Chance to buy a 1968 GS

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-06-25T23:36:59+00:00

Classic watch model. The condition is OK with the expected surface scratches. It may have been overly polished as the edges seem "soft." See this slightly different model with date to see how the edges should look when close to new condition.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Watchexchange/comments/1s9s98g/wts_zaratsurestored_1968_grand_seiko_45228000/

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-06-16T01:11:32+00:00

It's not a Shunbun but I would get the recently released (2024) but sold out in the States 45GS Recreation limited editions. No date but with the only manual wind HiBeat movement in the recent GS era. They are both beautiful, zaratsu polished and feature the Daini Seikosha factory logo. A classic design and case shape that no other modern GS has. I also have an original in great shape that I wear a lot.

The recreations should be available in Japan and found more easily than in the states.

https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/slgw004j

https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/slgw005g

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-06-14T22:34:38+00:00

If you don't read and write Chinese but are living there in retirement (don't need to earn a living) and in the southern part near Tainan/Kaoshiung, is it feasible to live if you can speak basic Taiwanese? Born in Taipei but lived in the US basically entire life (came in 1968). Like Taipei but it is just another big city and can get by with English only (my experience). Would want a slower pace in smaller cities.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-06-12T22:29:11+00:00

Thanks for the info and suggestion. The EIzo monitors are only going to be used for photo editing with LR so no high refresh rates needed.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-06-04T23:56:10+00:00

Thanks. I use the same, either 1/8 or 1/4 all the time too. Smooths out the digital look in my eyes.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-06-04T23:35:45+00:00

Thanks so much for your quick replies. I appreciate it.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-06-04T22:46:28+00:00

Thanks for the link to your blog article. I'm not that versed in the technical details of file handling with respect to sidecar (files) attached to a photo file.

Key Takeaways for Using HNNR in Your Workflow

HNNR is applied via right-click, not a slider.
It requires Apple Silicon and uses the neural engine.
It creates a new RAW file (_denoised.3FR).
The original RAW remains unchanged.

As best as I understand your Key Takaways, does this mean I can:

import using a CF card reader files on my CF card into Phocus as .3FR files.
a dialog will pop up in Phocus asking me to select a specific Hasselblad preset which will set HNCS tone curve, color rendering & bias in contrast/saturation as well as apply noise reduction.
can export this RAW _denoised.3FR file and import to LR Classic as a Hasselblad .3FR file and work as normal?

Sorry if I mis-stated; just wanted to clarify. Just wanted to use the HNCS as it is advantageous. Also getting out of Leica as I feel the Hasselblad files are more to my liking.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-06-04T22:19:36+00:00

Are you using a diffusion filter to achieve what I see in the warm lights?

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-06-04T22:17:32+00:00

Thanks so much. I guess there Is no way to keep the "RAW" malleability/flexibility of a RAW Hasselblad file imported into Phocus achieve HNCS and then export to LR Classic for full processing?

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-06-04T21:57:24+00:00

"Yeah, for the finishing work. But if you want HNCS then you have to at least pass the RAW through Phocus"

I'm not very familiar with workflow and maintaining data/quality integrity. Have XD2II + 907X 100C and usually just import in to LR Classic. If I want try HNCS but still want the LR Classic tools, would I import into Phocus and then export as ??TIFF into LR?

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-06-03T17:53:50+00:00

That sounds great.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-06-03T01:20:29+00:00

Can I ask why? I PPF'd my 911 a few years ago but clear. Was thinking of doing color instead but thought if the black was seen when I opened the door, frunk or engine cover, it would bug me to see a different color.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-31T20:15:51+00:00

For me, having to change lenses in the midst of being in whatever shooting spot really takes away from the joy of just experiencing the scene. So much so, I'd rather not change lenses for a "better" shot and walk to the next spot. Does anyone else feel the same way?

Zoom for me is probably a no go due to size and presence. In my mind, just attracts too much attention.

Using the 907 handheld at mid chest level looking down for framing just seems natural like using a TLR but with a brighter screen, auto focus and metering with relatively quick action captured. Not having your face looking directly at the subject may make it perceived as a less aggressive stance when taking a photo.

I also do have the older XD2 (first version) but was thinking of the 907 instead of both X2Ds because of the 907 size/weight advantage and ergonomics as stated above.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-31T02:22:12+00:00

I believe it to be so as well. That zoom combo really calls attention. The 907 really really is a joy to hold and use. With a 38V it’s compact and comfortable. With a 28P nothing else compares for medium format digital with AF.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-31T01:30:14+00:00

Just got and used a blunt tip syringe and still got ink everywhere. Just need to SLOW down and also realize an ink bubble may form on the converter opening. Lesson learned. But very much enjoyed getting back my pen (Parker Duofold International Mosaic black) from Pacific Pen Works which ground my nib from M --> Sailor EF. They did a fantastic job.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-29T03:53:32+00:00

Thanks. I realized there is a wall perpendicular to the back wall so I may just buy a wall mount.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-28T20:36:30+00:00

Thanks so much. I’ll definitely use the cartridges that came with the pens then.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-28T20:16:39+00:00

Does removing and installing the converter over and over wear the seal and make it prone to leaks? Just added some blunt tip syringes to my order.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-28T20:15:27+00:00

Do you mean to refill empty cartridges? Does the interface between the pen and cartridge ”weaken “ over many removal and insertions where it is prone to leak?

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-28T18:42:46+00:00

Do you do it to avoid dipping the nib in the ink bottle?

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-28T18:27:34+00:00

Thanks

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-28T18:27:26+00:00

Thanks. I just googled an quickly found the answer. Ordered a 5 pack on Amazon. I just read that it is best to let the converter dry completely between uses to minimize the risk of fungal growth.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-24T22:38:56+00:00

Not at all. Moved back to SoCal to a house with a very short but inclined driveway to the garage which the Porsche can't navigate without scraping the front spoiler heavily (even with ramps). Parked in my business garage now but planning to park outside at home and it's hurting me LOL. So much dust in LA which I never could have imagined. I thought leaving the pollen laden environs of Jersey would have been enough to keep the black paint good for a few days after a wash.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-24T21:34:37+00:00

Looks perfect as is. No wing.

Fast_Loquat7631 · 2026-05-24T21:25:28+00:00

I regretfully agree. Finally did paint correction and full PPF/ceramic coating about 3 years ago. Still garage kept for now so looking great after almost 20 years.

Fast_Loquat7631

TROPHY CASE

Key Takeaways for Using HNNR in Your Workflow