what photography related item did you buy this week?

[WT21]

I would not use USPS right now. I was sent a check by express mail. It's lost somewhere. My daughters college books failed to arrive on time. I got a letter a few days ago with an RSVP in December. I don't know what's going on, but USPS is broken right now.

 

[Brownie]

I would not use USPS right now. I was sent a check by express mail. It's lost somewhere. My daughters college books failed to arrive on time. I got a letter a few days ago with an RSVP in December. I don't know what's going on, but USPS is broken right now.

What's going on is the new boss of the USPS was told to get costs in line and he's cut OT. The result is the blue flu.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

My stuff from USPS was delayed for a few weeks, but it all arrived safely.

 

[PhotoCal]

My stuff from USPS was delayed for a few weeks, but it all arrived safely.

I bought two items that, according to USPS tracking, were to be delivered January 23.

The first item arrived a week early. The second item arrived yesterday.

 

[SpecFoto]

I bought and received a Sony AF 20mm f1.8 G lens for my FF system, $795 with 2 day delivery and tax by dealer, and will sell the Tamron 17-28 f2.8 zoom. This lens has been out for about 8 months and all reviews say it is sharp as all heck, even in the corners, relatively lightweight and about the size/weight of one of the Olympus Pro f1.2 lenses, it takes the same 67mm filter as 3 of my others Sony/Zeiss lenses. This is lens that I wish was made by Olympus/OMD Solutions for M4/3 (10mm for M4/3). Don't know why Olympus never made a sharp 10mm semi fast rectilinear lens, as many have asked for it.

 

[Aushiker]

Received today a Peak Designs Cuff and a Peak Designs Dual Plate. Both come from digiDirect via eBay.

 

[Gromit]

I talked to my doctor about chronic GAS, and he said to try an antacid. I‘ve been buying and selling antacid ever since in an effort to find the best one. It doesn’t help that the antacid forums are overrun by Pepcid fanboys.

Post of the year so far!!!!

 

[Gromit]

Whilst I quite liked the Nokton 35-1.4, I was never really happy with it. It wide-open 'glow' was really just plain darn soft, and didn't really start to sing until f4. Picked up this tiny Ultron 35 as a replacement - a lens which is causing a bit of stir in rangefinder circles...

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[ChuckG]

I picked up an extra battery for my Panasonic G85 this week. Saving up to buy the Panasonic 100-300.

 

[agentlossing]

Whilst I quite liked the Nokton 35-1.4, I was never really happy with it. It wide-open 'glow' was really just plain darn soft, and didn't really start to sing until f4. Picked up this tiny Ultron 35 as a replacement - a lens which is causing a bit of stir in rangefinder circles...

View attachment 869832 View attachment 869833

Man, that M240 is a pretty camera... Interested to see some more samples of this lens and how much it compares to the Skopar 35 2.5, which is what I'm shooting with. Probably sharper, but I can hardly find anything wrong with the Skopar.

 

[Shadetree]

What's going on is the new boss of the USPS was told to get costs in line and he's cut OT. The result is the blue flu.

Guess that's the reason my mail is getting here later than usual, one day it was 8:30 PM.

 

[Gromit]

Man, that M240 is a pretty camera... Interested to see some more samples of this lens and how much it compares to the Skopar 35 2.5, which is what I'm shooting with. Probably sharper, but I can hardly find anything wrong with the Skopar.

Nice choice re the Skopar - I've never used one, but have it on good authority (Matt Osborne being one) that it's a bit special. I'm tempted by the 21 f4 - not only does it appear to perform well, it's not expensive and it's utterly beautiful - and tiny.

Just off for a photo-walk down to our local woods in the morning sunshine with the 240 and Ultron. I'll post up in 'FF' thread the results.

 

[AlexMachine]

2 eyecups for my EM5 mkII. Worst design ever. The fall off all the time. I think I have lost 2 or 3 all ready. Usually when I take camara off the bag.

 

[RichardC]

2 eyecups for my EM5 mkII. Worst design ever. The fall off all the time. I think I have lost 2 or 3 all ready. Usually when I take camara off the bag.

They must have copied it from the EM5 mk1 then

 

[Andy H.]

Maybe you haven't learned your lesson until you try Oly 17mm f 1.2

That will never happen unless you decide to give me yours!

 

[Toddster]

An Olympus LH-70B lens hood for my 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 ZD 4/3. The beast is complete.

 

[PhotoCal]

I picked up an extra battery for my Panasonic G85 this week. Saving up to buy the Panasonic 100-300.

You're going to need the aftermarket lens collar, too.
Personally, I'd recommend the Olympus 75-300, which is lighter, less expensive and just as good IQ. The wider FL comes in handy.

I bought another book about bird biology and behavior. Knowing your subject is a great way to improve your photography!

I think I'm transitioning from "a photographer who shoots birds" to a "birder who takes pictures". On my last outting I didn't even bring a camera (other than my smartphone).

 

[Brownie]

More shipping horror! I got home Friday to find the 'package' with my 1948 Argus Argoflex E on the table. Good God, who would do this? I immediately thought of @danelkins shipment from B&H. This wasn't as bad as that and it was from an ebayer, so maybe not a surprise.

I opened the unpadded envelope to find another unpadded envelope, then the case. Thankfully Argus made good cases and tough cameras, it seems none the worse for wear and in fact looks almost new. A good cleanup of the lenses/viewing screen and a general wipe down and it'll be ready to shoot.

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[agentlossing]

Looks quite nice! What format is that?

 

[Brownie]

Looks quite nice! What format is that?

Most of the Argoflex E cameras (not to be confused with the Argoflex 40 or 75) will take 620 or 120. Some of the very late ones and the 'II', 'EM', and 'EF' versions require modification for 120. This is a late one but it should be fine with a 620 take-up spool. So far I've been lucky in that every vintage camera I've purchased has come with a take up spool.