a fast wide.
Interesting to note is that I'm "de-monstering" my rangefinders and will attempt to fit three M-bodies into one kit. Not sure if I can make three bodies fit into that brown leather Leitz case, but I already know I can fit two and always carry the MD-2 with 21 SEM externally.
Printing digitally has created some new notions about shooting film. I'll be exploring Acufine with different films to try something new, and just to annoy Pro-Mone I'm going to get Rodinal to work for me. I discovered if you mix in 1 gram of Borax into a liter of 50:1 Rodinal you can get finer grain and less base fog.
Check out the shot from Maggies post last Monday. Basically straight out of the Monochrom without any post processing. The lens was a 50 Lux ASPH with a Heliopan 2x Yellow filter. The lighting was amazing. Got a great response with this shot and mucho-mucho remarks. Also we finally got the Spring 2015 Issue of "Grey" magizine. Still very surreal. Interesting that Ari desaturated the color to make his shots look like my Monochrom shots. Seven looks are presented with Maggie as a model. Other pro models are also featured and one Maggie is amazed to be in such company with because she is hugely famous.
Cal