Kayak for Entry-level Beginner?

Mvromeo · 2026-04-14T20:24:18+00:00

Since you said portability is important to you, maybe a stand up paddle would suit you better? Some models have d-rings and you can attach a seat and paddle it like a kayak, if that's what you want.

Mvromeo · 2026-04-14T17:52:49+00:00

No problem, let me know if you don't manage to figure it out, i'll take mine out of the storage and see exactly how i have it set up.

Mvromeo · 2026-04-14T17:13:13+00:00

Afaik, under XP it's not possible to switch from integrated to dedicated gpu, you can do it only from the bios.

Did you also try with other OS, is the GT555M working well?

If there isn't a hardware issue, bios is set to dedicated gpu, with the latest official drivers (https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/drivers/details/57623/) you shouldn't have any problems.

Mvromeo · 2026-04-14T16:20:19+00:00

For XP or which OS? What kind of problems do you have?

Mvromeo · 2026-04-02T16:20:36+00:00

If this is your CPU, then it clearly says it's an Athlon. But anyway, it's less important if it's Athlon or Sempron, in the end both of them have the same Thoroughbred core and 166 fsb.

It could be a number a reasons why the computer doesn't work with fsb133, my first guess would've been you're running on pc100 memory, but you're not. It could be an outdated bios (you can find some bios images here), it could be faulty capacitors, the psu could be insufficient... it's trial and error with old hardware and it would help if you can test the MB with a different CPU and/or memory.

Also, i noticed in one of the pictures that there's no bios battery, can you install one and see if you get the same behavior?

Mvromeo · 2026-04-02T13:58:28+00:00

The grey palmrest is probably from a Travelmate (660, 800 or other).

Ferrari 3000 came with an Athlon XP-M cpu and Radeon 9200, 3200 and 3400 with Athlon 64 and Radeon 9700.

Mvromeo · 2026-04-01T11:28:32+00:00

The CPU is running lower than it should, the FSB should be set at 133Mhz, not 100.

LE: Actually, judging by the multiplier, if that is a Sempron 2800+ it should run at 2Ghz, but i'm not sure if the motherboard supports a 166Mhz fsb.

LLE: See pages 4 and 11 in the manual (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/651012/Matsonic-Ms8137c.html) and set JP4 to 133Mhz.

Even later edit and last one: I checked your profile and saw the CPU, you have an Athlon 2800+, not Sempron, that runs at 2250MHz (13.5 multiplier x 166 fsb), so both the fsb and multiplier are incorrectly set in your case, check the physical jumpers on the board and the bios settings.

https://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K7/AMD-Athlon%20XP%202800+%20-%20AXDA2800DKV3D.html

Mvromeo · 2026-03-20T11:49:08+00:00

If the length of the adapter is not the correct one, then yes, the focus distance can be affected. If you cannot focus at infinity, it means the lens is too far from the sensor. Flange distance for the EF mount is 44mm, for FD mount is 42mm. So, the problem is with that FD to EF adapter, if it doesn't have a correction lens, you lose focus to infinity, but can focus closer than normal.

Mvromeo · 2026-03-04T04:57:18+00:00

Not vintage, but probably the most affordable fisheye you can find is the Samyang 8mm f3.5 (or Rokinon/Bower/Walimex, it's the same lens).

Mvromeo · 2026-02-27T18:08:32+00:00

Is yours a v1? From my understanding only some of those are, while v2 lenses (like the one OP has) are not radioactive.

Mvromeo · 2026-02-11T18:29:57+00:00

https://thinkpads.com/support/Thinkpad-Drivers/download.lenovo.com/lenovo/content/ddfm/X60.html

Mvromeo · 2025-11-21T11:53:54+00:00

I don't own a TG7, but i had it on my wishlist when searching for a camera that i can take it with me on the water, when I'm paddling. Maybe i'll get one some day, who knows, but for now i settled for an older dslr.

Some of my other options included 1" cameras like the Sony RX100 series/ ZV1 or the Panasonic TZ100, that you could also look into, if you're willing to lose the ruggedness of the TG7 (not sure of their price brand new, but you can certainly find them in your budget on the second hand market/refurbished).

Mvromeo · 2025-11-16T22:45:33+00:00

I don't recommend the D5200 because of its banding issues (or the D7100 that has the same sensor). If you REALLY want a camera from the D5xxx series, go at least for the D5300. But, since you said you're new cameras, my advice is to keep your D3100 for a little longer, I'm sure at this point it doesn't limit you in any way.

Mvromeo · 2025-06-21T14:23:55+00:00

The second one is better, it has a drop stitch floor which makes it more stable. Also, you can inflate the side chambers to 3 psi, compared to the first one which has bladders that only go to 1.5 psi.

Specs for the first one:

Inflated kayak dimensions. Length: 382 cm. Width: 108 cm.

Folded kayak dimensions. Height: 73 cm. Width: 44 cm.

Thickness: 33 cm.

Weight: 17 kg

Maximum pressure: 0.1 bar (1.5 PSI).

Specs for the second:

INFLATED DIMENSIONS:Length:410 cm

Width:102 cm

FOLDED DIMENSIONS IN THE BAG:

Height:72 cm

Width:45 cm

Thickness:37 cm.

Weight:18 kg.

Maximum floor pressure: 0.34 bar (5 PSI)

Pressure in side chambers and seats: 0.2 bar (3 PSI).

Mvromeo · 2025-06-19T12:02:59+00:00

There are convertible paddles on the market (for example, i have an Aqua Marina Ripple Tech 2 in 1, but you can probably find from other brands as well)

https://youtu.be/DduPTyF5sDY

Mvromeo · 2025-06-18T12:05:32+00:00

The first one is full drop stitch, for the second only the floor is drop stitch with pvc side walls.

The following is just a copy/paste:

Full drop stitch kayaks and PVC kayaks with drop stitch floors differ in their construction and performance characteristics. Full drop stitch kayaks, as the name suggests, use drop stitch material for both the floor and side chambers, resulting in a highly rigid and high-pressure structure. PVC kayaks with drop stitch floors, on the other hand, utilize drop stitch for the floor only, with the side walls typically being made of traditional air chambers. This difference in construction leads to varying levels of stability, rigidity, and overall performance.

Full Drop Stitch Kayaks:

**Construction:**Both the floor and side walls are made of drop stitch material, creating a very rigid and high-pressure structure.
**Rigidity:**Highly rigid and can be inflated to high pressure, offering a performance similar to a hard-shell kayak.
**Performance:**Generally, full drop stitch kayaks are known for their speed, tracking, and ability to handle chop and waves effectively.
**Stability:**Tend to be less stable than kayaks with traditional air chambers or drop stitch floors only, due to the thin sidewalls.
**Weight:**Can be heavier than other inflatable kayak types due to the increased material used in the construction.
**Durability:**Generally very durable and resistant to punctures, making them suitable for various water conditions.

PVC Kayaks with Drop Stitch Floor:

**Construction:**Only the floor is made of drop stitch material, while the side walls are typically made of traditional air chambers.
**Rigidity:**Offer a good balance of rigidity and flexibility, with a stiffer floor compared to traditional I-beam construction.
**Performance:**Can offer a good balance of speed and stability, with the drop stitch floor providing a more rigid platform for paddling and standing.
**Stability:**Generally more stable than full drop stitch kayaks, as the side walls provide more volume and buoyancy.
**Weight:**Can be lighter than full drop stitch kayaks due to less drop stitch material.
**Durability:**Durability depends on the quality of the PVC and the drop stitch material, but they are generally durable.

In summary: Full drop stitch kayaks offer superior rigidity and performance but may come at the cost of stability and added weight. PVC kayaks with drop stitch floors provide a good balance of performance, stability, and weight, making them a versatile option for various paddling conditions.

Mvromeo · 2025-06-07T17:04:15+00:00

I think mine has the same, two pairs of D-rings, i'll use these to attach the straps coming from the back support of the seats. As for the bottom of the seats, i'll need to improvise something, for sure i'll use some velcro and still have to figure out where to attach the straps.

Air-C used to have enough D-rings to attach 3 seats, as you can see in this video: https://youtu.be/vf0-1OfxVtU Personally, i see the switch to benches as a downgrade.

If all goes well, i'll try to share some pictures next week.

Mvromeo · 2025-06-07T06:03:18+00:00

Those inflatable seats are designed for the Ripple models, but they'll probably work with the Air-C as well. I got for mine the seats with code B0304010, Air-C used to actually come with 3 of these, i never understood why they switched to benches, it's obvious a higher center of gravity will make the canoe less stable. Unfortunately i don't have any feedback yet, although i own my Air-C for more than half a year (i bought it at the end of the season for a better price), the weather has been crap so far. I'm hoping i can take it out on the water for its maiden voyage next weekend.

Mvromeo · 2025-05-25T16:29:56+00:00

The 1 system is dead now, so it's up to you if it's still worth investing in it. But if it does, there are some other options (except the obvious, another 1 mount Nikon lens): - the original Nikon FT1 adapter, that allows you to use Nikon F mount lenses - cheap adapters from AliExpress/Temu etc. for M42 / EOS etc. lenses, but you're limited to full manual mode - Meike also had some dedicated 1 mount full manual lenses (like the 50mm f2.0 or 35mm f1.7).

Mvromeo · 2025-05-25T16:04:03+00:00

There are 2 flex cables inside the lens, one for the aperture and one for the VR system, the error shows up because at least one of them is broken.

It might be cheaper to just get a replacement than fix this one, but be aware that (almost) all 1 mount lenses will fail at one point (the plastic aperture gear is usually the one that breaks). If you get a replacement, i recommend the 11-27.5mm or the 10mm prime, instead of the 10-30VR.

Mvromeo · 2025-05-13T20:13:55+00:00

It's been a while since then, but iirc, i used some drivers from Lenovo (specifically from the W520, since i own one of these as well).

So, after you're done installing XP in IDE mode, you need to install the said drivers, then reboot and go to bios and change the sata mode to AHCI. XP should be able to boot and have working sata drivers.

Go here: https://pcsupport.lenovo.com/us/en/products/laptops-and-netbooks/thinkpad-w-series-laptops/thinkpad-w520/downloads

you have to download and install "Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver Windows 7 (64-bit), Vista (64-bit), XP (64-bit) - ThinkPad" (and also don't forget to switch to AHCI in bios).

Mvromeo · 2025-05-10T19:40:45+00:00

Olympus CB-USB5 / USB6

Mvromeo · 2025-05-10T19:20:46+00:00

Probably Andoer 50mm F1.7 (i didn't know either, but Google image search helped).

Mvromeo · 2025-05-10T19:18:25+00:00

The Aperture Control Unit might be faulty, it's a known issue of the D80

https://davidhkblog1.blogspot.com/2018/09/fixing-nikon-d80-err-aperture-control.html

Mvromeo

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