tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24191231109680022202024-02-08T12:38:53.011-08:00My Ramblings:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-54681807876931858062008-03-05T05:23:00.000-08:002008-03-05T05:29:34.058-08:00Good intentionsWell I started this blog with the best of intentions, much like a lot of my projects, and it's fallen by the whey side.<br /><br />I've recently pulled the Katana out of storage and am again seriously looking at getting it finished. Tonight I'll be starting a shopping list of all the bits I need and ordering some parts. As usual a lot of the parts will be special order and will doubtless take weeks to arrive so I'll be ordering them now even if I don't actually need them yet.<br /><br />Project Gixxer is also alive and well once again but in a different vein. I'm now looking for a second Katana to allow me to modify the frame etc to accept the GSXR motor and running gear etc. Should make for an interesting ride.<br /><br />I will be selling my beloved SV650K4 to fund these two, I hardly ever ride it and it's just sitting idle and deserves to go to someone who will use it as intended. Should clear £3k for this and it's all going to be swallowed up by the two projects. <br /><br />The finished Katana [86] will have cost me around £4k but then it's worth it to me, it will be fully original and like a new bike by the time I've finished.<br /><br />That's all for now, I'll start updating this blog again on a regular basis and keep some shots posted along the way.<br /><br /><br />H4rri<br />~~<br />w: <a href=http://www.randomphotos.net>www.randomphotos.net</a>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-79213157183275228222008-01-09T04:22:00.000-08:002008-01-09T04:25:59.879-08:00Been a whileWow, what with illness and Christmas it's been a while since I've posted!<br /><br />Nothing really new to report, the weather has been awful which means I've been hiding indoors playing the PS3 or 360 and haven't been out to get any photographs for ages now. Project Gixxer has been stalled but I'm hoping to have it back in one piece before March then get rid of it. I also need to get my Katana back together again and on the road for this year.<br /><br />The SV is up for it's first MOT and I haven't even put 800 miles on it in three years! My Freelander needs an MOT too and my Fabia vRS is playing up with it's battery flattening all the time. With all this to deal with it's going to be a busy month!<br /><br /><br /><br />H4rri<br />~~<br /><a href=http://www.randomphotos.net>www.randomphotos.net</a>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-33912251324231011612007-11-13T09:25:00.000-08:002007-11-13T09:30:48.446-08:00Apple iPhoneSo I bought one this weekend on impulse, wasn't really looking for a new phone but liked the look of it when I played with one in my local O2 store. Nice little touch that they had alot of functional units with WiFi access etc. Made the difference, if it had been a plastic replica I probably wouldn't have bought one.<br /><br />I'm seriously impressed with this little device, when I manage to tear myself away from youtube and use the other functions I'm amazed. The camera, although it has no zoom or flash, is good enough for everday shots. The sms chat layout is superb and easy to follow. The Google maps, weather and stocks pages are another handy little feature.<br /><br />As my missus said, I've not had a phone before which has held my interest this long. Normally I play for an hour tops and put it down, still haven't put this down yet! The iPod portion has been hammered today.<br /><br />I'm uploading some photos to my galleries now and will update this with them when I get chance.<br /><br /><br />H4rri<br />~~<br /><a href=http://www.randomphotos.net>www.randomphotos.net</a>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-80857219715158689552007-11-11T04:21:00.000-08:002007-11-11T04:29:41.849-08:00Moving To The Dark Side - Part IIWas shopping this weekend and I spotted the iPhone in the O2 store, had a little play and decided to take the plunge and grab one. I am seriously impressed with this thing, I've been going crazy for YouTube since I brought it home and was checking my mail in McDonalds this morning LOL.<br /><br />I'll post some shots from the camera when I synch them but I have to say I'm impressed with them. Anyway, back to YouTube.<br /><br /><br />H4rri<br />~~<br /><a href=http://www.randomphotos.net>www.randomphotos.net</a>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-60148191246369052432007-11-08T05:37:00.000-08:002007-11-08T05:48:14.238-08:00Moving To The Dark SideOk,<br /><br />After all the shenanigans with my PC's lately and the simple way in which I deployed two Mac Mini's onto my network I slowly transitioning to a full Mac network. I had an issue with one of my legacy Netgear routers this week and I am really starting to lose my rag with the 2 dsl lines I have installed!<br /><br />I decided it's time to make the move, the 'dirty' machine I currently use will disappear. Its only used to test applications etc before I deploy them onto the network. With Mac's being less prone to virii etc I just won't need it. The server I currently run will be dropped for a *nix one simply to allow me to run more from it including network monitoring such as Nagios. Also alot cheaper than OS X Server!<br /><br />My missus will be running a Mac Mini dual booting XP [eugh!] for her gaming needs, I'll disable the network port under XP as she doesn't need to be online so it should be secure. She can use Leopard for browsing etc. Eventually I want to replace all the games with Mac versions and drop the XP partition but we'll see :)<br /><br />The last hurdle will be replacing my little Fujitsu tablet PC, I will miss the little thing. It's handy for meetings and general stuff but no good for processing photos on. I guess I'll get a new generation Mac Book Pro to replace that some time late next year.<br /><br />I also need to replace my lovely little hand made corner desk with a full size unit to allow us both to use our machines at once. I'll have to grab a new chair and display too, I'm toying with the idea of getting a nice apple cinema display but that's alot of £'s.<br /><br />Anyway, that's all for now, no dount there will be more on this later so tune in again soon.<br /><br /><br /><br />H4rri<br />~~<br /><a href=http://www.randomphotos.net>www.randomphotos.net</a>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-19437519671264543292007-11-03T08:17:00.000-07:002007-11-03T08:24:53.700-07:00Slimbridge RevisitedI like Slimbridge, it has a diverse range of birds there and allows you to get close to them. Here are a couple of the shots I've processed from my visit there last weekend.<br /><br /><a href=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/gallery/3764322#216674156><img src=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/photos/216674156-M.jpg></a><br /><br /><br /><a href=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/gallery/3764322#216674522><img src=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/photos/216674522-M.jpg></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/gallery/3764322#216674842><img src=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/photos/216674842-S.jpg></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/gallery/3764322#216675161><img src=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/photos/216675161-M.jpg></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/gallery/3764322#216675495><img src=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/photos/216675495-M.jpg></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/gallery/3764322#216675803><img src=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/photos/216675803-M.jpg></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />H4rri<br />~~<br /><a href=http://www.randomphotos.net>www.randomphotos.net</a>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-64157755003744095222007-11-03T08:09:00.000-07:002007-11-03T08:17:11.340-07:00HTPC - The long, ardous and expensive quest!All I want to be able to do is archive all my movies, TV shows and PVR recordings to a machine from which I can watch it. I don't want to have to plug in different units, encode them to different standards or use differing disks for each media. All I want to do is sit in front of the TV and press the remote to play the files.<br /><br />After an expensive quest, including a £400 Sony PS3, ending in a collection of odd units which won't play the files I decided to try the Mac Mini I bought some time ago [July 19th] and have never used. I researched it and installed something called Media Central on there, threw a couple of files at it and 'BAM!' plays them without issue! So at this point I starting throwing all my files at it to test it and it works on all the differing formats I have.<br /><br />Coupled with an Apple Remote [more on that shortly] it's an excellent one box silent solution! So I've moved the 1.83Ghz downstairs, purchased a 2Ghz unit [that I'm writing this on now] and looking for another for the missus to play her PC games on when dual booted with XP. So I'll be buying a 3rd Mini on Monday!<br /><br />Now I ordered the Mini on Wednesday and chucked an Apple Remote into my basket without checking, the 2Ghz model ships with remote *sigh*. Nevermind though. at least I have a spare now :)<br /><br />Happy days, I'm currently catching up on all those shows I've been missing at long last.<br /><br /><br /><br />H4rri<br />~~<br /><a href=http://www.randomphotos.net>www.randomphotos.net</a>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-18319022198412460262007-10-29T09:17:00.000-07:002007-10-29T09:31:10.109-07:00Impulse buys & buyers remorse<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I've never really suffered from buyers remorse to any great degree. I did a little recently when I bought my Canon 5D, the problem was the weather was awful and I just didn't get to use it as much as I would have liked. This led to the feeling that I'd wasted my money, when I started to use it I lost the remorse.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Now I impulse buy a lot so you would think it would hit me a lot too, until recently I've been lucky and this weekend was a nice save. I decided to pop into PC World to check out the 15.4" MacBook Pro I would be ordering from Apple on Monday, I'm glad I did! The thing is I just didn't like it, the screen size, the layout or all the dead space around the whole thing!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I decided against buying one there and then and this got me to thinking about the fact it wouldn't actually have been a good purchase for me anyway. The questions I got to asking myself are:</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Would it help me take a better photograph?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Would it make me get out there more often?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Would it make me a better photographer generally?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">And ultimately the answer to them was *no*. Whilst I was wandering round Slimbridge though getting the 5D wet in the rain it dawned on me that a weather sealed body might tick all the boxes for me [or at least most of them]. Whilst it wouldn't directly make me a better photog it would help me become one. It would let me get out there more often as I wouldn't have to worry about the elements.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">So the search is on, I'm not about to blow £5k [Canon 1Ds Mk III] on something which is basically hobby kit so I'm looking at the older Canon 1Ds Mk II which is still a respectable standard. The 1D Mk III with it's 1.3x crop factor would affect my lense selection too badly so has been dropped off the radar.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I'm in the process of saving some cash to grab a 1D Mk II in the coming three months. In the meantime I've upgraded my 430 EX to a spanking new 580 EX II as I've been hankering after one of these for a while ;) Also grabbed an off-camera cord and a couple of sets of NiMh batteries to power the beast :)</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Happy days!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /><a href=http://www.randomphotos.net>www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-42740938522587422162007-10-24T03:01:00.000-07:002007-10-24T03:07:23.714-07:00The Long Drought<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Well I seem to have been in a long dry spell with respect to photography for at least 3 months now. I just don't seem to be getting out there and taking any photos, those I do take rarely make it past the digital lightbox. Does this mean I've lost the passion for the hobby? No! It simply means I have lost the passion for this area of the world. I'm not excited by any of the local spots anymore, we seem to have 'done them to death' meaning there's nothing new.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Well now as we wander [slowly] into Autumn it seems that the world around us is changing, the same familiar old scenes which have dropped off my radar are slowly creeping back in. The change in these will be seen through the foliage on the tree's, the barren landscapes and beautiful colours.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I will be heading to Slimbridge this weekend to get some quick shots on my way past then the weekend after I will be dropping into Stourhead for some fantastic Autumnal shots. Hopefully this, and the slower onset of winter, will rekindle my lagging passion for the area.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I was really looking forward to last winter, some amazing frost, snow and morning mist shots and it simply never happened. The winter was so mild we didn't get anything exciting at all.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I for one am looking forward to Winter with all it's cold frosty mornings :)</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-15996143217318753132007-10-23T04:42:00.000-07:002007-10-23T04:46:16.931-07:00Apple MacBook Pro - Part II<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Well just when I was ready to hit the buy button I get an email from Apple about Leopard! Seems if I wait till next week the MacBook will ship with it, if I grab it before I had to 'upgrade' to it and thats hassle I could do without. Will be waiting until tuesday or wednesday next week to order, should get it next day ready for the weekend. Will be going to Stourhead next weekend to get some Autumn shots as the first ones to run through Aperture on the Mac.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Hopefully, all being well, the MacBook will turn up and the weather will be perfect on the weekend. We know though that these things have a habit of going sour though so I'll wait and see!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a>www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-4232160923806337602007-10-22T08:48:00.000-07:002007-10-22T08:54:36.150-07:00Run Rabbit Run!<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">So it's started to get cold in the evenings now and the missus is worried about her rabbits being outside in it. We decided a while ago to build them a new hutch, run and outdoor enclosure. The hutch was to be double skinned and insulated to combat cold. The problem is with the awful weather we have been having I just haven't had chance to even get the footings in.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">So we made the decision to insulate the current affair this Saturday, off down to the local builders merchant to grab some 1" insulation and 4mm plywood to get started. The problems came when they only had 2" insulation so we decided to go with that, when I got home I realised the futility of my plan when I installed the first studwork using the planed 2x1 I had spare. It's planed meaning it's no longer 2" deep, hence the insulation is too damn thick!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Anyway we plodded on and after another trip to the builders merchants for ply we now have an upstairs area fully insulated with 2" polysytrene block and lined with 4mm plywood. They have been using the area alot more now so it muct be warmer. Was a long day but worth it in the end :)</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">They seem alot happier now and enjoyed the day spent in the garden keeping the grass down for me. I'm currently suffering though with a seriously painful back after working all day in such cramped conditions.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-10378714132385802402007-10-17T03:10:00.000-07:002007-10-17T03:25:10.822-07:00Apple MacBook Pro<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Well after struggling along with my PC based Fuji LifeBook tablet as a photo editing machine I've decided it's time to retire that part of it's role to a new machine. The problem with the tablet is that the native resolution is 1024 x 600, this means that most of the basic applications complain about the resolution. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I've found that to use Photoshop CS3 and Camera Raw I need to up the resolution to 1024 x 768 and scroll up and down the screen. This is do-able but not easy, it also makes it difficult to render larger images or process basic RAW's.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I will be getting an Apple MacBook Pro to perform this function from here on in, coupled with Apple Aperture this will be an amazing set-up. I use a Mac Mini at home with Aperture and it is superb.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">The dilema comes in when you look at the range of MacBooks available. I settled on the 'Pro' range for the additional power from the Intel Core Duo chipset and the newer graphics. I then needed to decide on the screen size, I used the following to decide:</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">15" Pro's;</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Backlit LCD</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Smaller form</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Lighter package [by 0.5Kg]</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">15" Cons;</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">No 'gloss' screen</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Lower resolution</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">17" Pros;</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Higher resolution screen</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Larger screen</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Gloss screen option available</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">17" Cons;</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Heavier</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Larger form [would need to replace all my bags]</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">£200 more expensive</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">No backlit LCD</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">So all in all I decided on the 15" model but then the decision on the version of the 15" raised it's ugly head! It's never easy is it but then I guess when you are spending £1300+ you need to be sure.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I decided that the 2.4Ghz version would be better in that it offered more HDD, more Graphics RAM and a faster processer for the extra price [£300]. So the decision is made and the search starts, where to get one as cheap as possible for new. I spotted a couple of 'refurbs' but the £100 saving didn't offset the 'refurb' label for me. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">So I decided to go with Apple direct, the fact we get 6% off with them swung it for me, a brand new unit for the price of a refurb! Add into that the 17% discount on Aperture and I'm a happy bunny with a new Mac being ordered early next week.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I'll update when I've used it in anger and do a mini review for you all.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-4739084940704003692007-10-12T08:45:00.000-07:002007-10-12T08:59:54.391-07:00Macro Studio - Part III<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Well, the 500w halogen lights were actually perfect for the job, they do cast alot of light and coupled with the MT24 [for fill-in] they produce some nice even results.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I've been experimenting with the various back drop colours and noticed straight off they all need ironing to remove the obvious crinkles! I also need to grab a sheet of glass to throw up reflections and keep the back drop flat.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Here are a couple of the shots from each test subject with the varied lighting applied,. Please do ignore the crinkles though, I was short on time and didn't fancy dragging the ironing board etc out.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Some old minidiscs:</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><br /><a href=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/gallery/3635911#207198781><br /><img src=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/photos/207198781-M.jpg></a><br /><br /><a href=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/gallery/3635911#207201526><br /><img src=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/photos/207201526-M.jpg></a></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">My Canon 17-40 f/4 L:</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a href=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/gallery/3635911#207199099><br /><img src=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/photos/207199099-M.jpg></a><br /><br /><a href=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/gallery/3635911#207199368><br /><img src=http://h4rri.smugmug.com/photos/207199368-M.jpg></a><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-13156366987807474562007-10-11T03:08:00.000-07:002007-10-11T03:13:25.434-07:00Logitech G25 Racing Wheel<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Decided [at long last] to treat myself to one of these, it's a newish model and has a seperate gearstick assembly meaning I can drive on the right side of the road ;)</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Hooked it up to the PS3 and checked a couple of the games I have available, imagine my suprise when I found it only works on the free download GT:HD! To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Tried a couple of demo downloads and they don't support it either as the option is greyed out for controls.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Also tried on the 360 and that only supports Microsoft wheels! Way to go M$! Will be getting all the new racer sims on the PS3 then, very short sighted of M$ and market limiting. Picked up a copy of Formula One : Championship Edition and this should work a treat. Will try it out later and hope to be immersed into the F1 championship in all it's glory.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">One issue is where do I mount the thing and how, really need a specific racing chair but thats a luxury I don't have the space for. I just don't use it enough to warrant such extravagence. At the moment it's mounted to a spare table so will see how that goes.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-9383975543720081122007-10-11T03:04:00.000-07:002007-10-11T03:08:28.165-07:00Macro Studio - Part II<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Managed to get hold of some 500W halogen work lights, still think they will be too much and I've only recently disposed of my Vari-AC [variable AC voltage transformer] which would have allowed me to dim them. I will give them a try tonight and see if I can diffuse them.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Hopefully I'll have a few test shots to showcase tomorrow if all goes well.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">The lights themselves were cheap [£11.99 each], managed to find them at Halfords, unfortunatelly they had a 1/3 off sale on a load of tools and toolboxes so I ended up spending £100 more than I intended too. Ah well, the spanners will give me something to Macro ;)</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-90143653954169438052007-10-08T05:46:00.000-07:002007-10-08T05:52:17.103-07:00Freelander Service<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Decided to change the oil on my Landrover Freelander TD4 this weekend. I had a couple of long[ish] trips in it the other day and it was the first real distance I'd covered in it since getting it. When I checked the oil level it was fine but the oil itself was like treacle! </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">So I grabbed some oil, filters and a new set of wipers. Couldn't get the air or fuel filters so they are on order and will be done at a later date. Read the manual and decided it was a 30 minute job. Wrong!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">To get the oil drained you need to drop the sump guard, not a hard job but time consuming, it uses different fixings on the front and rear bolts! Once this was done it was a pretty straightforward affair.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Thought nothing until the following day when my shoulders, neck, throat and back were *really* sore. Had to potter about and do nothing all day in the end which was an annoying waste of a lovely day [one of the last few we will have].</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Lessons learnt though, it may look easy but it isn't always!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-69828480092186933352007-10-08T05:40:00.000-07:002007-10-08T05:46:36.056-07:00Macro Studio<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Bought myself a Macro / Light tent last week. It's an 80 x 80 x 80cm tent with 3 different backdrops. I've seen some amazing results from these style set-ups and wanted something to keep me busy during the wet winter months when I can't get out and take shots.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">It's all easy to set-up and use, now all I need is suitable lighting. I ran a couple of test shots through it at the weekend and with just the MT24 to light the way the shots were drab and uninspiring. I purchased a couple of desk lamps and found them to be seriously lacking in power. They barely lit themselves never mind the tent, my Maglite had more power!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I've seen people using halogen work lights but thought they would be too much, looks like I need to re-visit these. I guess I can move them further from the tent when I require less light or even diffuse them for short periods.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Hopefully I will have time to hook something up this week, had to sort the house and have the garage begging for a tidy up so we'll see.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-24597452813474748682007-10-01T04:21:00.000-07:002007-10-01T04:29:29.927-07:00General Ramblings<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Well I've tried to avoid this but I guess that's the purpose of this blog, my general ramblings!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Nothing really happening this week, the weather is awful, Halo3 was [in my opinion dire] and I'm already stuck on Sega Rally! I have though been considering getting a backdrop for my dining room to turn it into a Macro studio. I've been getting out less and less these days and I still haven't used my new Mac Mini to sort any photo's, truth is I haven't been out to take any :(</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I think will a nice backdrop, my old studio lights broken out of storage and some of the less mundane household tat and i'll be looking at some good shots in the coming days. I have spent a great deal of money on my gear and I really need to feel like I'm using it. If I don't then 'buyers remorse' creeps up on me and makes me question my spending.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Now through the summer [2006 that is and 2007 was a bust!] I used my gear alot, after upgrading to the 5D and many new lenses I just haven't really used the gear in anger since. That depresses me both because I haven't been out and the cost of the gear.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">It reminded last week when I paid my renewal for the Wildlife Wetlands Trust and National Trust membership. I used both on a single occasion this year! It would have been more cost effective to have paid for the single visit!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I'm hoping my little studio set-up, in a room I rarely use, will make me use the gear more, get more shots and give me a greater understanding of lighting. I won't be using natural lighting and flash / studio photography is always something I've struggled with.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-73541368154010522852007-09-25T07:34:00.000-07:002007-09-25T07:41:11.737-07:00The console wars<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Having never really subscribed to a particular brand I am suprised at the amount of people that do. I'm talking of course about the great Xbox 360 vs Sony PS3 debate with each camp shouting about how great their consoles are and belittling their rivals.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I have owned both Sony & Microsoft consoles from launch with the PS and Xbox, I never really considered it an issue, a great game made me want the console, nothing else.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Now this weekend I went out and grabbed a PS3, the sole reason for this was the ability to play avi's out of the box, the BlueRay was an added bonus. Now it seems that the damn thing doesn't support all AVI's so that was a serious waste of some hard earned cash :</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">On the flip side, it does look good on my HD TV and </span><a href="http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps3/data/932329.html"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> is a great game, also has Lemmings which the missus loves :)</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Guess I will have to keep re-encoding my AVI's to WMV's and running them through the Elite, one more point to MS!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-54214139985954215952007-09-17T08:21:00.000-07:002007-09-17T08:27:43.416-07:00Been a while<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Well it's been a while since my last post, had a very busy couple of weeks and nit had time to sit down and relax never mind blog :<br /><br />Haven't been out with the camera for a while so no exciting photographs for you, managed to grab some shots of my lenses the other day. Might put them online for you but will see how I feel later, pretty whacked at the moment.<br /><br />Need to clear out my garage, build a couple of bikes, service both cars and generally catch up on the bits I've been putting off. Winter is coming in fast so I need to get moving.<br /><br />Also need to build 'Rabbit-opollos' at some point in the next two months. My missus doesn't want them outdoors this winter so it's either that or move the lot back into the shed.<br /><br />Anyway it's getting late in the day and I have work to do so I will catch you in the next installment. Hopefully then I will have some pretty snaps for you to look at.<br /><br /><br /><br />H4rri<br />~~<br /></span><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net/"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">www.randomphotos.net</span></a>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-84012763207640225282007-09-07T03:24:00.000-07:002007-09-07T03:35:05.386-07:00Canon 180mm f/3.5 L Macro<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Some test shots as promised from the newest lense in the fold as promised.</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net/gallery/3435416#192669517"><img src="http://www.randomphotos.net/photos/192669517-M.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net/gallery/3435416#192669605"><img src="http://www.randomphotos.net/photos/192669605-M.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">And the obligatory battery shot :)</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net/gallery/3435416#192669674"><img src="http://www.randomphotos.net/photos/192669674-M.jpg"><br /></a><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net/">www.randomphotos.net</a></span></span><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-28403246316882450782007-09-06T01:11:00.001-07:002007-09-06T01:17:23.782-07:00Stock Issues - Part II<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Well after tracking down another retailler who 'alleged' to have stock I ordered the part, this time from B&H in the states. This will be the first time I've ordered from the states [as far as I can recall] so I'm eager to see how this shapes up.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I have had confirmation that this has shipped now and will be coming to be for $65 which equates to around £33 and I potentially need to add VAT [@ 17.5%] to this figure so the final could be £39. Expensive for the adaptor but I'm just relieved I will be able to use the MT 24-EX again and get the best out of the 180mm Macro.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Hopefully I have the adaptor for this weekend, should allow me to get out and about taking some shots. I have thus far been under-whelmed by my efforts with the lense but thats mainly down to lighting and local conditions. We'll see what the future brings.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-26153189625603615222007-09-06T01:06:00.000-07:002007-09-06T01:10:11.813-07:00Remotes - How Many! - Part II<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Well my Philips Pronto Pro RU970 arrived after a fashion, the seller used the wrong postal service, sent me a 'small' refund which didn't even cover the difference and has generally been awful in their communications.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">The remote itself has a dud battery so I ordered a new one which will be here on Friday, disappointing experience though really. Tried programming the remote last night and it's a bit of a nightmare, it's not as simple as the manuals would have you think. I did manage to get the TV and Sky HD sorted through it though so thats a bonus.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">More to follow but for now it doesn't seem to be the saviour I once thought it would be :</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-8521083119482933022007-09-03T07:32:00.000-07:002007-09-03T07:42:37.017-07:00Remotes - How Many!<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Well after getting myself an Xbox 360 Elite and a HDMI switcher to go with it I find I have yet another damn remote to put on the table. This table is getting seriously cluttered with remotes, Sky HD, Surround System, 360, HDMI and of course the TV remote all adorn this little 1ft square table. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I decided to dip my toe into the world that is programmable remotes. I have a friend who uses one and swears by the Philips Pronto range, pricey but very customisable. I looked at the entry level system which could be had for £60+, the mid-range at £250+ and the Pro range for £500+. Quite obviously I'm not about to pay £500 for a remote! I would rather suffer the collection of remotes I have or get the lesser system.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I did however resort to eBay and found myself bidding on a Pronto Pro RU970 with a colour touchscreen. I lost this in the dying seconds but soon lined up another, I grabbed this one in the dying seconds for £205 delivered! That's less than I was prepared to pay for a new Mono device with less Flash RAM.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Should hopefully be here in the next couple of days, can get to programming macros then. This would allow me to turn on the TV, start the DVD, set the volume on the surround and dim the lights etc at the push of a button.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">I might have to get use RF for the 360 as when I use the IR remote it controls both of them : Will cross that bridge when I come to it though. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">H4rri</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">~~</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net">www.randomphotos.net</a></span>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2419123110968002220.post-46058228346508575392007-09-03T06:21:00.000-07:002007-09-03T06:26:35.518-07:00Photo's A Progressive Diary<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">After reading some pretty scathing comments on some of my photo's at </span><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net/"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">www.randomphotos.net</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> [you know the type " this is shite" etc] I decided a little prune was in order.<br /><br />Looking back I just uploaded anything and everything regardless of quality, nowadays I tend to be more selective. So I wandered through 90% of my galleries and had a little prune, even to the point of deleting whole galleries. Makes you think though, back then some of the shots were awful but still made it on-line. Now I tend to upload less and less as they fail to meet my criteria.<br /><br />I also tend to use my Nikon P&S to take alot of snapshots, these days I tend to shy away from using the dSLR for these kind of shots simply because of the nature of the beast. Lense selection, RAW conversions etc all take time and can make you miss the moment. The Nikon allows me to shoot and upload in minutes so I'm missing less these days.<br /><br /><br />H4rri<br />~~<br /></span><a href="http://www.randomphotos.net/"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">www.randomphotos.net</span></a>:: h4rri ::http://www.blogger.com/profile/18108058706060250846noreply@blogger.com0