Zeiss Drops a Bombshell- The Zeiss ZX1

Zeiss Drops a Bombshell- Introducing the Zeiss ZX1
September 2019, Carl Garrard

Just when I thought Photokina couldn't get any more exciting or epic, Zeiss literally took my breath away. There is no doubt in my mind this is the most forward thinking digital camera to come from any manufacturer to date, and its going to take a long time for me to wrap my head around what Zeiss has done here. They may have, in one fail swoop, dictated the view of the future of camera design. Traditionalists are likely to blow this camera up, and everyone else will be blown away. I  know that I am personally, literally blown away. All of my assumptions I made about the upcoming ZX1 were literally wiped clean when I read the press release below. Talk about unique, talk about making me rethink camera design completely. I feel like Zeiss has designed a camera you'd see in 2049, if the future looked like Bladerunner the movie. Stunned, doesn't even cut it.

Ricoh GR II Designer Interview: DC Watch Impress!

Hi all! Just a quick post to link to an interview with the main designer of the GR III. I have met with many people at Ricoh before and talking with them has always been an enlightening experience on both sides of the conversation. I couldn't make it to Germany for Photokina 2018 this year, but I'm having plenty of conversation with Ricoh via e-comm.

Use Google Chrome to translate the article:
https://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/1145120.html

Ricoh GR III Preview: In-depth First Look

Ricoh GR III Preview: In-depth First Look
September 2018, Carl Garrard

Further examination (after my initial reaction) of what Ricoh have announced so far about the GR III lends less to be desired by yours truly.  Ricoh have put together a very formidable new package here. Despite the fact that the new GR doesn’t have a couple of my wish list items (one is addressed, another partially addressed), I am still very impressed with what I have seen so far with the development announcement. First, it looks like early 2019 we’ll have it on shelves for sale, which is earlier than what Ricoh Japan put on their site about a “spring release”. Both the US and German announcements have it slated for early 2019.


Ricoh GR 

Fujifilm GFX 50R- Rangefinder Styled Medium Format Deliciousness

Fujifilm GFX 50R- Rangefinder Styled Medium Format Deliciousness
September 2018, Carl Garrard

"Epic Historic Photokina" continues... Today Fujifilm officially announces the GFX 50R Medium format camera. And, wow. What a beautiful camera it is. If ever full frame had a "affordable" serious medium format competition, this is it. I know "rumors" have been out there for some time now, but to actually have the final press release show up first thing this morning was, needless to say exciting. With all these awesome camera announcements this year, I'm going to have a hangover in the coming months. I'm sure I am not alone. Fujifilm continue to absolutely impress me with all of their new camera announcements and growth of the X system. I don't think any other company has been so consistent with smart decisions and growth over the last 3/4ths of a decade than Fujifilm. Amazing... (more)..

Ricoh GR III Announced!

Ricoh GR III Announced!
September 2018, Carl Garrard

Well, as you can see my reporting upcoming news wasn't vapor out of thin air. Ricoh gives us some news about the upcoming Ricoh GR. I really had no idea what Ricoh were going to announce this Photokina, only that they were definitely going to announce something. I am excited to see that a third generation GR will be announced this spring and based on the specifications so far I'm pretty pleased. The new GR III looks to be a bit less wide than its predecessor and the top plate is flush unlike the GRII which had a slight hump for the wifi unit.
Ricoh GR II Pricing

Ricoh GR Coming? Two More Days...

Ricoh GR Coming? Two More Days...
September 2018, Carl Garrard

Photokina 2018, not much longer now. Ricoh's special GR site is still full of activity and not letting up. With the special event planned in Germany and constant updates to the GR blog and GRist photographer pages, it's my guess that we will see an announcement of a new GR and/or a future release date. Of course I'm just guessing here, but if I were placing a bet on an announcement this year, this is where I'd put my money. More...
Ricoh GR

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)