Have you considered that there may be something wrong with the Command Dial and the electronics. Sounds to me a camera shop would be the place to go to have it checked out:)
I've never been very good at panning off a bean bag:)
Read this article: Serious Support
http://www.bythom.com/support.htm
I purchased a really Right Stuff Tipod and Ballhead. Set me back the price of a very good DSLR. Bottom line is it will outlast any of my gear and I won't have a collection of useless tripods and heads.
I have been using Residual Oil Remover from V-Vax Products. If you ever use it you will use nothing else. I have tried various "wipes", such as Zeizz Lens Cloths, and they all leave a residue and streaks on drying.
Very good point! Alcohol and cars kill many more people than guns do. I have never heard anyone wanting to outlaw cars. And they tried it with alcohol. The constitution says it is a right to own a gun. Those that think outlawing guns would end this type of tragedy are as mentally deranged as those that commit them.
I believe the "Holy Trinity" consisted of the 17-35 (not 17-55), 28-70, and the 80-200, all in f/2.8. These are the originals. They have been replaced by the 14-24, 24-70, and the 70-200 all in f/2.8.
Currently using the Canon G11 as my walk around. All other gear is Nikon (DSLR etc.) Am seriously looking at the new Sony RX-100. Has gotten nothing but rave reviews.
Have you thought of using a wireless system. I do this with Nikon cameras and Camera Control Pro 2. From the time I get the shot to the completed print is less than 2 minutes.
I have been using FF lenses on DX cameras since the Nikon D1 came out. I have had no particular problems.
Was just in the Yucatan Peninsula a few years ago. Was told if you travel or drive by yourself "you will be robbed"! The only way they said to get to any of the ruins was to go by bus. They are a bit safer.
Go to Thom Hogan's web site and read his article: Tripods 101. Very informative.
Just like a liberal! Trying to twist and turn to their own benefit. And that's exactly how you can tell when a liberal is lying: their lips are moving!!
Try this: right click on free space on the desktop. In the box that opens click on "View" Under view make sure "Align to Grid" is checked.
If you are just doing monitors and not printers or scanners: Here is a direct copy from imagesciense.com
In terms of monitor only calibrators, as of August 2011 there is a pretty clear cut choice in this area. The new i1Display Pro represents a major leap forward in monitor calibrator accuracy and is the first really interesting development in this area in years. We strongly recommend this calibrator to ALL image makers. The accuracy of this device has been independently tested and found to be an order of magnitude ahead of older calibrators (such as the Eye One Display 1 & 2 and Spyders 1, 2 & 3). It has been specifically designed to cope with modern monitors - such as those with LED backlighting (like iMacs/Cinema Displays) and Wide Gamut screens (these days, most monitors). Data from NEC's magnificent PA monitors was used in the development of these calibrators so this combination should offer superb accuracy.
I purchased one and it is amazing.