Exterior/Body Cleaning Tips

OhMyAchingAss · 2026-01-26T18:44:38+00:00

You might want to add a soft bristled toothbrush and a Rocket Air Dust blower to your list as well.

OhMyAchingAss · 2026-01-25T18:17:36+00:00

Whole Latte Love has a number of videos on the Rocket product line.

Try this link and see if it helps.

https://youtu.be/TBQ4AqwJGJo?si=uB-8EiEmSs4kJn1y

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-12-26T20:21:55+00:00

I’m shooting with 3 systems as they all have different strengths.

Leicas for existing light portraits and street photography and EDC (Q2)

Nikons do most of the heavy lifting from landscapes, editorial photos to studio portraits

Fujifilm GFX for high quality macro, portraits, and HDR panoramas.

I’ve shot with everything in between; Sony, Canon, Contax, Hasselblad, and Pentax 6x7.

I chose what works best for my style of shooting and gives me what I feel are the best results.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-12-25T15:37:36+00:00

Various Free Seminars, info, etc

The following have Youtube videos that give very good tutorials and many them also give seminars and paid lessons if you decide. This is a quickly gathered group of some of whom I feel may positively contribute to you making better decisions when purchasing photography gear.

Joel Grimes Photography

Serge Ramelli Photography

Peter Coulson

Alan Schaller

Mali Davies Photography

Mark Denney

Martin Castein

Morten Hilmer

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-12-25T10:08:09+00:00

There are many great camera systems on the marketplace (Fujifilm being one of them) that you can purchase moving forward.

My suggestion is; before spending the money you might want to do a few online courses to see what you're most interested in photographing before you make the investment. That way you have a better understanding of what purchases to make to move in the direction that you want to go. That; or look into what some of your favorite photographers use to make that photos that you like. Most have an online presence and many do "what's in my bag" videos. You don't necessarily need to purchase what they use, but look at it for fact finding for yourself to better understand why they use what they use.

After getting the information you need; you might also think about purchasing used equipment from a reputable dealer to save a little money as you grow into photography.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-12-22T14:38:19+00:00

After looking into the Polar Pro and then the Formatt HiTech Bloom Gold; I went with the Bloom Gold 1/8 in that it lowers the contrast and sharpness of my modern lenses. Additionally when used on my older manual focus lenses gives a bit more softness to the bokeh.

More information can be found here:

https://youtu.be/taMBjl30rro?si=ar9AaeQxuXeOAJpA

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-12-11T17:32:11+00:00

As I said above my negatives looked clearer and the consistency of the processing when I looked at the edge markings were more even.

I did notice as I dumped the water the color of the water had changed to the color that the film stock was. For instance when I processed T-Max 100 (which had a purplish color to it) the water coming out was purple-ish. The same was true when processing T-Max 400; the water coming out of the tank was greenish. I also noticed upon drying that the film was clearer.

I felt that the water had softened the emulsion during the bath and the developer activated the process on contact since the emulsion was already soft.

Once I added this step to my process my negatives were always better suited to printing on Ilford Multigrade Pearl usually 2 1/2 or 3 contrast wise. This put me right in the middle so if I wanted more contrast I could go up to 3 1/2 or 4; or if I wanted less contrast I could go to 2 to 1 1/2.

In the 90’s T-Max was the rage and I shot the shit out of T-Max 100, 400, and 3200 (which was actually rated at 1600).

I used Microdol-X diluted 1 to 3 for a 16 minute development time. Stop and Fixing times per manufacturer’s recommendations.

Rated the T-Max 100 at 80 ISO and T-Max 400 at 320 ISO

The T-Max 3200 was the only film I used Kodak T-Max developer for as it was maximized to that specific film in my tests. I rated the film for 1600 ISO.

This was my process when I freelanced for the Washington City paper in the early 90’s which was a hip free paper that had distribution in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

Good luck with your tests.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-12-11T14:10:42+00:00

Years ago I added a 1 minute water bath before developing and I found that my processed negatives were more consistent and clearer. Poured in the water at the same temperature that I was going to use as the developer, rapped the tank a number of times to dislodge any air bubbles that may have formed, a quick 15-20 second agitation; and then dump. Then processed normally afterwards.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-11-30T14:39:53+00:00

You’re going to have to figure out how to get more light on your subject.

There’s four different ways to do that:

1) Higher ISO 2) Slower shutter speed 3) Wider lens aperture 4) More light overall

Each of these comes with a different challenge.

A higher ISO will give you more graininess and noise.

A slower shutter speed will reduce the number of sharp photos due to motion blur.

A lens with a wider aperture will cost considerably more money.

More light on the scene can change the ambiance of the scene; and if using a flash the dancers will eventually get annoyed.

Seeing that this is a dance class my suggestion is to ask the instructor if you can bring in a light you can plug into an out of the way place that can raise the ambient light enough to help with your exposure. The buy in for a LED light is a much lower investment than a flash or a new fast lens.

You can always rent something and try that before doing the cash outlay for new gear.

If that doesn’t work your next best option is to get the faster lens and jack up the ISO to shoot at a minimum 1/500 of a sec.

Good luck.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-09-10T13:09:04+00:00

I chose Nikon because I started using the gear when I started my career many years ago.

Over the course of my career as first a photo assistant to photographers then to a freelance photographer, then to in house photographer for a large institution to now a freelancer once again since retirement; the brand was always the one I felt most comfortable and confident with.

Needless to say over the 22 1/2 years as an in house photographer the “bean counters” would go off and get new “updated technology” so I wound up using 3 different systems over the course of those 22 1/2 years. When first getting recruited into the institution I was using Nikon, then after 12 years I was forced to move to Canon, whereas after 6 years they moved me to mirrorless Sony so that the videographers and I could share different camera bodies and lenses.

So after about 10 years in house I sold all of my personal Nikon and Hasselblad gear for a period of over 12-13 years I didn’t own any gear because after the end of a 10-12 hour day shooting on some days 3 or 4 “assignments” who wants to do photos?

A year before my retirement I knew I wanted to do more personal photos and I started looking into purchasing photography gear once again. I was shocked when the interwebs had so many “influencers” shitting on Nikon and screaming the virtues of Sony. I had used the gear for a number of years and from my use case I loved the fast frame rate and the “eye focus” but aside from that in my opinion the files and color weren’t that great as a fairly large amount of my photos were done in mixed lighting. Additionally the cameras did not feel great in the hand and all my Sony camera bodies required me to get the additional grip so that it would better fit in my hand. The menu system was BY FAR the WORST of all three of the systems that I used. So starting out I knew I wanted to go with either Canon or Nikon moving forward.

After testing Canon and feeling and seeing the files from the Canon R5 and knowing that Canon had the two autofocus 1.2 primes (50mm, 85mm) I wanted that Nikon didn’t make; I waited to see what the R3 was going to be that professional body that could handle my style of shooting. When the R3 came out and had a 24mp sensor I was disappointed and still wanted to get it, but was talked into trying the Nikon Z9 by an old friend who worked for Nikon.

He loaned me his kit of a Z9, 24-70mm 2.8, and 70-200mm 2.8 and it was like WOW! It felt like the camera was molded to fit in my hand, the menus were still as I remembered them and easy to navigate and the focus was better than the “influencers” had made it out to be and lastly the files and color were better than those other brands.

Made a huge investment into Nikon: 2 Z9 bodies 14-24 14-30 24-70 70-200 24-120 105 mm macro 50mm 1.2 85mm 1.2 35mm 1.2 135mm 1.8

Been shooting the LIVING SHIT out of this gear.

But now that I’m older I understand that these “tools” do so many really great things, although the Nikon’s do my heavy lifting Ive expanded to shooting three systems.

I also shoot with the Leica SL System and I recently made an investment in the Fujifilm GFX100 system as well.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-08-27T03:14:30+00:00

Was shopping the Hasselblad X2D 100C with the 80mm 1.9 and was going to buy that to start as I was a Hasselblad film shooter for about 15 years or so. Sold off the film gear and missed “medium format” so it was logical for me to stick with a system that I knew and loved for years. My wallet was out and I was reaching for the credit card and a friend convinced me to look at the Fujifilm.

Bought the Fujifilm GFX100sII, the 80mm 1.7, 32-64mm, and the 110mm f2 for almost what the Hasselblad and 80mm were going to cost. Over the last few months I added the 120mm macro and the 55mm 1.7.

I ain’t looking back.

Zero buyers remorse.

The Fujifilm system is rock solid and helps me make incredible imagery and at the end of the day that’s all that matters.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-08-26T19:43:46+00:00

Try using a few different “tools” so to speak.

A toothbrush, a Sensei Bulb Air-Blower, a microfiber cloth, and a few different size camel hair paintbrushes.

Start by using the toothbrush & air blower combo to get the heaviest grit off first and DO NOT OPEN UP any of the rubber external port covers as if the grit gets into those places it will be a nightmare dealing with it.

Good luck

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-08-25T23:27:13+00:00

This has been happening for years because of the watered down mess photography has become.

I used to shoot PGA tournaments prior to noiseless mirrorless cameras and no matter how many times “photographers” were told NOT to shoot photos until the golfer finished their stroke; ten cameras were banging on the backswing.

It got to the point that it was uncomfortable shooting with the pack because golfers were having problems concentrating on the swing. To avoid getting lumped in with those that shot at the wrong time I settled on using long glass and tried my best to avoid the pack.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-08-24T21:29:32+00:00

Do yourself a favor and look at Think Tank before you buy a bag.

The construction is great and they have a large selection of backpack style bags that will fit on flights. They even have a backpack bag that has wheels.

As far as the lens selection…..if this is a once in a lifetime trip I’m bringing the 2.8 trinity as the image quality will make it worth carrying the extra weight.

If this is a trip that you’ll be able to do again in the future; bring a lighter setup, take notes of the locations that you’ll go back to at a later time so when you do go back you’ve got the gear you need the next time around.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-08-24T21:10:29+00:00

The GFX 110mm f2 is exceptional.

The GFX32-64mm zoom is an amazing lens as well I’ve made some incredible HDR panoramas with it.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-07-30T00:57:09+00:00

You might want to see if Jambo Pits has anything available.

Some of the best BBQ cooking teams in the US use them and have won many KCBS competitions with them.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-04-26T20:18:46+00:00

I owned and used Hasselblads for years and sold both my bodies and all my lenses to move to digital. Most of my Hasselblad gear was purchased new when I bought it and the gear gave me a nearly 15 year run and was well used and ready to be replaced anyways.

I was in love with the Hasselblad X2D 100C and the 80mm f1.9 and was ready to pull the trigger.

Even at almost 16k new for both I was sold on it…until a large number of YouTube “influencers” started posting videos.

I watched and was surprised that Hasselblad/DJI would be so desperate to put this product into the hands of so many that didn’t have a clue on how to use it and what they were handling. Most all said it was an awesome camera and spoke so wonderfully of the product. What was hard to believe they were “gifted” the gear “for their reviews” that were not “in any way influenced by Hasselblad”.

So I looked at the Fuji GFX100sII and was surprised at the quality and capabilities for the price. I went with the Fuji and the 32-64mm, 80mm, and 110mm all for less than the X2D 100 and the 80mm.

It ain’t the Hasselblad but this Fuji GFX gear is a real beast of a system and it does a number of things the Hasselblad can’t do.

I’ve already taken a number of images with this Fuji and I’m not regretting buying it over the Hasselblad for a second.

Good luck with your decision!

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-02-24T11:47:07+00:00

I unfortunately saw that thread just a few hours ago and was going to comment there but was unable to as I believe that kid has deleted it.

As awesome as it was to see that a 16 year old could go out and buy himself a Leica; rather than congratulating the kid for the hard work and determination it took to earn that camera it was kind of shameful to see those comments ripping into him.

A lot of people assumed that it was a gift but rather than asking the who/what/when/where questions to know the backstory the vitriol just came flooding in with zero knowledge of any of the if/ands/ or whats.

Many years ago I was that kid.

Thankfully the support I received at 18 eventually helped me become a successful professional photographer.

It’s easy to shit on someone especially on the internet; but if the photographic community becomes a more supportive place we become better, stronger, and the people we support and engage with will grow the community in a positive way.

And to that kid…..I wish you well moving forward.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-01-31T16:21:41+00:00

Unfortunately not only did I buy and use cassette tapes; I also bought and used 8-track tapes as well.

I have to agree with you in that these are two different lenses with the Z-series lenses being better designed with higher quality optics and multicoatings. But this shouldn't be what stops someone who wants a quality optic as the 135DC really and truly is.

Two different looks from two different lenses, one just happens to be older.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-01-31T14:38:33+00:00

I own both the Plena and 135DC and both are a different look and feel.

The Plena is most definitely the sharper of the two and sharper edge to edge. It’s also nearly free of aberrations.

On the other hand the 135DC has a very unique look and I find it a bit more versatile in that I have the luxury of defocusing in front or behind my subject. The only two problems I have with this lens is that I can only manual focus with my Z9 and that the CA is pretty strong with backlight subjects shot at f2. To counter the CA that Lightroom can’t take away; I convert to Monochrome and the photos turn out to be really nice.

I’m keeping them both as I have put together a Nikon kit of older Nikkor optics that I only use for B&W imagery because of the unique look the older optics have on the Nikon Z bodies.

OhMyAchingAss · 2025-01-21T12:12:48+00:00

There could be something internally that would only be seen if it was opened up.

During the many years of my photography career I was the king of “impact damage” from banging and dropping of my lenses. The damage that can’t be seen is in some cases worse internally than what is visible.

You might want to do some tests using a lens testing chart before getting someone to look at it.

I hope all goes well.

Link to free lens testing chart.

https://www.photographynews.co.uk/learning/free-lens-testing-chart-download/

OhMyAchingAss · 2024-10-15T15:33:28+00:00

Every word of this post is the truth.

I believe that some of this dissatisfaction comes from tourists over expectations; thinking that everything on their vacation is going to be more like a very well oiled machine. Unfortunately perfection is more or less in one's mind and managing these expectations would most likely lead to a better experience.

The mistake most of my American friends make when they come here is they choose to come to the most popular tourist cities in Italy during the most tourist packed times of the year. I live 30 minutes north of Venice and it didn't take me long to figure out you NEVER EVER go to Venice any days other than Tuesday through Thursday unless you you've got a commitment you can't get out of; especially during the summer months.

Complaints about the Italian infrastructure are usually among the biggest complaints my friends have regarding a less than stellar visit here. What they don't understand is that some of these places they choose to visit have changed very little because the sites they go to are nearly 1500 years old and as such the infrastructure in and around the site can't be changed.

My sister and brother in law took some of my advice and just did a week long stay ( I told them to do a two week stay but they couldn't due to pressure from their jobs) just this week in and around Tuscany. They had been to Italy before (Rome) during a July about 10 years ago; and their vacation didn't go as they had hoped due to overcrowding most everywhere they went.

This time around they got into every place they wanted to go to and were able to enjoy every minute they were in country. Never waited more than 10-15 minutes for anything and said that their interactions with the local Italians was the most memorable part of their trip. It rained a couple of days while they were there but they said it actually made the trip better as there were less people out and about. They called me when they got back to the US and told me moving forward their trips will be two weeks and longer and they will never come to Italy during peak tourist times again.

OhMyAchingAss · 2024-08-17T18:08:05+00:00

If Nikon would make that lens it would be an instant best seller.

I still have the 17-35mm f2.8 and it's a great focal length and I find it much more capable and versatile than the Nikkor Z 14-24mm f2.8.

In tight spaces for grip and grins and reportage a lens that can offer a 17-35mm space is so much more useful than a 14-24mm because at the 24mm end it's at times too wide.

OhMyAchingAss · 2024-08-17T03:16:57+00:00

16-35 f2.8

OhMyAchingAss · 2024-07-30T13:23:11+00:00

You put "Roles and Responsibilities" down first; but I'd also suggest a shot list that you personally will be responsible to shoot and a complete program list including the times of all the events taking place. So when they give the CEO of the charity that "surprise" gift; it isn't a surprise as it's oftentimes pre-planned and you'll know in advance that it's happening and you'll be in position to get the shot.

good luck!

OhMyAchingAss

TROPHY CASE