My Analog Life

the new kid on the block..100D!

2010-04-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

New Super 8 Filmstock

2010-04-29T00:07:00.000-07:00

needs to jam

2010-04-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

Watching this video my brother Dennis showed me, I feel I need to make some music again. He was right in saying that watching this video would make me miss our "jamming" days back home.I like this song and now I'm loving it even more. I think I need to call my friend here who plays guitar (although I think he's into louder music). Time to make some music

The Fruit Bats cover Hall And Oates' "One On One"

losing friends

2010-03-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

This is one of the things I hate most in life. I mean, I value friendships..anybody who knows me well enough can attest to this. My natural phsychological weakness is that I'm a patholigical "pleaser". So when somebody stops regarding me as a friend, it hurts me deeply. Especially living here in Europe where I would practically do ANYTHING to make friends, much less maintain them. Sigh...

Later

Later!

Kobena and GAF

2010-03-02T15:11:00.000-08:00

The GAF 102 A and the Kobena 321 are with me already.My first "boxed" cameras. Yey

The GAF was at first extremely disappointing. Unboxing revealed that the flimsy film compartment latch was coming off. Also, the viewfinder was blurry. Worst of all, after putting fresh batteries in, the motor wasn't powering on.

It turned out that a small circular lens became detached from the viewfinder. This, along with the latch problem, could be remedied with some super glue. And with further trying, the film transport motor powered on. I immediately put in the Revue cartridge I found on the Kobena and started exposing (why, do you ask, did I not expose it on the camera I found it on?...read on).

I paid more than I think I should have for this, but I think that its worth it since I really fell in love with its unusual design.

As for the afformentioned Kobena, well the battery compartment was extremely corodded. Let's just say I'm still in the process of cleaning and reviving her. Updates soon

Later!

Collection Update

2010-02-20T14:57:00.001-08:00

I thought about bringing out my collection, you know, just to see what I have at the moment. I now have 20 cameras, 17 of which I laid on the living room table. The 3 left out were at hand, but I just didn't get around to including them. Anyway, here they are..

In this section, we have my prized 10 euro Leicina RT-1, the two Russians, a Sankyo, and two that are unfortunately not functioning (yet!). Its the Eumig and the Agfa.

The next section has my current fave, the Bolex, a Nizo, 2 Bauers, and what's looking to be my straight8 camera, the Yashica.

Finally, here we have 3 Revues, a Lancia, and my 2 Canon 514 xl's.

The whole Super 8 thing (filming, collecting) keeps me sane these days..

Later!

Bolex 155 and Tri-x possibilities

2010-02-17T15:08:00.000-08:00

COMMONPLACE from MSL on Vimeo.

Bolex 155 Vintage Ad

2010-02-17T15:00:00.000-08:00

Post presents

2010-02-17T14:11:00.000-08:00

Well not really presents because they're all paid for. But still, it was great to receive them. The first one was the book "The Ultimate Filmmaker's Guide to Short Films". I hope this helps me think of a concept for the Straight8 thing.

The next two are these packages (which turned out to be HUGE) that were delivered to tita Erma's place in Trier. I usually have packages that originate in Germany sent to her address (genius right?).

One is the Revue Direct sound 8 that came in an even bigger leather case. The camera seemed to be ok, and sure enough the film transport still works when I tested it. The only problem is the lens, it looks like its scratched or with Fungus or something. Further testing and inspection to follow. Did I mention this thing was damn heavy?

The other was my much-awaited Bolex 155 macrozoom. Yes, my first Swiss. i popped in 4 batteries and at first it looked like it wasn't functional. But after some persistence, it turned out to be a working piece. It's simply a thing of beauty. Stats and reviews for both cameras soon.

Later!

Sushi!

2010-02-17T13:57:00.000-08:00

Ok this is a day or two overdue, but I just really wanted to show this on here. The sushi resto that I am working at (nicest people you'll ever see), keeps giving me what else..sushi! Well maki to be precise. And a lot of em!

later!

Photo shop Finds

2010-02-11T20:36:00.000-08:00

Went to Fototrade near our place with tita Erma the other day, and got these misc stuff. First off, two cameras. A Lancia EM-52, and an Agfa Microflex.

I wasn't really going to get the Lancia, but tita Erma put up a good bargaining session, so I got it anyway. It's a bit beat-up, with the metal of the lens a bit dented. It was also missing its battery pack.

But when I tested it with a batt pack from my CE 40, it still functions, so I'm a bit pleased with it.

The Agfa was another story. This I was really planning to buy (because of the cuteness factor I guess), and even the corroded batt contacts didn't deter me. Alas, all is not well, as even cleaning wasn't enough to get this baby rolling again. Oh well, they gave a good price for it so its a good deal nonetheless. It's another cam on my repair list.

I also got a nice bag for my Leicina for 5€. Its got a nice lock as well.

Also got a filter of sorts. Its the only one to fit my Revue so I got it , for 2€. I also got a lens cap for my RT-1.

Can't wait to go back there and do some more digging...

Later!

of Tri-X's and projectors

2010-02-08T03:22:00.000-08:00

This package came in the mail today. Its the two Tri-X's and the all important Osram projector bulb I ordered from the ever dependable BlueCinetech in UK. Let me just say, these guys are real pro's. They even wrote some apologies on the invoice for the late deliveries (not that I was in a hurry in the first place). Great doing business with these people.

So here are the two B&W film cartidges, which according to my test shoot batch list, will be exposed by my Nizo 116 and Revue CE 40. These are two of my better-conditioned cameras, and I am raring to shoot some footage with them. If only I can get some sun here in my neck of the woods..

As for the much needed bulb, I proceeded to put it on the projector right away..with excellent results! I'm almost done watching the disney/woody woodpecker flick I have haha..I think its time to watch some more films on it.

Zenit Quarz 1x8C-2

2010-02-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

This is my Zenit Quarz (Qvarz) 1x8C-2 (export version name,original name - 1x8S-2). Its an old spring driven Russian beauty. Just by handling it you get the feeling of sturdiness from its metal body. Haven't shot with this one, but its on my next batch. Here are her specs from super8aid:

marketed since 1974 until 1993
production: 30,1102 u
silent super 8 cartridge
film frame: 4.22 x 5.69 mm
lens: Meteor-8M-1 f: 1.8 \ F: 9-38 mm
zooming ratio: 4.2x
focusing: manual, microprism
zooming: manual
filter size: 46 mm
viewfinder: single-lens reflex with adjustable eyepiece: +/- 5 diopters
viewfinder information: f-stop scale at the bottom of the frame
exposure: auto and manual exposure control; TTL Electric Eye
aperture range: f/1.8 to f/22
CCA filter: built-in 85A filter, with filter selector
film speed: auto for 40/50 ASA (18 DIN)
exposure compensation: +/- 2 f/stops (2)
filming speed: 9, 12, 18, 24, 32 fps, single frame
shutter opening angle: <180 degrees
shutter speed: 1/22 sec for 9 fps, 1/29 sec for 12 fps, 1/43 sec for 18 fps, 1/58 sec for 24 fps, 1/77 sec for 32 fps
sound: no
cable release socket: yes
movie light socket: no
handle: detachable
camera drive: spring powered motor (about 33 seconds at 18 fps)
power source: 2 x 1.3V batteries for light meter (PX13 o PX625)
battery check button: no
film counter: yes
weight: 1100 g (2.42 lb)
dimensions: 70 x 105 x 200 mm
tripod socket: 1/4"
made in Russia by Zenit
(1) russian name: 1x8C-2; exportation name: 1x8S-2
(2) this camera uses an adjustable switch for setting the film speed. Film speed settings:
12 ASA (12 DIN) with -2 f/stop
32/25 ASA (15 DIN) with -1 f/stop
50/40 ASA (18 DIN) with 0 f/stop
100 ASA (21 DIN) with +1 f/stop
200 ASA (24 DIN) with +2 f/stop

I had my mind on Tri-X for it, but then I noticed that it was on the "Cameras that will not meter correctly, but have manual override" list on super8wiki. Now this got me thinking. I still have a LOT to learn on f-stops and stuff, and I would definitely need a copy of this camera's manual (my .pdf is in German). Maybe I'll ask around in forums as to just how I can manually override or set the meter on this thing..

Later!

Canon 514 XL

2010-01-26T13:57:00.000-08:00

I kind of miss my brother here with this one. Here are my twin (sic) Canon 514 XLs. One is from eBay, and the one who's in better shape is from a good friend and Super 8 buddy.

I plan to use it exclusively for B&W film. It is said to be a good low light camera.

Specs:
marketed in october 1975
silent super 8 cartridge
image size: 4.2 x 5.7 mm
lens: Canon Zoom Lens C8 Macro f : 1.4 \ F: 9-45 mm
composition: 13 elements in 11 groups
zooming ratio: 5x
focusing: manual, 1.2 m to infinity
rangefinder: split image
macro focusing: 0.227 m from the film plane mark (field of view: 74 x 102 mm)
zooming: auto (coupled to film drive, 8 sec at 18 fps) and manual, rotation angle of 115 degrees
filter size: 43 mm
viewfinder: single-lens reflex type with adjustable eyepiece: -4 to +2 diopter
viewfinder information: aperture value, over/under-exposure warning signals, film transport indicator and battery check lamp
exposure control: automatic exposure control; TTL EE, CdS photocell
EE lock: yes
metering range: 250 ASA, f/1.4, 9 fps - 25 ASA, f/32, 18 fps
film speed: automatic for 25/40, 100/160 and 160/250 ISO (daylight/tungsten)
ASA notching: 2-pin
CCA filter: built-in 85A filter, automatically cancelled with loading of a daylight type film cartridge; manual cancellation is possible with filter switch
filming speed: 9, 18 fps, single frame
self timer: 10 seconds delay
shutter opening angle: 220 degrees
sound: no
remote control socket: no
cable release socket: yes
movie light socket: no
film counter: yes
handle: retractable, chamber for penlight batteries
battery check button: yes
film drive motor: DC micromotor
power source: 2 x AA batteries only
weight: 585 g
dimensions: 39 x 112 x 190.5 mm
tripod socket: 1/4"
made in Japan by Canon

Later!

Sankyo MF 303

2010-01-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

Here is my Sankyo MF 303. Its one of the cameras that can correctly meter 64T.

specs:
Sankyo MF 303 Macro Focus
marketed in 1972
silent super 8 cartridge
lens: Sankyo Macro Zoom f: 1.8 \ F: 9-30 mm
zooming ratio: 3.3x
focusing: manual, aerial
macro focusing: yes
zooming: auto and manual
filter size: ?
viewfinder: single-lens reflex with adjustable eyepiece
exposure: auto and manual exposure control; TTL EE, CdS cell
film speed: auto for 25/40 and 100/160 ASA (daylight/tungsten)
CCA filter: built-in 85A filter, coupled with movie light socket
filming speed: 18 fps, single frame
shutter opening angle: 220 degrees
sound: no
remote control socket: yes
cable release socket: yes
movie light socket: screw type
film counter: yes
handle: retractable, chamber for penlight batteries
battery check button: yes
power source: 4 x AA batteries only
tripod socket: 1/4"
made in Japan by Sankyo Seiki

Its number 4 on my test shoot lineup. Here's to nice movies with it.

Later!

Bauer C 107 XL

2010-01-26T13:44:00.000-08:00

This is a Bauer C 107 XL. I would say that it's in good condition.

There's the zoom rocker, the power slide switch, and the filming speed selector on top.

And just look at that intervalometer. I hope to use it to shoot some "interesting" stuff.

Here are her specs (from super8data):
marketed in 1977
silent super 8 cartridge
lens: Bauer Macro-Neovaron f: 1.2 \ F: 7-45 mm
zooming ratio: 6.4x
focusing: manual, split image, 1.5 to infinity
macro focusing: yes
zooming: auto and manual
filter size: 55 mm
viewfinder: single-lens reflex with adjustable eyepiece
viewfinder information: aperture scale, exposure marks, battery condition led, film transport indicator
exposure: auto and manual exposure control; TTL Electric Eye
backlight control button: yes
CCA filter: built-in 85Afilter, with filter control switch
film speed: auto for 25/40 and 100/160 ASA only (daylight/tungsten)
filming speed: 9, 18, 36 fps, single frame
shutter opening angle: 225 degrees
fading: auto fade-in/fade-out
interval timer: 1 fps to 6 frames per minute
sound: no
remote control socket: yes
movie light socket: no
flash synchronization socket: yes
film counter: yes
handle: retractable, chamber for penlight batteries
power source: 4 x AA batteries only
weight: 1100 g
dimensions: 60 x 175 x 230 mm
tripod socket: 1/4"
made in Malaysia by Bauer

Later!

Hard Language

2010-01-25T03:59:00.000-08:00

I am currently writing and posting this blog from the Institute National des Langues in Luxembourg city, trying to get a place for the beginner's Luxembourgish class. Maybe I've been away from my normally busy and chaotic Manila, but this is crazy. I'm at a loss for words as to how unorganized the lines are here, so I'll just show you a pic (a thousand words worth).

Yes, those are 4 Police cars with I think at least 12 officers, brought in to maintain order. Ah bon, c'est la vie....

Later!

New Purpose in Life (for the next 2 months anyway)

2010-01-24T12:36:00.000-08:00

I stumbled on the Straight8 website and read about how they have these "contests" and screenings of Super 8 films. The difference about them is that they are one-take, no edit, single- cartridge movies. And I'm thinking "hey, I can do this". Which is just what I'm going to do (or try to).

So these are the things I'll do in the next couple of weeks:

test shoot with my cameras
learn more about filming
raise or come up with GBP 85.24 (the entry fee with one super 8 cartridge)

The deadline for the submission of the entry is on 7 March 2010, and for the audio is 14 March 2010. Got my work cut out for me.

here's a sneak peek into what it's all about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLTHszB1VwE

Later!

Good News, Bad News

2010-01-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

Ok first up the bad news. My second attempt to repair (cleaning mostly) the Eumig was in vain. It has a complicated shutter release/button system, and getting to its "guts" wasn't really that easy. Needless to say I will try again soon.

The good news is, i managed to make progress with the Sankyo CM 8 double 8 camera. I tried connecting 4 AAs via a battery pack, and whaddya know, its motor started whirring! I will connect the batt pack to it soon.

Ok ok, I know what you're saying. Where am I going to find double 8 film and a place to have it processed. Well I'm really concentrating on Super 8, but its still a great feeling when something that you thought didn't work, works. And I'd like to believe that I'm learning more and more about these cameras.

Later!

Its alive!

2010-01-23T05:39:00.000-08:00

The Yashica Electro 8 LD 6 works! I suspected the battery contacts being corroded, and when I cleaned it a bit, it worked!

Later!

2 new (old) cameras

2010-01-22T06:05:00.000-08:00

I got these two a couple of days ago. I had them mailed to my tita Erma's in Trier. The one on top is a Revue CE 40 and on the bottom is a Yashica Electro LD 6.

The Revue worked right away, and I mean right away because it came with batteries inside! (although there was a little bit of leak so I threw them away). It came with the manual (in German), and also a little tripod-thing.

The Yashica is another story. I was looking forward to this one more because it is one of the "few", one of the 64T-friendly cameras. It came with its case, a manual (German), and some accessories. I tried putting batteries in but it didn't work. Of course I will work on it more, along with my Eumig Viennette 8, as these (along with the Leicina), are my only Ektachrome hopefuls. Details on each camera soon.

Later!

Lechon Manok

2010-01-18T03:02:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I posted something recipe- or food-related. Then again its been a while since I cooked something in a relaxed or enthusiastic situation. This is a Lechon Manok (roasted chicken) whose recipe I got from Peachy of YouTube fame. Its pretty easy, with only garlic, onions, pepper & salt, orange and lemon juice, and some other spices as ingredients. Then just toss it in the oven and turn once in a while, as well as brush on the glaze. The skin turned out to be nice and crispy, and the flesh is ok too. Might need some ketchup or something when eating, but otherwise this recipe was a success.

A moment of projection

2010-01-17T13:45:00.000-08:00

The revue works! I mean, it projects film properly. I finally got around to trying the film I bought for it. It worked great, for a couple of minutes at least. Then the bulb died. So now I need to find a 100w 12v Halogen bulb for it. Updates soon.

Later!

Yay!

2010-01-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

Leicina RT-1.wow!

Later!

Eumig trouble

2010-01-15T15:26:00.000-08:00

I had (and still have, I guess) high hopes for this camera, being one of the few models that can correctly meter 64T. Its a Eumig Viennette 8

Basically the problem is that I can't seem to turn it on. The person who sold this to me on eBay said he used to shoot some nice footage "some years ago". Dunno, maybe I'm missing something..oh well. Updates soon.

Later!

Made in the USSR

2010-01-14T00:21:00.001-08:00

I got two packages in the mail yesterday. One is the Zenit Qvarz 1x8c-2 Super 8 camera. It was sort of another "accident" on eBay, but its a nice camera nonetheless. It doesn't require batteries for the film transport (spring-loaded,neat!), but requires two 1.3 mercury button cells for the light meters. As these batteries no longer exist, I bought two replacement batteries for it. More details in future posts.

Also got two Lomo vintage cameras. A Vilia auto and a Smena 8m. More details soon.

more 64T goodness

2010-01-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

Got the 2 Ektachrome 64T from blue cine tech UK today. Cool. Now I have 3 cartridges. I think thats enough for now. Now I have to stock up on the Tri-Xs,now that I am "enlightened" (see previous post). On another note, my mom went back home to Manila today (sigh). Maybe a bit of sadness will be good for some cine inspiration...

Later!

Me = Stupid (or at least Ignorant)

2010-01-09T05:20:00.000-08:00

This just in. And just in time, I think. Before I run off and invest money that i don't have in building up a stock of 64T's (which was my plan), I was studious enough to read Super 8 man's article which states that:

"Interestingly, this also throws a whole new wrench into the valuation of old super 8 cameras. Those cameras that only allow 40 or 160 ASA tungsten readings (25 or 100 Daylight) are now only useable with B&W film stocks. Inserting a cartridge of E64 into one of these two-mode cameras will most likely result in one of two possibilities: an underexposure of 4/3rds of a stop due to the camera metering for 160ASA film loaded, or an overexposure of 2/3rds of a stop due to the camera metering for 40ASA. Either way, dark images or overexposed images are extremely bad when working with reversal film. “Thin” is often the term used to describe slides that have been overexposed in 35mm still photography. The same is true for movie footage. Expect to see your highlights washed out to the point of being pure white. Or, dark, constrasty muddy images when under exposed."

Yikes! So all along, all my "un-64t friendly" cameras can run B&W film (Tri-X)! This is sort of great news, because I`'m not really skilled enough to perform all those fixes or methods to compensate for the under/over exposures...Ok,so at least now I have a different perspective..whew.

Later!

l

Drone controlled by iPhone

2010-01-09T02:34:00.001-08:00

How cool is this!? I want one...

later!

E' Kuu Morning Dew

2010-01-08T13:11:00.001-08:00

Thought I'd post this..

Bauer Compact III XL

2010-01-08T06:54:00.000-08:00

This is another Bauer, a compact 3 XL. Its very clean and works great. A nice little compact camera indeed. It came with its leather mini-bag, which was also in good condition.

specifications:
Year: 1982-1983
Lens: Bauer Neovaron 1,3 / 8,5 - 25,5 mm

Ultra-light

Retractable handle

Auto / Manual Zoom

Auto Exposure

XL shutter for low light condition

Frame rates: 18, 40 (other sources say 32fps instead of 40fps!)

Backlight Control

Fades

Run lock

No sound

Manufactured by Chinon Japan

2 x 1.5V AA batteries (no separate batt for light meter)

Unfortunately, comments from super8wiki aren't optimistic ("There is only one pin for measuring the film's sensitivity; I suspect it can only understand 40 and 160 ASA"). But who knows, maybe I'll be able to find a fix and shoot with this thing.

Later!

Nizo 116

2010-01-08T06:31:00.000-08:00

This Nizo 116 is in excellent condition. I got this off eBay together with another camera which now I forget which one. I really favor Nizos, together with Canons and Nikons (partly from a friend's advice and also from online reading). I was looking\aiming for 20,30 0r 4056's, but this one is good enough a Nizo for me. I'm not sure about it correctly metering 64T though. Super8wiki says that all sound and silent models can meter correctly, except "all integrals and some/all compacts..". I'm thinking the 116 is a compact, but I still plan to run Ekta on it, definitely. I forgot to mention that I had 2 Agfa Moviechrome films and I run one each on the 116 and on my Canon 514xl (Oh wait,thats the camera I bought this camera with), and as for the results, I still have to ask Dimitri. He says he'll ask supersens in Amsterdam if they develop it, but its highly unlikely.

Here are the specs:
Year: 1978-79
Weight: 800 g
Lens: Nizogon 1,8 / 8 - 48 mm
Manual / Auto Zoom
Frame rates: 18, 24 + single frame
Manual / Auto Exposure
Flash contact
Remote control socket
Cable release socket
Made in Germany
Manufacturer: Niezoldi&Krämer / Braun

I'm definitely running more film on this thing soon.

Later!

Weissenborn dream come true

2010-01-07T16:50:00.000-08:00

Its here. Wow! I'm blurting out cheesy nonesense because I can't really express how I feel. Suffice it to say that I never thought I'd be able to hold one in my hands,let alone own one, since I first learned about them and fell in love with the instrument. Again, W-O-W...

This is a style 1 Weissenborn copy by Ermanno Pasqualato of italy (www.lapsteelguitar.net). I finally got it today from the post. I opened the case to see that the tone bar was out of its styro pack. Unfortunately, I think this caused the scratches on the side.

But it doesn't really matter. The Pasqualato sounds great! Even to my untrained hands it responded well.

I got a lot of woodshedding to do! Thanks Tina :) and Ermanno,excellent job,grazie.

Later!

Revue (Pocket Super 8)

2010-01-06T15:51:00.000-08:00

This one is kind of cute, because of it being a "pocket" camera. It's apparently from the same makers of my projector.

The lens and the pistol grip are removable. The shutter release is on the top portion of the camera.

Here are her specs:
Lens: 1,6 / 15 - 15 mm
Frame rates: 18, 36
Manual / Auto Exposure
Backlight Control
Dimensions: 139mm x 91mm x 38,5mm
Weight: 450 g
Batteries: 2x 1.5V AA

I'm still thinking whether or not to run film through this.

Later!

Sankyo 8-CM

2010-01-06T04:26:00.001-08:00

This is a Sankyo 8-CM. I acquired it during the times when I wasn't familiar yet with both eBay and Super 8, so it really wasn't one of those cameras I was setting out to get. It's not super 8 in the first place! But here it is, and no regrets. It's an 8mm ("normal 8") I think, and its a fine example as well. From this website:
http://www.thecamerasite.net/09_General/Pages/cinecam.htm , I got these specs:

Lens: Pronon Zoom 1,8 / 8,5 - 26 mm
frame speeds: 12,18 and 24

Its unfortunate that it is lacking the battery box when I got it. I plan to tinker around with it so i can hopefully make it run again. The lens seems to be in good condition.

Lomo 218

2010-01-06T03:07:00.000-08:00

This Lomo (Avrora) 218 is another acquisition from eBay. I forgot how much I paid for it (I´ve never bought a camera off eBay for more than 30 euros....yet). Specs from super8wiki as follows:

year: 1978-79
lens: 2,4 / 12,5 - 12,5 mm
frame rate: 18
manual / auto exp (not TTL)
silent
made in Russia

This particular one that I have, seems to be missing its lens, which is quite a pity. Unfortunately, I´ve also read that its not 64t friendly. oh well, as long as it runs on batteries. Still undecided whether I should bother running a test 64T or a Tri-X through it. Opinions very much welcome.

Later!

Sankyo CM-800

2010-01-05T01:41:00.000-08:00

This is the camera that started it all basically. I acquired it from a flea market in Trier for euros 4,50. I was just glad to see one in the flesh, I guess. Didn't know about checking the batt compartment for corrosion...or the lens for fungus...stuff like that. And so, upon taking it home and further inspecting it, here is what I got:

The battery compartment is heavily corroded (I think there were batteries when I opened it,..don't remember). Two of the contact springs have been replaced, which caused the battery contacts and the closing of the latch to be all screwed up.

There's some sort of tape near where the cartridge release. Maybe light is leaking in? And the lens is loose, but in fairly good condition.

Here are her specs (thanks to super8wiki):

year: 1969-70

lens: Sankyo zoom 1,8 / 7,5 - 60 mm

microprism focusing

auto/manual zoom

18, 36 + single frame

manual/auto exp

backlight control

no sound

made in Japan

manufacturer: Sankyo Seiki MFG co.

There you go. I might tinker with it a bit, but no expectations as to wether I can make it work. It makes a good,huge deco piece though.

Later!

Bauer Trouble

2010-01-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

First off, BlogPress works great! If only I can find where to edit the tags though...

So, on to the Bauer. It is an S 209 that I wasn't really "planning" on getting but was pleasantly surprised when I did. The battery compartment was nice and clean, and sure enough when I tested it the film advance was smooth.
Then I tested the zoom, first with the auto. The motor was humming, but there was no movement. So i tried manually. The lens itself didnt seem to move, so when I budged it, I think i broke it, because when I opened the side panel and took out the lens (see photo), it looked like there's a circular disk that came off. Yikes. Whats worse, is that when I tried putting the lens back, I couldn't see through the viewfinder anymore. Sigh...a work in progress, I think. Pity, 'coz the mechanisms inside looked really sharp. Maybe I'll keep this one for "study" purposes. What do you think?

Later!

This just in: Ektachrome and test 8mm film

2010-01-04T15:23:00.000-08:00

Hello. As the title implies (slightly), my first roll of fresh 64T Ektachrome arrived in the mail today. Got it from eBay....again. So did the 8mm film of some Disney stuff that also arrived. The latter I got to hopefully test the Revue Lux 2003 mentioned from my previous post.

As for the Ektachrome, I'm still deciding what camera to test-shoot it with. I'm thinking between the Sankyo MF-303,the NiZo 116, or one of the 2 Canon 514's. What do you think?

By the way, another first in this post is my using BlogPress Lite to post this blog. Here goes nothin'!

Later!

Revue Lux 2003 film projector

2009-12-29T01:30:00.001-08:00

I got this projector at a flea market in Trier ("Floh Markt"). After some haggling by my tita Erma, we got this for 5 euros. At first I didn't really expect it to work, since we got it cheap, plus it was raining that time and although I tried my best to cover it, some moisture crept into it. It also didn't come with a power plug (I bought one at Saturn in Trier). But after plugging it in, it seems to be in working condition. The motor runs smoothly, and the bulb seems to be in perfect condtion. As of this time, I haven't really found anything about it online, and I really don't know how to operate it. I'm still waiting for a super 8 film I bought from eBay to test it. Some info and tips would be much appreciated. Updates soon.

My Super 8's

2009-12-28T14:52:00.000-08:00

Hi All. Ages ago I ranted about culture shock, employment difficulties, unfair labor laws, etc. Seems I got the thinking that a blog about my problems would interest anybody and maybe even get me a job. Now although I still believe that the two afformentioned blogging reasons are still possible, I decided to make this blog more about my hobbies (passions?). Because I figured, this is way more fulfilling and easier to write about than my ongoing problematic life.

And so, after music and instruments, Capoeria, boxing, art and doodling, DJing, now its Super 8 (I still love all of these, mind you). I've been reading about super 8 filming and cameras for a while now, but only when I got the chance to buy an actual camera from a flea market in Trier that I really got into this world (that camera turned out to be defective).

So here's what I have so far. Articles on each coming soon.

?

2009-10-26T12:28:00.001-07:00

Is this the beginning of the end?

Daniel

Chicken Cacciatorre

2009-08-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

I hope I got the spelling right. It was a really nice recipe to cook...haven't tasted it though lol. I hope Tina will like it. Thanks to Chef John at foodwishes.com

Expat Focus - Luxembourg (City) - Registration, Permits & Other Documentation

2009-08-11T05:05:00.001-07:00

Expat Focus - Luxembourg (City) - Registration, Permits & Other Documentation

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FiveFWD - Samsung outs the HMX-U10 by The Gadget Show

2009-07-15T00:05:00.001-07:00

FiveFWD - Samsung outs the HMX-U10 by The Gadget Show

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Long time no hear/Things to come

2009-06-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone..I hope you are all well.It has been a while since my last post.I dunno, maybe I'm having this lazy spell or something..Oh well. Been through a lot since my last post, but I don't think I'll go into that now..I will list what I will write about soon though..

I think I'll do a review of the Toshiba Camileo S10..and maybe a blog on my trials and tribulations on taking on the Luxembourg Law on Work Permits..

Ha-yah! Chinese Spareribs!

2009-05-15T04:58:00.000-07:00

Wow, did not expect to get that good of a taste (allow me this one time for carryin my own bench here) for my first ever Chinese Spareribs. We had some laying around in the freezer for a while now, so I decided to cook that (plus we've had seafood for the last 3 or so days). I looked up youtube and found this video http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=E526AA352EA27CA5&search_query=cooking . Instead of the cooking wine, I used Vodka and then I also added some honey in the end.

Anyway, it tasted really great and the best thing for me was when Tina liked it so much.Yum!

Still working on a dream

2009-05-14T05:11:00.000-07:00

Hi all.Quite a while since my last post. I dunno, didn't feel like posting for a while. Have a couple of job leads. And just today, I gor a reply from the Catclub mgmt. Will see if I can musster enough courage to arrange for a test (which costs 9 euro by the way). Heard my brother Dennis got promoted. Really happy for him. But of course, it had me looking down on myself again. I'm trying to fight the feeling. I'm stiil working on that dream

3 days away

2009-05-03T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hi all. Was at mich's for three days helping out with the house..having a bad bloc case...

The Trailing Male

2009-04-30T04:57:00.000-07:00

Yes,that's right,Thats what I am. Yesterday was a helluva day. So big in fact that I ended up getting out of bed at 10am this morning.

A lot of things happened yesterday. First I read a book online and was introduced to the notion of a "trailing male". That is, a male spouse following his already-with-work wife abroad? Ring any bells? Yup, thats me. It was such a relief to find out that my predicament was recognized, and that there are others like me. It put a lot of things in perspective. And, like to process of getting over an addiction, it was comparable to the first step which is "to recognize the problem".

I went to the city in the afternoon to fix some paperwork and who do I see? Dennis, another trailing male like me. We had some drinks (well, a lot of drinks) and had fun just talking about stuff. We even met this girl Christane. She was really nice to talk to as well.

Overall, yesterday was a real eye-opener. Here's hoping that the momentum will stay.

Near future

2009-04-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

Has a nice ring to it,eh? Oh well,I just hope mine will be a good one. One might say that I'm not really doing anything to make that happen..well...I'll get to that in a minute.

Today is going ok relatively...Had folks come in this morning so I had a sense of purpose for this day. That mainly being food. I prepared some pasta. Not difficult at all. Done it a couple of times already. The dish was received well. It's a nice feeling when something you've poured some effort to is appreciated. But then you know that, don't you. Anyway,that went well.

After that, hit the books once again for some French. It's both a nice distraction, something to pass the time, and also a very important aspect of my finding anything here (i.e. a job). That went well too, with the lesson progressing to Near Futures using the different conjuctions of the verb "aller" plus the present tense of any verb..So that gives us "going to..(verb).." . I really liked that lesson. It sort of opened more possibilities and, I should say, greatly increased my "french bank". I still have to put it to practice though.

Which brings us to my weird statement up front. Yes I used the lame relevance of the french lesson with my personal trials and tribulations..but as the language had lessons for me, so did life. Today it sort of dawned on me that nobody will pick me up here...NOBODY...there's only me. There will be no magical job opening that will land on my lap. There will be no out-of-the-blue kind person offering me a company position. Nothing of that sort..So, if I really want that self respect, and the respect of other people that I so badly want...if I really want that Flip MinoHD camera, or that Jean jacket from Esprit, that Nikon D40 , the Dell studio MT, the Kaoss Pad 3, (ok we get the idea), I have to really get off my ass here. I cannot rely on anybody. It's as simple as that. Do I want it bad enough?

Learned to prepare the French staple "croque Monsieur" from youtube. Seems it is prepared differently by diff people. I think I have all the ingredients, save the actual "jambon" which i can purchase at Del Haize across the street. Sure to try it one of these days. Keep you posted.

Oh,and that picture? It's the snack I had...Your usual coffee and "beucoup de bonbon". Better watch it suger levels will go up (or my teeth will be f/%ç/cked).

Hmm..what's for dinner?

Back from Trier

2009-04-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Went to my aunt's place in Trier, Germany. Had a nice time. Saw the Aphitheater and Porta Nigra from the inside. Nice. Somehow, I don't feel the words coming right now to write about it all. I don't know..still feeling lower than ever.;;hope this doesn't stick...just now really pissed off because I'm having memory card trouble with this aspire one..sigh..the photos from our little trip are on my multiply and facebook pages..

4 Bofferdings and counting..

2009-04-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

Well thats that..Bofferding is pretty nice I guess. I think I've had too many bad experiences on Sagres and Super Bock..Diekrich would be secondary too. I would prefer belgian beers. But what I really want right now is a nice cold bottle of Pale Pilsen or A big ol' Red Horse. What I woudn't give for that right now.

The fried chicken experiment didn't go over too well. I guess the better thing to do is just coat the chicken with salt directly, then the coating of flour or whatever, then the frying. I should definitely stick with that then experiment on other aspects.

Chatting with scott. That guy is the real deal. Real nice guy. Very positive. All he has, I think, is not in small part to his very positive attitude. Wish I was like that.

I just want to say it flat out.."I'm losing it"..I think I am..I dunno..I just don't know. Maybe I just say that to chicken out on responsibilities..I just don't know. I better get a job fast. Or I'll definitely lose it..

Good Morning Gasperich

2009-04-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

Hi All.Woke up early today.Cooked some sardines for breakfast.Well, I didn't really cook them..they came in a can.I just sort of, put in some olive oil and some onions with them in a pan.Smells good though. Smoked my morning cig, or as Ann Marie calls 'em, "fag". And relished one of my newly acquired hobbies, watching cars go by through our balcony.

"On ne peut désirer ce qu'on ne connait pas..You cannot desire what you do not know" - Voltaire
I came across this quote last night and found it very interesting. Relating it in a pessimistic way and regarding my situation..does it mean that I don't have the right to want the jobs here because I know nothing of them? Of course thats not what the quote meant in context. It may mean that it would be impossible to want something you dont know about like the Dell Studio mini tower if you have your old desktop still with you and you're quite satisfied with it.Thats where advertising comes in. Still, I thought about my unemployment again, as I do everyday..I have to get off my ass really..and just look for the damn job..

Good morning Gasperich!

of shrimp and porkchops

2009-04-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Woke up still a little dazed, from too many beers and smoking the night before.And so,breakfast was unfortunately skipped. We still had a tray of frozen shrimp in the fridge, and how to prepare that was what I was thinking about. So, i looked up recipe videos on Youtube, and sure enough Peachy had a nice one for me. It seems she is in Europe,because she bought her shrimps for something euros. I think she is in Italy because the cameraman, who seemed to be her husband, was referred to her as mi amore. Anyway, it was basically shrimp with sauteed garlic, and zuchini. Now I didn't have zuchini at the house, and the only things that I had with starch in 'em (as what peachy mentioned about zuchini) were carrots and potatoes. So in they went. The dish was..pretty ok. It was clear I had a lot of improvements to do. No biggie, I DO have all the time in the world after all.

Dinner was a bit delayed. Had to buy the actual meat right before cooking it. Pork + lime + salt + paprika powder + volatile cooking oil = porkchops. Now that was a bit of a success for me. I think I will experiment further though, to tweak the taste.

I'm having writer's bloc I think (that doesn't mean I consider myself an atual writer). I keep thinking about things to write throught the whole day, but when I get in front of the computer, I choke up. Oh well, this IS only my 2nd blog so..

Happy earth day..

A beginning, of sorts

2009-04-20T02:11:00.000-07:00

So,it begins..Hello to everyone that might, at some point, be able to read my posts. I could end up only talking to myself, but thats ok. As stated in the obvious, I am a newbie to this "phenomena". Quite late, but its never too late to..blah blah blah.So, being "le premier blog", I think an introduction is in order. I was reading about blogs before I set up this one, and it seems that other people choose to have an anonymity aspect to their blogs. I think I won't go down that road for various reasons. And besides, my personal info is already all over the place. So.."Je pense,Je suis"..I don't even know if I spelled or worded that correctly. As you may notice, I have futile and feeble attempts at French here and there. I reside in Luxembourg as of the moment, and French ,and the pursuit of getting good at it, is pretty much a big part of my life right now. I have been planning to create a blog for some time now, and I finally just did it. I have so much time on my hands, after all. But probably the clincher was an article I read that said blogging can help with employment opportunities..and boy do I need a job right now (I hope I didn't sound so desperate there). I figured that was true, seeing as blogging has so many possibilities.

I just ended a video chat with my mom in the Philippines..yes, I am Filipino. It sort of disrupted my train of thought but I was glad to talk to her. We talked about some stuff..my twin brother..the family there at our house in Cubao. It has been 6 months since I came here, and I have to admit I am getting a bit homesick.

I think thats it for this one.I'd like to keep it brief..just to sort of get the ball rolling. I will check back again soon.