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Posts for: Thomas902
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Mar 27, 2024 20:39:41   #
Paul; you're a gentleman, a gifted ambassador and a scholar...
Thank you for your stellar guidance here, I couldn't have phased it better even if implementing it on a Nikon platform. It's UHH users like you that keeps me investing time on UHH.

Albeit commercial shooters are now far and few between...
Best wishes for a calm relaxing Holiday weekend.

For those of you that truly want to push the limits?
Look no further than Zerene Stacker.

https://www.allanwallsphotography.com/blog/zereneorheliconpt3
The last of a three part articles.
If this is your thing, best to review all three...
Cheers! Thomas
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Mar 27, 2024 15:34:09   #
"Where do you find inspiration for your photography?"
Client requests are primarily the only assignments I accept now...
It's all about financial recompense... The thrill of Photography? It's long since gone.
a.k.a. I smile all the way to the Bank, that warm and wonderful feeling...

For enjoyment? Yoga; Progressive Resistance Training and playing classic guitar.
btw the last Genre I actually enjoyed was shooting Women's League Soccer for clients...
The superb Dynamic Motion and Competitive Charisma latent within approaches that of Ballerinas on stage.

My question for you JZA B1 is why did you just join UHH?
The 11 posts you've made in the past several months since joining appear to be subtle propaganda from Vendors of Photographic Kit. Are you here on a mission to incite interest owing to waning activity of "hobbyist photographers" on UHH whose site statistic are in a downward spiral?

Until you actually post YOUR images JZA B1 I will assume the aforementioned is a valid inference.
Also unlike you JZA B1 I don't hide behind an Alias on UHH... I'm publicly accessible via:

Facebook: Thomas Van Dyke
IG: You may see more of my commercial work at @restonstudio on Instagram
And yes even on PhotoVOGUE Thomas Van Dyke.

Below are but a few of my Client Assignments: The smile on these client's faces make all the herculean efforts to create certainly worthwhile.


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Mar 25, 2024 13:56:44   #
"...Also, I try to have to do as little post as possible..." Why, who are your clients?
It appears from you UHH post that you're trying to establish a persona as a Photographer via the Kit you own...

Let's see some Published tear-sheets instead, k?
Photographic Excellence isn't a consumer product, period!

Have you considered a Gym Membership?
At your age seeking a fitness paradigm to increase both your aerobic stamina and range of motion would be a very wise (a.k.a. intelligent) path forward.

I'm precisely you age, and currently proactive in modifying my lifestyle to accommodate and minimize limitation from stage III CHF. It's hard work, blood, sweat and yes tears to reverse the damage done, however the alternative is totally unacceptable.

FYI: Class III CHF - Marked limitation in activity due to symptoms, even during less-than-ordinary activity, e.g. walking short distances (20—100 m). Comfortable only at rest.

I workout everyday (7 days a week), in multiple 15 minute sessions... I'm gaining back considerable range of motion and increasing limit strength via an advanced Yoga practice and progressive resistance exercises... I have a Lat Pull-Down Machine and an entire rack of Free Weights in my Home Gym. The quality of my life is vastly improving, word!

Best Advice? Follow my path... Start selling all your photo-gear to fund an in-home Exercise Gym.
I'm speaking from experience here... This is working well for me...

btw, I still have client work in the queue... Mostly Fashion Catalog and Editorials (all done in my Studio)!
I knew after having a NSTEMI (Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction) That some major lifestyle changes were predicated. I strongly suggest you cease and desist spinning your tail of remorse here on UHH and turn you life around ASAP!

"A bend in the road is not the end of the road…
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Mar 23, 2024 21:33:14   #
Serene autumn foliage of the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia & West Virginia at it's best...
Stellar multidimensional effect... Epic illusion of three demonstrations in a two dimensional rendering....

Warm dominate Reds in foreground, recessive forest Conifer Green in mid-ground and the distal haze background.
Many acres of this pristine wilderness was lost to bituminous coal extraction i.e. Strip Mined and then later reclaimed.
With the endless excessive thirst for "Cheap Energy" petroleum wells replaced the rape of the Smoky Mountains...

Now it's the The Permian Basin's oil-and-gas-producing of West Texas and southeastern New Mexico.fueling the exploitation of the South West wilderness... much of which is arid and too hostile an environment for human habitation...

Yet still wishing I could go back to those beautiful Smoky Mountains

Paradise Muhlenberg Tennessee (made famous by John Prine)
And daddy, won't you take me back to Muhlenberg County
Down by the green river where paradise lay?
Well, I'm sorry my son, but you're too late in asking
Mister Peabody's coal train has hauled it away…
© Sturgill Simpson
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Mar 23, 2024 11:18:00   #
[i]"What is your purpose in photography?"[i]
To meet and/or exceed my client's expectations...
Nothing else really matters shootings commercial gigs.

My role model? Linda Evangelista One of the most accomplished and influential Fashion Models of all time.
In the Fashion paradigm currency is Published Tear Sheets. Linda has over 700 magazine covers.

Quoted here from an October 1990 issue of Vogue...
"We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day."

Linda "Gets it"
I suggest others here might consider reflecting on Linda's ethos...

Rather than making Photo Kit vendors wealthy maybe increase your on net worth instead...
Just a thought...
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Mar 16, 2024 11:28:30   #
On this date Charlie Company, 11th Brigade, Americal Division entered the Vietnamese village of My Lai.
Members of Charlie Company later admitted that they had received no "hostile enemy fire from the village"
Yet when they finally withdrew they had murdered 504 unarmed civilians (predominately women, children and few fray aging old men). At least one document case of rape had also occurred.

Lest we ever forget these hideous crimes against humanity of the My Lai Massacre committed by the Armed Forces of the United States of America...

My son was 28 days old on March 16, 1968, many of the victims of the My Lai Massacre where indeed children.
How under the command of United States Army Lt. William Calley did this have to happen?
Why women and children?

A group of civilian women and children before being killed by the U.S. Army during the massacre. © Ronald L. Haeberle—The LIFE Images Collection/Getty Images

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When this photo ran in LIFE, the caption noted that Haeberle "found the bodies above on a road leading from the village."

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Mar 14, 2024 04:19:13   #
(Sold) Asking Price: $328 OBO (includes USPS Priority Shipping with Tracking)
Offer good in (CONUS) and pertains to UHH Members only

Specifications
Filter Size 67mm
Minimum f/Stop f/2.8 (Constant at all Focal Lengths)
f/Stop Range 2.8-32
Minimum Focus 3.3' (1 m)
Magnification 1:5.9
Angle of View 31-11° (when used with APS-C size chip)
Groups/Elements 14/18
Tripod Collar Yes; Rotates 360 degrees (Non-Removable)
Length 5.3" (135mm)
Max Diameter 3.1" (78mm)
Weight 1.9 lb (845 g)

WP Lens Coating: (Water Proof) Fluoride Coating applied to front surface element through an evaporation process. Results in excellent water & oil-repellent performance for easier cleaning

IFS (Internal Focus System):
Lens incorporates an internal focusing system that eliminates front lens rotation. This allows use of a Perfect Hood and use Circular Polarizing Filter. Handholding is optimized since focusing and zooming does not change the lens overall length.

Parfocal Lens
Parfocal lenses ameliorate lens breathing. Note: Cinema lenses are parfocal lenses

Focus Clutch Mechanism
The Focus Clutch Mechanism provides fast, smooth autofocus operation with instant switching between manual and autofocus from any position.

9-Blade Aperture
The rounded diaphragm opening (9 blades) make bokeh orbs appear more symmetrical & natural (i.e. ethereal).

BH-671 Lens Hood
Bayonet Fixed Mount in grooves near front lens lens. Hood can be reversed for transportation. Inside of the Hood is velour coated (matte black non-reflective).

Compatibility
For Nikon F Mount (Normal-Telephoto)
Requires an In-body AF (Slotted Screwdriver) Focus Motor, otherwise Manual Focus Only.

I've tested this Tokina 50-135mm f2.8 on the following Bodies which yield full functionality and excellent results.
Nikon D300s in DX mode (4288x2848 pixels)
Nikon D7200 in DX mode (6000x4000 pixels)
Nikon D800e in 1.2x mode (6000x4800 pixels) Note:Lens Image Circle fills the 1.2x mode Image Area completely
Nikon D810 in 1.2x mode (6000x4800 pixels) Note:Lens Image Circle fills the 1.2x mode Image Area completely

======================================================================
There is an analogous lens for Pentax owners - the SMC Pentax-DA 1: 2.8 50-135mm ED [IF] SDM, with the same optical design. The Tokina-Pentax AF 50-135 / 2.8 platform is a joint development of Pentax and Tokina (Kenko-Tokina), who have been closely cooperating since 2003.
The Pentax variant did not include a fixed rotating tripod mount with it's 50-135mm f2.8 offering.

Note: Tokina collaborated with Pentax to jointly developed this unique Parfocal Optic
The latest Nikon version is currently available NEW as a Nikon Cinema variant (Tokina 50-135mm T2.9 Mark II Cinema ATX Lens (Nikon F Mount) now selling for $3.499 (B&H as of 03-13-2024)) See via this link
======================================================================

Question and/or Offers please use UHH's PM System to contact me.
Note: I honor a 14 day (no questions asked) return period albeit buyer pays shipping both ways on returns

Thank you for your interest in this unique, rare and optically superb lens.

Maternity Shoot (12-24-2023) with a Tokina AF 50-135mm f/2.8 AT-X 535 PRO DX Zoom Lens

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Original OEM (Tokina) Packaging

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Rear Lens Mount showing round 9-blade aperture; 5-pin electic contacts; and Nikon Slotted Screwdriver Coupling

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Front Lens Cap (OEM) Tokina and Lens Tripod Mounted on a Nikon D300s (DX) body

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Tokina AF 50-135mm f/2.8 AT-X 535 PRO DX Zoom Lens Tripod Mounted on a Nikon D300s (DX) body

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Mar 10, 2024 01:44:56   #
Lovely balance of symmetrical architectural elements... the transition from left to right off into more distant far right yields depth and brings subtle perceived third dimension to the mix...

Patience is a venture and you've triumphed by capturing this elegant scene at the peak of daylight and the dissonance of darkness i.e. the razor thin edge between those two vastly different realities of day/night... this fleeting precious veil of descending nightfall is virtually surreal... Kudos for your keen sense of timing here, it doesn't get any more intriguing than what you have achieved...

Thank you for sharing...
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Mar 8, 2024 14:24:51   #
burkphoto posted a link where a professional photographer talked about... Bridges please realize that photography isn't a profession it is a simply a Craft... It requires no academic credentials, nor does it require license from a governmental agency (State and/or Federal)...

That said there are indeed highly skilled and competent Commercial Photographers that easily can command very high fees to shoot a client's needs and meet their expectations. I know full well since as a member of ASMP I've assisted with quite a few and my Day Rate i.e. per diem is more that spare change.

Same with Fashion Models... Which is also a highly specialize craft... and only a choose few are able to run the gauntlet and survive to go on to become Agency Represented. An example: "In an interview printed in the October 1990 issue of Vogue, Evangelista said: "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day." (with current inflation equivalent to over $22,000

My sincere advice to both you and Burkphoto is to put down your "hammer" and instead get up and out of bed and start trying to book clients. You will likely discover as Burkphoto probably did that unless you are working for an commercial entity that books your clients for you that life in Sales is a bitch.

As for going out every day to experience life as a Photojournalist (i.e. shooting reportage)? Not happening for me... I'm unable to walk more than a few hundred feet on level ground (or walk up several flights stairs) owing to health issues (Stage III Heart Failure) however that doesn't keep me from shooting in my studio non-stop which I do constantly now so I'm able nail the complex illumination scenarios effortlessly and instantly achieve critical focus on a talent's near eye. Oft said When one door closes another opens (that is for those who chose "Carpe diem")

Below is a deliverable from a Christmas Eve commercial shoot... It's all about meeting and/or exceeding client expectations Bridges. The sooner you can except this edict the more likely you'll be able to convert an avocation into a vocation. Also maybe try shooting "Professional Models" a.k.a. Agency Represented talent... When you become proficient enough at your "Craft" you can possibly become a "Testing Photographer" for agencies in your market (where there is no monetary exchange only trade for services.

Hope this helps or is at least food for thought.
Wishing all who strive to become Commercial Photographers much joy & success on your journey.

A deliverable for a Maternity Shoot with an Agency Represented Model on Decemeber 24th 2023

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Mar 4, 2024 16:30:20   #
Fabulous imagery Doug... Albeit I'm totally terrified by Alligators! Those monsters give my heart palpitations
You're a brave sole to wander around where they hang out...

Best advice? From too many years of experience... Keep that Nikon DX-VR 18-55mm- 3.5-5.6GII lens (or sell it to me, I'll give you $69 plus shipping after you've cleaned all the Alligators out of it)... Seriously keep that AF-S (I assume it's the AF-S version) of the 18-5.6 G VR II variant, it's a winner and if it's working on your D3300 it's not the AF-P version which I'm not interested in at this juncture.

As for your Albinar (Samyang) 80-200mm F/3.9 Macro AIS Manual Focus Lens For Nikon {55} KEH might give you $25 (max) since they are out of stock on that item.
https://www.keh.com/shop/albinar-80-200mm-f-3-9-macro-ais-manual-focus-lens-for-nikon-55.html

As for the list of optics others on UHH are recommending I'm thinking maybe they didn't read your post carefully... "... I'd like suggestions for the best for a somewhat inexpensive price. I'd like suggestions on what may be the best for me. I am still a rank amateur, know the basic ideas, but still have much to learn."

From my experience I would suggest the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR
https://www.mpb.com/en-us/product/nikon-af-s-dx-nikkor-55-200mm-f-4-5-6g-if-ed-vr/sku-2417152
mpb has one at $109 that might be a good fit for your needs since it comes with

What's included
Standard 6 month warranty
52mm Front Lens Cap
Instruction Manual
Instruction Manual (a)
Nikon CL-0815 Soft Lens Case
Nikon HB-37 Lens Hood
Original Packaging (b)
Rear Lens Cap - F Fit


How good is it? I use that DX Zoom all the time on my Nikon D300s, and it is awesome!
DxOmark gives it a very high rating for all optical aspects... but it isn't a Pro Build so treat it gently k?
Here is what they discovered in their test suite for the Nikon D3400 which is pretty much the same as your D3300.
https://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Nikon/Nikon-AF-S-DX-NIKKOR-55-200mm-F4-56G-ED-VR-II-mounted-on-Nikon-D3400__1105

Below I've posted the Global Sharpness Map at 1/3 across the sensor for your Nikon Body
Probably best to avoid the 55-300mm variant as it's very weak beyond 200mm and contrary to what the Lion's share of UHH members may tell you (that long is good, and even longer reach is better) I believe your eye for aesthetics deserves quality image capture (which the 55-300mm will not likely give you) if you doubt this compare DxOMark's data for both the 55-300 against that of the 55-200... Beside you'll have to pay more for the 55-300mm because many naive users' perceived valuation can be (and likely is) sadly distorted.

Hope this helps (and no I don't work for either KEH or mpb) it's just that from your initial go at photography I honestly believe you deserve the most appropriate tool(s) in your price range.

Wishing you much joy and success on your photographic journey Doug
Cheers! Thomas


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Mar 3, 2024 19:59:18   #
"Nikon 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 VR lens" flyboy61 it's a popular kit lens (I believe it was bundled with the D600 variants) and VR II makes it EZ to get some really decent imagery. However I rarely use mine anymore (I should find a home for it soon) since I now have a stellar copy of the AF 35-135mm f/3.5-4.5 Nikkor that has far better edge to edge acuity. Although it does weigh in at 750 grams with it's HB-1 Hood and 62mm Nikon NC filter.

(Albeit I've read on various Photo Forums that there may be a wide range "Sample Variation" with that optic). Don't know but I purchased mine in "Like New" condition and it's flawless in all I've tested it on. My thoughts are their may be a lot of folks who haven't figured out how to preciously use Auto Fine Tune with older AF-D variants i.e. that lens. An EZ test is to switch to LiveView and zoom in on an area of fine detail.
Bingo! you'll know instantly if it's the Lens or it's your want of expertise.

Oh, back in the day when the epic AF 35-135mm f/3.5-4.5 MK II was released there was a huge demand for Wedding Reportage... It paid extremely well and Nikon endowed that Lens with a macro mode to allow the Wedding Photographers to easily shoot the Wedding Rings, the Table Name Cards, and Floral Bouquets, including a host of other requisite details from an agreed upon standard Deliverables list.

However I will concede that my AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G VR ED II is truly a joy to use, virtually silent focusing and considerably lighter than it's big sister the AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR ED NANO coated 710 gram optic.

I've deployed both the 24-85mm and the 35-135mm in my work and find that each can (and do) provide a very elegant solution for a myriad of assignments. Albeit my fav the 35-135mm does come with some intriguing optical distortion in it's super macro mode... I've been trying to use this mode for portraiture however most subjects take a pass when I show them what they look like at a 35mm FL just 11 inches to the sensor plane... Yep, it really can get that close!

Many thanks to all who have shared in this thread... Some wonderful thoughts and experience with the 24-85mm!

Below is a test image of one of my Hair Mannequins at 35mm and 11 inches from eyelashes to the sensor

Great acuity... With dubious compostional elements? Although David Bailey was a master of the "In Your Face" Look. Image Data: Nikon D3x with an AF 35-135mm f/3.5-4.5 Nikkor. Illumination: 22" BD w/ two strip Softbox Kickers

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Mar 3, 2024 13:35:32   #
Also a Catalog Fashion (Haute Couture) Ballet Ensemble image for a Fashion Designer's Book
Fashion Ballet Ensemble by Chez Kevito https://www.chezkevito.com/
Model: Heather Lilly
Hair Styling by Devon Baltimore https://www.updospecialist.com/

All credit here goes to our team members.
I simply did Heather's makeup & image capture.

The Team provided the narrative and made the entire session happen.
FYI, Fashion & Beauty genre is primarily a Team endeavor.
The aggregate synergy latent within a team typically surpasses what each member brings to the mix.

Wishing all a relaxing weekend and much joy & happiness on your photographic journey...

Model: Heather Lilly; Hair Styling: Devon Baltimore (Camera: Nikon D3x with an AF DC Nikkor 135mm f/2D)

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Wardrobe: Chez Kevito; Model: Heather Lilly; Hair Styling: Devon Baltimore (D3x with an AF 85mm f/1.4D Nikkor)

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Mar 1, 2024 02:49:23   #
"Nikon PN-11 Auto Extension Tube with front/rear caps..."
John I have several, they have been (and still are) real workhorses with my Ai and Ai-s glass.
If you are interested in purchasing one please PM me, k?

I noticed from your UHH post of March 15th 2019 in regard to New lightweight bodies and old heavy lenses your concern about lens mount integrity issues... Also noticed you mentioned "...had an FM2 with AIS lenses..." Hope the following helps to clarify some of those issues.

Below are some of the kit I typically use with the Nikon PN-11 Extension Ring. The lightest body I go with is the Nikon D300s Pro DSLR. It handles the Nikon PN-11 Extension Ring tripod mounted and Ai-s Nikkors weighing over 800 grams without any issues. Albeit my go-to in this scenario is now typically my Nikon D3x, which as been up to virtually all commercial assignment I've have to deal with.

Also below are images of my fav Ai; Ai-s and AF-D Nikkors with the PN-11 (all have manual aperture rings).

My question to you is why the PN-11? While it certainly can get the job done especially if you need to work at approaching 1:1 or greater. If you are shooting commercially time is money and the AF 200mm f/4 micro Nikkor will quickly pay for itself. Mine certainly has, posted below is how I deploy in my studio for Beauty Genre scenarios.

Looking forward to hearing back from you in regard to purchasing of one of my PN-11's

Thanks John... Thomas

Nikon D300s with Ai 200mm f4 Nikkor and PN-11 Extension Ring.jpg

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Nikon D300s with AF 35-135mm f3.5-4.5 IF Nikkor and PN-11 Auto Extension Ring

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D300s with Ai-s 80-200mm f4 Nikkor and PN-11 Extension Ring

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Nikon D3x with Ai-s 80-200mm f/4 Nikkor at 4 feet (min focus distance) from Hair Mannequin

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Nikon D3x with Ai-s 80-200mm f/4 Nikkor and Nikon PN-11 Extension Ring at 19 inches from Hair Mannequin

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A colleague (commercial photographer & model from NYC)... Fan of the Nikon F3 (here with Ai-s 50mm f1.4 Nikkor) Studio Image taken with an AF 200mm f/4D micro Nikkor (22" BD illumination)

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Feb 23, 2024 18:22:55   #
mpb is one of the only major vendor's of previously owned Kit who actually lists shutter counts of cameras offered and REAL photographs of same... Download their images... The are high resolution when viewing the download.

I've purchased much of my used kit from them (and KEH) but virtually all my "Pro Bodies" are from mpb.

They have forced their competitors to up their game (in my humble estimation).
B&H is also a major player in high end used kit... So is UsedPhotoPro (a.k.a. Roberts)

Have purchased from all of them albeit mpb is my go-to for "Pro Bodies"

Hope this helps, and yes I've returned a couple of item to mpb that didn't met my expectation.
No questions ask... instant refund... They are honorable...

Please buy used kit... Recycling is good for not only your bank account but also for our fragile ecosystems.
Final thoughts... Some of my most cherished kit has come from UHH Members Buy/Sell/Trade -- Classifieds Word!
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Feb 23, 2024 18:08:55   #
Fabulous renderings of an awesome vehicle...
Would have loved to motor around in that piece of kinetic art...

As for styling? Superb!
Especially when compared to the aberrant electric vehicles which are currently being introduced.

Hydrogen fuel vehicles would have been a much "cleaner" choice *in the long term*
Oh well... I certain appreciate a window into the thrilling era of post WWII sports cars i.e. two place roadsters.
I still dearly miss my Triumph Spitfire roadster... many wonderful weekends motoring about with my son...

Thank you so much for sharing your imagery.
You are truly a master of the craft
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