Tentenths

Maybe we could have an LEF r/c meet at some point in the future? But not at the mo as I'm currently gear/model-less having got rid of all my kit 20 odd years ago. But am seriously contemplating doing the 'born again' thing. Just a question of trying to fit it in with all the other hobbies/interests... Talking of which - according to my wife I don't have hobbies or interests, just 'obsessions'. Apparently, it's a 'man thing'...

Bloody hell mate... really sorry to hear that This time make sure you really do take it easy, put your feet up, and keep taking the meds. Hope next week's tests go okay and that you soon start feeling a whole lot better James

That Spitfire looks rather nice Nick... kit or scratch built?

Welcome aboard Graeme We've got quite a few Norwich/Norfolk based members who'll doubtless reveal themselves (oooh matron) in due course. James

Happy Birthday matey

Could you post a 'before' pic for comparison?

Saw your new Essex over at GST last week Baz - she's a beaut

Have you looked in the Parts Cross Reference section (top of the Stevens section)? You may also find this post (and the links therein) to be of help. James

Mike, yes your 35mm Canon lenses should fit/work on a digital Canon. As a general rule most lenses are backwards compatible and should be okay. But I'm not 100% sure about retention of AF facility on Canons. Suggest you check with a dealer/Canon for avoidance of doubt. Owing to the fact that the sensor on a digital SLR is smaller than a single piece of 35mm film your lenses will, however, produce a rather different field of view. The conversion factor is tied in to the size of the camera's sensor. The absence of an industry 'standard' sensor size means that the conversion factor varies slightly from one make of digital SLR to another. In the case of Canon it's 1.6x. Siimply multiply the focal length of the lens you intend using by the conversion factor to give you its angle of view, were it being used on a 35mm film camera. Since 35mm film cameras have been around for a while most photographers are more familiar with the approximate angle of view that 35mm lenses cover. A 28mm lens on a 35mm camera is a moderately wide angle lens, but when used on a dSLR with a smaller-than-35mm sensor size, its angle of view becomes smaller. Multiplication factors on Nikon, Pentax, and Minolta cameras are 1.5, Canon, 1.6, and Olympus 2.0. So an 18mm lens (18 x 1.5 = 27) on the first three takes in the same angle of view as a 27mm lens on a 35mm camera. On a Canon, it would be 29mm, and on an Olympus, 36mm. So, stick your 70-300mm lens on a digital Canon and it effectively becomes the equivalent of a 35mm 112-480 lens, and the 28-105 to 45-168. Not a problem if you shoot portraits, wildlife or sports but it can be more restrictive if you like to use wide-angle lenses for landscapes or photojournalism. Lenses made specifically for digital cameras are usually smaller and lighter and are designed to cover the area of the smaller sensor. In other words, if you used them on a 35mm film camera, the image would be vignetted i.e. darker in the corners. They are also are designed to bend light rays so they hit the sensor more or less straight on which, manufacturers claim, results in a better image. But in reality the consensus seems to be that 35mm film lenses can produce equally good results because they cover a much larger area than the sensor and use only the centre of the lens - the so-called "sweet spot" - to produce images. The fact that they often have larger maximum apertures than digital lenses can also be beneficial. James

Amazing as it may seem there is absolutely no need to have a working speedo/mileometer - let alone an accurate one - for an MOT.

20th June 2007 please.

It can work in your favour but couple of things to be aware of:- 1. VAT/duty - fair chance you'll get caught for VAT & import duty when the package arrives in the UK. That'll add 30 - 35% to the costs. Still potentially saving money... just not as much. 2. Warranty - the standard manufacturer warranties on most US sourced photographic/electronic gear are not valid in the UK* * A possible solution

Jon makes some good and very valid points. After many years as a Nikon devotee my neighbour has just switched to Canon. His only real criticism of the Canon is that the build quality is not quite up to Nikon standards. But, on the other hand, he feels that the lighter weight/smaller size of the Canon system does have its plus points, particularly if you're out and about on foot for long periods. As Jon says your best bet is to go to somewhere like Jessops and have a bit of a play. Meantime, have you seen the comparison test in the May edition of Which Digital Camera? Like many magazine tests it's a bit light on content, but worth a read nonetheless. The most comprehensive reviews are to be found on the interweb. These are reckoned to be about the best:- Digital Photography Review Steve's Digicams* Digital Camera Resource Page* Lets Go Digital Have fun [* The 400D is sold as the Rebel Xti in other markets]

This is very amusing... Click here to see Video

It's reckoned to the best in class at the moment Oddly enough, was chatting to my neighbour about this only yesterday - he's just upgraded to a 400D. Although he's only had it for fortnight he reckons it's the dogs danglies... and he's a very talented, highly respected exhibition standard amateur photographer. As to where to buy, think you'll probably find Purdy's are about the most competitive (net of cashback).

Happy Birthday Dave

Happy Birthday Fraser Hope you're having a great day. Did you watch the F1 qualifying? Didn't young Lewis do well... 2nd on the grid for tomorrow James

Variation on the 'Read The F***ing Manual' theme... 'Search The F***ing Web'

Couple of my favourites RTFM STFW Me... intolerant?!

Superb idea... I'm there Bibsy For anyone who hasn't been to Buckmore Park before it really is a 'must do' - knocks spots off the normal, run of the mill, karting centres. James

Ah, so they're both well acquainted with Lord Hereford's Knob then

Superb... you'd have to be some swimmer to complete the whole trip in 29 days 7 hours too

As Phil says, evidence points towards rubber gaiter. One of the jobs on our 'to do' list too (having already eliminated the 'split breather hose' syndrome). Don't think anyone's written up a 'how to do' but I do know that Martynv (for one) has replaced the gaiter on his Esprit fairly recently. If he doesn't see this post I'm sure he wouldn't mind a PM asking for a few pointers.

Seems to be working okay at this end

Have a great birthday Graham James PS Party invites next year then?