Jan writes:
<< Perhaps Gary implicitly include it in one of the above groups, but
I'd add "macro/micro photographers" as a niche that is particularly well
filled by Olympus >>
Yup, I did. Nature and medical are certainly two major subjects for
macro and micro photography.
Many folks who had to haul equipment into the field learned to
appreciate the Olympus OM System. There was strong word of mouth
recommendation.
I recently followed up on what some former collegues are using. If they
haven't given up on photography, they are shooting with point and shoots
and primarily working desk jobs now.
Maybe point and shoots are too good these days for backpackers to
consider an SLR plus lenses. Anyone noticing what the back country
photographers are using these days?
Herbert Keppler (Popular Photography) makes a good point in his latest
column where he talks about using the SQF grading system. He laments
that it has been a long time since anyone asked him to set up a
projector and show slides. The folks who were using the macro equipment
in the 70s and 80s were ALWAYS giving professional slide shows. They
(and I) were asked what equipment was used. THAT presents more of a
system recommendation than word of mouth - the seeing of the images was
the believing.
Keppler pointed out that at normal projected viewing distances, a high
SQF grade is lost on the audience. They just can't see the difference.
I'd say that a solid B in my charts looks as good as an A when viewing a
40" wide image from at least 6 feet away.
I'm having a lab process a paired set of prints of 12 photomicrographs,
shot (with a 20mm Macro Zuiko at 12X) from slides of SQF grades: A++,
A+, A, B, C, and D. I'll probably add shots showing vignetting grades
and say something about my not too formal contrast grades. I'm going to
have color xeroxes made of the brochure and provide them at a nominal
charge to anyone interested in such info. I'll provide more details when
the project is complete. There will be a link on my lens test sites to
an order form. (No need to write me now . . .)
And to anyone wondering what a A++ grade is, well, it's the 250mm f/2
Zuiko center and corner performance at f/5.6 - which is in a class all
to itself.
Gary Reese
Las Vegas, NV
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