A Monk In Time

My pal at work who I meet up with at lunchtimes for a bit of photography bought an Olympus EM-1 yesterday, as he hasn't really got on with the camera that he bought earlier in the year, and it has affected his enthusiasm for taking pictures.

So he made the momentous and expensive decision to go and buy the model of camera that I use. He's been impressed with the camera's features and the customer service that Olympus provide, so he wanted to join the club. He's also pleased that I can offer help and advice on settings etc, as I've had mine almost since it came out.

So this lunchtime we decided to visit the castle, so that he could take some photos and I could give him a bit of training on how to get the best out of the camera.  Whilst we were walking around the grounds, we came across this 'monk' who was telling some visitors a tale about the history of the castle and its involvement in religion.

A good subject to photograph, as the actor was quite expressive and didn't mind being photographed. So we both took some photos, me with my 45mm lens and my pal with his 12-40mm. He was pleased with the results and the camera appears to have sparked his interest in photography again, which is brilliant.

He's not entirely sure what he is going to do with his other camera yet. He may trade it in, so he can buy some more lenses, or simply keep it for now, or pass it to his son.

Question Time

TV reporter Dominic Littlewood was in town tonight, asking people about what they thought of terms and conditions set out by companies.

Are they fair for the consumer, or stacked towards the company?

Fortunately he didn't ask me, as I wouldn't really know what to say, except I think they are   created for the firm's benefit. Non cancellable hotel rooms. A very short time to return items.

At least with laws like the Sale of Goods Act, consumers do get some protection. But sometimes even that can go wrong.

I was planning to go somewhere tonight, and was heading that way, when I had a change of mind, and decided not to go. While I was walking across the Old Market Square, I saw a small crowd of people. So I thought to myself, what's going on. So I headed towards the people and realised that there was some filming going on. I wondered if it was Notts TV, as they are always out and about. But no, it was a familiar face from the TV. Although I sometimes get him mixed up with comedian Andy Parsons.

Sharp Shooter

I had a pleasant discovery during my regular visits to one of our local charity shops the other day, when I came across this vintage camera from the 1950s, for the bargain price of £4.99.

I have no idea whether it works or not. There is a film inside, which has been partially used. I just wonder how long it's been in there and whether it's any good. I may try finishing it off and send it for developing. It may be a waste of money, but would exciting as to what might be on there.

The camera is a Zeiss Ikon Nettar, and was made in Stuttgart, West Germany. And came with a leather case. Both are in good condition and the camera is very nice to look at. I just have to work out how to set the dials.

Oddsocks

Pagan Pride today up at the Arboretum. The yearly gathering of Pagans and non Pagans enjoying the good weather, the music and the love of the worlds oldest religion.

Last year when we went, it chucked it down with rain, and we had to shelter under a tree for a while, until it stopped. This year there was no problem with the sun not shining.

I was watching and photographing a local band called Cadence Noir, when I saw this girl appear with a camera and started doing the same. What interested me wasn't the camera she was using, but the fact that she had different socks on her feet. And where were her shoes?

Camera Man

I was given an old camera today. An Olympus OM 10. It's a film camera, one which my OMD is based.

Some time ago I signed up with a site called Freegle, as I had some stuff to give away that wouldn't be of any interest to a charity shop, and so every day I get emails about things that people want to off load. It can be anything; old pallets, furniture, material, even computers. So I was quite pleased to read about the Olympus.

I've put some new batteries in and found out that it seems to work OK. I will have to try it with a film to see if it takes any pictures.

It comes with a 50mm f1.8 lens, which although slightly battered, looks in good condition and with no fungus growing inside.

The Bear Essentials

Whilst waiting for the show to begin, I noticed that someone had put their little teddy bear on the red carpet and I bet had taken a photo of it.

The person must have been a photographer; as there were a lot about, as the teddy has a little camera round his neck. I think it might be a special edition Leica, as it doesn't look like the usual big black lump of a Nikon or Canon.

One Man And His Camera

This is a photographer friend of mine called Robert. Like me, he was covering the St George's Day celebrations in the Old Market Square.  Unlike me, I think he was being paid for it, as he and his girlfriend Julie cover such events for the city council.

Robert also likes taking photos of bands. And can often be seen snapping musicians in a local pub most Fridays & Saturdays.

To see some of Robert's work, here's a LINK to his Facebook page. Enjoy!

Goodies, And More Goodies

Gail and I popped over to the NEC in Birmingham for the annual photographic extravaganza that is Focus on Imaging.

This is the third year that we have been. Last year my brother from Australia came with us, as he was over here on holiday at the time, so he was fortunate with the timing, as he enjoys photography himself.

As we are mainly using our Olympus OMD's at the moment, I had a couple of lenses on my shopping list that I wanted to try out.

The first was the Sigma 30mm f2.8. I am after a general purpose everyday lens, and this one just about matches the 'nifty fifty' prime lens that every photographer should own. And a bargain too at £95.

The other is a bit more exotic and fun; the Samyang 7.5mm f3.5 fish eye.  I was keen to try it, as another photographer that I am in contact with on Facebook, and is also an OMD user, has one and has been putting up some very nice examples of what it can do without the photos looking too silly.

There was a Samyang stand at the show, where you could try the lenses out. So of course I popped the one made for Micro Four Thirds cameras and gave it a quick go. As you can see it gives a slightly distorted view of the world.

I was quite impressed with it, so decided to spend my birthday money on one. So you can expect to see some weird and wonderful views of Nottingham in the near future.

Friday Fun

Well, it's the end of the week, and as we have been off, the time has gone very quickly.  the last couple of days of freedom before going back to work next week.

No new photos taken, so this one was taken a couple of weeks ago at a market in the city centre. Although it looks like a illustration, it is actually a photograph. Taken with my OM-D, and using one of the special 18 art filters it has on offer.

Have a great weekend.

Blast From The Past

In this age of digital cameras, I was somewhat bemused to see this chap taking a photo of the beach in the Old Market Square using a film camera.

But a special one at that, as I think it is a Rolleiflex. Not that I am an expert on cameras, just remember seeing them being used by the likes of David Bailey in films and documentaries etc from the 1960s.

I had thought about striking up a conversation with him and finding out more about his enjoyment of photography, but I didn't want to break his concentration, while he was composing his picture through the unique vertical viewfinder.