What exactly is “fine tuning” auto focus? I have never done this or knew it needed to be done. I am shooting Olympus E-M1, and several Olympus lenses. Can't find anything in the manuals on the topic. Is this something I need to know? Thanks!

I talked to someone there too. When I asked about Kapaxan batteries, he first said that they (bestbatt) used to sell them. Then he said his were made by the Kapaxan. Guy sounded pleasant enough, maybe a little confused? Also the customer 'reviews' posted on the site ran the range from great to lousy. So: anybody use their products?

Wrong phone.

A few years ago I picked up a couple of 'Kapaxen' brand BLN-1 batteries and a battery charger for my E-M1. Came as a package at what I remember was a good price. Batteries charged in my Olympus charger too. Anyway, batteries and charger are still working fine, but one of my original Olympus batteries has started to go. I went looking for that Kapaxen brand, but could not find that battery listed. Anyway, I would like to get a few reliable replacement BLN-1 batteries and hoping to save a few bucks over cost of 'originals.'. So first off, anybody know if the same folks are making a battery under another name (OK, I know they come from China so that may be a pointless question). Alternately, since my experience with Kapaxen was fine, but since I can't find them, another brand suggestion would be welcome.

Thanks!

500 mm f/8 Vivitar Mirror Lens - NEW in Box! From an estate sale.
Complete with all original accessories: LENS CAPS (Front & Rear), CARRYING POUCH, FILTER SET, ORIGINAL MANUAL & BOX!
Image quality may not be quite as high as a comperable Canon an Nikon mlrror lenses, but at this price, I guarantee you will be happy!
Note that lens is T-Mount. Can be used on just about every 35mm film camera, DSLR or Mirrorless Digital, but you do need an adapter. These go for about $8 on eBay or a couple of bucks more if you are in a hurry and pick one up a local dealer.

Price: $85.

Please add postage for about 1.5 Pounds. I can also ship FedEx Ground. Payment by PayPal or US Postal Money Order.

Location is New York City - Downtown Manhattan - if you are in the neighborhood.

Thanks!

SOLD.

I have read several reviews and watched some YouTube footage on the 7artisans 7.5mm f/2.8 lens, and it looks to be a good value. Since it is so new I am wondering if anyone has actually gotten and used one. If so,your first-hand comments would be most appreciated.

GENUINE, MADE IN USA, ORIGINAL DOMKE F-2 CASE, BLACK COTTON CANVAS

I am the original owner, bought it about a dozen years ago and rarely used it. It has actually spent post of those dozen years stuck away on a shelf in my closet. I figure it it time to sell to someone who can use it so I can buy something else that I don't need.

The F-2 comes with the 'GRIPPER SHOULDER STRAP', CARRYING HANDLE, 2 PADDED INSERTS, also the PADDED BOTTOM PROTECTOR. I even have the ORIGINAL LUGGAGE TAG still attached!

These are actual shots of the F-2 Case offered here, not stock shots or something copied from another source.

$90 includes shipping to Continental USA. Payment via PayPal.

Thanks!

 

Last year I picked up an Olympus 8mm “Lenscap” lens - for use on my E-M1 - and it has become my 'fun' lens to play with. Love shooting odd events, people and general snapshots with it. Even used it a few times on jobs. The only problem is its slow speed. So I have been looking at some of the faster, similar focal length lenses. Can't really justify the expense of one of the top end fish eyes, but some of the moderate priced ones look good. Prices seem to range form $60 or so for a CCTV lens on up. So, any suggestions on which might be a reasonable step up in terms of lens speed and image quality without breaking the bank? Thanks!

OK: today I ordered a "Lenspen" on eBay for .83 delivered. I also went up to that Big Store on 34th Street here in Manhattanand bought one for $10.00. The expensive one seems to work fine. I will look forward to comparing it to the .83 when that one arrives.

Translation is very rough. VERY. Seems to say the Lenspen is a knockoff, but can be recharged as shown. All in all, my gut says buy the 'expensive' one and worry about other stuff.

Has anyone had any experience with knock off Lenspens? I just checked listings on eBay and prices start at less than $1. Now, at that price I am pretty sure I am not getting the genuine article. OK, I am positive of it! Om the other hand, I have seen knock-offs of other photo accessories that seem to be made from the identical molds. I have a no-name battery grip that cost about 10% of the 'brand name' one and is virtually identical.

Anyway,I know this is a really inexpensive item as far as the rest of the stuff in my equipment case goes, but I am curious: has anyone bought a really cheap Lenspen on line? Any opinion as to how well it works?

I also came across this YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPGc6O7DQxs where the guy seems to be 'recharging' what is labeled as a fake Lenspen using candle smoke carbon.

Anybody understand enough Russian to offer a rough translation?

I switched to the Olympus Micro 4/3 line last year and admit that despite 50+ years as a working pro, I am still on a learning curve with this gear. My question here is in regard focusing in low light conditions. Specifically last night I photographed an outdoor event (yeah, I was at that big one here in NYC). Even with the focus assist beam from the camera, I found there was a distinct delay in the image coming into focus.

I was shooting with an E-M1 and 12-40 f/2.8 lens. At times I had to hold down the shutter button (as opposed to just pressing it), before the lens focused. This was not an extremely dark location with all the TV lights set up and I had used the same settings indoors earlier in the evening with no problems (that is, with out the noticeable focus delay).

Images were all sharp when I downloaded.

So, is this just a characteristic of the gear? Or gremlins? Or........?

OK, I appreciate the advice (much of which I admit I do not understand) but it looks like the most practical way to go is the Vuscan route. According to their website, the 'cheaper' version will not work to scan slides or film. That is all the Coolscan scans, so I guess I have to pop for the $90 version. Thanks to all!

Since posting I did find a site called Vuscan. Their 'free' download will get the scanner going, but it seems really cumbersome to work with. It also automatically prints their large watermark on anything that is scanned! I have the 'option' of buying other versions, bit no real idea of how (if?) they would really give me back the full use of this scanner.