More Leica Gear!

Since there is a 15% rebate and I get an additional 15% discount for VAT, I'm going to pick up some Leica gear from the UK. The exchange rate is hovering just below S$2.10 to a pound, which is an additional savings.

Michael's going to get a Tri-Elmar-M 16-18-21mm f/4 ASPH too.

I think I'll pick up the Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH and either the Summilux-M 35mm or 50mm f/1.4. Can't quite decided which it'll be. Since I already have 2 Summilux-M 50mm, I may swing towards the 35mm instead.

Also, looking to add the 1.4X magnifier and the SF 24D flash to the stash as well. Though there's no rebate, the exchange rate savings and the VAT refund still make it worth my while.

We'll see... offer ends on 31 January 2009

Cheers,

The markets' gone to the dogs!

The market is topsy turvy and the exchange rate is crap. US dollar is up and Japanese yen is at it's all time high.

Time to cut back on the visits to the auction sites. Sigh....

On a more positive note, the British pound and the Australian Dollar is still attractive. But treasure hunting for vintage gear don't yield anything interesting in these two markets. New gear can benefit from the exchange rate though. Perhaps I should spring for a new Digital SLR or some new Canon lenses.

Cheers,

Merging tracks

Merging tracks, originally uploaded by benny ng.

It was a boring Saturday. Took a quick trip to the Railway Station as Chii Fei suggested. Bernard was there previously.

Didn't get too much out of it. Maybe just not in the mood. Weather sucks, which is good as the contrast wasn't too high. Anyway....

Cheers,

Solitude

Solitude, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Taken yesterday during our pre Chinese New Year visit at my Grandmother's. She stays in one of these little pockets that time forgot. Some for the furnishings have not change for 40 years.

In any case, there is a section where she rents out to others for some pocket money. Lots of interesting characters come and go.

Cheers,

It was a sight to behold....

It was a sight to behold...., originally uploaded by benny ng.

Was at Michael's place yesterday to drop off some lenses before flying off.

Thought it was going to be a splash and dash but ended up having dinner at his place. And got the chance to see part (and only part) of his extensive collection! Not for the faint of heart! I think you can easily buy a Mercedes C class with what's on the table.

Cheers,

Compressed

Compressed, originally uploaded by benny ng.

Just playing with the Canon 100mm f/2.0 LTM on the Epson R-D1s. This lens is suppose to be notoriously hard to focus, especially on the R-D1s due to the camera's short baselength as well as the shallow depth of field at f/2.0.

Anyway, Bernard, John and I went to the Padang after hanging out at Peninsula for a while. The light was good and I managed to get a shot of the financial district in a slightly different perspective.

Cheers,

Absolut Bokeh

Absolut Bokeh, originally uploaded by benny ng.

ISO 200, 1/8 sec, f/2.0. Shot on Epson R-D1s.

It's all A. J. Goh's fault for letting me play with this lens. The Nikkor-P.C. 8.5cm f/2 LTM. Nikon built it's reputation on this and the 10.5cm f/2.5 lens.

For such a compact package, it's certainly makes it's presence felt in your hands. There is a lighter version of this lens in black and chrome finish.

Anyway, here's a test shot to see the out of focus rendition. As it's a Sonnar design, it's exhibits smooth and creamy bokeh!

Perhaps I should get the black one to see if there are any difference.

Cheers,