NikonGear'23
Travelogues => Future NG Events - and Location Reveries => Topic started by: Jakov Minić on January 08, 2017, 18:45:36
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Dear All,
This is an official public announcement for a NikonGear Get Together on the island of Crete in Greece during the 1st week of April.
We are currently working on pinpointing the exact location for this trip. Chania is our first choice.
Since April is not that far away, I urge you all to express your interest as soon as possible by replying to this topic.
The idea is that you all book your own "fly and drive" tickets and that we meet up at a certain location.
The exact dates will be announced soon!
Kind regards, Jakov
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I'm all in ... Really looking forward to renewing my acquaintance with Crete and the Cretan landscape. It's a been a while since last time.
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Jakov,
You have made me an offer I cannot refuse.
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It will be great, I hope it will be during a weekend plus time?
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Interested but unfortunately I'm out. Very probably overlapping with other commitments.
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Here are some prices and more information:
Check in: 2/4/17
Check out: 9/4/17
Single room: 46 euros per night
Double room: 58 euros per night
Triple room: 69 euros per night
Rates include breakfast and all local taxes.
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can you pls provide more info about hotel/pensions, location? Is it in the city or outside?
in case I can make it I prefer double room with Aphrodite,
if she is already booked by the core team, I´ll take a single room with std appetizers :D
until when do you need a clear answer?
it is a main season in construction industry, so I can not yet seriously warn you about my participation
flight times from Frankfurt are terrible - from where direct flights are available?
If I remember right, there was an idea to take a ferry from Greece?
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Hello Thomas,
The hotel is located just outside the old part of the city of Chania, which includes the old port. A 3-5 minutes walk takes you the port.
The hotel asks for a final answer by January 27. We might be able to extend that, but this is not for certain. The season in Crete (and some other islands) starts a bit earlier than in other parts of Greece. If you fly to Athens, you can go to Chania either by boat or by air.
Sorry, but who is Aphrodite?
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Ἀφροδίτη ;)
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Dear Thomas,
I know who Aphrodite or Ἀφροδίτη is/was, ever since the tender age of 7. But as you mention that you want to share a room with her
my mind did not go to the godess of love (though I wholeheartedly wish that you do it some day). Is this the name of your wife?
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I always wanted to go to one of this meetings. Impossible for me in those dates but doable if the next one, from 9 to 16. No pressure, just putting the information out there. If it is set, it will be next time.
Thanks to the team for putting all this work together.
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Dear Thomas,
I know who Aphrodite or Ἀφροδίτη is/was, ever since the tender age of 7. But as you mention that you want to share a room with her
my mind did not go to the godess of love (though I wholeheartedly wish that you do it some day). Is this the name of your wife?
You will learn about Thomas' sense of humour. :)
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I'm definitely interested to go back to Chania. I need a few days to confirm my schedule is ok for the date.
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Ἀφροδίτη ;)
Sorry mate, Aphrodite tied up during April in Bahia Honda for Earth Day preparations.
Can make Hebe or Kotys if interested.
It's gonna cost ya ;)
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Elias, please could you let us know the name of the accommodation.
Thanks
Anthony
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The name of the hotel is Arkadi.
www.arkadi-hotel.gr
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Thanks, looks good and suitable for an NG group.
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I can order very cheap flights Oslo<->Chania 4. to 11. April. Highly tempting to go there even if I end up being all on my own ...
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What a coincidence, the price is also very affordable form Copenhagen those dates ;D
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Even the preferred airline of yours (Norwegian) ....
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Yes ;)
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We are considering a revised time slot, from 4 to 11 April, 2017.
I will attend and so will Elsid.
Any NG member interested ought to communicate this as soon as possible.
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Looking into the possibility to take a holiday trip on those dates with my wife, we may then participate in some of the days, if that is OK?
Br Bent
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Absolutely. It is allowed to enjoy the location(s) and local cuisine too. Life is more than just photography.
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I won't be able to join you this time. Too complicated flight connection and overlapping with a vacation trip.
Wish you a fantastic meet up!
Guenther
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A pity. I want to revisit Greece and Crete is an earlier favourite location of mine. Thus I'll be joining even were I the only one.
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Bjørn you will not be the only one, I have just booked travel for me and my wife.
We will arrive Tuesday April 4th. at 20:25 (at the airport).
We will attend some of the NG arrangements ;-)
Br Bent
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Apparently we'll meet already on the flight to Chania ...
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Looking forward :)
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Unfortunately I will not be able to go.
Only a few weeks before I am going on another short trip, leaving my wife and daughter behind, so that's me done traveling on my own until at least next autumn.
I have been to Crete, and specifically Chania, in the late spring almost 7 years ago and would recommend it to anyone.
The old city is lovely. Aside from the obvious (the little streets and the beautiful harbout) I enjoyed the covered market, well worth a visit, lots of photo opportunities.
The not so distant Rethymno is also nice. Heraklion has a lot to offer and is also worth a visit if you are up for a long day driving.
Also do visit the beaches to the west, especially Elafonissi, and on the mountains Omalos, a very special place indeed.
For the adventurous, the Samaria gorge is famous and beautiful.
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A final call for any further participants ... we need to wrap this event up so NG member Elsid can broker a deal with the hotel.
I have rented a small car, but it probably will feel quite uncomfortable with more than 2 persons in it.
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I and my wife have booked a room at the hotel Arkadi aready.
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So have I just now.
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Hello Thomas,
The hotel is located just outside the old part of the city of Chania, which includes the old port. A 3-5 minutes walk takes you the port.
The hotel asks for a final answer by January 27. We might be able to extend that, but this is not for certain,,,,
Bjørn, we set the date for decisions January 27,,, or even later and if we are few it quite doesn't matter to rush things. Did you make a fixed reservation for a small rental car or can you change it,?
I would think we need a bigger car but I don't have an overview of who is attending,,,
Jakov what do you say?
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I guess the rental order can be changed if more space is required. However, I didn't realise more people were interested?
I did the car rental when ordering air tickets as the price was very low for a small car (around $10 per day).
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I need more time to decide...not all customer based actions "under control"
yes I wish to come, but no I cannot yet promise
btw at the first date proposal I had at least one direct flight, now it is a 13 - 18 hour journey...
according the car: it will probably make sense to take one or 2 days a guided tour for max 6 people in a Defender.
Prices are then around 60-80 € per person, but you have someone who drives you to the places that you will not go on your own
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There is a direct flight from CPH to Chania on April 4th with return on the 11th. Same for Oslo on the same dates. You could connect in either of these airports?
Guided tours? don't think so.
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not guided tours, I expressed myself wrong, a "taxi driver with 4WD" who knows the hills, that´s a different thing
I am, as already said, not sure that I can make it . If yes, I will check all possibilities.
Ferry is eight hours from Athens, 2 way ticket around € 70.-
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Thomas,
I booked a flight Athens-Chania (with return) for 47.00
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Thomas,
I booked a flight Athens-Chania (with return) for 47.00
super, so you come every morning from home?... ;)
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Ryanair is the airline, booked thru airtickets.
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I communicated with Arkadi hotel just now. So far, we have booked 3 rooms (4 persons). Their offer was for about 20 people. They will come back to me, probably, with slightly raised rates. I asked that they remain the same.
I am leaving, (within the next 5 minutes), for an eight hour drive to Evros river (border with the Turkey). Lots of birds. I hope the weather does not spoil the trip. I will have limited net access. Back on Monday morning.
For the NG members, supporters, who are undecided about this trip I say "you only live once" (James Bond only lived twice).
Come to Chania, you will enjoy the whole experience.
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With reference to Elsid's post, here is the FINAL CALL for the NG Event in Crete, April 4-11, 2017.
Please, add your name to the (short) list, or contact Elsid by PM.
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Me and my vife have a booking at the hotel.
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I would like to attend this get-together if is not too late.
However, I'll confirm firmly tomorrow as I just notice this thread this evening. So I need to find out about the flight and the hotel and organise myself.
I wouldn't mind to share a room with one or two people to get the stay cheaper.
Cheers, Francis.
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I will not come this time. It's too short for me to organise well the trip. In addition, I wanted to come with my girlfriend this time as we thought her holidays were starting from beginning of april, but we actually saw the 2018 calendar. The non expansive flights made us suspicious and we checked : her Easter holidays starts on the 10th of April !
I wish a very good time for those going there. :)
Francis.
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Oh well, there will be a next time around for an NG event, I'm sure of that.
A pity though. But cannot be helped.
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I have communicated with Arkadi hotel and here is the story. Bjorn and Bent have booked rooms thru the net. The booking rate is higher than the
the rate mentioned in their offer, which was valid until Jan 27. For the bookings before Jan 27 (Bjorn, Bent(s), me) the rate offered initially is valid.
For bookings made from now on the on line (Internet) rates apply.
To Bjorn and Bent: Cancel your on line reservations. Send an email to Arkadi telling them to book the rooms for April 4-11. Make reference to their offer to me (Elias Sideris), so they will charge the offer rate. Small group, big time.
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I have cancelled my initial booking and received a new, at a lower price. The hotel honours its offer, good to know.
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I mailed the hotel, hope things vent well, they got my card number ???
And canceled my previous booking.
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arghh. Another no-show for me. I am on a trip late march/early april.
Wish y'all lots of fun
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Bjørn did you hire the var from Goldcar throug Norvigean?
Consider renting one as well.
Be Bent
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Nah. I got one through an American agency. ACE or something. Very cheap, but then I'll make do with a small car anyway.
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Ok, thanks :)
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It seems there are still rooms available at the Arkadi, so I am thinking of joining the group - all you hooligans need someone to maintain a litlle order. ;D
How many are going? Who? Is a list being maintained somewhere?
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Hello David,
So far, Bjorn, Bent with wife, and me are on the list. Join us.
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Yes, extremely pleased if you join.
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Yes please join :)
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I'm really sorry, but things have suddenly changed since this morning - the gallery which is holding the next showing of my current exhibition has asked me to move the start-date from 1st April to the 8th. I can't really refuse, and I do have to be there, at least on the 7th for the hanging and the 8th for the opening.
So, very sorry, but it's no go Crete.
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Just rented a small car, then all can be transported ;)
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We can make a motorcade :D
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Bjorn, Bent, just in case you are not aware of this, there is a botanical garden near Chania.
http://www.botanical-park.com/
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Look interresting, may need to take the micro Nikkor ;)
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Time flies and departure for Crete is nearer by the day. We might have a preliminary discussion here as to what, or rather what not, to bring. There is a tendency, to which I also sometimes fall prey, of taking too much gear on a trip, and this is counter-productive.
I will do visible-light and IR, not decided on UV yet.
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My thoughts have been on landscape and cityscapes, so no long lenses, but if some sort of wildlife is possible a 70-200 may go into the luggage. We will bring a lot of Nikon 1 equipment, as it is so light ;)
I have an idea of trying some old primes with my D800.
Panoramas should be tried, I have a small setup for this, may only work well with the Nikon 1.
Any input is welcome.
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Bringing some carefully selected CX gear is a good idea. I usually take the AW1 and a couple of its lenses with me on longer trips. With the FT-1 adapter, most Nikkors can be attached as well although the majority of them will require tripod assistance in order to make anything like sharp images on this kind of lightweight camera. Perhaps I'll add one of the converted 1V1 bodies too just for the fun of it.
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1. I am planning to bring with me 4-5 lenses. For macro (close ups), landscape, short tele and the 300 PF (with TCs). There will be lots of wild flowers on the mountains, hopefully butterflies, and we will see some vultures.
2. I understand that Bjorn and Bent will be on the same flight to Chania. I will be waiting for you at the airport. Just send me details of your flight.
3. Bjorn, I am thinking of chipping 3 MF Nikkors. micro 55/3.5 (compensating aperture), 28/2 AI, 105/2.5 AI. Can we do it and what is the cost?
4. You have already rented a small car, can we share it? Dont bother to buy a map, I have one.
5. I just had an idea. As I will be arriving at Chania at 2pm, I could arrange for dinner at a seafood restaurant in the old port. Of course, this depends on the time of your arrival.
6. Let me know if you have any questions or ideas.
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Arrival Chania is scheduled to 20:25 on the 4th of April and I'll have to pick up the car as well. But by all means, I bet we are all pretty hungry after spending many hours on air travel. At least I'll be for sure as I have to leave home very early in the morning for the first leg, from Oslo to Copenhagen. Thus the idea of a joint sea food meal sounds delicious.
I suddenly realised this will be a 40 year Anniversary for my first trip to Greece. Thus it's tempting to bring the nearest equivalent of the gear I used then. Back in '77, I had the Nikon F with 24/2.8, Micro 55/3.5, and the 105/2.5 Nikkors. My (late) wife had another F with the 43-86/3.5. I still have all of these lenses in my possession, except for the particular 24/2.8 that was stolen later the same year. Today's camera should be a Df, plus a minimum AW1 kit with the FT-1 added. Not decided yet whether I'll do UV or IR.
As to the question of chipping en route the easiest approach would be to send you a drilling jig so you could ready the lenses prior to my arrival. Then I simply program and add the CPU prints while we stay in Chania plus get my jig in return. We can do the details by PM.
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I will have to pick up a car as well at Goldcar, it is by curtesy buss, so difficult to how long time it will take.
We second the late meal, sounds nice, and we can meet an talk about the week.
Not sure yet about the equipment, but macro and landscapes, gives some direction ;)
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Will it be necessary to inform the hotel about our late arrival?
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Will not do any harm. Perhaps Elias as the native speaker can give them a call?
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will do, first thing tomorrow.
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Arkadi hotel has been notified about arrival time(s).
I need to know if there is some kind of sea food that you DO NOT like.
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I try to avoid squid, crab and some marine fish such as cod as they bring out allergic response. Lobster and shrimps are OK.
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I try to avoid squid, crab. Lobster and shrimps are OK.
The above also goes for me and my wife Gunver, and also oysters etc.
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It's drawing closer to the time of decision as to what gear to bring to Crete.
Initially I thought of taking a complete set up of small Nikon 1 cameras and lenses (1V1 and the AW1), but now is moving away from that plan as I think it's better to have a camera/lens for UV considering we'll encounter spring flowers.
If there is a need for this, I'll pack my FT-1 adapter though. It can be programmed for most F-mount lenses even those without a CPU in them. Please say if this item is required. I'll have at my disposal a (very) small stock of CPUs, contact blocks, and other required parts as well. Elias has shown interest in having some of his lenses modified. We'll only do one of them while in Crete, as I hope to spend most of the time exploring the island not drilling holes in lens mounts :D
Also pay attention to the fact it is worse to bring too much than too little equipment. My approach is using a set of *red* lens caps, the number of which is strictly limited, and tentatively try out the lens kit currently capped in red. Familiarity with the selection of lenses/cameras is always an advantage later in the field.
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We will bring Nikon1 equipment as this is my wife primary system. I have a normal FT-1, I guess yours is the heavy modified one.
I do some testing at the moment as I will bring some MF Nikkors for use with my D800, just have to find the one that actually works well.
All the talk about the 105mm f2.5 will probably mean that I will bring my AIS sample, together with some wide-angle lenses as well.
I will try to make a kit that is manageable ;). I think that a tripod will be handy, will try some panoramas.
Looking forward to explore Crete.
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A tripod is always wise. The lightweight 1 system improves in its performance when the gear is on a tripod.
I'll take the FT-1 Special ... it allows full metering with non-CPU F-mount lenses.
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I am planning to take with me 2 cameras (Df, D810) 4-5 mf Nikkors (one for macro, close ups) and the 300 PF for butterflies.
Also, the lighter of my 2 tripods.
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If I'm doing UV, the 300PF has to give way for the SB-140 flash and its (voluminous) battery pack. I could take the TC-14E for the 300PF if you don't have it already. Plus the special pass-through extension ring for any CPU/AFS/E lens that Erik made for my anniversary birthday will be stored in the bag anyway.
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Bjorn, please bring Erik's present. No need for TC as I have all 3 of them.
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OK, that saves a trifle weight. Will do.
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I'm honoured - I will feel present during the workshop - Present in the form of an hollow tube containing Space,,, :o :D
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Not just any ordinary space :D :D
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I have, just, communicated with a hobbyist bird photographer in Chania. I met him last year when I visited Crete. I asked him to meet us and suggest places to visit, after we tell him what we would like to shoot. I have, already, told him that wild flowers are on the list.
I, also, made known to him that our interests encompass good local food and I hope that his taste is trustworthy.
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While you are at, is fast processing of C-41 film possible in the area? No need for prints, just having the film souped and done with. I'd love to take an old Nikon S3 with my on this 40th Anniversary trip.
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Bjorn, I have asked the person in Chania and I will let you know. By "souped" you mean processed until it is ready for printing, right?
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Yes, that is correct. Some of the old jargon still sticks.
If I go through with this, films will be scanned not printed. However this project has not reached a decision stage yet. It feels weird to think in terms of film these days.
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I will try to call a shop at Chania tomorrow morning. I will come back to you then.
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Bjorn,
There is a shop very close to the hotel that can develop the film. They do it on Tuesdays and Fridays. There must be other shops too.
Allow me a question: You cannot wait until you return to home ground to develop the film?
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Sounds promising, Elias - thanks for the heads-up. Any idea about the pricing they apply?
If I'm going through with this (to me, at least) weird idea, I'd need some immediate feedback. 'Immediate' as in the old days when one dropped by the lab in the morning and picked up the developed rolls in the afternoon. Even using pro labs and priority development, feedback delays for 1-2 hours were unavoidable. In hindsight, a very strange bottleneck in the creative flow indeed, but we never complained back then.
The work cameras will be the Nikon Df (visible) and D3200 (UV). That score is settled.
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I gave the shop a call but they did not answer. I think the charge will be reasonable.
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OK, I'll mull this over and decide tomorrow what to do. The camera in question, a black Nikon S3 (AP Edition) shares a 40th Anniversary with my first visit to Greece so reuniting these two would be something special.
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Dont you mind what I say, but, if I were in your shoes, I would take the camera with me.
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My bag has to be restructured for such a scenario so it's a major undertaking :D haven't shot film for about 15 years or so.
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Just been out with my D800 and the MF Nikkord to figure which to take to Crete.
Can it be correct that the old 35mm 2.0 Nikkor O is sharper than my newer 24mm 2.8 AFD?
Can't find info here on NikonGear?
Br Bent
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I have the 24mm 2.8 AF (non-D AF lens, but optically the same if IIRC) and it is not as sharp as either my 35mm f/2.0 AiS or my 24mm f/2.8 AiS.
Sample variation can play a part, but that is how things turned out for me with these three lenses.
Just been out with my D800 and the MF Nikkord to figure which to take to Crete.
Can it be correct that the old 35mm 2.0 Nikkor O is sharper than my newer 24mm 2.8 AFD?
Can't find info here on NikonGear?
Br Bent
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The more recent 24/2.8 models whether AF or AIS have a hard time coming up to the performance required by the D8xx series. Besides, they tend to go out of alignment over time, at least that is what have happened to several of my specimens.
There is little consolation that the 24/2, despite being sharper, is even more prone to being misaligned. The culprit in this case being the CRC group. I have to readjust the rear of the lens every second year or so. As the lens is going with me to Crete, it has been freshly trimmed and tested to be OK.
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That makes my bag a little lighter ;)
Thanks for the quick replies
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OK all of you going to Crete tomorrow: this is the last chance of checking you got the final preparations in order.
Make a check list and tick the boxes as you pack. Do you have a fall-back camera if the main camera lets you down? Is the lens kit well balanced and each item can justify its place there? There is no contest of hauling the most gear.
Spare batteries and, preferable, an extra charger are advisable. Sundry stuff such as lens shades, filters, pouches to store lenses etc. in if you bring a small extra bag, extra storage cards, some solution to allow you to store an extra copy of your files, and the list goes on. Each has their own, but do ensure it is followed to the last dot and letter.
Electric plugs should not pose a problem if you are living in continental Europe. As far as I recall, Greece use quite standard 230V European plugs.
I'm looking forward to Crete tomorrow :D It's been a while since last time.
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I think I have taken the decisions needed, have not been easy.
I will have more gear on this trip than usually on a flight travel, but it will be manageable ::)
Just checked in at the car rental as well ;)
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Guys, have a great time and let us know near-live what you are up to.
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have a nice trip and good light
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Hope you guys enjoy your gathering and am looking forward to the pictorial reports!
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Just came home, (I left at 7 this morning).
The countdown has started. It will be the first time that I participate in an NG get together. I would have been glad to meet some more people
from the gang. Be that as it may, My bag is almost ready. 2 cameras, 4-6 (final number will be decided tonight) lenses, tripod and accessories.
My scheduled arrival time is 14:00 tomorrow. I will go to the hotel, unpack, arrange for the dinner and go back to the airport to meet the Vikings. Though I am sure I will recognize Bjorn, (unless he dyes his hair), let me tell you that I will be wearing blue jeans and a dark olive vest with large external pockets. A Df with a 50/2 HC lens will be hanging from my neck.
Looking forward to savor the whole experience.
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The fierce bear is without the customary beard at present ... into a more soft, gentle period as it were. Look for blue jeans (?) and probably a ponytail. My hair is getting quite long and needs some structural measures to avoid conflicts with the camera.
My guess is that photographers are easy to spot anywhere, thus also at Chania Airport :D :D
Fortunately, the enjoyment of an NG meet-up is not dependent on the number attending. It rests on the joint energy put into the event by those in attendance.
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Bjorn,
I fully agree with your last sentence.
Correctiom on my previous post. The lens on my camera will be the 50/1.2 AIS. The 50/2 stays home. The number of lenses in my, already packed, bag is 6.
Guys, have a nice flight. Crete is waiting for us.
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Unfortunately I am not joining you this time, but I wish you all busloads of fun!
Looking forward to the images and anecdotes!
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My scheduled arrival time is 14:00 tomorrow. I will go to the hotel, unpack, arrange for the dinner and go back to the airport to meet the Vikings. Though I am sure I will recognize Bjorn, (unless he dyes his hair), let me tell you that I will be wearing blue jeans and a dark olive vest with large external pockets. A Df with a 50/2 HC lens will be hanging from my neck.
Looking forward to savor the whole experience.
Looking forward to meget you, now you have small chance to find me ;)
Br Bent
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See you at the Chania airport tomorrow Bent.
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My hair is getting quite long and needs some structural measures to avoid conflicts with the camera.
Get someone to make a braid for you! A la Willie Nelson.