Tristan Tom | through the lens » shop talk

The oldest known photograph of a person is

Tristan — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 01:28:26 +0000

The oldest known photograph of a person is this photo of someone getting their shoes shined in 1838, Paris, by Louis Daguerre:

The image shows a street, but because of the over ten minute exposure time the moving traffic does not appear.

from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Daguerre

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A camera review – Fujifilm X100

Tristan — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 14:25:03 +0000

I used to shoot with Leica M cameras until the system became prohibitively expensive for mere mortals.

This camera brings me back. It’s the closest thing to a digital M camera with 35mm lens, at a much lower price. While it certainly does not replace my DSLR, it complements it nicely especially as a street photography camera and ‘go anywhere’ camera. I turned off the shutter sound and it is nearly silent, enabling me to get publishable shots in more places than I could with my DSLR. And the size and weight is a lot more unobtrusive than my Canon 5D MKII.

It also looks very retro and reminds me of an old Leica M3, Canonet or Olympus – quite stylish and swanky indeed.

Image quality is excellent as is high ISO performance. The bokeh at f2.0 also has a great quality due in part to the large sensor. This camera has a larger (APS sized) sensor than 4/3 cameras like the Olympus PEN. 720p video quality is also excellent but when filming with the camera on a tripod or stationary, I have found it works best to set the focus manually. Otherwise, while videoing, the focus can hunt which is noticeable when watching the video. Also, this adds a bit of noise to the audio as well.

The menu system is a bit quirky and takes time to get used to. The menu button is in the middle of the rear dial and a bit too small. I find pressing it often actives one of the other buttons so I have to use my thumbnail to press it.

That said, I have very few complaints with this camera and it is fast becoming a classic in my opinion.

You can buy the Fujifilm X100 via the following links:

Amazon.com

B&H

Official X100 website

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24 FPS on the Canon EOS 5D MKII is here!

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:47:22 +0000

New firmware which enables 24 fps HD video on the Canon 5D Mark II is now available for download.

Get it from Canon here

This update also enables manual audio level control when for shooting video (you need set this before recording, there is not a live adjustment mode to adjust the audio levels during recording). Also new is a histogram display when in live view and in Manual mode.

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Post tags: Canon 5d MKII, dslr, firmware

Shared: Scott Schuman The Sartorialist

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:50:29 +0000

There’s a cool new book out by Scott Schuman, the street fashion photographer behind the popular blog: The Sartorialist.

Listen to the audio interview on with the photographer on KCRW’s ‘The Treatment’ with Elvis Mitchell: http://www.kcrw.com/etc/programs/tt/tt100210scott_schuman

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Shared: Larry Sultan interview

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:34:10 +0000

Larry Sultan interview with Terry Gross.

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IBM Model M keyboard – a timeless classic

admin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:26:03 +0000

This is a bit geeky but I couldn’t resist. I recently picked up at a tag sale a nearly new condition old IBM Model M ‘clicky’ keyboard (this particular one is from 1991) and it’s the best keyboard I have ever typed on:

Since this keyboard comes with a PS/2 plug, you can use a special PS/2 to USB adapter to connect it to your current computer, whether it be a Mac (like me) or a Windows or Linux machine. Re-map the Alt/Control/Caps Lock keys in your keyboard control panel to work how you like them and it works like a charm! And it evokes a certain caché with a cool yet familiar old-school retro look and feel:

This keyboard has a real cult following and I can see why-the keyboards that come with computers these days feel like total mush. I would highly recommend this keyboard (or the modern day roughly-equivalent one from a company called Unicomp in Lexington Kentucky), to anyone who writes, programs or just uses their computer a lot, which is practically everyone these days isn’t it? You can find them on eBay, and at thrift and computer surplus shops. If you want one with USB built in or one in black, Unicomp would be the place to get that although the build-quality is not quite as good and sturdy as the originals.

The IBM Model M is the best keyboard ever!

For more, check out to this NPR radio story.

UPDATE (April 1, 2010): I’m now using the Space Saver IBM Model M which does not include the number keypad on the right. It’s quite a bit smaller on the desk, which is nice. Having the mouse closer in to the keyboard is surprisingly more ergonomic and quicker as well. It’s my new favorite!

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How run Adobe Photoshop on two computers

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Post tags: apple, computer, keyboard, mac, tech

Now on the Kindle

admin — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:22:16 +0000

(screenshot) This site now available on the Kindle!

Hey folks! You may now subscribe to this site and get updates delivered wirelessly to your Amazon Kindle! Here’s the link.

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Post tags: amazon, kindle, website

Great image sequence of a girl receiving a new puppy for her birthday

admin — Sat, 09 May 2009 15:56:32 +0000

I stumbled across this great sequence of pictures by someone on by the name of Jill Johnson on Flickr.

This really shows how even a short sequence of photographs can sure tell a compelling story! (click on the thumbnail to the right to view.)

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Business Card Observer website

admin — Mon, 04 May 2009 19:44:59 +0000

The Business Card Observer website is a nice source of inspiration for business card design. [via Mike's blog @ Mike Industries].

I’m having fun paging through all the card images (be sure to click on the ‘Older Cards’ as well) and thinking about some of the design elements that work well, and ones that don’t.

Court Des Anges at Disneyland

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:58:38 +0000

I was at Disneyland last week and snapped this quick shot of The Court Des Anges there. This is a good place for engagement or wedding photos, or to just get some peace and quiet while at the park.

Located near the exit to Pirates of The Caribbean, I understand the relaxing courtyard and staircase is soon to be converted to more retail space. That’s a shame because it really is ‘off the beaten path’ and a bit secluded, and one of the only truly quiet (and less-traveled) spaces at Disneyland.