Bulletins and Notes Archive

Here is another frequently asked question:  "l am not clear about when you use Velvia and when you use Provia F100.  Can you please shed some light (pardon the pun ) on that?"

Though the choice is often a difficult one, here are my here are my thoughts:

I use Velvia:

1. As much as possible.  For my taste, its brilliant color palette is simply unsurpassed.
2. In low light and on dreary days when I am NOT using flash.
3. In warm light (when I have sufficient shutter speed, and subject movement is not an important consideration).
4. From 1/2 hour to roughly 1 1/2 or two hours after sunrise on clear mornings and from 1 1/2 to 2 hours before sunset on clear afternoons.
5. Right at sunrise, and then again right at sunset (again, when I have sufficient shutter speed, and subject movement is not an important consideration).

I use Provia F100 often pushed 1 stop to EI 200 or 2 stops at EI 320 (Yes!  Rate the film at EI 320.  Compensate as you normally would, then tell the lab to push the film 2 full stops (not 1 2/3 stops).

1. On dreary days when I am using flash.  I have noticed over the past few months that many of my fill flash images made with this film are overexposed.  (This happens when using fill flash exactly as I would when using Velvia: -2/3 stop for middle tones subjects, -1 or -1 1/3 for white, yellow, or light toned subjects, -1/3 stop for dark subjects, and 0 or
   even +1/3, for very dark or black subjects.  I will begin experimenting with using less fill flash on my upcoming SW Florida IPT trip. )
2. In warm  light when I need extra shutter speed and subject movement might be a consideration.
3. At normal (ISO 100) two hours after sunrise or before sunset on clear days.  Provia F100 handles the contrast in bright scenes better than Velvia.
4. In extremely low EV situations where Velvia simply has no chance to even register a flock of birds in flight on the film.
5. Often, when I am using the 600 IS/2X TC combination, or when stacking TCs.

JRF Protective Neoprene Lens Covers

On the Bosque IPTs in November 2000, both my 500 and 600mm Canon IS lenses were wearing their JRF Protective Neoprene Lens Covers.  The covers are individually designed and manufactured for each of these lenses.  The camouflage-patterned neoprene covers protect your lens from the nicks, dings, and scratches that scar our expensive investments.  The camo also takes the edge off the effect of swinging a big white lens off your shoulder after carefully approaching a free and wild bird, somewhat
reducing the chance that you will cause the bird to flee.  

The covers are now available from BIRDS AS ART for $65.00 each (Florida residents please add 6% tax) plus $5.00 shipping and handling.  (The covers are not and will not be available for any Nikon telephotos.  If they were, we will carry them.)  I have only ten of each in stock, and no more will be available until May 2001; so if you would like one, please order ASAP  by check or paypal.com.  (See the web site for more on paypal.com)

Lens Cleaning Fluid

I am often asked what type of lens cleaning fluid I use to clean my optical equipment.  I use LENS CLENS #1 as both a lens and equipment cleaning fluid.  It goes by part # 20001-01 which is a 13 1/4 oz. bottle.  I think that the small refillable squirt bottle is part of the package.  The contact telephone number is 714-535-2271.

Two Florida Offerings From My One and Only Photography Teacher

Milton Heiberg, who taught the NYC Audubon Nature Photography course that comprises my only photographic training, is teaching Close-Up Nature Photography course  at Leu Gardens in Orlando, Florida on February 16, 17, & 20, 2001. The course includes a Friday evening lecture on equipment and technique, a Saturday morning of in-the-field photography at the gardens, and a review and critiquing session on Tuesday evening.  The fee is $70 ($62 for Leu Garden members).  Call 407-246-3621 to register, or E-mail Milton for additional details at photonat@worldnet.att.net

 On the weekend of February 23-25, 2001, Milton will lead an Everglades Photography Workshop for the Crealde School of Art which will include a pre-trip meeting on Wednesday, February 21 and a post-trip review and critique on Tuesday, February 27.  The tuition is $310 ($285 for Crealde members). If you would like to spend a weekend in the Everglades with this 30 year veteran photographer photographing birds and wildlife, please call the Crealde School of Art at 407-671-1886 or E-mail Milton for additional details atphotonat@worldnet.att.net

Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

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