How many D70 users can play the guitar?

[Dargan]

So MattK are you telling me that this 70-300G thingamawhammy that I got bundled with the whatsimagjig camera that I purchased actually works, and I thought it was sharp and in focus. One problem though, no brick wall in the background. I will join the smugmuggers to share all! Now I have to drive home from work to Sunshine Coast paradise, only problem location wise:? 1hr plus in vehicle! However have lived in Sydney and travel to burbs much the same. Comment: Great forum content tonite!

[dooda]

Played for 12 years. I had no idea there was a correlation. I'm not great at tech stuff though (BA in English Literature). More of an abstract philosophy guy.

[Dargan]

Dooda Have to inform you that whole universe is connected. Task in life is photograph conclusive proof. Have not you heard of degrees of connectedness. I have no doubt that I could trace path of relatedness to U yourself in three easy steps. (or is that 42) The symbiotic relation of some photographers to their guitar (either playing or listening) is but a reflection of this deep reality. To infinity , um and beyond?

[Greg B]

I think that a lot of people who have creative/artistic inclinations in any area, also have those inclinations in other areas.

If we accept this proposition - and I accept it because it is my proposition - then it logically follows that many photographers also play guitar, and other musical instruments.

What would be interesting would be to ascertain the correlation between brands of camera and brands of guitar.

d70 owners would favour Fender Strats, or Les Paul Gibsons, 300d owners would be looking at Squiers, or Yamahas.

[Dargan]

Absolutely Greg B, there is a left brain/right brain endeavour thing going on here. In fact as one ages I think the ratio of right to left dominance changes. There are many tech people who go the opposite way as they become jaded with exact solutions. In my own case a strange attraction to mathematics and like issues has emerged. Anyone read Tufts Visual representation of Quantitative Data; a classic work and for those interested in photography and the representation of visual images (information) worth a view in the library. BTW my personal weapon is a CG180S Yamaha, plus a resurrected hand made guitar. Also a Hohner chromatic harmonica which I still cannot play but retrieve periodically and make noise with, plus additional instruments for the offspring.

[Dargan]

Spooky re 42! see http://www.empirenet.com/~dljones/

[bago100]

I can play the guitar and piano, recorder, keyboard and drums!

Of course, if you want music ......-...... well forget it!

Being completely deaf in one ear means that mono sound reigns supreme for me.

What's stereo and who wants it?



Cheers

Graham

[Raydar]

What about 5.1?????

Cheers
Ray

[birddog114]

They have 7.1 now!

[Raydar]

lol

[Matt. K]

Dargon
Thanks for the second butterfly image. It's gorgeous, but unfortunatly I can't use it as my avator because I am much too masculine. I am a testosterone driven swaggering old D70 user with delusions of inferiority hence my avator has to be symbolic and representive. I think I have found it and will set it up shortly. Thanks for the images...keep posting them!

[MHD]

do you have one of those huuuuuuuuge telephoto lenses?

[Dargan]

Yes I comprehend that MattK, and thought it just wasnt U on reflection. At base though, your quickly shifting trains of thought reflect posts made here but a different avatar is more desirable. You will notice my own has perspective and a sense of sitting above it all HA HA It fits in with my idea of the moment and photography. You have come up with interesting and challenging ideas on composition, very often to get a rise out of posts but always of value. In reference to that butterfly shot I was surprised with the artistic value of what came out of the 70-300G, a lot of people bag that lens but I am trying to work with what I have ( which is why I sleep with the guitar next to my bed, just to relate to the post theme if even obliquely). My view is that photography is more than what that lunatic with the pomeranians uses his D70 for (see other thread on dpforum mentioned elsewhere on this site see http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read. ... e=10782671
That is why I have been taking so many shots with the 70-300G to figure out what it can do, not what it can't. For example, I still have an SB800 sitting in its box (yes I paid over $800 for it ) but have not used it yet aside from working out how to do a wireless shot, because it will need my full attention, and I still don't feel confident enough to say I have control over the camera body itself yet. When I can turn to a subject that presents itself and seamlessly make the needed changes to capture the moment I will move to the next lens, flash etc. Besides, how am I going to find time to play the guitar? Now, I am going to introduce another of those seminal thoughts to finish this post, because I would like to keep this post going. I believe it serves a useful purpose which I could expound on in another post, but won't now. How many people have read Zen and the Art of Motorcyling Maintenance and own a D70? (In fact how many photographers have at one time ridden a motorcycle?

[MHD]

does a trail bike when I was 12 count?

[Greg B]

Dargan

You are definitely challenging Matt in the philosophy stakes...

YES - I have read and loved Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (was it by Robert Pirsig?)

NO - I haven't ridden a motorbike aside from a quick go on a farm

and you need to get that SB800 out - (I am hanging out to get one). You don't need to be able to give it your all in order to use it, just have a go.

[gstark]

does a trail bike when I was 12 count?

Does it have fingers or toes?

[MHD]

jeeeeeeeeeeez
you dont know how long I stared at the screen until I got that...
and when I did I wished I could put it back!

[Marvin]

But have you read Zen and the Art of Going to the Lavatory?

YES - I have read and loved Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (was it by Robert Pirsig?)

[W00DY]

does a trail bike when I was 12 count?

Does it have fingers or toes?

I still don't get it :oops:

[birddog114]

Dargan,
Your SB-800 will be out of date soon, use it, don't hesitate guy!

[gstark]

does a trail bike when I was 12 count?

Does it have fingers or toes?

I still don't get it :oops:

You have fingers and toes, and I expect that, occasionally, you might have used them to help you count.

Now make a giant leap of logic ...

Or perhaps a motorcycle can only count to two?


I don't want a pickle ...

[W00DY]

does a trail bike when I was 12 count?

Does it have fingers or toes?

I still don't get it :oops:

You have fingers and toes, and I expect that, occasionally, you might have used them to help you count.

Now make a giant leap of logic ...

Or perhaps a motorcycle can only count to two?


I don't want a pickle ...

Ohhhh.... Hmmmmm should have really read it differently.

[Dargan]

One reason for Zen comment aside from the hope of prolonging an interesting post topic ( I keep watching the listing position on the forum index) is that this is turning into a real 'chattaqua'. Now if you have read Zen and the art of ....., the whole book was described by Pirsig as such, although it got rather tediously philosophical towards the end. You will note however that photography has elements of magic and 'moment' in its delivery that is worthy of philosophical discourse. How else can we account for two photos that are technically excellent but favour one above the other. This is an issue of real importance in my view if we are to get into a way of thinking that enhances our photographic success with such a sophisticated tool as the D70. Hence, if we are to become one with our 'instrument' (don't you just love the way I have tied together music, philosophy, motorbike riding and photography here), yes, our instrument is the D70 and we have to know it so well that we do not think about using it when we do, we just do so. Why? because we are there to capture the moment. Witness MattK's post of the overturned boat elsewhere...he was there and swung into action. I realise some of this is TIC (Tongue in cheek) but there is a serious issue here being put on the table. Do I hear some doubting thomas?

Birddog As to the SB800 I am too busy making posts as well but I will get it out this weekend in prep for the Brisbane Camera Club meet next Monday.

[Matt. K]

Dargon...first, the lens...I learnt many years ago that the equipment is secondary to the act of human creation. We D70 owners on this forum are no different to the ancient tribes of this broad land who sprayed ochre clay from their lips to leave impressions of their hands on the walls of sandstone caves. We simply use a more advanced form of imaging technique...our cameras. But that which drives us is the same urge of those who lived during pre-historic times....an indelible and undefinable urge to leave a mark for those who come after us. Our marks may be a little more sophisticated and complex...but their meaning remains the same...I EXISTED! AND I SAW THESE THINGS AND THEY MOVED MY HEART. THEY MADE MY EXISTENCE WORTHWHILE AND YOU WHO FOLLOW SHOULD PONDER THESE THINGS IN YOUR OWN EXISTENCE! All men are mark makers...some using spray paints to leave graffiti on a wall...other simply smashing a window..or breaking a young tree....these are all forms of mark making. The miserable clerk who scratches in a ledger all of his life gains some satisfaction from the hieyrogl yphics of commerce he leaves as his legacy. (Greg B...are you still with me? I can picture you now, your eyes wet with tears and on the verge of excruciating laughter!), but...to get back to my point, There are a number of pinhole camera societys on this planet and I have seen HUGE coloured prints hanging in galleries made with cardboard boxes with pinholes for lenses...and the images were so beautiful they would make you weep. Da Vinci could make a masterpiece with a stick of charcol. Your camera and its lens are tools...but you are the craftsman. A skilled craftsman will turn a thing of beauty with ANY tool! A pretender will produce no thing of value with even the finest and most exquisite tool. Get cracking and produce images that move you. Care not if they move no one else.

[Greg B]

I am with you Matt, no problem at all. I'm with you too, Dargan.

Gentlemen, the fine experience of making an image, and the tools to make that image (whether the most basic or the most sophisticated), and the things that also excite and drive the image makers, and the experience of discussing and reviewing those things, these are really really good things.

My eyes are wet with tears Matt, but they are tears of joy. OK, I've gone too far there, but I sure am having fun

[Matt. K]

Greg B. Your tears are diamonds. They flash in the moonlight and spread your joy.

[Greg B]

[Dargan]

Sympatico to all in this post!

Being reasonably mature, am not easily removed to tears (recalling the magic of water comp due tomorrow perhaps I should be) unless Coopers is involved. Nevertheless, it would be a crying shame if guitar playing, motorcycle riding, Pirsig reading, 42 devotees wielding their D70's at precisely the right moment didn't elicit some sort of understanding response from the general public. Who can be unaware of the deep significance of a moment in time? Actually, I have met too many individuals I could care to relate that don't appear to know what day it is let alone what moment, but those people do not inhabit this forum.

In this sense, have complete unity with MattK's perspective on the universe and am hoping to preserve moments of eternal uniqeness.

If you examine some of the great photographers of the 20th C they were often known for just one great shot. Eg; Robert Capa Death of Spanish Soldier(I know as mentioned already MattK), but also Nick Knight Susie Smoking, Paul Strand.. Wall St NY, Sebastiao Salgado ..Serra Pelanda Brazil, Dorothea Lange ...Migrant Mother, Yousuf Karsh .. Winston Churchill, Bert Hardy ... Gorbals Boys, the person who took the photo of the Vietnamese girl whose village was napalmed... etc, etc

Wouldn't it be great if one of your shots was to get close to that list! However U are not going to be anywhere near there if U and your D70 don't have some sort of symbiotic relationship is my point. Ergo, zen mumblings. Also need for technical advancement.

That's enough for one post, eh?

Now just check that avatar I sent you MattK...If Snafu can change a name U can ....

[Dargan]

I am just going to reply to myself! I have been thinking about getting some stuff together for a post on the moment of photographic truth. You might like to view this in that context. I am sure D70 Mark II will have shutter speed similar in length.
http://www.islandnet.com/~gds/PDM.html

[Matt. K]

Dargon!
Just wonderful to read your post. Salgardo, though, is very special and famous for many pics. He, like Eugene Smith, is a true virtuoso of the 35mm camera. It is true, however, that many photographers have gained fame through one great (lucky???) shot. Or were they there, ready, recognized the coming together of the pictorial elements and grabbed the frame like a cricketer catches the ball?

I think we all have one great photograph waiting for us to come along. Be alert...but not alarmed!

[Dargan]

Hi Matt Been out of range for a few days. I am staring out the widow of Rydges Hotel in Canberra at the moment. Been a while since I have been here. Should have bought the guitar. Yesterday walking round the lake (escaped conference obligations) and there is a cormorant (? I think) sunning and drying itself on a ladder on way back from the Carillyon, not sure of spelling there, but the bell tower. I am in company of two others who have escaped similarly and they turn out to be photographers, one Nikon film and litho buff and other Canon 300D. Both impressed with D70 features, its nice to have a good toy. We all have our cameras out in a flash, and this guy is posing for us. Then the sun comes out like a Michelangelo painting and I am thinking nature in B &W is this going to work. You get my drift. You gotta be ready when the time comes!

One thing I am chuffed about is getting the posts up on this thread and I am serious about that photographic moment comment. I am going to do some trawling and get a paper together on the essential issues, if it is good enough will present to Gary for approval.

[Dargan]

I just had to post this as I couldn't stand the thought of a detachable camera strap getting more replies than a thread on guitar. Just to add a note remotely attached to the thread, have you read The Decisive Moment by Cartier Bresson MattK? As opposed to the 'Decisive Note' which is of great importance to any guitar player.

[Matt. K]

I have studied Bresson and am familiar with all of his images. You gotta love the little Leica! Bresson was a master of composition...but it would be a mistake to think that all of his images were grabbed. Many of his portraits were carefully controlled. Bresson also knew the importance of the background and exploited it beautifully. Bresson also shot many hundres of frames to get one keeper...in that sense, he worked very hard. I think overall Bresson had his style, but Eugene Smith was the genius...something that only becomes obvious when you see his proofsheets. Every shot a miracle. Every print a performance.

[sirhc55]

Joined this group discussion late but although I don’t play an instrument I have been involved with music for years - met Segovia in the UK when I was at school. Was a Mod with a scooter (just watched Quadrophenia - ah what memories). Great fan of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra and Cafe del Mar PLUS have read Robert Pirsigs book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle maintenance PLUS the book he wrote 15 years after the death of his son Chris, a very powerful book called Lila.

Cheers

Chris

[phillipb]

Matt, I just googled Eugene Smith and I can now see where you get a lot of your views from. Most of his work conforms to your Ideas of neat and in the middle, and I must say I like what I saw.

Regards
Phillip

[Matt. K]

sirhc55
You met Segovia! You met Segovia! God! If I meet you I'm gonna tell my friends I met someone who met Segovia! I used to study his little finger exercises on my guitar and my fingers grew so strong They could peel walnuts. But that was awhile ago.

[Matt. K]

phillipb
If you can get to a decent library and drag out some of his works then you'll be well rewarded. One of the books is simply page after page of his 35mm proofsheets. It's like looking through the eyes of a master....nothing is wasted! Not a frame! And each image gets closer and closer to the final masterpiece. He was an alcoholic and I made the connection a long time ago. I haven't stopped drinking since and can definitly see an imrovement in my photography. That's when I can see at all.

[sirhc55]

sirhc55
You met Segovia! You met Segovia! God! If I meet you I'm gonna tell my friends I met someone who met Segovia! I used to study his little finger exercises on my guitar and my fingers grew so strong They could peel walnuts. But that was awhile ago.

Lets put it this way - I met him personally in 1959 after he gave my school a concert so that’s 45 years gone by - ye Gods. My first wife was a flamenco dancer (amongst other things) so I came to appreciate much about Spanish music and to this day one of my favourite pieces is Concerto de Aranjuez by Rodrigues

Chris

[dooda]

You had a wife that was a FLamenco dancer? Man that's great! I love the Flamenco guitar, I dabble with it now and again. My fave is Paco De Lucia, but my fave song is Mediterranean Sunrise by Al Di Meola on Saturday Night in San Fransisco. Let the sound of my voice be heard by all guitar players, if you like Flamenco guitar in any way, there is no other album to start your collection. Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia and John McLaughlin sharing the same stage, hammering nugget after nugget of pure liquid Old School Flamenco gold.

[gstark]

but my fave song is Mediterranean Sunrise by Al Di Meola on Saturday Night in San Fransisco. Let the sound of my voice be heard by all guitar players, if you like Flamenco guitar in any way, there is no other album to start your collection. Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia and John McLaughlin sharing the same stage, hammering nugget after nugget of pure liquid Old School Flamenco gold.

Mediterranean Sundance, actually. I have it on both vinyl and CD.

First heard it one Tuesday morning while driving the MGB into the city down Parramatta Rd, around Ashfield. 1984, probably. Robbo was playing it, and it just kind of snuck up on me.

Bought my copy later same day!

[Greg B]

And the album was actually Friday Night in San Francisco

[sirhc55]

You had a wife that was a FLamenco dancer? Man that's great! I love the Flamenco guitar, I dabble with it now and again. My fave is Paco De Lucia, but my fave song is Mediterranean Sunrise by Al Di Meola on Saturday Night in San Fransisco. Let the sound of my voice be heard by all guitar players, if you like Flamenco guitar in any way, there is no other album to start your collection. Al Di Meola, Paco De Lucia and John McLaughlin sharing the same stage, hammering nugget after nugget of pure liquid Old School Flamenco gold.

Hi

Yes, I have Splendido Hotel, Land of the Midnight Sun and Friday Night in San Fransisco - all brilliant. Yes my wife was a brilliant flamenco dancer that’s probably why she ran off with a guy from Barbados! Plus she hated my Nikkormat and my hobby that is why I have always had photography and 2 more ex-wifes - learnt my lesson now and just happy to potter and take photos

Cheers

Chris

[dooda]

Ooops,
I can't believe I messed up Friday Night In San Diego and Mediterranean Sunlight That didn't look very good

I recently saw Remember Shakti. It was like an out of body experience and transcended words. (so these little yellow faces will have to do)

His madolin player was insane, literally, and Zakhir was, of course, brilliant.

[Greg B]

...... my wife ..... hated my Nikkormat and my hobby...

Maybe it is necessary to involve the wife in the hobby.

Nudge nudge, wink wink, know what I mean?

[Dargan]

What can I say? A guitar thread will beat a camera strap any old day.

I am going to take some artistic photographs of my guitar right now!

As to flamenco, Paco Pena is pretty good if you haven't heard him and a long time ago I started by listening to Sabicas a master and experimenter in recorded flamenco. I am talking vinyl here of course. Matt I have those Segovian finger exercises not to mention Sor and Guiliani, I better get to it before the arthritis creeps in.

[sirhc55]

...... my wife ..... hated my Nikkormat and my hobby...

Maybe it is necessary to involve the wife in the hobby.

Nudge nudge, wink wink, know what I mean?

Hah Hah - that’s why I have a permanent fat lip plsu the viewfinder misted up too much!!!

[Dargan]

Don't you worry Sirhc, I am sure GregB and his wife play guitar together

[dooda]

My most recent find is Leo Kotke. I recently remembered listening to him in High School and liking it so I took a chance on an anthology instrumental. I just love the way this guy punishes his strings. Simply the best. Does anyone here listen to Leo Kotke?

This makes 97 posts on here, an even second place on the all time posts.

[sirhc55]

I can add one more post with my all time favourite Richie Havens - saw him perform live in London after Woodstock and he was fantastic - no camera with me unfortunately

Cheers

Chris

[gstark]

Saw Kotke in the early 80's ... around the time my elder brother died.

Also saw Leon redbone around the same time. Now, there's a performer.

Still miss Harry Chapin, and I wanna see Tom Waits perform live.

Preferably with a drunk piano.