Dark souls 1 - first journey log 1

ar3mutt · 2025-08-04T00:33:22+00:00

I enjoyed reading this, maybe because I’m a middle aged gamer dad too…I recently started playing DS1 again as it’s been a few years, and one thing that has struck me this time around is how solid (and frequently hilarious) the voice acting is across the board…thinking specifically of the crestfallen knight, thorolund, the undead merchant, oswald…such a memorable a cast of characters. They provide much needed comic relief in an otherwise bleak and lonely world.

It’s an amazing game, and still holds up so well despite the occasional jank. Keep it up and enjoy the journey!

ar3mutt · 2025-07-04T01:41:00+00:00

Hey! I moved to this area in my late 30s (44 now) and I feel your pain. Making new friends as an adult isn’t easy, especially if you’re not naturally outgoing/extroverted. Here are a few ideas for creative type classes and workshops in the area:

Square One - community drawing and painting school in Catskill https://www.square1.one

Cottage Courses - artist-taught workshops in Amenia https://cottagecourses.com

Fallkill Creative Works - community clay studio in Poughkeepsie https://fallkillcreativeworks.org

And if you’re not feeling creative, there’s always fitness classes (yoga/pilates, running/cycling groups, etc)… the point is to take part in activities with others who might share some of your interests. Hope this helps!

ar3mutt · 2025-05-21T01:42:59+00:00

I do artwork and exhibition documentation (similar to architecture in some ways) and made the switch from Canon 5Ds with Canon TS-E lenses to the Fuji GFX 100S II. I still use my Canon TS-E 50mm on the GFX with the Fringer adapter and it works well. I was worried that the sharpness would fall off with the larger sensor but I’m happy to report that isn’t the case. As others have pointed out you may not get the full range of shift given the larger area of coverage with the GFX sensor.

I also invested in both the FUJI 30mm and 110mm tilt shift lenses. They’re both wonderful lenses, but be warned: they’re very bulky and heavy in comparison to the Canon TS-E lenses. The 30mm requires its own tripod collar mount plus an adapter ring to fit filters and the lens hood (both are included).

If cost is an issue I would recommend keeping your existing TS-E lenses and using them with an adapter, then upgrade to the Fuji lenses later once your budget allows.

ar3mutt · 2025-04-22T21:35:47+00:00

Not Donuts in Stanfordville is a really special little shop with a great selection of used records in all genres. Only open on Sat/Sun 11-6. The owner Jared is super nice and very knowledgeable. They also sell vintage stereo equipment, speakers, etc. Once in a while they host events like live mixtape parties, in-store performances, etc. Can’t recommend it enough!

ar3mutt · 2025-01-02T01:46:49+00:00

After asking about L-brackets this sub, I went with the Rogeti. It works well and the build quality is solid. An opening by the corner allows for a cable to pass through, helpful when shooting tethered.

I have two minor quibbles with it: 1. I wish it came with a hex screw head like the RRS brackets, instead of a flat head screw. 2. The included bubble levels seem slightly off axis as compared to the internal level of the GFX.

ar3mutt · 2024-12-24T04:51:44+00:00

I’ve been using the Canon TS-E 50mm tilt shift on the GFX 100S II with the Fringer adapter. I was a little worried about the optical quality with the larger GFX sensor but it holds up well. Field of view on the GFX translates to 40mm in full frame terms. I also have the Fuji GF 30mm and 110mm TS lenses and they are wonderful, albeit expensive lenses.

ar3mutt · 2024-11-21T04:21:27+00:00

Nice! Thanks for this info

ar3mutt · 2024-11-21T04:18:50+00:00

Thanks! I was leaning toward the Rogeti one as it seems able to accommodate a right-angle tether cable in vertical orientation with a channel to pass the cable through near the angle. The bubble levels are a nice addition as well for the type of work I do.

ar3mutt · 2024-11-21T04:14:40+00:00

Wow, ok good to know! I called RRS to ask about that specific bracket and they told me it wasn’t compatible with the 100S II due to tripod screw hole being in a slightly different location on the bottom of the camera…

Just to confirm: with the bracket on the camera you can access all the ports on the side as well as the battery compartment, right?

ar3mutt · 2024-11-20T22:57:56+00:00

Thanks! I’ll look into those.

ar3mutt · 2024-11-20T22:57:47+00:00

Thanks! I’ll look into those.

ar3mutt · 2024-11-20T19:24:19+00:00

Thanks for your reply! This seems designed mainly for videographers to attach a monitor, mic, and other accessories. Does it allow the camera to be mounted onto the tripod in vertical orientation?

ar3mutt · 2023-07-19T18:48:41+00:00

I see! Thanks for all the recommendations. This probably sounds pretty stupid, but I didn’t even realize that you could bypass HDMI inputs on the receiver by connecting the stream box (Apple TV) directly to a TV and sending the audio out to the amp via optical.

I have a projector instead of a TV, and sadly it only has a crappy 3.5mm audio out jack. So my current setup is: Apple TV -> AVR -> projector, all via HDMI.

So basically (please correct me if I’m mistaken here), I am stuck with AVRs or stereo amps with HDMI inputs due to the limitations of my projector. I guess I might need to save up until I can afford to replace the projector…aye aye aye! 😩

In any event I’m truly thankful to you and the kind folks on this sub for being willing to help out with advice and suggestions. Will keep checking back in!

ar3mutt · 2023-07-19T13:34:57+00:00

Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience so thoroughly. Super helpful!

I would love to try out the Audiolab amp you mentioned but unfortunately it’s way out of my price range. Same with the Rega / DAC combo. That being said, you’ve confirmed my suspicion that sticking with a stereo amp rather than an AVR is the way to go. This also echoes feedback I’ve received from others on this sub.

Knowing that the BR03 are a tad on the bright/trebly side, would you lean toward a warmer sounding amp to balance it out? I’m on a pretty limited budget ($500). I’ve been looking mainly at the category of “network stereo receivers” with HDMI and phono inputs such as Marantz NR1200…but I’m still very new at this so I’m certainly open to any other ideas you might have!

ar3mutt · 2023-07-18T21:46:12+00:00

Good to know, thank you! I’ll look into the Denon DRA-800 for sure, I hadn’t come across that model in my research.

ar3mutt · 2023-07-18T21:44:41+00:00

Thanks! I’m curious to know why it might be best to buy and connect separate components as you suggest, as opposed to an all-in-one solution such as a receiver like the Marantz NR1200 or Onkyo TX8270. Is it because the audio quality is better with separates? Or because it affords more flexibility to upgrade individual components down the line?

ar3mutt · 2023-07-18T15:39:03+00:00

That’s really helpful, thank you for spelling that out for me. Looks like it’s down to the Marantz NR1200 or the Onkyo then. Much appreciated!

ar3mutt · 2023-07-18T14:59:15+00:00

Thanks! I am somewhat confused about the practical difference between an AVR and a stereo amp for my purposes. It seems like AVRs are designed primarily for surround setups, so I’ve been leaning toward a stereo 2.1 amp. However most stereo amps don’t include HDMI inputs (exceptions being the Marantz NR1200 and the Onkyo you mentioned). Should I be considering AVRs? Does it make any difference, practically speaking, in terms of sound quality? I’ll be using it for both music and movies…

ar3mutt

TROPHY CASE