Search found 3410 matches

by ray_parkhurst
Fri Jan 26, 2024 11:04 am
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: ultra macro suggestions beyond 10x -- cheaper but ok objectives to play with? Sony aps-c
Replies: 36
Views: 1862

Re: ultra macro suggestions beyond 10x -- cheaper but ok objectives to play with? Sony aps-c

I've evaluated quite a few 20x-25x-40x-50x objectives for use in stylus evaluation imaging. I ultimately settled on the Nikon LU Plan 20x ELWD as the best for that application. I expect there are shorter WD objectives that can beat it, but overall it is now my go-to objective for 20x work.
by ray_parkhurst
Wed Jan 24, 2024 8:38 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Nikon Measuring Objectives - finite or infinite
Replies: 1
Views: 312

Nikon Measuring Objectives - finite or infinite

Long ago I tested my Nikon MM objectives as infinites, and saw similar performance as when used as finites, so I stuck with finite for system convenience. But my tests were somewhat rudimentary back then (really still are) so I have always wondered if they would perform better on infinite. I now pla...
by ray_parkhurst
Tue Jan 23, 2024 8:37 am
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Article on Tomioka and their industrial lenses
Replies: 4
Views: 403

Re: Article on Tomioka and their industrial lenses

I haven't read through the Story article, but the Industrial Lens article is truly excellent. Very comprehensive and well-written. A great reference for these lenses.
by ray_parkhurst
Tue Jan 23, 2024 8:35 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum and Community Announcements
Topic: Highest Serial Number 105PN?
Replies: 70
Views: 15740

Re: Highest Serial Number 105PN?

SN 5001299 just showed up on eBay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/395152928804

Great price for the condition IMO.
by ray_parkhurst
Mon Jan 22, 2024 9:00 pm
Forum: Macro and Micro Technique and Technical Discussions
Topic: Methods to evaluate performance of a focus rail
Replies: 3
Views: 621

Re: Methods to evaluate performance of a focus rail

Very interesting. It's nice to see a microscope focusing block compared to the rails. In my experience these blocks are better in almost every way than the usual rails, and can be very finely controlled at very small step sizes using a WeMacro MicroMate. Also it is worth noting that some rails have...
by ray_parkhurst
Mon Jan 22, 2024 8:48 pm
Forum: Macro and Micro Technique and Technical Discussions
Topic: Mitutoyo M Plan APO 5x or 10x?
Replies: 20
Views: 990

Re: Mitutoyo M Plan APO 5x or 10x?

When going from APS-C to FF (A7rm4) a while back, I found that I got much better results overall with higher mag objectives. Obviously due to the larger frame I needed to increase my magnification, but I did not need to double it for the same coverage. On APS-C I had been devoted to 5x objectives as...
by ray_parkhurst
Fri Jan 19, 2024 5:02 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Optics Roadtrip 2024
Replies: 26
Views: 1165

Re: Optics Roadtrip 2024

Sorry I won't be here to grab a beer and meet your wife. Gonna have to be next time I get down your way again. Good hunting (treasure, that is!)...Ray
by ray_parkhurst
Fri Jan 19, 2024 3:51 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Macro rail assembly
Replies: 39
Views: 2277

Re: Macro rail assembly

You're absolutely right but I only have the A for now hehe But it's good to know it should be fine for that weight, precision-wise it's okay for what I have now and it's within acceptable levels, I was just worrying about those bearings - and frankly I didn't trust my math :lol: I'm sure I'll go fo...
by ray_parkhurst
Thu Jan 18, 2024 2:41 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum and Community Announcements
Topic: AI Photo Use So Widespread is Sad to See
Replies: 19
Views: 852

Re: AI Photo Use So Widespread is Sad to See

The images we're discussing in this thread were generated by neural nets. Even a couple years ago the best they could do was produce vaguely subject relevant blobs. This technology is completely distinct from how a 3d special effect is rendered. The tools used in the past were not as sophisticated,...
by ray_parkhurst
Thu Jan 18, 2024 8:34 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum and Community Announcements
Topic: AI Photo Use So Widespread is Sad to See
Replies: 19
Views: 852

Re: AI Photo Use So Widespread is Sad to See

rjlittlefield wrote:
Wed Jan 17, 2024 10:54 pm
Did you perhaps see the post in some other forum?
Yes, my bad, and sorry to waste your time. The introduction was over on the Manual Focus Forum. Here is the link if anyone is interested:

http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=84961
by ray_parkhurst
Thu Jan 18, 2024 8:28 am
Forum: General Discussion Forum and Community Announcements
Topic: AI Photo Use So Widespread is Sad to See
Replies: 19
Views: 852

Re: AI Photo Use So Widespread is Sad to See

AI tools have been capable of this type of image since before 2000. No offense Ray but they absolutely haven't. But of course they have. AI has been around for a very long time. It only became useful for use in CGI in the mid to late 90's, but by 1997 the majority of Hollywood productions were usin...
by ray_parkhurst
Thu Jan 18, 2024 8:11 am
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Bellows repair with new plastic dovetail inserts
Replies: 16
Views: 938

Re: Bellows repair with new plastic dovetail inserts

Though I've never seen one of those with bushing problems, broken insert or anything of the sorts - maybe those were the older FL bellows? No, FD Autobellows. One of my early postings on this forum was regarding the repair of an FD Autobellows I bought with a 20MP lens: https://www.photomacrography...
by ray_parkhurst
Wed Jan 17, 2024 8:10 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Lens Mounting Threads Stuck?
Replies: 11
Views: 576

Re: Lens Mounting Threads Stuck?

BTW, I almost emailed you for help when I thought the lens was stuck, right before I decided to try the warming trick! Hah! not sure what I would have said. Rik helped out with suggestions for my last issue, though I ended up using a different technique. Main thing with these tight lenses is to mak...
by ray_parkhurst
Wed Jan 17, 2024 7:44 pm
Forum: Equipment Discussions
Topic: Bellows repair with new plastic dovetail inserts
Replies: 16
Views: 938

Re: Bellows repair with new plastic dovetail inserts

I've cannibalized many bellows to fix bushing problems. Quite a few of the bellows I've purchased, mostly Pentax but a few Canon, had broken bushings. I usually send them back, but often folks don't want them back and give refunds, or give a big discount to avoid returning them, so I've ended up wit...
by ray_parkhurst
Wed Jan 17, 2024 5:06 pm
Forum: General Discussion Forum and Community Announcements
Topic: AI Photo Use So Widespread is Sad to See
Replies: 19
Views: 852

Re: AI Photo Use So Widespread is Sad to See

I recently saw an introductory post by "ChatGPT". It was an interesting read but I can't seem to find it. Did it get deleted?