Moonrise at Sunset, Rancho Santa Margarita

Gear Used : Fujifilm X20

Sony, Preseason is Over.

Sony, Preseason is Over.
September 2018, Carl Garrard

As I foresaw in early September, Photokina 2018 will go down as historic, and epic. I was saying this before all the YouTube channels fired up and realized the same thing. Officially Photokina isn't even here yet, but Canon and Nikon and now Panasonic/Sigma/Leica are all going to be competing against Sony in the full frame MILC market. How things change fast in a month for Sony. After having that spot in the market for five full years alone (come this Oct), suddenly that space will be very crowded. And not just crowded with mediocre players, we're talking the big dogs here. Sony had five years to grow their FF lineup, and it took them nearly that long to produce two cameras that finally are meeting pro requests and requirements they were asking for all along. So, has Sony used that time wisely to gain a five year head start, or is that head start not nearly as big as they might think it is? It's not a simple answer.


Sony A9 Best Current Price Available?

Quick Ricoh/Pentax News Update

Quick Ricoh/Pentax News Update
September 2018, Carl Garrard

Ricoh has published two new guide articles about the hyper program function, and how to get better focusing results with fast lenses, under the Beautiful Photo-Life headline here:
http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/photo-life/technic/

Ricoh has also issued an update to its new version of its Image Sync App, fixing the bug in version 2.0.0. The new app for android users is available now, under version 2.0.1 which will solve your woes, the bug is fixed. I downloaded it myself, and it solved the issue with my K70. Joy.
http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/app/image-sync2/

Photokina is coming soon, and it's still tight as a button for now on news here. But, that could very well be a good thing :). Said he.

Stay focused.

-Carl

Rare Camera Find: The Pentax K3II Silver Edition (...Unboxing Video?)

Rare Camera Find: The Pentax K3II Silver Edition (...Unboxing Video?)
September 2018, Carl Garrard 

Sometimes, there's just something special about shooting with cameras that are not so common. Part of it is the perceived effect of the law of supply and demand. But, for something as special as photography is to me, unique cameras are just part of my joy. There are several reasons why I enjoy having different types of cameras around, and most are practical, but it's more than just that. It's sort of a need. First, I'm absolutely fascinated with camera design. Admittedly, I've sometimes even daydreamed about designing my own cameras, or, working for a camera manufacturer at the design level. Either I'm not alone there, or just a little obsessed.
Pentax K-3II Pentax DSLR (Best Price Black Body)

Sony Cybershot RX10 IV Review (Bonus)- Worth the High Price?

Sony Cybershot RX10 IV Review (Bonus)- Worth the High Price?
 September 2018, Carl Garrard

It's year 2008, and I'm photographing tenaciously. Any type of photography in the outdoors intrigued me greatly; whether it was the micro world of macro, the vastness of space, and everything in between. The year of 2008 I grew tremendously as a freelance 'artistic' photographer. I can't recall a year I was more active with personal photographic projects than this year. I wasn't  a father back then, so time was in abundance. I was photographing nearly everything with equipment of all types but mainly Sony bridge cameras and the A100 DSLR, making images of any subject that captured my imagination and fascination.




Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV Current Prices

Fujfiilm X-T3 Review (Announcement)

Fujfiilm X-T3 Review (Announcement)
September 2018, Carl Garrard

Review: (Announcement) In case you haven't already read about the X-T3: Today, FUJIFILM North America Corporation officially unveiled the new FUJIFILM X-T3, a mirrorless digital camera that launches the X Series into its fourth generation of technology. Introducing an all-new back-illuminated 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 processor, the X-T3 delivers superb image quality, dramatically improved AF performance, exceptional tracking performance of fast-moving subjects and blackout-free burst shooting.It succeeds the X-T2 which is an excellent option for anyone wanting a classic SLR experience with new technology underneath. Fujifilm continue to innovate and progress for its customers. Great announcement!

Fujifilm X-T2 Searched Best Price

Review: Ricoh's Pentax K-70 - An Outdoorsman's Ideological DSLR (With Press Commentary)

Review: Ricoh's Pentax K-70 - An Outdoorsman's Ideological DSLR ( With Press Commentary)
September 2018, Carl Garrard

Hello all. So yeah, I know my last *new* DSLR review for Pentax was the K5IIs, it's been a while. Although I meant to post my  K3 and the K3II reviews, I just never ended up completing them. I passed on the KS1, and may still review the KS2, but the K70 seemed the next logical review here for a reason. Sorry, I've been a busy guy. Upon unboxing my new K70 and lenses, it was apparent to me right away that Ricoh/Pentax have been very busy on the design team since my last Pentax DSLR experience. So, before I get into my impressions on this camera, I think it's best to make a list of items I deem important about the K70 that stood out to me while reading about it. I'll do this without listing every single item like a sales brochure, but even then be warned that its going to be a long review. So without further ado, I have to say it's nice to be reviewing a Pentax DSLR again. I missed all the Pentaxians out there! You still have some voices out here that get it and care. There's even a sort of bonus section on that very subject at the end of this review.


Pentax K-70 Weather-Sealed DSLR Best Price, Body Only (Black)

Ricoh Image Sync 2 Released (Hmmmmm)

Ricoh Image Sync 2 Released (Hmmmm)
September 2018, Carl Garrard

Ricoh/Pentax have announced a new version of their Image Sync application for wireless use of their Pentax and Ricoh cameras, but so far only for Android users. In late September the app will be launched to support IOS users as well. A list of currently supported cameras is already on their app page above. The new app gives you additional features and a restructured facelift to boot.  More...

Photokina 2018- Will Be Historic, Absolutely Epic.

Photokina 2018- Will Be Historic, Absolutely Epic.
September  2018, Carl Garrard

Photokina 2018: It's hard not to get excited, but I admit that I am. I'll get right to the nitty gritty on current information. As we know, Nikon has already introduced the new Z mount system, and Canon today have leaked the new EOS R system pictures and specifications -and wow, they have blown me away. Fujifilm are going to introduce the most affordable medium format camera to date (GFX 50R), and have already leaked the X-T3 for APS-C that looks fantastic. If that doesn't blow you away this certainly will: Panasonic is rumored (highly likely) to go full frame mirrorless and join Sony, Nikon, and Canon with a brand new mount and double down on their impact on the camera market (especially video). They already have the co-developed Leica SL platform to jump off and I know for sure they will go after all of them with everything they have. That's not all!

Exclusive: I have word that Ricoh/Pentax is also going to announce "something", and I have good word on that. It's not going to be some lame announcement either, so keep your eye on this site for specifics that I'm able to give in the very near future here. Sony and Olympus still haven't shown any cards but I sincerely doubt they will remain quiet. Don't forget about all the other smaller and third party manufacturers either as there will likely be lots announcements to support the new system and products coming up.

My summation of this epic Photokina so far is this: All of the camera manufacturers sorta got together/got the memo and said "we're tired of the declining overall market, lets go all in and throw our punches, and re-ignite the industry and also combat the smart phone dominance". Just watch and see, this will be the most epic year for the industry since digital cameras have been invented.

Stay focused.

-Carl Garrard

Paypal Me if you like the site. 

Nikon Z6 and Z7 Announced Pre-Orders Available Already! (Preview)

Nikon Z6 and Z7 Announced Pre-Orders Available Already! (Preview)
August 2018, Carl Garrard

Here it is, the Nikon Z7

Nikon's Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras are out and ready to be purchased in kit forms and lens adapter too. Nikons 24.5mp Z6 is about $1995.00 USD, and 45.7 mp Z7 is $3395.00, these are body only prices. Nikon's entrance to the Mirrorless party is going to change the entire industry up, one that Sony has dominated singularly for quite some time now. Competition is fierce, and it all starts today. I'm going to be watching  intently for Canon's announcement next, and Sony's answers to them both.

Nikon Z6 FX-Format Body Only (Best Price Preorder)
Nikon Z7 FX-Format Body Only (Best Pre Order Price)

Remembering the Pentax K200D

Remembering the Pentax K200D
August 2018, Carl Garrard

It's hard to think that it has been seven years since I reviewed the Pentax K200D. Since then I cannot count how many cameras have come across my desk, or that I have bought and sold. Very recently, my local national forest suffered a huge loss because of arson. A particular area called Trabuco Canyon up near Holy Jim trail and Trabuco Road, have been devastated by this fire. It is (was) the most beautiful hiking area for locals, now burned down because of a singular self centered act. As a result, I had desired to review some images I made of Trabuco Canyon and the surrounding areas over the years, and forgot I had made many with this remarkable camera. I was stunned to see how well the raw images held up, and relived the magical quality of its 10.2mp CCD sensor. Consequently, more memories came back to me about how much I liked using it too. The K200D ended up being everything I wanted my first DSLR to be (the Sony A100), but ended up being much more than I expected.

Upcoming Sony Review? It's Been Five Years!!??

Upcoming Sony Review? It's Been Five Years!!??
July 2018, Carl Garrard

For those of you who haven't followed me from day one, I'll give you a little history. My days of doing camera reviews started way back in 2007 with a site that I took down from the internet called AlphaMountWorld.com. This website was dedicated to Sony's new DSLR system (and Konica Minolta gear), much like Dyxum.com or other Sony/Konica Minolta centric sites on the internet today. At that time there were only 3 sites globally dedicated to Sony or Konica Minolta gear (at least for the english speaking world). There, I cut my teeth in reviewing cameras, and have learned so much since then. I grew, and moved on to my own website where I could review any camera I liked, the one you are on now. For whatever reason, I haven't done a full Sony review in over five years. (There may be a prize in store for readers!)

Stay in The Zone- Leica M8, Leica M-D, Panasonic LC1, Fujifilm X20, Canon G16, Ricoh GR IV

Stay in The Zone- Leica M8, Leica M-D, Panasonic LC1, Fujifilm X20, Canon G16, Ricoh GR IV
July 2018, Carl Garrard

This article will touch on a subject that is hardly discussed in photography groups, but one that I feel is the most extremely important of all- staying in the zone. And what exactly do I mean by staying in the zone? Being in the zone to me at least, in life or in photography, is a mode in which you are in when you are at your most acutely aware, focused, and balanced. It's a moment, or series of moments in your life where you know you are at your optimum self, at your  most capable, and produce your finest works in all aspects of life. I also believe that being in the zone is a moving target, and that it takes supreme honesty and maximum effort of your cognitive skills in order to be there. The zone, to which I will refer in the rest of this article, should be a place we strive to be in as often as possible. To get yourself in the zone often requires a lot of honest self reflection, humility, and complete lack of external and internal distractions alike. You must know your true self "Nosce te ipsum", and then be your true self "Tu ipse esto", wholly, and without any reservations.

Setting Up My Leica M8 for the Leica M-D

Setting Up My Leica M8 for the Leica M-D
April 2018, Carl Garrard

My Leica M8 still gets plenty of work. It's a unique and fun Leica M, and with use over time I believe this to be even more so than my "classic" M9 in some respects. Recently, I learned how to properly adjust the M8 for a horizontal RF adjustment because its focus alignment was slightly off horizontally, and a small adjustment was  necessary. I'm an independent type, so I'd rather fix it myself rather than pay then wait a long time for it to come back from being serviced. It wasn't a difficult job, but I took my time to research it and complete it properly. Along the way I had also acquired two OEM black Leica logos, and so I also replaced my red dot on the M8 with the black dot (which I think makes it looks much better). With the focus dead on, I made sure my sensor was clean, and bingo my M8 felt like new again. Now it was time to dig into the menu system and set it up in such a way that would prepare me for a new arrival. The Leica M-D.

Leica M-D (Typ 262)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 - Fifteen Glorious Years Later

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 - Fifteen Glorious Years Later
April 2018, Carl Garrard

Although the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC1 wasn't officially announced till PMA in 2004, its near twin, the Leica Digilux 2 was announced in late December 2013, and both were developed in that year. Only aesthetics on the exterior separate the two from being identical (black paint vs silver, grip added vs flat, minor different looking on/off switch). It's amazing to think that fifteen years has passed since this camera was announced. And it's also unthinkable (more on that later) that Panasonic and Leica haven't collaborated to make a true successor to these cameras considering how wildly popular they are with the subculture who rave about them. These two cameras have become cult status icons, because they are two of the most beautifully designed digital cameras of all time. Most owners covet them, some have bought and sold them several times, but ultimately you cannot escape the draw of the beautifully designed LC1 (and Digilux 2). And that's one reason why I took so much time to write this article.

Ricoh GR Digital IV: Ricoh's Digital GR IV Still Reigns

Ricoh GR Digital IV: Ricoh's Digital GR IV Still Reigns
April 2018, Carl Garrard

Why does this particular GR still matter? Well, it always will in the line up of GR lore because it's smaller, lighter, and has a faster lens than its bigger GR I/II successors. Ricoh's GR Digital IV is definitely a complimentary camera to the large sensor GR's with both types having distinct advantages that can give you awesome results. This camera is the reason the larger sensor GR's are as good as they are today, so remember that. Having met and worked with Ricoh under NDA with it's employees in the past, I can tell you first hand that they are all photographers that look out for our best interests in camera design, and it shows in the final products. The GR Digital IV is no different.

Natural Abstract Symmetry Project

February 2018, Carl Garrard

Hello all my photographer readers! Happy February (already) to all of you. This year is going by quickly, but so far has been a wonderful year for myself and others in many respects. In the vein of that excitement, a new project has  been born that puts my 25+ years of photographic interest and experience to light.

Poem Sharing: A Surrender to Light

A Surrender to Light

January 2018, Carl Garrard

A Sunday Drive 2018 Subaru Crosstrek and the Fujfilm X10

A Sunday Drive, the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek and Fujfilm X10
January 2018, Carl Garrard

2017 was a challenging and difficult year, both for those I love and for myself personally. I'm sure there would  be relative testimony from many of my readers about last year as well. I'm particularly glad it's behind all of us. But, although time is a man made idea, sometimes it seems a new year can bring good luck and fortune. This year, although in its beginnings, has been the best start to a year that I can recall in some time, it feels like its a year of healing after licking some wounds. And thus a good Sunday morning drive can be a great way to take some time to reflect on all the good things we have in our lives, and see some natural beauty too. That was my morning today and yesterday, whilst driving my newly acquired 2018 Subaru Crosstrek and the Fujifilm X10 as my companion.
Fujifilm X10 Current Used Prices

Fujifilm X-T1- Beauty, Handsomeness, and Incredibly Chiseled Features

Fujifilm X-T1- Beauty, Handsomeness, and Incredibly Chiseled Features
January 2018, Carl Garrard

When I unboxed Fujifilms X-T1, the first thing I thought of  was Hansel's (Owen Wilson's) line in Zoolander (yes really).  This is one beautiful and supremely well designed camera that you'll be at home with either on the street, at a modeling shoot, or even at Mount Vesuvius. There really are only two types of cameras that get photographers hearts pumping these days- beautiful looking rangefinder (styled) cameras, and the classic SLR (style) cameras. Both types imbue an adrenaline based Starbucks cocktail mixture of emotions. Those emotions include: a dose of fond personal memories, a dab of historical significance, a warmed heart, and all mixed together with a little sprinkle of lust. Wherein Leica have pretty much nailed down the most beautiful rangefinders cameras of all, Fujifilm, at least in my eyes, have taken the award for the  most beautiful SLR style digital camera of all. The Graphite version of the XT1 (or XT2), in person, is the most handsome SLR, or DSLR style camera I've ever seen. Pictures simply don't do it justice, you do really have to see it in person to believe it. For serious.

Fujifilm X-T1 Graphite Version, Best Current Price