Sunday, January 31, 2010

UPDATE TO "NEW MOON" POSTING

PLEASE VISIT THE POSTING ON 'NEW MOON' AS I HAVE DONE AN UPDATE ON IT !

THANKS ! 

....of days gone by....

One of my greatest regrets is not keeping all the cameras that my late Abah and I used to have. I guess moving house too many times in your life has its disadvantage ---- you keep losing/breaking/throwing things everytime you move house.

In a way, I was influenced by my late Abah.  The first camera that I remembered he used ( and which I used to play with---and I don't mean 'play' as taking photograph ) was an Agfa camera.  This camera used a foldable bellow between the lens and the film. I used to enjoy pressing the release button and watching the bellow opened up. The old photos which ASH posted in her blog were taken by this camera. And it dates back to way back when.

Then the Kodak Brownies camera. For a man in the early 1950s to have interests on photography (and music and record players - or gramaphones ) , speaks volumes of him.  The Brownies or box cameras were wonderful cameras. A simple box and there are two view-finders ---one potrait, and the other landscape.  The baby Brownies has a view-finder like those on old rifles., where you release two stands with different sized rectangular holes and aim the subject through these rectangular holes.

When I was in College, I took photography as a core subject. This involed developing photos in dark rooms. Of course , following my Abah's foot-step, I got to have my own dark room at home. Then my involvement spread to enlargers, chemicals - the various tyoes and the effects, and the types of papers - the matte, the glossy, the normal , the bromide and the various sizes, the exposure meters for the the enlargers.

Class lectures include all of the above, the eposure methods of the camers ( Auto was unheard of ) , the shutter speed, the type of shutters, the aperture,the co-relation between the shutter-speed and aperture, the ttl ( through the lens) metering, the mounting of the lenses- screw-mount or bayonets, the compositions, depth of field, types of light source, the types and effects of coloured filters , 'B' exposures and getting the feel and instinct of how long to open the shutter, the effects and uses of the different ISO/ASA, the types of flash systems and its effect, potrait/landscape/etc photography, time-lapse photography  and etc etc etc.

At this stage I was introduced to the 'reflex system' ( indeed a step-up from the 35mm rangefinders ,the like of the excellent Cannonet).-  the single lens reflex and the twin lens reflex system. The SLRs big name from Asia  then were the Nikon F, Nikonmat, Asahi Pentax, Yashica was more known for the Twin Lens Reflex System with its 120 type of film which was really good for enlargements.

Somewhere along the line, my interest in photography sort of waned, and its only recently that I started all over again.

The photos below are all taken from the internet but its the same brand and model that we used to have.

 
the agfa. The bellow can be folded and snapped shut in the camera . Pressing a releasing button will open it as can be seen above. This one used the 120 type of film.

  
the baby Brownie-- note the view finder. Had a good laugh looking at this again ! Oh, the shutter release is that little lever below the lens.

  
the box Brownie - landscape viewfinder on the side and potrait on the top (oh....those are the little rectangular glasses )

  
the Canonet rangefinder-it used photo-cells ( surrounding the lens housing)to power its gadgets and it could produce some good crisp photographs with its electronic exposure meters. The beginning of electronic and auto era.

  
my first SLR, the Praktica Nova--a robust camera. Note the shutter-button on the front.

  
My next, China's first heavy and solid SLR...the Seagull. The lever to the right of the lens is the self-timer mechanism where you 'wind- it up before snapping your photo. This camera was made to be man-handled ! I dropped it more than a couple of times and it always worked after that. Note the basic traingular hook for the straps on its sides !

  
the 200 mm Soligor I used to own. Lenses have this depth-of-field gauge on the lens for user's guide.

  
a basic enlarger ...a must have in the dark-room, where I used to spend many hours every week .

  
the Yashicaflex --a twin lens reflex camera. At that time a famous TLR  camera was the Rolleiflex - thus the 'flex' at the end of the Yashica name.


Of course these cameras used film.  And they come in different formats. The 120 , the 35mm and so on. The 35mm were available in different range of ASA or ISO.. There were the ASA 100, 200, 400 and 800s with exposures ranging from 24 to 36 shots,
...and it cost a bomb as a hobby , unlike now where I can take 1000 shots without a pain in my pocket , we used to think twice and again, before taking that shot because the only way to see the result is to develop the film. Oh well.... still, if only I still have all the above with me......

Saturday, January 30, 2010

NEW MOON ?

 UPDATE !
Well, all this scary talk reminds me of the song The Raven which is based on Edgar Allen Poe's poem . This was adapted by Alan Parson Project. the lyrics ?

The Raven
Lead Vocal: Alan Parsons, Leonard Whiting
The clock struck midnight
And through my sleeping
I heard a tapping at my door
I looked but nothing lay in the darkness
And so I turned inside once more
To my amazement
There stood a raven
Whose shadow hung above my door
Then through the silence
It spoke that one word
that I shall hear forever more
Nevermore
Thus quoth the raven, nevermore
And still the raven remains in my room
No matter how much I implore
No words can soothe him
No prayer remove him
And I must hear for evermore
Quoth the raven, nevermore
Thus quoth the raven
Nevermore
 
 


 ===========================================


Had planned to go to KLCC garden but a heavy head of slight migraine shot down that plan ! But being a die-hard, I spotted the moon from the window and just had to go out. Heres the results. Between a headache and a throbbing one---- I guess these are ok !

Up yours tb !!

THATS BECAUSE NO MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY DIED UNLIKE THE BRITISH SOLDIERS AND THE IRAQIS !!!!
YOU'RE NO AND NEVER HAS BEEN THE HERO OF THE FREE !!! 

 THE ABOVE REFERS TO THE NEWS I READ OVER YAHOO NEWS HERE, HEADLINED :-

" I've no regrets says defiant Blair "

I know its not regular of me to post issues like this---but  I can't help feeling so ...especially anything about the devil himself !

Friday, January 29, 2010

The Bird Park

Because of the rain, amongst others, soon found us at the Bird Park again where I once took the photos of the monkeys at the car-park.  The wet and the cold had me craving for a hot cup of tea and soon we were at this place outside the park, enjoying a much needed drink !

We were sitting at a long veranda when things started to happen. Birds started sitting on the railings not only to shelter from the rain but also hoping to be fed .

Here are some photos. I'm not sure of the breed of the bird .

But look out for photos of the Hornbills , which is a very difficult subject to take, in future postings.


I can't take credit on the above two as they were taken by a friend.




Thursday, January 28, 2010

From Level 2, Thakardas to Level 12 Havealas !

So, I have moved to the 12th. Floor (Pent-house ) Wisma Havealas.  I reserve my comments about anything else. But you know where to look for me !!!



Above two pics.... yeeesss, its a diy moving operation !

 
The view from the lift lobby of the 12th floor ( ohh.. penthouse..)

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

'Fixing an ear !"




No, I'm not talking about body piercing, nor am I talking about undergoing an ear operation.

The title of this post is a literal translation of a Bahasa Malaysia saying  'pasang telinga'. It actually meant 'evaesdropping' - which means to listen secretly to someone's or secret conversation !

Of course you would have had some of kind of experience when someone would be eavesdropping (or 'pasang telinga') on your conversation for whatever (usually dubious) purpose  by pretending to do something in your vicinity  while the ears would be fixed on your conversation..  The point is , how far away the literal translation between these twon languages.Another example would be 'drop his water-face'  --- I'll let you guess this one !


Can readers give somemore funny ones ?

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

So where's the colour ?

So Mercedes GP has launched their 2010 F1 car and is proudly showing off the livery ! But should we Malaysians be happy ?. My question ? When Petronas dropped the bombshell of sponsoring this team, they talked about big names and that this time the Petronas brand will be conspicuously displayed on the car , I would expect the logo or the corporate colour of our oil company be proudly displayed on the car  ---but this was not to be. Its just another name being painted on a fast moving car !!! !! Have we bought another lemon through our 'negotiation' again ?

However.......well, just look at the photos and tell me what and how you feel ??





Sunday, January 24, 2010

Kechik my Kechik

 After feeding Kechik, I went up to my computer room hoping to snap a few photos from the window. At that moment, the squirrel was coming down the tree but was chased by another cat. With all the commotion, Kechik took a breather to look up the tree and thats when I got  him! Note his favoyrite eating position !



Sunday Morning at Taman Tasik Perdana


For a change, this morning I ventured out to TTP, which, admittedly, I have never visited.  I wasn't sure which is the entrance. Anyway, I stopped at three places and the last one, at the Bird Park, which brought about  these pictures.  I was at the car-park when I saw a group of tourist crowding a tree. I thought they were admiring some wild flowers until I saw heavy movements in the foliage  --- the monkeys.

THE  MONKEYS ( the real ones ) OF KL.


THIS ONE'S A BIG SHOW-OFF

 
sleepy head

 
to hang or to lick the tail

 
another show-off

 
mother and child reunion

 
the lonely one !

 
the thinking one ..

 
mmm...his road-tax is overdue....

 
hmmm..is this antenna breakable ?

 
now...lets see whats in the news !

 
..why did that man give me this  funny banana ?



..up where I belong...


WARNING ! 
MONKEYS MAY BE CUTE BUT ......

  

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Clouds and clouds

  
Rows and flows of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
Clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all
(part of the lyrics of 'Both Sides Now') 



 

 
 
 




Thank God for animal loving families !

A friend sent this photo to me this morning. Apparently, she told me that these cats were abandoned in her neighbourhood, so her family decided to adopt them although they already have a cat of their own.
How could anyone ever think of abandoning them---especially those kittens.! I could just imagine how squeezable and loveable they are - even the mother for that matter !.I'm sure if cats could talk---they would say -- 'thanks for the care and love !'



Mmmmmmmm............


Somebody suggested , " What about....................?" . Well , what about this ?








Friday, January 22, 2010

Discovery Mission

I have just got information from a friend about a restaurant in Wangsa Maju. The name ? Happy Four Seasons Restaurant . Based on what I was told, it sounded interesting and that the place would be suitable for a 'dinner gathering' whether its reunion , farewell or just a get-together of some sort.

So my curiosity got the better of me. Armed with my A300, I went to look for the place. It was easy enough to find. My first impression of the external features was.....different and tastefully done ! Unfortunately , it was drizzling and I could take not any shots.

I was alone and I didn't really want to eat anything . It was a kind of a recce anyway- to find out what its like.

Soon I was at the glass door - still hesitating whether to go in or not. However, a young lad who wust have been a supervisor of some sort , opened the door, beckoned and welcomed me to step in. And I did.

Without any hesitation ( but loads of enthusiasism and excitement) I explained who I was and why I was there. The treatment from this lad was first class and I would have given him A++ for customer service !

He explained the room system and the attraction of the Winter and Autumn Room . We climbed up to the third floor roof and was I shocked !!! The wooden floor of the patio, the tables and chairs , the lamp-posts, the yellowish leaves of the articificial trees ( well....we can't expect too much can we !!). It certainly gives a nice atmosphere.

Next , I was brought to the private winter room ! It is certainly nothing like I have seen before.  This private room can accomadate 30-40 people for a private function..... and jackets are provided if you find it too cold. I was told if it is empty - it can be up to 15C degrees . But the winter 'hall' out side is very comfortable .

Next I was discussing the menu and the package. As an example, a package of Crispy Beancurd with hot sauce, Sweet and sour chicken, Wok fried squid with cilli , wok fried Mix vegetable with rice and drinks cost RM63.80 which would be enough for 4-5 people !

Anyway, here are photos of the Happy Four Seasons Restaurant.


 The roof top


 
In the private Winter room

 
The general Winter room

 
Again the private room




ditto

 
ditto

 
 Jackets ---if you need them !



The way to the toilet


 The general room


 
Check out the scenery

 
where I sat to enjoy my Milo

 
 Genting Highland in the distance. I was told that on a clear night, we could see the lights of Genting.

so there....