I am missing something.

Must
I must be missing something. I do not know what it is but I am always seeking things to buy on Ebay or clubsnap buy and sell forums. I have a feeling that I am missing my Minolta 40mm f2.0 M mount lens. I love that lens. I sold it or rather, traded it for a Contax G 90mm lens. I should not have but the lens is getting old and because it was on my nex 7 most of the time, it has shown its age.

As in the previous post, I have bought several new items, and one of them is a leica. A 60mm 2.8 macro Elmarit. That is quite a mouthful. I do not even know which word comes first. What I do know is that its a German made Leica. I realise that one can get this lens cheap. I traded my CZ 28mm 2.8 ZM mount for this. But I think, and this is my opinion, it more than able to make up for it's monetary value. I enjoyed using this lens. I wished I would have gotten this lens sooner.

Blue Bells

I love the look of the out of focus background. I believe that I have never seen it before. The colour produced is fantastic. Its rich but not over saturated.

Currently, I am using the M43 system and I more often than not, I am using a SGD$120 EPL2. I love this camera for its ergonomics and its functionality. However, its a mismatched for the lens. The lens makes the whole set up front heavy. Nevertheless, I find myself enjoying the front heaviness, quite a different feel to using the EPL2 with the Panasonic 14mm. One of the smallest lens I have in my arsenal.

Ant on a leave

Thus, that is why I am looking forward to getting an M mount lens, to replace my Minolta 40mm. I am looking forward to get the Voigtlanded 40mm f1.4 SC. I would think that it will be bigger than my Minolta but not as big as the Leica and hopefully not as heavy as Contax G 45mm planar + the metabones adapter.

If everything goes well, the lens should be in my hand next week.

Slim

Panasonic 14mm 2.5

New toy
Well, strictly speaking its not a new toy. Its newer. I bought it used. I bought it for SGD$180. I bought it yesterday. Thus, used, $180 and yesterday should provide an inkling as to how excited I was in using this lens.

EPL2 and Panasonic 14mm 2.5

Not yet
I have to use it for a full day yet. But the pictures look promising. Its small, much smaller than the panasonic 20mm, another new lens that I just bought.

This lens provide me with a fov of 28mm, and although many would argue that a 35mm (the olympus 17mm) or a 24mm (the olympus 12mm) would give a more satisfying photography experience, I beg to differ. I like this focal length. It is more practical. It gives less distortion and its much much cheaper than either of those two lenses I mentioned.

Wide
I would think that this 14mm is a safe bet for those who wanted a bit more oomph as compared to the 14mm in the kit lens. The improvements in low light picture taking is in itself a boon.

Here are some pic which I took today using my EPL2.

As I exited out of the tunnel

The traffic was at a standstill. I wind down the windows and I took a snap.

Hat on a dashboard

Wife made this. Its still on my dashboard.

Stay tuned for more pictures.

Slim

A new toy

Traded
I bought or traded a new toy today. I traded my EP2 with an EPL2. I know, to some, I am making a mistake, seeing that EP2 is placed higher than the EPL2. Well, EPL2 is newer and it fits more comfortably in my hand.

EPL2 with the Panasonic 14-45

Test

As usual, once a photo bug gets hold of a new toy, he, or she, will inadvertently find excuses to play with the toy. As for me, well, I had to do my morning walk. I went to Punggol Riverside again, but this time I shot nearer to the main road, not anywhere near the river.  And below are some shots while I was cooking and when I just had the camera. I love the handling so much that I shoot everything and anything with it!

At Serangoon, test shot immediately after I get hold of the camera.

Latitude

I find the exposure camera of this camera much, much better than the EP1 and the EP2. The picture appears smoother and there are more details in the shadows and the highlight. 

Chicken searing in the hot pan prior to becoming a stew. Olympus 45mm 1.8

And color and the tone is somewhat more pleasing to the eye. Perhaps its the lens, perhaps its the new image processing software. I don't know. What I know is, the EPL2 rocks!

Reflection, Punggol Riverside. 

Handling

Even though that there no more of the vertical aluminum dial, the handling is convenient enough. I don't make use of the vertical dial often enough in my EP1 and EP2 to miss it in the EPL2. The mode dial clicks confidently when you rotate it. The AF is fast enough and does not hunt as much a compared to the EP2.

Size

If this EPL2 is mated to a pancake lens like the 17mm or the 20mm or even the 14mm, this will fit into my shirt pocket sans any problem.

Red leaves.

Steve Huff did a review of the M43 which you can find it here. He seems to be very into the M43 system, and I now understand why. I am loving it.

Caveat...

I am not saying that the M43 system is the holy grain (pun intended). I still grab my Sony when I know I need to shoot in High ISO, but for general photo taking, its portability, I believe the Pen and maybe the Panasonic GF and GX series (I do not have one), more than meets the expectations.

Slim

More pictures:

Gears, converted in LR 4.

Using the Olympus 45mm 1.8

Adam, Indoors under various color temperature.

And it rained!

Droplets on leaves, using the camera's high grain black and white ART filter.

Ok, good night for now.

Slim

Yesterday

Two places, again

I went to 2 places again, yesterday. The first was at Punggol Marina where I spent a good 3o minutes on my feet. I brought my EP2 together with my fish eye lens which I bought a day before. 

It was a pleasant walk, although my feet starts to hurt midway, while I was going back to the car. Took some pictures of the marina itself and the boardwalk. 

The boardwalk

Water taxi

Saw lots of boats tied to the piers, but what was most striking is the appearance of the "water taxis". Have not seen them before at the marina. They were brightly painted and I wonder if those are the same "water taxis" that is plying the Singapore River. That is quite a distance to travel between there and the Marina.

Yellow water taxi

Bell

I noticed a bell next to a red box with "fire extinguisher" in white painted over it. I now realised, after many countless time what the bell is for. Its a fire alarm. Its so quaint. I do not think that it is being use to signal an emergency.

Bell with the big, red fire extinguisher box.

Next, Bishan Park

I went to Bishan Park to accompany a friend to test out his newly bought used Nikkor 50mm 1.8. I took that as another opportunity to go for a walk. Which I did. Have never been to the park before I think the park is simply splendid. Big wide pavements and there is a stream that across it lengthwise. One can just simply go down to the stream and play with the water. No fence. 

The other stream.

Took some more pictures but this time, I used my EP2 and with the aid of a FOTGA adapter, which came in the mail during lunch time, I mated the EP2 with a Super-Multi-Coated-Takumar 28mm 3.5. The combo gives very sharp results. However, the use of the adapter results in me being able to focus at infinity and beyond just as the focussing scale hit 1.0m. I guess, with this adapter, one cannot use the lens focussing scale to carry out shots based on scale focussing.

I used the Diorama ART filter on the EP2. 

Bridge

There is bridge too, you can see in the background in the picture above, but I have not managed to reach there yet. Hopefully to reach there the next time I am there. Hopefully bringing my family along. I took some people fishing for the fishes in the pond. Small fish, just for fun, to be kept in their aquarium. They did not use bait but they wrap a shiny, small piece of scotch tape to attract the fish to the hook. And with a sudden jab of the wrist, I saw how they managed to get the fish.. Was not quick enough to take pictures of the fish though as I was more interested in looking for reflections in the water.

Fishing

I guess thats about it. Will write more about my daily walks.

Slim

Another Walk

Went for my usual walk
I think I made several improvements. Instead of walking at just 1 place, I did my walking at 2 places. One was along Punggol Central and after that I went to Punggol Riverside.

Knots at Pasar Malam

I went to the Pasar Malam, in the morning, in the hope of capturing the store owners setting up shop. Alas! I was there too early. There were plenty of blue canvasses covering the wares and bananas hanging and hooks swaying in the light breeze. Parents were sending the children to the nearby school and people were waiting for buses and taxis to bring them to work. I was just mingling around with the inanimate objects that ignored me. I did take a few shots before I finally decided to go to Punggol Riverside, about 30 minutes later.

Hooks

I was surprised to see bananas hanging freely for all to see. I was thinking that was for all to take for breakfast. However, all of those bunches of bananas were in complete sets. I guess, people here are more civic minded than what we are given credit for.

Bananas

I reached Punggol Riverside and immediately went to work, or went to walk. I took my camera and I started shooting. At that hour, most of the things I can shoot of are either green or brightly colored. So I shot some flowers and leaves.

Small flowers

To be honest, I had just purchased a new lens for my Olympus EP1. Its the Panasonic Leica 25mm 1.4. I took the combo out and surprisingly I was feeling happy taking all these pictures. Bear in mind that the camera was made in 2009 and was one of the founders of the M43 standard. 

Dew on leaves

I shoot RAW mostly but the ART filters on this camera is really fun to use. For the black and white picture above, I used the High Grain Black and White Filter.

I took some signs and a few shots of people biking and jogging and even though it was a damp and cold morning, one do feel the energy emanating from these people. You feel warm.

Painted Footsteps

Some of the cyclists looked and me, many greeted me and many more nodded in approval. Many others were just enjoying the day to be bothered by the new themes of modern life.

Bothered Cyclist

I wished that I could start jogging soon.

Jogger

I ended up at PitStop where I had a glass of ginger milk tea. Helped to warm up the body and also, as people say, help to clear the wind from your body. All I know is, it was delicious. Met one of the owners and he call himself Tiger. He used to work in the club scene and I guess his nickname stuck. Nice chap. A good talker and listener.

Ginger Milk Tea

I wanted to go there again today, but Adam is not feeling well. 

Slim

Walk

Today

Went for another walk today. Felt I needed to do something to kick off the slumberiness in me. Went to Jalan Kayu and took my Nex 7 and Sigma 30mm with me. Instead of walking along the main road,   I saw steps leading to somewhere I have never seen before. I went up and saw that it leads to an open patch of land. It seemed promising enough.

Patch of Land

Ferns

Prior to the start of the walk, I realised something I did not realise before. There is this one tree and it's covered with ferns. Huge birdnest and staghorn ferns. I took some pictures of those. Brought an inappropriate lens so I cannot really convey the actual size of them.

Ferns

Steps

I cannot believe it but I actually went up the steps. Right on top I saw the patch of land and a narrow, short path that leads to one end of Lorong Thanggam. I have not been here before, and I am getting truly excited. Saw some bougainvillea bushes and they were an assortment of colors. There was one with light purple flowers, one with yellow flowers and one with a deep purple hue. I took some pictures of them and realise that not many came out that nice.

Yellow Bougainvillea

Deep Purple Bougainvillea

Rochelle

I also saw some Rochelle plants. I know that my mother-in-law make this into a pleasant sweet drinks. I wished I could just pluck it off.

Rochelle

Lorong Samak

I went down Lorong Thanggam until I get to the corner of Lorong Samak and Jalan Kayu. It was there that I hope I took pictures which I hope can be worthy of the history books.

Jalan Kayu Color

Jalan Kayu, desaturated

Hope to take out my Olympus EP1 and a 45mm 1.8 tomorrow.

Slim

New toy

I have to stop this. I just got myself a new toy which is not that new. I got myself an ep3. It comes with the lens that you see here and another. A longer one. 

The seller gave me a dry box, an ill fitting leather half case, meant for the ep1 or ep2 and a circular polarizer. Don't care much for any of those.

The camera itself looks brand new. No scratches or dings of any kind. It is white. Somehow adam's black and chrome looks better. Anyway, I got 1 and if everything goes well.. I will have my first photo shoot with my son.. 

Slim

Sent from Samsung Mobile

Recap.

Doing a recap. Its only 10.00pm and I feel as though its 2.00 am.

Friday night... gamelan presentation

Saturday..  Drove to cck. Picked up adam at 12. Tuition until 4. Went for a picnic at 6. Left picnic area at 7.30. 

Sunday.. went for kfc breakfast. Went to punggol marina saw a drifting event. Went to sheng siong. Came back and had lunch.  Send mother in law back at 4.00. Had dinner at 7.00. 

Phew. Thats more events than the usual weekend routine. 

Slim

Sent from Samsung Mobile

Warming up.

Warming up., a photo by Nor Salman on Flickr.

Went to a Gamelan presentation on Friday at SOTA. It was very enjoyable. The students were taught how to play the instruments over a 5 day period. Amazing! Audiences were encourage to walk around and experience the Gamelan culture from in front and behind the curtains. From what I know, audience in an actual Gamelan or Wayang Kulit presentation were allowed to walk to the front or to the back. Such presentation usually last for about 8 hours. This, thankfully, last about 110 minutes. Adam enjoyed himself tremendously. So did we.

Slim

Via Flickr:
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA EP2 with Panasonic 14-45. Black and white mode.

Let me go!

Let me go!, a photo by Nor Salman on Flickr.

That is me. With Idris. We were at the playground. I sat on a what looked like a short wall and I held Idris. Idris, it seemed did not want to be held. And thus, this picture came about.

This was taken by Su and I absolutely love it.

Slim

Via Flickr:
Still want to play!
Nex 7 with Minolta 40mm f2.

Test Shot from EP2

Test Shot from EP2, a photo by Nor Salman on Flickr.

I took this. My one and only Citizen watch. It seemed to have run out of juice today, so I wore it for it to have some sun.

Slim

Via Flickr:
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA EP2 with Panasonic 14-45

Some pics taken.

Using the Ep2 now.
I am liking it. The feeling and handling is very similar to the Ep1. The focussing is faster and the LCD is great. Here are some shot.

Citizen

Casio G7900

Citizen

As I intend to use this camera for my daily walks, I do not think I will be investing much more in this system. The Ep2 cost me $190. The lens cost me $180. Its the Panasonic 14-45.  I have also bought an Ep1 which cost me $80. The lens that is stuck onto it is the Olympus 14-45, which I got it for $110. I think that that will suffice.

Slim

Ep2

Got a new toy. Well, got several new toys. The latest if is panasonic 14-45 lens attached to an ep2. I am going to play with it some more and post up some pics soon.

Slim

Sent from Samsung Mobile

Decided

Decided to change to this watch after realizing it did not match my shirt.. 

Adam is asleep. Idris is not. Thats says alot of how one spent their psle marking days...

Came back from marketing. Had to wait in the car as I could not find an empty car park lot. Anyway idris was asleep in the back. Adam and fitri went marketing on their own.. Adam was excited when he came back telling stories about his experience. One of which was when a lady corrected his pronunciation of a particular fish..

Got to go. Idris getting restless.. 

Sent from Samsung Mobile

It was early

G7900

Early
It was an early start for me today. Su woke me up at 0620. I sent her to work and I am back before 0745. Had a bite and after writing this post will shower and get everybody ready for the market.
Need to buy fish and chicken and fresh curry spices. I love the spices from this stall at Bedok Market. It just taste, hmm inviting.

Wearing this red G Shock today, yesterday and the day before. Its big, but its light. But its bright orangey red. I am sure people will notice.

Walk
Decided to change my routine yesterday. Instead of going for a morning walk, I went for an evening walk after the afternoon tuition session. Went to Lorong Halus. Could not have been there at a better time. The setting sun was setting everything a glow. It was beautiful. Used my A65 with  Minolta 70-210 f4 and it was perfect. There were many pics which was beautiful but which I did not put them up. I should use the HI shooting rate less often. I took pictures of the Heliconias that were there and the lotus flowers. I wished I could get a lower angle but I was afraid that I could not get up after I went prone. Ha Ha.

My Champion and My Hero

Fetch Su
Went and met up with Wifey to bring her home and by that time, it was quite late. Reached home to hear the news that the Hero has been Biting my champion whenever the Champion said "NO" to him. Oh no. We went into "reactive" mode. We tried to teach the Hero on how to "sayang" the big brother. At first he was doing well. He ended up slapping his brother instead. The Champion, went "pasrah". He let his baby brother do to him what he wanted. We had an enjoyable end of day even, seeing that everybody else
took it as something cute. Me, I am not quite sure.

Start
Ok. I am going to start the day proper now. In Sya Allah, it will be full of berkat.

Slim

Just reach back

Wet day today. Felt very insecure while driving. The heavy rain reduced the visibility on the roads so much that I could only see the red tail lights of the cars in front as tiny red dots.

Manage to send su to work. Manage to pick up adam and mil from woodlands. Now at the car park... typing this and distressing.  A dark day. But a brand new day nonethelesss. 

For many, today is the day for fasting. For tomorrow is aidiladha.. My late mom and my father has managed to touch the earth where the kaabah stands. Alhamdulilah. If time and allah permits, may I do the same, with my wife and sons in tow.

Slim.

Sent from Samsung Mobile

New Branch

New Branch, a photo by Nor Salman on Flickr.

I went for a walk today, and I went walking at Joo Chiat. I walked with my old friend and we took some pictures along the way. Yup, we did not walk far, but I did walk until I felt the strain.

I had Vietnamese coffee and it was an eye opener for my friend. Literally. 4 hours later he informed me that he is still up and up! I wished I had taken pictures of how the coffee was prepared. Anyway, we wanted to take pictures for this month's theme. My friend spotted this new branch and proceeded to snap away. I looked at it and at first decided not to take any pictures since he found it first. I then decided to have a go at it after he wonders why I would not take it. So I took it and I am glad I did.

I hope the caffein in the coffee has worn off. I want to sleep.

Dad is with me today. His wife went back to her kampung to prepare for Hari Raya Aidiladha. He will stay overnight and join us for breakfast tomorrow. He should be back on Monday night.

In Sya Allah...
Slim

Via Flickr:
Nex 7 with Nippon Kogaku 50mm f2

Photos from Idris and Fitri

Morning walk.

Heliconia Buds

11th Oct 2013
Just came back from my morning walk today. Did not manage to cover a great distance, but was active for about an hour. Went to Punggol Riverside with my Nex 7 and Nikkor 50mm 1.4. Leg was hurting before I walked but as I walked adn tried to walk in a normal gait, the hurt started to subside. It still hurts, but not enough to bother me.

Cloudy Day

Bird

Roof

It was a cloudy day. So did not manage to take great shots today. Found a new eating place that sells the normal, Jalan Kayu type of food. Might give it a go tomorrow or tonight. Its called PitStop. I like the idea and the concept, I hope it will last.

Slim

Pit Stop Logo

Pit Stop Menu

Pit Stop Sign

Pit Stop Interior