Cliff Cheney's Blog

I just stumbled accross this site that lets you download printable PDF templates for paper lens hoods. I guess they would help in a pinch. I might cut some out of black posterboard and laminate them as flat backups.

That is of course if they work.

Found via Lifehacker

Blast! Not only is my 28-70/2.8 not autofocusing but my 70-200/2.8VR won't focus to infinity between 70-80mm. I knew there was a problem. I just hadn't done any tests to diagnose exactly what was happening. The repairs should be really painful...

Nikon is releasing the rumored 10 mega-pixel D40x. It certainly raises the bar in the consumer D-SLR market. I would pick on up in a heartbeat if it would use non-AFS lenses unlike the D40. A D80 is probably my next backup and constant carry camera.

Found via D1scussion list

Sigma announced a 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG lens. No word on the price or weight.

If Sigma can make this lens AND make it sharp (No one will buy it if it isn't) then Nikon should be able to add to its 200-400 F4 DX. Maybe there is a market for a faster large zoom.

Found via DPReview

I just don't have the money to switch to Canon right now. My D2x serves me well. I am hoping Nikon will take the knowledge they have gained from using the 10MP Sony sensor in the D200, D80 & D40x and apply it to making a D3h with 10MP, 10FPS, Good High ISO in the D2x form factor. This would bring them almost even in the race.

The winner for the weirdest camera award goes to the Seitz 6x17 160 Megapixel Digital.

Create a high resolution 6x17 digital image (160 million pixels) in one second!
Ideal for use with world-class Schneider or Rodenstock large format lenses (on Seitz lens board) or Linhof Technorama, Fuji and other large format lenses (on adaptor plate)
User-friendly camera system and software with 800x600 or 1,024x768 pixel colour touch screen for perfect preview, editing, zooming and image control
State-of-the art computer technology with gigabit Ethernet file transfer, powerful portable tablet PC computer with IP network WLAN connection

It comes with a small tablet PC.

They also use the same scanning back on their 360° panoranic camera which actually looks normal.

Found via Gizmag

Here is a timelapse video of the preparation for a Michael Grecco photo shoot of Martin Scorsese.

I am actually amazed that OnDirecTV Magazine still exsists. I did a job for them a while back and haven't been able to even find them on Google of late. I must be using the wrong search words... :)

Found via HaHa.nu

Don Frazier got a little too close to a bridge demolition in Misissippi. His main remote camera was completely destroyed and captured on film by his second.

Digital Trends:"When a demolition crew set off an explosion to bring down an old highway bridge on the Mississippi River, newspaper photographer Don Frazier was so close that his hair stood on end. His digital camera, positioned on a tripod at an even closer point to remotely capture the event, fared much worse. It was blown to bits..."

Dave Black has posted a great review of the forthcoming Nikon D3 and its astounding High ISO performance. I am looking forward to what the D3 can do and hope it pushes the whole pro market forward.

But, I am currently needed a smaller and less obtrusive camera for the kind of documentary work I am doing for school.

I am seeing traffic on the discussion forums that the Nikon D3 is shipping to those who have ordered one.

Seeing this news caused something to occur to me. For the first time in a long while I am not worried about getting the latest camera body. I am more worried about making the best photos with what I have. Don't get me wrong. I would love to have one and will get one eventually. I just feel liberated. That is all.

Two new Olympus E3 SLRs dropped into the lab today. Olympus donated them to our check-out pool. I grabbed one to see what it is like. I will post a semi-review later.