Ahh….I think I remember that one…..Iraqi paint scheme…..Didn’t ti go into a RAF scheme…Where is it now?

South Africa I believe

The new Olympus camera’s are indeed well worth looking into, as well as the latest offerings by Pentax, Konica Minolta, etc. However, compared to Canon and Nikon, those firms still don’t offer camerabodies in the professional digital league. Also as a consequence of this, the range of lenses to choose from is a bit limited, with hardly any alternatives from 3rd party lens manufacturers.

Olympus is not the only manufacturer offering wide angle lenses. Canon and Nikon offer an extensive range of wide angles, some especially designed for their DSLR’s (like the AF-S DX Nikkor 12-24mm that I own). Also firms like Sigma, Tamron and Tokina have wide angle lenses in their programs especially designed for DSLR’s.

I perhaps should have qualified my wide angle comments as referring to reduced senor size cameras. As Canons professional offerings are Full Frame they can make full use of the existing film based line-up, but they don’t cater particularly well the avid amateur with quality wide angle lens when you have to apply the 1.6 factor.

The Olympus E1 body (shortly to be upgraded) is professional and is weather proofed as are the majority of the Lenses. Even Canons new 5D is not weather proof, and it has already been noted that it needs to be matched to only the top of the line lenses, or the results are disappointing. And on the matter of Lenses there are currently17 offerings from Olympus and 3 from Sigma. As I mentioned Panasonic is due to enter the system next spring and they will I’m sure be offering some lenses as well. Looking at this offering the only thing I can see missing are a few more specialist prime lenses.

It’s such as shame that all this is not widely known, and people still think that choice is limited. It’s possible with just 2 outstanding lenses and a 1.4 tele-converter you can go from the equivalent of 28mm to 560mm. These are not kit quality lenses but water proofed quality F2.8 lenses that don’t cost the earth and are smaller and lighter than anything from anyone else. This link will take you to a lens roadmap. It’s worth a look. http://www.4-3system.com/

Dur the Nikkor range is an excellent range as well, and is my own personal close second choice, but it must be noted that that Nikon has not produced a full frame sensor DSLR, so has produced suitable wide angle lenses. And it is correct to mention other makes as well; it’s just that I sometimes tire of those who think that there are only two companies that can make a DSLR.

To day I got the first indication of price for the E500 2 lens kit, with the 14-54 f2.8 and 40-150 f3.5 all for about £675. If this is correct its outstanding, as the 14-54 is a high grade lens.

Film still has a greater dynamic range compared to most digicams, but most Top DSLR’s can match and exceed film in most other areas. I hate to say it but I only use my SLR film cameras for wide angle landscapes or very long wildlife and some macro shots. All my day to day and family shots I do with digital, and will completely switch over as I get more lenses

Delta before you buy anything, check out the New Olympus E500. This camera is priced in the EOS 350D Nikon D50 range but has the features of the 20D. Not only this, but the Olympus kit lens are far and away the best on the market, and the build quality, is second to none. Just ask the shops how many come back for repair. Also the Olympus is the only manufacturer that can offer wide angle.

The twin lens kit (14-45mm + 40-150) is outstanding value for money. Also the Olympus DSLR’s are the only cameras with self cleaning sensors. You will note that the focal length of these lenses produces a field of view equivalent to twice the focal length, so a 150 is like 300. Combine this with the 1.4 converter and you have 420 with no loss of quality. Or the single lens kit, and buy the outstanding 50-200 that will give 560 equivalent in combination with the 1.4 converter.

Camera bodies are being upgraded/ replaced every three or 4 years currently, if not more often and it is better to put your money into quality glass than it is to spend on bodies and cheep glass. Also the Olympus lenses are new and designed for digital, and if you do not have the investment in Canon or Nikon lenses then it is worth looking about.

Panasonic is due to release and body next year that will be compatible with the four thirds system, where all bodies and lens built to this standard are completely interchangeable. This will improve the choice you will have going forward and if you look at how Panasonic has revolutionised the camcorder, then you have to assume that they would not invest in a system that does not have a big future. Checkout the following links and visits the various forums. It’s very enlightening, and will help you make your decisions.

http://www.4-3system.com/ This site is a good site for all that is available in the 4/3rds system.

http://www.dpreview.com/ this sight is good for camera reviews and the forums will give an insight into reliability. I urge you to check them out.

http://www.myfourthirds.com/ This sight for images taken by ordinary photographers like you and me that demonstrates the superiority and potential of the system.

I myself got my first Olympus camera an OM1 in 1975, followed by an OM2 in 1980, and an OM4 in 1984, along with 7 lenses and have never had to have any repairs done other than one lens checked out after it was dropped. (cost me £35). This is a record not match by my friends who followed the flow and bought other makes. I’m currently awaiting the new E3 due out next year.

Hope this helps

Born 1954 me, and loved Air Ace Picture Libabry – remember “Battler Britton” – the artist Ian Kennedy’s work was exceptional

The artists came in for a good deal of criticism if the aircraft looked in any way suspect. I remember an edition that featured the YB-17 – which I had never heard of, and was quite disgusted because it looked so totally unlike what I thought a Flying Fortress should look like.

SoG

I remember “Battler Britton” he flew everything from Spitfires to Lancaster’s, with time on Tempests and Mosquito’s amongst others in between. The thing I remember from this series was the variety of aircraft featured, types I was often unable to find anything about, and often didn’t know existed. This created an air of mystery and that definitely kindled my life long interest in these aircraft. My memories of the artwork where that most were very good, with the occasional exceptional story that stood out, and only very occasionally one that didn’t cut the mustard.

Given that the public that turn up are as entertained by a Winjeel as by the Mustang,

Rubbish springs to mind.

I’m not sure that this is based on science. 🙁 🙁 🙁

Tony Bianchi?

that’s the one thanks Daz

I seem to recall reading many moons ago that Reg Halam (spelling?) who I think flew the maiden flight of Black 6 nearly came to grief when taking off from Benson on this first flight. I believe he hit a rut causing a heart stopping moment for those watching. I seem to recall he didn’t fly black 6 again and it was moved to Duxford for a better surface. Maybe someone knows whether this was true or not. Any way I’m very pleased the pilot is OK, I take my hats off to anyone who fly’s a 109, given that they are difficult to handle on the ground.

I have detected that a number of you who saw Red 7 fly earlier in the year are not surprised that it has come to a sad end. This is very disappointing given that we have a lot of experience about to help avoid these sorts of accidents. When will owners take on board the lessons of the past 30 years?????? I’m not making any particular statement here but rather expressing my huge disappointment at what happened.