Posts for: Stats153
Jan 31, 2024 09:53:48 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I don't eat out as often as I used to, but last ni... (show quote)
And here's another thing: tip inflation! It makes no sense to me. I can understand the food getting more expensive, but why should I be expected to tip a larger percentage of the inflated price?
Jan 6, 2024 13:29:59 #
Robeng wrote:
Stats153,
I brought a Nikon Z 24mm to 70mm without any problems from MPB.
They were stellar thoughout the whole process, the lens was like brand new.
Rob
I brought a Nikon Z 24mm to 70mm without any problems from MPB.
They were stellar thoughout the whole process, the lens was like brand new.
Rob
Yep, I don't mean to say that MPB is a bad company to deal with. But my first experience with them was sure off-putting!
Jan 6, 2024 10:34:37 #
I found a lens I've wanted on MPB, at a good price. Seeing lots of positive reviews (including here on UHH) I decided to make the purchase.
I called MPB, asking to place an order over the phone. Told I can't do it, must use web. Ok.
So I placed my order on the web, then got phone call for "security clearance." Fine, I can understand that: it was a big ticket item, and nobody wants to be scammed.
After a few legitimate questions (credit card, shipping address, etc.) they asked if I was an amateur or a professional. Seemed odd, but I played along. Next, what would I be using the lens for? Did I have other Nikon equipment? Had I ever used any other camera brands? I answered, but said I found the questions intrusive, probably more for marketing than for security.
The order went through, but then 3 days later I got an email saying the order was cancelled because it had "not passed our security checks process." I called, and was told that while my credit card had been approved for the purchase, they wouldn't accept my order. I asked to speak to a manager, and was told none were available. They'd get back to me. 3 hours later, no call.
So I've bought the lens from KEH -- slightly more expensive, but no hassles, and much better return policy.
I called MPB, asking to place an order over the phone. Told I can't do it, must use web. Ok.
So I placed my order on the web, then got phone call for "security clearance." Fine, I can understand that: it was a big ticket item, and nobody wants to be scammed.
After a few legitimate questions (credit card, shipping address, etc.) they asked if I was an amateur or a professional. Seemed odd, but I played along. Next, what would I be using the lens for? Did I have other Nikon equipment? Had I ever used any other camera brands? I answered, but said I found the questions intrusive, probably more for marketing than for security.
The order went through, but then 3 days later I got an email saying the order was cancelled because it had "not passed our security checks process." I called, and was told that while my credit card had been approved for the purchase, they wouldn't accept my order. I asked to speak to a manager, and was told none were available. They'd get back to me. 3 hours later, no call.
So I've bought the lens from KEH -- slightly more expensive, but no hassles, and much better return policy.
Jan 6, 2024 10:15:42 #
Jan 3, 2024 11:20:59 #
Great news! And always a good thing to be reminded of our mortality: "teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)
Aug 30, 2023 13:59:24 #
Flame Tanager, seen in Boquete, Panama
May 1, 2023 08:14:46 #
cbtsam wrote:
I routinely shoot stacks of about 50-100 images of wilted flowers, with a Nikon D850, which generally produces raw files in the 45-90 mb range, and Helicon stacks them in a couple of minutes. Artifacts do happen, but they are generally remediable in Photoshop. I've been using this combination for about four years, and I'm quite happy with it. Samples can be found on my flickr page
Beautiful work!
May 1, 2023 08:13:52 #
Apr 24, 2023 11:56:56 #
I heartily recommend the Merlin Bird App, which can be installed on Android phones, iPhones, iPads, etc.
It can be used to list likely birds to be sighted at any location and date in the US and Canada ... indeed, pretty much any place on earth. It has sound ID that works reasonably well, as well as photos, species' accounts, and range maps. AND ... it's free.
It can be used to list likely birds to be sighted at any location and date in the US and Canada ... indeed, pretty much any place on earth. It has sound ID that works reasonably well, as well as photos, species' accounts, and range maps. AND ... it's free.
Mar 24, 2023 11:35:00 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Look at Canon Powershots or Sony Cybershots. As me... (show quote)
I'll add a vote for old PowerShot. I've got a PowerShot A610, 5 megapixel from late 2005. AA batteries, small enough to carry in pocket, has taken some great shots. Old enough not to worry about.
Mar 11, 2023 10:10:07 #
Adjusted for inflation, $444 for the Leica is $4596 in 2023. (oops, I see others have already commented on inflation)
Jan 16, 2023 16:08:24 #
Jan 16, 2023 10:55:56 #
Thanks -- I was wondering about whether it's more likely to have some sort of catastrophic breakdown, leaking all over the place or whatever.
Jan 16, 2023 10:43:30 #
I'm planning a trip and thought I'd check the condition of the batteries for my Nikons, using the menu item "battery age" in my D500. I've got 4: two scored zero (new), one scored 3, and another scored 4.
Online Nikon manual says that score of 4 means "the battery has reached the end of its charging life and should be replaced." As far as I can tell, the battery is still charging satisfactorily, though perhaps draining a bit quickly.
I'm curious whether there's any downside to continuing to use this battery, beyond the possible inconvenience of it running out more quickly.
(I don't mind recycling it and buying a new one, but don't want to do so unnecessarily.)
Thanks!
Online Nikon manual says that score of 4 means "the battery has reached the end of its charging life and should be replaced." As far as I can tell, the battery is still charging satisfactorily, though perhaps draining a bit quickly.
I'm curious whether there's any downside to continuing to use this battery, beyond the possible inconvenience of it running out more quickly.
(I don't mind recycling it and buying a new one, but don't want to do so unnecessarily.)
Thanks!
Dec 28, 2022 12:54:09 #
Bill_de wrote:
I never has a pre VR 24 - 70.
I did have a pre VR 28-70 F/2.8. I eventually traded it for the 24-70 VR model. Both lenses produced excellent pictures. With the relatively short focal length the VR was only a big benefit in low light situations requiring slow shutter speeds.
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I did have a pre VR 28-70 F/2.8. I eventually traded it for the 24-70 VR model. Both lenses produced excellent pictures. With the relatively short focal length the VR was only a big benefit in low light situations requiring slow shutter speeds.
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I have the 28-70 F/2.8, and have been very pleased with the results. It's a heavy, solid lens, that you can get from KEH for around $500. Lack of VR hasn't been that much of an issue.