Messages

31

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: January 09, 2013, 02:30:14 AM »

RPT - thanks for the words on the 5dM3..should have it back any day..

really enjoying these bird posts from all

in the interim here's a shot from a few weeks ago - click for more details / lightbox view is best


Great Blue Heron BIF by Revup67, on Flickr

32

EOS Bodies - For Stills / The AF Setting Guide Book for 5DM3 and 1DX

« on: January 08, 2013, 12:27:55 AM »

A trip to the Irvine service center today produced a good conversation with one of the tech reps.  In short, I do quite a bit of BIF shooting (birds in flight) and focusing is a challenge when you have 6 cases in the 5DM3 menu (and 1DX) to choose from.  I've read some articles that explain to be the holy grail in AF settings for BIFS but I have found them so-so.  The service center had recommended this link which I thought to share with AI Servo users

http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2012/1dx_guidebook.shtml

scroll down a bit and check out the PDF file for an in depth 48 page tutorial on AF for either of these two cameras.  Hope this helps some of you...Rev

33

Technical Support / Re: Possible Mirror Scratches..went against my better judgment

« on: January 08, 2013, 12:20:55 AM »

Emag - thanks again for the advice and assistance.  PS a friend sent me a link on how to replace the screen filter..I noted the tech wore rubber gloves as from what I have heard (maybe it was you) fingerprints are worse than dust..cheers

34

Technical Support / Re: Possible Mirror Scratches..went against my better judgment

« on: January 07, 2013, 07:59:45 PM »

Update:

I brought the 5DM3 into the Irvine, CA Service Center.  They stated the focusing screen was indeed scratched - lesson learned.  Fortunately they will be doing a no charge on a full replacement of the screen.  They'll also clean the camera and do a thorough checkup throughout to make sure everything is up to spec...that's a load off my mind.  However any settings such as AFMA adjustments will be gone as well as personal settings.  Makes sense as camera needs to be set back to factory in order to do any testing.  Wish there was a backup utility for these cameras for personal settings as that is going to take awhile..anyone no of a way for future reference?

The rep exclaimed they never use any liquid to clean mirrors, focusing screen, etc.  it's rocket the blower from here on in.

35

Technical Support / Re: 7D suddenly not focusing properly

« on: January 06, 2013, 08:22:25 PM »

+1 on swapping lenses out.  Try a manual focus and compare against an auto focus.  Are you in One Shot mode?  What AF mode are you in?  I would go with the single point AF mode not expansion, zone, etc.

36

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: January 06, 2013, 03:55:09 PM »

Here's another from yesterday's outing..the Acorn Woodpecker


Acorn Woodpecker (Male) by Revup67, on Flickr

37

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: January 06, 2013, 03:18:20 PM »

Nonac..love that cardinal shot..excellent !

Here's my first capture of a Phainopepla (<say that 5x fast


Phainopepla by Revup67, on Flickr

What was cool about this event is a fellow birder had his iPhone.  we quickly ID'd the bird, looked him up on Birdseye and started the bird call.  The bird actually began responding and creating a conversation of sorts with the iPhone.  He was intrigued enough so he also flew closer to our location so we could get up close shots..it was incredible to witness this as I had not before.

38

Technical Support / Re: Possible Mirror Scratches..went against my better judgment

« on: January 05, 2013, 11:08:17 PM »

Hi Mt. Spokane..good to hear this from you as well as I have much respect for your postings.  In all the 30+ years I've been shooting I've never touched that mirror until today.   After seeing your posts and Emags seems like this should be a no big deal.  I'll post back once completed for others who may stumble across this thread.  Hope your CT has improved since we last spoke

39

Technical Support / Re: Possible Mirror Scratches..went against my better judgment

« on: January 05, 2013, 11:03:30 PM »

Emag..thanks for the breath of fresh air..reading your note helps.  Since you've done this before and are far more experienced than I'd ever hope to be, I am hoping I didn't disrupt anything else such as mirror alignment/placement etc. or by applying light pressure on the mirror/screen with my finger..I would assume its OK.  Picture tests still turn out fine.

Since it is under warranty, I can drive to the Canon service center and may have them check it out.  This sometimes is a good thing as they did a free inspection on my 7D within the 12 month period and found an issue with AF and repaired it under warranty.  They also did the cleaning without fee.  I'm a CPS member as well so that may help also.  If in fact they are going to charge for it then I'll certainly take it elsewhere as you suggest.

Tpatana--I'm not sure where the dust wound up but I only cleaned the mirror and the screen directly above the mirror in trying to find the culprit.  I ran the Dust Sensor cleaning which of course did not offer any improvement

40

Technical Support / Possible Mirror Scratches..went against my better judgment

« on: January 05, 2013, 07:29:32 PM »

I've been extremely meticulous as to pop lenses on and off as quickly as possibly and in sheltered environments such as a back pack, in a car,etc but finally it happened..spec of dirt within the 5D M3.  A blower didn't get it off initially after repeated attempts.  Then I went against my better judgement and used an eye glass cloth that brought on more lint but removed the first dirt particle.  I ultimately found myself in an endless loop..got rid of one but others would get on the mirror.  Things got worse went I used (alcohol free) eye glass cleaner on the mirror and screen by gently wiping off the dirt with ever so slight pressure.  After about 40 minutes of this ordeal I gave up when what appeared to possibly be a scuff or two on the screen or mirror appeared.  I wonder what that bill is gonna run?  I read elsewhere that this doesn't affect any photos so if out of pocket is ridiculous I may not get this repaired.  Still, hoping it is cleanable and that nothing is scratched.
I knew never to touch that mirror but the annoying dirt particle got the best of me..any thoughts?  anyone ever have a mirror replacement done and know approx cost?  I was told by canon support that the screen filter on the 5D with an EVF is not replaceable.

41

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: January 04, 2013, 03:31:35 AM »

The Loggerhead Shrike aka "The Butcher Bird"  - Known in many parts as the "Butcher Bird," it impales its prey on thorns or barbed wire before eating it, because it does not have the talons of the larger birds of prey.  "Loggerhead" refers to the relatively large head as compared to the rest of the body.


Loggerhead Shrike (aka the &quot;Butcher Bird&quot;) by Revup67, on Flickr

42

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: should I sell my 7d?

« on: December 31, 2012, 05:35:57 PM »

and I'm wondering whether the 5dmk III will be enough speed (FPS) and reach for zoos and birds in flight.

I see this question all the time..I personally do BIF almost weekly with a 400mm 5.6 L prime and the 5DM3 (graduated from the 7D though still have both).  Once you shoot with the 5D you'll forget all about that crop factor at 1.6 and the extra reach worry.  The IQ of the 5DM3 stomps all over the 7D, the AI Servo settings in the 5D are incredible (6 Cases with tweaking on each..go here http://www.garyluhm.net/bio/tips_0512.html.  The FPS is slightly lower than the 7D but the accuracy is better with Ai Servo on the 5D provided you've got the right settings.  I've used my 7D twice in 6 months and have a hard time picking it up after going FF... I used to be on the other side of the fence and its most difficult to hop back over.

43

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5D III and 300 2.8 II hit rate for sharp pictures very low

« on: December 31, 2012, 05:28:51 PM »

Hi BJD - I had read this article on AI Servo settings a few days ago wanting to get even more in focus BIF shots.  That 5DM3 has a lot of options for tweaking AI Servo.  If you've not gone through these setings (all 6 cases with 3 settings on each) then this article may help you:

http://www.garyluhm.net/bio/tips_0512.html

44

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Suggestions for a first monopod for a 5D3...?

« on: December 31, 2012, 05:12:48 PM »

After weeks of considering about 7 different models I ultimately chose the Gitzo GM3551 for several reasons:  it's lightweight (1.4 lbs) carbon fiber, goes above 6 feet - great for when you are amidst crowds or need to get above bushes etc. at 75" inches, lifetime warranty, supports up to 39.6 lbs., when collapsed it's roughly 21 inches (smaller than all others in its range)..I kept thinking lightweight, compact, height were 3 key ingredients when shopping for a monopod.  I also considered the Manfrotto 562B-1 and Feisol CM-1473 both of which have legs or feet.  I stopped and thought you can pivot a monopod in any direction so thought the feet added to the weight and others complained about the rubber stoppers coming off on the Manfrotto as well as dirt getting into the ball at its base.  The feet would also add to the circumference of the entire monopod so when folded upright and positioned in my backpack's external pocket it may not fit and / or may not be suitable for your carrying bag (its another limitation to consider)..thus the Gitzo was the least restricting in this area as well.  I've got the AcraTech Ballhead GP-s ballhead (flips as a Gimbal) which is small and compact and can easily support the 5DM3 along with the 400mm 5.6 L lens...so this was the final path I had chosen.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=invoice&A=details&Q=&sku=569171&is=REG
Acratech GP-s Ballhead http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=acratech+gp-s&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ta&Top+Nav-Search=

45

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: December 22, 2012, 03:01:54 PM »

Krob - thanks for the words on the American Kestrel..maybe I should check out that movie...

Atosk..that is a Peregine Falcon alright however it is important to note this is an immature or juvenile.  Note the pale crown around the eye (not solid as with the adults).  Also this is the Tunrda sub species and not Peale's (or Pacific) sub species.  Also the dark streak beneath the eye, this is known as a "dark mustache" (reference Sibley's Guide To Birds pg 133)