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I Think Christian's Suggestion is great... and to expand on the subject I want to ask a few questions:
If we start walking from the museum at 18:30 is the Museum coffee shop open at 16:00 still? (would make a good meeting place)

So at the moment the plan is starting at 18:30 meet at the Australian National Museum at 18:30 and slowly and taking many pics, walk around to the national library...

12/2/05

A dusk to night workshop...

Who's keen

Hi all,

I'm in it.
Don't know when the coffee shop closes though.
Does somebody know ?

Cheers
CD

Also the slightly earlier meeting time will do good for dawn pictures.
Instead of things already being just dark, the D70 still shows detail and definition in the pre-night areas.
This allows heaps of potential for a different type of photography.

I'm looking forward to this.
CD

Sounds great c ya there.

 BTW, looked up the museum website. Says Cuiseum cafe and backyard cafe are both open until 5pm (backyard cafe only on weekends and p/hols). 5pm is also the museum's advertised closing time.

I will luv to come along - I presume that is still for 12 February.

yep yep! Good stuff!

Welcome Wombat!

im up for it... and this time i know i dont have to work... so i will be able to meet up with the rest of the canberra folk. so at the moment it is a walk from the national museum to the national libary...thats a fair effort....

Hi all,
are we meeting at the Australian National Museum located at the Acton Peninsula or at the National Gallery located at Parks Place ?

My original thought was to meet at the Gallery, then slowly make our way to the National Library and take lots of photos.
We could continue accross Commonwealth bridge and watch the sun set.
By the time we get to or accross the bridge the sun will be setting behind the Brindabellas and the lake has potential to turn in a green and gold molten mass of metal.

Regards
Christian

That sounds good... Meet at the Gallery at 6pm and walk from there?

when I got home from shopping,
my PC had the blue screen of death.
I turned it off, then back on again and it doesn't come back with a display.
The motherboard shows C1 on its two digit counter and just sits there.
It appears that it is not recognising any memory.
I also noticed that some caps look a bit suss.
Well, this means that I will be slower with reponding to messages.

18:00 at the National Gallery
Cheers

CD

L-I-N-U-X




18:00 it is!

G'day Canbeera

From the thread, I believe that the meeting will be held as follows:

Where: NGA (National Gallery of Australia)
When: Saturday 12 February 2005
Time: Start 6pm

Is this correct?

i.e. not at the Museum.

Steve

Hi all,

I got a new motherboard and everything is fine again.
However I can't keep up with the amount of new messages !

Cheers
CD

Hi Wombat,

Where: NGA (National Gallery of Australia)
When: Saturday 12 February 2005
Time: Start 6pm

Cheers

CD

Thanks Christian

Forcaste is for 23c and mabe a few showers. Means could be some clouds which would be great for sunset shots

Steve

Thanks Christian

Forcaste is for 23c and mabe a few showers. Means could be some clouds which would be great for sunset shots

Steve

hey guys, unfortunatly i cant make it tommorrow anymore, something has come up and i have to be at bungandore tommorrow night. i was considering driving out there after the meet but i would prefer to do so while there is still light... i was really looking forward to this meet.. so it looks like i will have to catch the next one

yes unfortunately something just came up here too... really sorry but some people dont plan ahead and ask at the last minute!


90% sure I can not make but will try to make it.... sorry guys

I've got some stuff to do all day but I think I should be able to make it at 6pm for this mini-meet. It sounds like a nice walk and I plan to check the Multicultural Festival out in civic later in the evening!

Link.

I'm still going.
I'll be outside the main entrance of the NGA.

See you there.
CD

looks like a good day, so what time do yuo think we will be finishing up, i should be able to go but not for too long..

Hi all,

the Canberra meet hat a great turn out.
Thommo and Link are new to the group and it was great getting to know each other.
We had a number of people today, Thommo, Wombat124, Mr and Mrs and son Ru32day, Link and I.
MHD couldn't make it and we have lost contact with Peter who also didn't come.
We had good conversations, and exchange of tips - very helpful indeed.
We also had some trouble and a slight disaster.
I dropped the TC-17EII and it got a little bit dented, a dent in my EGO also of course, however the TC-17EII hasn't lost any of its functuallity with the 70-200mm VR.
One of the levers, catches, who knows what these things are called and what they are there for doesn't want to work any more.
We all got very very wet when a storm hit us, we really got drenched.
Wombat124 unfortunately had a half open trekker bag when we all made a dash to some drier place and his D70 fell out !
The kit lense has suffered from the impact and it is not looking too well.
Poor Wombat124 is devastated, lets cheer him up a little.

Photos from the meet will follow !!!

Cheers
CD

christiand wrote:Hi all,

the Canberra meet hat a great turn out.
Thommo and Link are new to the group and it was great getting to know each other.
We had a number of people today, Thommo, Wombat124, Mr and Mrs and son Ru32day, Link and I.
MHD couldn't make it and we have lost contact with Peter who also didn't come.
We had good conversations, and exchange of tips - very helpful indeed.
We also had some trouble and a slight disaster.
I dropped the TC-17EII and it got a little bit dented, a dent in my EGO also of course, however the TC-17EII hasn't lost any of its functuallity with the 70-200mm VR.
One of the levers, catches, who knows what these things are called and what they are there for doesn't want to work any more.
We all got very very wet when a storm hit us, we really got drenched.
Wombat124 unfortunately had a half open trekker bag when we all made a dash to some drier place and his D70 fell out !
The kit lense has suffered from the impact and it is not looking too well.
Poor Wombat124 is devastated, lets cheer him up a little.

Photos from the meet will follow !!!

Cheers
CD

Christiand,
Sorry to hear you have had a bad experiences with the meet and your TC-17.

also of course, however the TC-17EII hasn't lost any of its functuallity with the 70-200mm VR.

Good to hear it's still working

One of the levers, catches, who knows what these things are called and what they are there for doesn't want to work any more.

I don't quite understand your mean above, I knew the levers, catches in the TC-17, It only works when you attached the TC17 to the camera mount, otherwise, it seems to loose as it and has no affect at all if you shake the TC-17 and hear the vibration or strange sound inside the TC.
If it works with the TC and your D70, then you don't have to worry with anything else, it's Nikon and solid built Otherwise your insurance policy will cover it anyway

CD, the TC 17 can be used as a soccer ball or tennis ball without any suffering

Wombat124
Again, sorry to hear your mis-fortune, yes I had few threads/ posts posted previously, regarding the backpack with uncompletely unzipped and gears fell off the bag landed onto the concrete floor, I think Melbourne Group nearly got it at the first meet at Mudder's place and coupa guys in Sydney like myself, Matt.K also had the near accidents as well, but it's a human error in rush!
Hope you have any type of insurance to cover the loss. Please post the pics of the current status of your D70.

Really sorry I couldnt make it! Beleive me I would have much rather been at the meet than stuck in college with a bunch of first years comming in...

Get any ligtning pics?

Bugger on the gear....

MHD wrote:Really sorry I couldnt make it! Beleive me I would have much rather been at the meet than stuck in college with a bunch of first years comming in...

Get any ligtning pics?

Bugger on the gear....

MHD,
You have got the blame somewhere
I believe they tried to run for the cover in rush that was a reason of wombat124's casualty , and now you asked for lightning pics

Sorry guys to hear about the equipment misfortunes. I hate the feeling of having ones stomach suddenly leap into the mouth.

Also congrats on your meet and hopefully the next one will be accident free

should have seen the weather on the way out to bungandore guys... it was insane

sorry to hear about tthe damaged gear...

We saw the sky darkening, but the photo opportunities were so interesting that we kept stopping for just one more, and it was tempting to try for lightning shots (Link may have achieved some).

Our mob can cope with rain (aside from Michael, who's English and therefore melts when moisture is applied), but the hail was a bit much when we were still quite a way from any shelter.

It's such a shame because we were having a terrific time until the weather turned against us.

The ru32day mob learned three lessons yesterday:

1. If you're going to walk a fair way with camera gear, park the car at least half-way to your destination point, in case something goes wrong.

2. Insure your gear for damage - ours is only insured under our contents policy (ie for theft, fire etc while in the house), so if we'd dropped our gear, all would have been lost ... first thing Monday we're off to remedy this.

3. Always carry at least one platic bag, just in case.

Thank you all for getting rained and hailed upon.
That was quite extreme last night.
I couldn't see a thing, I'm wearing glasses (that's like driving the
car without windshield wipers in heavy rain).
I'm trying to put some of last night's pictures onto Pixspot,
but the site is going up and down like a yoyo.

Insurance is the most important thing I guess.
We have spent a lot of money for our gear and for a
little more money we have our peace.
At least we can replace at an affordable cost.

Cheers
CD

1st set of photos from Canberra's dusk to night shoot:









comments are very welcome

Cheers
CD

christiand wrote:Thank you all for getting rained and hailed upon.
That was quite extreme last night.
I couldn't see a thing, I'm wearing glasses (that's like driving the
car without windshield wipers in heavy rain).
I'm trying to put some of last night's pictures onto Pixspot,
but the site is going up and down like a yoyo.

Insurance is the most important thing I guess.
We have spent a lot of money for our gear and for a
little more money we have our peace.
At least we can replace at an affordable cost.

Cheers
CD

CD,
The TC-17 is ok, I guess! so don't worry about it too much, if it's bad, put in a claim with AAMI for $950.00 with its RRP, then you can lust more stuff with the change, hope that's not the case  BTW, I can order for you a pair of windshield wiper for your glass, battery operated
Next time , please don't tempt go out shooting the storm, won't help!

2nd set of photos from Canberra's dusk to night shoot:









comments are very welcome

Cheers
CD

last shot is my favorite. is that area accessable via car or did you have to walk there christiand?

Hi Redline,

you can park the car reasonably close and then walk underneath the bridge.
Or you could take the push bike or anything that goes on a foot/cycle path.

HTH

Cheers
CD

stunning shots!!

Wow, great shots so far... Can't wait to see some others.

Even though you got wet, well ok drenched and some gear was damaged it sounds like you had a good time.

Can't wait for the anniversary weekend when we all get together in one state

W00DY

thats great, i had a great ideas a few year back using that similar bg for a shot. unforunetly that area is now gone in mel.

Hi all,

It was certainly a memorable meet. We had a great window of opportunity with a magnificent light just before sunset, and you can see that on some of Christian's photos.

More details on our storm misadventure: we actually saw it coming and someone mentionned after the sunset:

"it's time to go back if we don't want to be hit by the storm". :idea:

But that's when we reached underneath the bridge and we were all like:

"Waw, that's a top shot!"

Result, we've spent a good 10 minutes taking pictures there before moving on. The last picture of Chirstian's 2sd set was taken there. I didn't have my tripod but it was such a stunning sight that I kept trying taking pics hand-holding my D70

About 5 mins after leaving the bridge (which provided cover), it started raining... slowly first... and then stronger . We seek cover under the small trees lining the lake, put the camera gears in our bags; but the storm was now upon us and we were drenched in an instant

That's when someone started to rush for cover and we all followed in a desperate dash for cover. I couldn't see much and when Wombat124's D70 fell from his backpack, I would have been only 5 metres behind him... He stopped and picked it up but I couldn't even distinguish what it was until we reached cover.

The kit lens looked like it had taken the hit but the D70 was still powering on. I really hope Wombat124 won't lose his camera as a result of this storm...

I'll put up some pics shortly.

Christian, nice photos. The portrait of Ru32day's son is really sharp, I was thinking of taking the same but didn't have the reach... I thought the way his hand was hanging was interesting and I would probably have framed it accordingly.

The sunset shot is very well exposed (not that easy!) and it shows the colours as we saw them. I also like the bridge shot and everybody can know see what sight caused us to be hit by the storm!

Link.

I really love the last one of the bridge. It's never looked that good driving over it. Shows you what happens when you slow down and walk places - you see things that zapping past in the car conceals.

Cheers,
Gordon.

(Yep. Lived in Queanbeyan and worked in Canberra for about 8 years even though I finally made it back to the Sunshine State. Still coming back regularly to see family and friends.)

Hi all the Canberians,
Have anyone heard or get any latest news from Wombat124? is his D70 still shooting Ok after the fall?
Please update, I wish him all luck and well!

Hi all

The lens is totalled - will need to be replace. I have been searching the web and it is selling from between $790 and $820 in Australia - half the price overseas of course. Sigma have a lens for the D70 (and other digitals) 18 -125 for 499 in Oz - I may go down that path to get an interim lens (had a car crash earlier this year which set me back so I have to get the best lens for the cheapest price that can suite the camera).

The camera itself appears to be OK. However, the flash unit is damaged. Randomly takes shoots in Auto mode; however, will not work in Aperture Priority mode where ianormally use it.

The meet was fun and I took many phots. The "incident" dampered it for me, but have to get over it and move on.

Steve

Wombat124 wrote:Hi all

The lens is totalled - will need to be replace. I have been searching the web and it is selling from between $790 and $820 in Australia - half the price overseas of course. Sigma have a lens for the D70 (and other digitals) 18 -125 for 499 in Oz - I may go down that path to get an interim lens (had a car crash earlier this year which set me back so I have to get the best lens for the cheapest price that can suite the camera).

The camera itself appears to be OK. However, the flash unit is damaged. Randomly takes shoots in Auto mode; however, will not work in Aperture Priority mode where ianormally use it.

The meet was fun and I took many phots. The "incident" dampered it for me, but have to get over it and move on.

Steve

Wombat124,
Sorry to hear your losses! what lens is it? you may buy some used lens 18-70 for around AU$300.00. few Sydney members got that lens and leave it in the cupboard due to their acquisition of the new Nikon 24-120VR, or you can be settled with the new Nikon 24-120Vr as well.

I agree with the others on the bridge shot - well composed and eye catching. I also like the shot of Ru32day’s son - it really looks as if he is thinking ”Dad, when can we go home?”

Steve - really sorry to hear that your lens was totalled - put it on eBay and tell people it is not working - you will be suprised at what people will buy

Birddog

It was the Kit Lens - 17-70mm DX unfortunately.

Be interested in any members who have a second hand one for sale - the VR is a bit out my range right now (maybe later). Otherwise it will be the Sigma - I have seen it for A$415. I have to get a lens by Thrusday as I am going to Melbourne for a family photo meet on Friday.... Isn't timing everything.

Thanks for your concern - it was an unhappy incident.

Steve

Wombat124 wrote:Hi all

The lens is totalled - will need to be replace. I have been searching the web and it is selling from between $790 and $820 in Australia - half the price overseas of course. Sigma have a lens for the D70 (and other digitals) 18 -125 for 499 in Oz - I may go down that path to get an interim lens (had a car crash earlier this year which set me back so I have to get the best lens for the cheapest price that can suite the camera).

The camera itself appears to be OK. However, the flash unit is damaged. Randomly takes shoots in Auto mode; however, will not work in Aperture Priority mode where ianormally use it.

The meet was fun and I took many phots. The "incident" dampered it for me, but have to get over it and move on.

Steve

Sorry to hear that... Has the camera any external signs it has been dropped (cracks, etc)? Otherwise, it might be possible to get it checked under guarantee... You tell them that one day you turned on your D70 but you couldn't use the aperture mode. And does it still work in the shutter priority mode?

Link.

Link

There appears to be no damage to the camera on the surface. It fell on the lens resulting in that damage.

I will do what you suggest - after i return from Melbourne.

Thanks for concern

Steve

There's an on-line supplier in Hong-Kong about whom members have had nothing but good to say - in fact, he has even been to one of the meets and joined our forum.

The price for the kit lens on his eBay site is $295US.

http://stores.ebay.com/www-hksupplies-com_Nikon_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZQ2d1QQftidZ2QQtZkm

In order of importance.

Steve - sorry to hear of your mishap. The price differential between the poon price for a 24-120 VR and the retailer prices for a 18-70mm you mention is small. Think seriously about making the most of your miasdventure and stretching the little extra for what is a more useful lens.

CD

Love the second sunset shot - great colour & clouds.
ru32day junior shot is just magic (I'm bored when can we go home mum & dad?)
The best though is the bridge. Frame this one nice & big - great lines, great colour and great composition.

Here are a few pics of the meet...



This photo was taken after we took cover next to the National Library. You can see we were all completely wet (we couldn't even find a piece of dry cloth for Wombat124's camera...)




Christiand taking photos of the sunset over the Canberra lake.




Mrs Ru32day shooting. I've tried to move the zoom while taking the photo to get this effect. Does anyone know if it's possible to get this sort of effect from postprocessing (like a PP filter or plug-in that can do the job?)




Here is Christiand assessing the golden dusk light... Looking at the silhouette, can anyone recognise what is the lens attached to his D70?!

Link.