Al's Camera Quick Ref and Info

[brewmaster15]

This thread is a quick reference to the camera and instruction manual and is intended as a guide for those receiving the camera.

[brewmaster15]

This Idea is now an official Project here. I have just wrapped up the camera and some gear and packed it off to Pat. Looking at the shipping options for what I was sending it made sense tp go with the USPS priority Flat rate Medium size box. Everything fit perfect and the boxes are available at all post offices here in the USA. They can also be used for international..but thats pricey. As it is my initial hopes of doing this for around $10 didnt pan out. Shipping with $200 insurance was $16.95 ( this is the value of the gear I have sent by current Market prices) .I was initially only going to send a camera and small lens. I've since upgraded that..

heres what I have sent
pentax DSLR *IST DS 6.1 MP camera
auto focus Lens SMC 18-55 mm F3.5-5.6 AL with Uv filter as a protector and its caps.
manual focus 50 mm prime F2.0 SMC
Nissen Bounce flash works well with the camera and AF lens
3 each 2 GB SD cards
1 USB SD card Reader
Pack of lens Tissue
small bottle of lens cleaner liquid
1 cleaning cloth.
Awesome rugged cushioned and protective water proof case


also Pat .. The Camera and Flash have batteries.


94298

94297

94296

94295

94294

[brewmaster15]

.....

94299


94300


94301


94302


94303

[brewmaster15]

....

94304


94305


94306


94307


94308.....

[brewmaster15]

....
94309


94310


94312


94313....

[brewmaster15]

....
94314

94315

94317

94318...

[brewmaster15]

... Please see note on the battery door of the flash..it'll send batteries flying everywhere if you don't lightly tape it shut..Electrical tape is what I use...an elastic band may work too.

94319

94320

94321

94322

94323...

[brewmaster15]

..

94325

94324....

[brewmaster15]

So there you have it everyone.

When Pat get the camera , friday I am guessing, she can post her impressions and maybe some pics soon after.:)

The manual can be found here..

http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/man-pdf/istds.pdf


One Note..
There is a trick to using manual lens like the 50mm F2.0 I sent. Pentax cameras are backwards compatible with most their lens unlike other mfgs. But because there are no contacts for the lens to communicate with the camera on exposure you have to use whats called stop down metering.. to do so is not hard, on IST DS you set the camera dial to "M" and compose the picture. Before taking the picture theres a Button labeled AE-L press that and sets the camera to the right exposure. Take the picture. Because of this feature we can use lens that go back to the 60s with Pentax. This process is only for the smaller manual 50mm I sent the AF lens works fine in mindless mode..I mean green mode.:bandana:

lastly, when you get this system, don't compare it to what you use today. This camera was one of the first mainstream Dslrs out there and alot of technology has changed in the last decade. At the time it came out it was a pretty cool camera. Close enough to film cameras in operation and looks to make it easy for people to make the jump. Ironically though as you use it, you may realize that though our cameras have better sensors, more functions,more this and that, that really alls you need to take a good picture is not the most expensive high end technological wonder of the second... but just a camera capable of recording the moment.

al

[brewmaster15]

Some more notes to all getting this camera...


DO NOT Mount any other flash units on the camera to try them. They may burn out the Electronics of the camera ..Only use the flash I have sent with the camera for on camera flash photography.Thanks



WHEN SHIPPING...

Looking at the shipping options for what I was sending it made sense to go with the USPS priority Flat rate Medium size box. Everything fit perfect and the boxes are available at all post offices here in the USA. They can also be used for international..but thats pricey. As it is my initial hopes of doing this for around $10 didnt pan out. Shipping with $200 insurance was $16.95 ( this is the value of the gear I have sent by current Market prices) .I was initially only going to send a camera and small lens. I've since upgraded that..

Heres what I have sent ( use it as a check list when repacking)
pentax DSLR *IST DS 6.1 MP camera
auto focus Lens SMC 18-55 mm F3.5-5.6 AL with Uv filter as a protector and its caps.
manual focus 50 mm prime F2.0 SMC
Nissen Bounce flash works well with the camera and AF lens
3 each 2 GB SD cards
1 USB SD card Reader
Pack of lens Tissue
small bottle of lens cleaner liquid
1 cleaning cloth.
Awesome rugged cushioned and protective water proof case



All...I think if we shoot for sending the camera out on a Monday or Tues it would be best, as that way it will arrive before the weekend, giving the receiver the weekend to play with it. Please remember to ship it as I have documented... Use a flat rate medium size box with $200 insurance. Keep the tracking information ...it will be on your USPS receipt.




al

Update: 02-29-16

Hi all,
Phil, next inline is Rick,nc0gnet0.

Lets see if we can make this easier..so far the shipping has been a tad complicated.A couple of members have had the shipping donated to the forum and then they pay for it out of pocket themselves. Though really generous it makes it a bit confusing....so.instead here is what I suggest. The person receiving the camera pays the person shipping it by paypal.. once you receive the camera if you have fun with it and want to send something to forum...by all means please do so using the Donate link here...
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/misc.php?do=donate

This is completely voluntary though...the idea behind this is the camera journey. Contributions outside of shipping fees are up to you guys .

To recap ...WHEN SHIPPING...

Looking at the shipping options for what I was sending it made sense to go with the USPS priority Flat rate Medium size box. Everything fit perfect and the boxes are available at all post offices here in the USA. Shipping with $200 insurance was $16.95 ( this is the value of the gear I have sent by current Market prices) .

CHECKLIST WHEN PACKING:
pentax DSLR *IST DS 6.1 MP camera
auto focus Lens SMC 18-55 mm F3.5-5.6 AL with Uv filter as a protector and its caps.
manual focus 50 mm prime F2.0 SMC
Nissen Bounce flash works well with the camera and AF lens
3 each 2 GB SD cards
1 USB SD card Reader
Pack of lens Tissue
small bottle of lens cleaner liquid
1 cleaning cloth.
Awesome rugged cushioned and protective water proof case



Shoot for sending the camera out on a Monday or Tues it would be best, as that way it will arrive before the weekend, giving the receiver the weekend to play with it. Please remember to ship it as I have documented... Use a flat rate medium size box with $200 insurance. Keep the tracking information ...it will be on your USPS receipt.



Also a note to the Shipper. Please CC Ricardo (rickztahone) (http://forum.simplydiscus.com/member.php?17754-rickztahone) the tracking number when you ship it and of course send the number to person receiving it...

[Second Hand Pat]

Please direct questions to this thread http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?122968-A-Camera-s-Journey.

[Second Hand Pat]

So the camera arrived today in perfect condition. So first thing I do is changed the mode from auto to Aperture Priority and mounted the speed light and took this. Al, is there a way to lock the speed light to the shoebox?

Oops, to much light.

94409

then removed the speed light and went outside and took this

94410

and this (my gypsy dog)

94411

[Second Hand Pat]

Came back inside and read the manual on how to change the aperture. Changed it from F8.0 to F4.5 which is the max, mounted the speed light and took this

Since too much light.
94412

Removed the speedlight, left the aperture alone and took this. Still not quite enough light so will play a bit tonight. You can see a bit of noise in the photos. The tank is not brightly lite so the auto focus is have a hard time nailing the focus.

94413
94414
94415
94416

[Second Hand Pat]

Round two with the camera. This was from Friday evening playing with the sunset and the aperture. I was making the aperture smaller with each picture. Discover a possible shadow on the lens.

94529

94530

94531

[Second Hand Pat]

More fish pictures. With Al's help I reduced the ISO sensitivity from 1600 to 400 and discovered the on-board flash. Fish pictures are getting better.

94532

94533

94534

[Second Hand Pat]

94537

94536

94535

[Second Hand Pat]

A few more pictures from my time with Al's camera. This is my little African Grey Marco.

94660

94661

[Second Hand Pat]

Very nice Pat! SO I am really interested in your thoughts and comments on that little old digital cameras capabilities now that it is on its way to someone else. ?

Al

Al, as far as I am concerned your little camera is as fully capability of taking very nice pictures as my Nikon. It is easy to use, has all the basic controls you could want. I did not try it in auto mode (and perhaps should have) but got some pretty good pictures with what I did. I think it is perfect for this "Camera Journey" and look forward to hearing how others get along with it.

These pictures were taken using the speedlight.

94666

I lowered the ISO on this one a bit.

94667

[Second Hand Pat]

When the camera was here I took a few pictures while my farrier was here. For those who may not know a farrier is also called a blacksmith, basely they trim or shoe horses. My two guys are bare foot so no shoes.

This is Clayton's apprentice trimming Jake.

94794
94795
94796

[Second Hand Pat]

This is Clayton calming Bucky who was a little unsettled thru the process.

94797
94798

[Second Hand Pat]

These cleaned up pretty nice. Used the "aged photo" which leaves a bit of color in the photo.

94799
94800
94801

[brewmaster15]

Something about the cap he's wearing blows the illusion that this is an old photo to me.

Fixed that Keith...


94802


Hows this?


94803

[brewmaster15]

Gimp as a filter called "old photo..." would probably work better with a hi res image but you get the drift here...


94804

[brewmaster15]

Ok then... best I can do



94805


94807



94806


94808

[ericNH]

A couple of my photos from the traveling camera

I brought this guy home as a juvenile on 02/24/14:
95079

I've had this one for 1.5 years:
95080

a couple other shots of my fish and my tank, warts and all:
95081

95082

95083

[Phillydubs]

Good morning Everyone, sorry, I feel like such a slacker on this project, the camera could not have come at a busier time for me... I feel like the minute it hit my desk I have been on the run!

I messed around with it to get a feel for it and took some shots, but I plan to dive further in today and take more...

I have to say I opened the box and there was this folded white sheet of paper with writing on it... I thought maybe it was a letter from Al or something. I open it up to see this awesome drawing and note from Eric, the person who sent me the camera!! I was shocked and thought it was an amazing touch... Check out this guys skills!!!!

Sorry to whoever is after me, I draw about as bad as I take pictures... You may get a stick figure Discus picture!! LOL

95224

[Phillydubs]

95225

[Phillydubs]

I was trying out the flash on this one and it came out sort of cool, at least to me... Something tells me I will find my mistakes more interesting than my good pictures!

95226

[Phillydubs]

Here is Mr. Top Hat!

95227

[Phillydubs]

Here are a few closer ups I tried to reduce the glare... Anyone have windex, geez, water marks are unsightly with the camera yet not so visible to the naked eye...

9522895229952309523195232

[Phillydubs]

Here are some pictures around my shop and some things related to fish and just to the business in general... As some of you may know, my family is in the HVAC Business... My Company is OSI Comfort Specialists and we have been in business over 80 years... My Brother in law and I are 4th generation... Some local people, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, etc.. Will probably recognize our big green trucks as we have quite a few on the road...

95233952349523595236952379523895239952409524195242

[Phillydubs]

Here is where I fill up my aging barrel and this is the boiler room for the shop...

9524395244952459524695247

[Phillydubs]

More of the fish...

952589525995260952619526295263952649526595266

[Phillydubs]

95267952689526995270952719527295273952749527595276

[nc0gnet0]

Alright, my first attempt without delving into the manual........

My fish room poses a few challenges to a novice like me. I have a lot of tanks in a relatively small room. As a result, lights from other tanks tend to cast glare on to the subject tank. Same can be said for the room lighting. Now, if I turn off all the lights with the exception of the subject tank, no matter how well lit, the camera seems to think it needs to use the flash. Maybe this is because it is taking it's light reading at the camera body and not the actual subject matter? At any rate, I kept looking for the "Just take the dam picture" button and could not find one.

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/_IGP4280_zpscgrllgkz.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/_IGP4291_zps8k4zga45.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/_IGP4294_zpsypu0phbq.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/_IGP4297_zps9iewbery.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/_IGP4299_zpspzpypyo2.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/_IGP4307_zpso4gdocud.jpg

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/ppp_zpspkaoucbb.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/wwww_zpsfbnhkcak.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/eeeee_zps5anbuqkn.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/ccccc_zpssrukyswi.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/ddddd_zpseiyxuxdh.jpg

Now, non-tank pictures are pretty easy......A few of my best friend patiently waiting for me to finish with the camera:

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/ffffff_zpstp6xpnk5.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/zzzzzz_zpsptcwbhru.jpg

[Second Hand Pat]

Nice pics Rick for not being able to find the "take the damn picture" button. You could also try using the speedlight. You simply mount it on top of the camera, turn it on and point the speedlight towards the ceiling. The camera will handle the rest. :) If you point the speedlight towards the fish you get something like this which the fish do not care for.

95553

[nc0gnet0]

Nice pics Rick for not being able to find the "take the damn picture" button. You could also try using the speedlight. You simply mount it on top of the camera, turn it on and point the speedlight towards the ceiling. The camera will handle the rest. :) If you point the speedlight towards the fish you get something like this which the fish do not care for.

95553

I tired the speed light, could not get it to fire. Maybe the batteries are dead. I hate what these digital cameras do with the onboard flash, that whole fire once/meter, fire again/meter and on the third try snap a pic. By the time the flash goes off the third time, the fish are doing about 90 mph....lol. I have the same problem with my Olympus lol.

[nc0gnet0]

Ok got new batteries and played around with the speed flash. After I got the hang of how to position the flash, I found myself cursing a lot less :)

I think this pic is the best:

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/5234_zpsxxejprpe.jpg

Now in these shots there is some meth blue in the tank so the color is a bit off:

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/3243_zps91kr4yke.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/1212_zpsy13pkit9.jpg

And the rest

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/222222_zpsqeamepds.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/33333_zpsz0brivxm.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/4444_zpswyczp50u.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/5555_zpsfrukngin.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/5555555_zps3jeg7flo.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/88888_zpsbgeheiss.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/1313_zpsig9qyis3.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/8989_zpsoqt8doko.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/6743_zpskti8bazf.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/6565_zpsy9rrcoiq.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/3434_zps01ksmzua.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/8521_zpsssxhivs3.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/7980_zpsme5z5ocg.jpg

[nc0gnet0]

Ok, With a paper towel diffuser. On some of these I actually used two layers of towel. I am no longer pointing the flash at the ceiling, rather right at the target. Neat trick, to all those amateurs like myself in line for this camera I highly recommend it.

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/13_zpsambe11xx.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/34_zpskkcuqsbl.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/14_zpsyz1tfcbg.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/15_zpsvjaxztqs.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/17_zpsxzuhv3ux.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/18_zpsgqihtlxx.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/20_zpse2dssbvj.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/21_zpsvwf5qrwj.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/23_zpszy84vpie.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/24_zpsupm3jvqo.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/25_zpseqtv26ix.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/27_zpsekjggrwk.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/28_zpsewuajzsh.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/29_zpsfzlvmr2b.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/30_zpstb8rvgup.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/31_zpsloqwxhsz.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/32_zps82lg7oe2.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/33_zpssuide2vh.jpg

[nc0gnet0]

Just two more pics until I send this camera on it's way to Matt..........

http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/5678_zpsrcwrupya.jpg
http://i567.photobucket.com/albums/ss118/nc0gnet0/6567_zpsk3tclty2.jpg

[Discus-n00b]

Only had the camera for about an hour now. My first impression was holy crap, this is so small and light. And then it honestly took me at least 3minutes to figure out how to turn it on. I know Al said don't compare it to what you are using today, but for me it's hard not to. Not as a side by side breakdown but more so a shock to the system type of thing. Really makes me appreciate what I have now tbh. Not that this isn't a good camera, I've actually found it may show better color range than my Canon (go figure, this 10 year old Pentax probably has more dynamic range than my Canon ;)). The little things pop to me, there is no scale in my viewfinder to tell me what my exposure is looking like so I can't just roll a wheel and watch a tick on a timeline, I actually have to shoot, adjust, shoot more than usual. Using the flash I feel like I need to go to my camera and try my flashes now because maybe I've been using them wrong for certain applications this whole time. If I have to pick it apart on the first day I'd say the auto focus is as slow as christmas and often misses faster fish like my clowns or things that may move especially when handheld. There is a good bit of noise as you raise fstops that you probably wouldn't see until double that number these days, but it takes pretty good pictures for being 10 years old. Am specifically impressed at how it holds pretty true color, especially in my SW tank under LEDs where I struggle to take pics with my own camera.

These are straight out, only resized.
95687
95688
95689
95690
95691

I didn't lead with this because I didn't want to freak anyone out but want to show my reluctance to receive the camera. You know, after you do this at work today you are quite nervous picking up any other camera the rest of the day. Tripod leg gave out and over it went! But I reluctantly, very nervously, and carefully unwrapped the traveling camera without incident. Fun day...time will tell if the one below is ok. Will definitely need a new LCD...secretly I just wanted the company to upgrade.....
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/clemmatt/IMG_3613_zpsm562bfwc.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/clemmatt/IMG_3614_zps5aldiy9i.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/clemmatt/IMG_3615_zpswnumsi6q.jpg

[rickztahone]

It amazes me what kind of pictures I could pull out of this camera. Although many would call this camera outdated, it gave me a great refresher on getting out of the mentality that gear is everything. If I have learned nothing else from this experience it is that, and that alone has made the whole thing worth it for me. I had fun just walking around with the camera and not being paranoid about getting mugged or something, lol. Not that I wanted to get mugged with this camera, but this camera is far less intrusive and doesn't scream, TOP OF THE LINE! You decide for yourself, is this camera still capable of good pictures? Here's a teaser of the set I took with this camera. I am beat today and will try to edit some shots but tomorrow I should be able to knock them all out:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1523/25367382414_e08581d67f_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EDCt1j)Shutters on the Beach and Casa Del Mar (https://flic.kr/p/EDCt1j) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

This was an 8 photo stitch. Only corrections I had to do was WB as the Daylight wasn't that true to the naked eye, and I had to clone out some sensor dust spots which are now gone btw, I cleaned it for you Al. All stitched in photoshop. Orientation had to be rotated a bit which was weird as that had never happened prior, but the horizon shift made the shot look more natural. Brought out some color via saturation, and there was enough information on the RAW file to pull out some really great colors. This was close to sunset and the light is almost 100% representative of how it looked.

Btw, the hotel on the left is actually my place of work :). That is the infamous "Shutters on the Beach Hotel" and to the right of it is our sister hotel "Casa del Mar". The two most expensive hotels to stay at in Santa Monica for the night :). My mother happens to work at Casa Del Mar and boy does she have some stories about this place. It is one of the oldest buildings in Santa Monica. It was built in 1903. It has been many things, one of which was a convalescence home, a mental institution, a rehab center, and opened as Hotel Casa Del Mar in 1999. Shutters on the Beach was opened in 1993, so although we are older in opening, the Casa building is much older overall.

Consider this the teaser, more to come!

[rickztahone]

One more before I'm off to bed. The Santa Monica Pleasure pier Merry-go-round. Established circa 1922 :). 3 photo stitch
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1608/25371951383_d29c533d66_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EE2TcD)Santa Monica Merr-Go-Round (https://flic.kr/p/EE2TcD) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[brewmaster15]

It amazes me what kind of pictures I could pull out of this camera. Although many would call this picture outdated, it gave me a great refresher on getting out of the mentality that gear is everything. If I have learned nothing else from this experience it is that, and that alone has made the whole thing worth it for me. I had fun just walking around with the camera and not being paranoid about getting mugged or something, lol. Not that I wanted to get mugged with this camera, but this camera is far less intrusive and doesn't scream, TOP OF THE LINE! You decide for yourself, is this camera still capable of good pictures? Here's a teaser of the set I took with this camera. I am beat today and will try to edit some shots but tomorrow I should be able to knock them all out:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1523/25367382414_e08581d67f_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EDCt1j)Shutters on the Beach and Casa Del Mar (https://flic.kr/p/EDCt1j) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

This was an 8 photo stitch. Only corrections I had to do was WB as the Daylight wasn't that true to the naked eye, and I had to clone out some sensor dust spots which are now gone btw, I cleaned it for you Al. All stitched in photoshop. Orientation had to be rotated a bit which was weird as that had never happened prior, but the horizon shift made the shot look more natural. Brought out some color via saturation, and there was enough information on the RAW file to pull out some really great colors. This was close to sunset and the light is almost 100% representative of how it looked.

Btw, the hotel on the left is actually my place of work :). That is the infamous "Shutters on the Beach Hotel" and to the right of it is our sister hotel "Casa del Mar". The two most expensive hotels to stay at in Santa Monica for the night :). My mother happens to work at Casa Del Mar and boy does she have some stories about this place. It is one of the oldest buildings in Santa Monica. It was built in 1903. It has been many things, one of which was a convalescence home, a mental institution, a rehab center, and opened as Hotel Casa Del Mar in 1999. Shutters on the Beach was opened in 1993, so although we are older in opening, the Casa building is much older overall.

Consider this the teaser, more to come!

Nicely done my friend! you took an old camera and created a beautiful new Picture!:)



it gave me a great refresher on getting out of the mentality that gear is everything. If I have learned nothing else from this experience it is that, and that alone has made the whole thing worth it for me. I had fun just walking around with the camera excellent!:)

al

[rickztahone]

You guys are probably tired of Pano's, but this is the last one, I promise. This was 7 stitch. This is my exact view every day when I go on my lunch break. :)
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1623/25985619296_db899eabd1_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FAg6hU)Santa Monica Pier Pano (https://flic.kr/p/FAg6hU) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[rickztahone]

So, let me take you on a journey down the Santa Monica board walk.

This shot is as soon as I exit from my job. It is the white building on the left. This view shows the way to Venice Beach. Behind me is towards the Santa Monica Pier, and that is where we are headed...
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1617/25392612113_b7268e17b3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFRLV8)IMGP4563 (https://flic.kr/p/EFRLV8) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

As you walk down the boardwalk, you see A LOT of people working out in Muscle Beach. The tight rope guys are pretty entertaining:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1699/25721066370_021acb0ee9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FbTbVy)IMGP4585 (https://flic.kr/p/FbTbVy) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

The Rings are also always a huge hit:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1452/25392611853_f08b23257f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFRLQD)IMGP4593 (https://flic.kr/p/EFRLQD) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Getting closer to the Pier:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1624/25388948384_f9f578a3a6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFwZPo)IMGP4583 (https://flic.kr/p/EFwZPo) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Oddly enough, the most popular place to eat by the sand is this super old "Hot dog on a stick":
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1622/25721066180_0dae1babc2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FbTbSh)IMGP4597 (https://flic.kr/p/FbTbSh) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

On the way up to the Pier. You will recognize the Merry-Go-Round in the background from my previous stitched shot:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1702/25900908042_fb46026d8e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FsLVA3)IMGP4600 (https://flic.kr/p/FsLVA3) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Soda Jerks. Named as such for the way they used to have to serve soda. They'd have to shake it up and add the carbonation by hand.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1615/25721065840_4dbe4dba73_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FbTbLq)IMGP4611 (https://flic.kr/p/FbTbLq) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Right on the corner of the Merry-Go-Round (or right below it rather) you have the Aquarium!
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1679/25392611443_2d11bdf7fc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFRLHz)IMGP4609 (https://flic.kr/p/EFRLHz) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

All the next few are on the actual pier itself:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1565/25900907662_b3bec039a2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FsLVtu)IMGP4613 (https://flic.kr/p/FsLVtu) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1516/25388947284_78f230ed2f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFwZuq)IMGP4614 (https://flic.kr/p/EFwZuq) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

To say this walkway is heavily packed daily would be an understatement. Fun fact, before, you would be able to walk ALL through this whole ramp. They've recently added the sidewalk blocked with the huge roadblocks. Safety I suppose but skaters and bikers used to fly down the ramp at top speeds before.
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1691/25392610873_e28056ba16_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFRLxK)IMGP4616 (https://flic.kr/p/EFRLxK) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

an overall view of the Pier:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1568/25926841491_944fde3d32_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Fv4QGt)IMGP4617 (https://flic.kr/p/Fv4QGt) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Bye Bye Yacht Harbor:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1714/25388946934_c5fdfab307_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFwZoo)IMGP4619 (https://flic.kr/p/EFwZoo) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Bonus LifeGuard shot:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1509/25900906462_89108f9630_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FsLV7N)IMGP4642 (https://flic.kr/p/FsLV7N) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[rickztahone]

The next 3 shots aren't as wowing as the previous ones, but they are shots of my father-in-laws 1965 Chevy Impala we have been working on for a few years now. He is currently doing the upholstery. Couldn't get really good shots here as the positioning of the car isn't the greatest, and turning it on to move it takes about half the tank of gas, lol.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1689/25388948924_a23f539fc2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFwZYG)IMGP4552 (https://flic.kr/p/EFwZYG) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1458/25392612243_ed51752023_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFRLXn)IMGP4559 (https://flic.kr/p/EFRLXn) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Upholstery work:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1465/25900908872_e6a965f896_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FsLVQm)IMGP4557 (https://flic.kr/p/FsLVQm) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[rickztahone]

Lastly, I couldn't have sent the camera back without shots of my discus:
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1477/25900909282_94ec339d7a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FsLVXq)IMGP4522 (https://flic.kr/p/FsLVXq) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1474/25388948984_d9358cfdb1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFwZZJ)IMGP4528 (https://flic.kr/p/EFwZZJ) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1675/25388949244_42e96e358e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFx15d)IMGP4518 (https://flic.kr/p/EFx15d) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

He's my favorite so you get 2 pics!
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1692/25388949344_e535217c3f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFx16W)IMGP4517 (https://flic.kr/p/EFx16W) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1695/25926843851_ca6480c926_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Fv4Rpa)IMGP4516 (https://flic.kr/p/Fv4Rpa) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

Different discus than previous one. Notice the short right fin?
https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1680/25721067900_32f2a3f20b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FbTcnW)IMGP4506 (https://flic.kr/p/FbTcnW) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1477/25392613173_7f23836697_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EFRMep)IMGP4504 (https://flic.kr/p/EFRMep) by Rick Vasquez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/138339753@N07/), on Flickr

[RogueDiscus]

OK, here's a few first tries.9620496205

[RogueDiscus]

9620696207

The same tulips, later in the day.

[RogueDiscus]

96218962199622096221

So, I had to raise the brightness on these in the computers edit program. They contrast is a bit harsh.
If you look close you can see the little guys. 2 days free swimming.

[RogueDiscus]

A view from down the road a bit.

96238

You can see our Table Rocks in the distance. Their top used to be an ancient sea bed. Much older than the surrounding geology.

[RogueDiscus]

OK, finally got a few more fish in focus. New eggs today!

963019630296303

[RogueDiscus]

Well, here's a view the other direction. And Chloe...

9630496305

[RogueDiscus]

Last few pictures. I had trouble holding still enough, but I've inculded some anyway.

96339963409634196342963439634496345

[Debow]

So I was able to get a few pictures that came out o.k still learning how to use this thing lol. Took a few car shots, fish shots and some decorations on my porch. The weather is not so fair this weekend so probably wont get any good landscape shots.
964269642496427964289642996430

[Debow]

Well Looks like I'm getting the hang of this aperture and shutter speed deal. I took some better pictures of the fish and some salt water shots. Pretty overcast day but I was able to snap a shot of the blue sky poking out. Hope I don't flood you guys with too many pictures, it's just nice to be able to take nice pictures. You see things is such a different way.

96437964389643996440964419644296443964449644596446

[Debow]

Some pictures for all of you in the warmer regions. We were blessed with a small snow storm last night and figured I'd share some good old New England weather. First two pictures were taken Saturday after a rain shower the rest today. Nothing like April snow showers killing May flowers!
96450964539645196452

[RichT]

I was able to play around with the camera. Overall impression is that it is fully capable of taking some great photos. In my case the only downside is the operator. here are a few samples.

[rickztahone]

They are rather large but can't resize at this moment.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/fishing/Dave%20fish.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/fishing/jeff.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/fishing/sunset.jpg

[laborelch]

Ok, here the pictures I took over the weekend (sorry, no discus here anymore ... and my apology to the mods - won't let me insert pictures directly - says it's an invalid file format - although it's jpg.)
Tulips:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/tulip.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/tulip2.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/tulip3.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/tulip4.jpg

spring flowers:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/flowers.jpg

random spider on BBQ knob
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/spider.jpg

And finally - fish:
random bubbles
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/bubbles.jpg
loaches and rainbows:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/loach.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/loach2.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/rainbow.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/rainbow3.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/rainbow4.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/rainbow5.jpg

Camera will be off to Manny tomorrow :-)

[rickztahone]

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/tulip.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/tulip2.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/tulip3.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/tulip4.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/flowers.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/spider.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/bubbles.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/loach.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/loach2.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/rainbow.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/rainbow3.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/rainbow4.jpg
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/9372019/sd%20pics/rainbow5.jpg

Your rainbow shots are excellent and the rainbows themselves are beautiful! TFS

[tunerhead24]

A few of the shots were edited with lightroom cc. I wish I had more time but with work and studying to become an ASE tech i barely have time for my discus let alone myself.

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn305/tunerhead24/IMGP5399_zpsfcozk7ts.jpg (http://s307.photobucket.com/user/tunerhead24/media/IMGP5399_zpsfcozk7ts.jpg.html)

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn305/tunerhead24/IMGP5409_zpsvmcirq6r.jpg (http://s307.photobucket.com/user/tunerhead24/media/IMGP5409_zpsvmcirq6r.jpg.html)

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn305/tunerhead24/IMGP5420_zps4pcf5m05.jpg (http://s307.photobucket.com/user/tunerhead24/media/IMGP5420_zps4pcf5m05.jpg.html)

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn305/tunerhead24/IMGP5426_zpse5ko0umm.jpg (http://s307.photobucket.com/user/tunerhead24/media/IMGP5426_zpse5ko0umm.jpg.html)

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn305/tunerhead24/IMGP5429_zpsuvgpgu9k.jpg (http://s307.photobucket.com/user/tunerhead24/media/IMGP5429_zpsuvgpgu9k.jpg.html)

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn305/tunerhead24/IMGP5434_zpslumx228q.jpg (http://s307.photobucket.com/user/tunerhead24/media/IMGP5434_zpslumx228q.jpg.html)

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn305/tunerhead24/IMGP5437_zps7kxytlna.jpg (http://s307.photobucket.com/user/tunerhead24/media/IMGP5437_zps7kxytlna.jpg.html)

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn305/tunerhead24/IMGP5448_zpsumyqofew.jpg (http://s307.photobucket.com/user/tunerhead24/media/IMGP5448_zpsumyqofew.jpg.html)

[dghby]

So a couple of Pics without fooling to much with the camera. back to work for a few days so most pics coming this weekend.
I can see already I need to give the glass a good cleaning if I plan on sharing anymore fish pics.
http://i1263.photobucket.com/albums/ii629/disc1961/063_zpsnudpsx3c.jpg (http://s1263.photobucket.com/user/disc1961/media/063_zpsnudpsx3c.jpg.html)

http://i1263.photobucket.com/albums/ii629/disc1961/064_zpsdc06zef7.jpg (http://s1263.photobucket.com/user/disc1961/media/064_zpsdc06zef7.jpg.html)

http://i1263.photobucket.com/albums/ii629/disc1961/065_zpsbr81befx.jpg (http://s1263.photobucket.com/user/disc1961/media/065_zpsbr81befx.jpg.html)

http://i1263.photobucket.com/albums/ii629/disc1961/066_zpspuxihfui.jpg (http://s1263.photobucket.com/user/disc1961/media/066_zpspuxihfui.jpg.html)

http://i1263.photobucket.com/albums/ii629/disc1961/068_zpslghbxyeg.jpg (http://s1263.photobucket.com/user/disc1961/media/068_zpslghbxyeg.jpg.html)

[dghby]

So finishing up with the camera today. Ricardo can you let me know who's next on the list?
these first Pictures some might recognize this guy. he is the center of attention for the stickied thread in the Disease section. I had thought he had hole in the head, Al diagnosed it as a localized bacterial infection. I ended up taken him out of the tank and swabbing him with hydrogen peroxide and then just daily water changes. if you check out that thread you will see how huge the hole was. he has really recovered nicely. no more hole, and really un detectable!!!!!
97428
97429
97430

[dghby]

finally got "Chance" to get positioned for a few pics. Chance was named because when we bought him, we actually bought as a female. but at a young age Erectus Seahorses are difficult to sex with certainty.
it was a 50/50 "Chance". male Seahorses get pregnant and carry the eggs in a pouch, which is visible in these pictures. the yellow/white one you seen early is the female. (yes we wanted 2 females, to stay away from pregnancy) Oh well
97431
97432
97433

[dghby]

A few final Pics, weather did not cooperate around here so I didn't get outside like I wanted too.

97437

97438

97439

97440

97441

97436

97434

97435