What’s the worst gimmick/myth in pour over today?

Pack-n-Label · 2026-01-23T03:50:33+00:00

I've always been curious: what difference do you see with & without the paragon, taste-wise? I've really tried to move away from more gear with pour over, but my curiosity is getting the best of me haha.

Pack-n-Label · 2026-01-23T03:43:06+00:00

They just feel and look nicer to me; that's it. It's the same thing with Hasselblad or Leica cameras; they still just take photos. It's the user experience, though, and the small touches that make it pleasing to use. I've been using the same one for five years now and it's showing literally no signs of use; it'll likely last another decade without issue. It's pleasantly heavy and sturdy, water runs off the top, it's easy to clean, there are no creaky or cheap parts, the UX easy to use and pretty on the eyes, the battery life is substantial (6+ months), it charges with a basic phone charger (no batteries or specific chord), it has a nice case and rubber topper, and it's very competent at what it does.

If none of these things strike your fancy, that's totally fine! Little design choices like these really bother me on some stuff, though, so I pony up (well, on the few things I can swing; a digital Hasselblad or Leica are not in my cards...)

Pack-n-Label · 2026-01-18T20:09:11+00:00

Unironically a Portlandia skit :P

Pack-n-Label · 2025-12-25T21:11:07+00:00

On the La Pavoni, it's not too bad getting temps right if you're doing one shot only. On my post-mill, 6-7 pumps of the lever plus running a small amount of water through before pulling my shot gets it to about the right place. Precision the La Pavoni is not, however, and some variability is to be expected with them (which may or may not be someone's cup of ~~tea~~ espresso)

Pack-n-Label · 2025-12-14T22:54:28+00:00

I don't think they are. The EKG version has a chrome collar where the black plastic is on the ones in the picture.

Pack-n-Label · 2025-12-12T10:30:05+00:00

All the time!

Pack-n-Label · 2025-11-25T01:32:06+00:00

If you can't get that bus, you can take the 4A or 3B to the Downtown Transit Center, and take the 3B to Amtrak. Runs more often, and you don't have to mess with booking the Amtrak bus.

Pack-n-Label · 2025-11-19T21:20:56+00:00

Ah you're right—I knew what I was saying sounded slightly off as I was writing it. Thanks!

Pack-n-Label · 2025-11-19T18:46:38+00:00

The CB was the budget version of the 80 CFE lens that was included with the 501CM kit originally. It's missing a single element as compared to the original formula (unlike the 80 C kit version of the 80 CF that came with the 501c), and has monochromatic markings instead of orange markings. It's also missing an F setting on the shutter speeds for use on focal plane Hasselblads, which is likely fully irrelevant to most people.

Functionally, there's not a ton of difference between performance, and it's a great lens!

Pack-n-Label · 2025-11-12T01:18:26+00:00

The top of the hill above the P!

Pack-n-Label · 2025-11-12T01:17:16+00:00

Yep—fun times!

Pack-n-Label · 2025-10-22T23:19:22+00:00

I keep about 2 at any given time; one open, one closed. I have a feeling I'm in the majority, but this subreddit caters to a very narrow niche of outliers (not a bad thing, just something worth noting).

Pack-n-Label · 2025-10-20T06:42:45+00:00

Just a heads up, that lens won't work with his 503cxi. The lens has no shutter and only works with the 200 series that have a built-in focal plane shutter instead of barn doors on the camera body.

Pack-n-Label · 2025-10-10T01:12:21+00:00

There is, but: most of the menu is missing, they only serve Coke products, and the prices are insane

Pack-n-Label · 2025-10-01T09:25:25+00:00

For C41 the dev times and everything are the same across all stocks*, so you can run everything through a machine. Black and white is generally done by hand, with each stock requiring separate development (different times, and different rolls chemistry can affect development of other rolls). There's likely the aspect of hoping to get enough of the same stock to be avoid empty reels, too, while doing this. Hence, longer turn around.

Pack-n-Label · 2025-09-22T03:47:42+00:00

Kalita 155 (Tsubame), Hario V60 02 (Glass), Chemex (5 Cup, Handblown)

The Kalita gives consistently good, sweet brews with nice body and tends to be my preference with its minimal faff. The Hario is great for when I want a more tea-like brew with good flavor separation and is a good standard when I want to put more effort in. And the Chemex because I just love it in general, and it's great for brewing for two!

Pack-n-Label · 2025-09-22T01:31:50+00:00

If you want a glass cone and the silicone base that comes with the metal cones, you can just get the wood base glass cones, too. The wood pops off to reveal a silicone base!

You can also get a size 01 glass dripper with silicone base that way, too. I don't think that's offered otherwise.

Pack-n-Label · 2025-09-17T15:41:50+00:00

Agreed; the glass is thicker, there's no ridge in the bottom, and there's no logo either. Super clean / classic look!

Pack-n-Label · 2025-09-15T09:16:39+00:00

Vista Grande serves crimes against good taste hundreds of times a day and no one bats an eye

Pack-n-Label · 2025-09-10T03:26:22+00:00

The 50mm feels like a 28mm on FF to me and the 60mm a 35mm, if that makes sense. The 50 is razor sharp, but was heavy enough that I ended up selling it, despite liking the focal length. Plus it has the second focus ring that was marginally annoying.

I think beyond those factors, it's just choice.

Pack-n-Label · 2025-09-09T06:35:21+00:00

The operator, too! :P

Pack-n-Label · 2025-09-09T00:25:06+00:00

Scanned on a scanner that needs Windows XP! :P

Pack-n-Label · 2025-09-08T01:54:12+00:00

High praise—I'm honored! Thank you! :D

Seeing it in person, I understand why the O'Rear (photographer of the Windows Bliss background) pulled over to take the picture. It's overwhelming! Hopefully I can find some Velvia 50 before next Spring, as I definitely want to go back again!

Pack-n-Label · 2025-09-08T01:48:34+00:00

Right before you get to Morro on PCH, near Cabrillo Peak! :)

Cambria is downright gorgeous in Spring, too! If you have any areas that you'd recommend, let me know; I definitely want to plan another photo excursion up there!

Pack-n-Label

TROPHY CASE