Click here to see the whole photograph: Iceberg, Awesome and Intimidating by John Branton
The society meeting on the 6th February was held in The Cartwright Hotel Aynho, and was a presentation by Shanice Meddings from FugiFilm demonstrating their range of cameras. The meeting was very well attended with about forty members present, and we were pleased to welcome several new members. Shanice started with sharing experiences of her early days in photography, pointing out that she was an experienced enthusiastic photographer, and not simply interested in marketing the product. An extensive range of cameras and lenses was laid out for inspection and available for us to handle and assess. Shanice explained that in the past Fugi had produced compact and bridge cameras, they have now decided to leave that field behind and move into mirrorless, top quality camera models. Examples available for inspection were all mirrorless models with APC sensors, which were lighter and smaller than traditional DSLR type bodies. Designed in the style of the film cameras of former days. Aperture settings were on the lens barrel, and speed settings were on the top plate, with an eyelevel viewfinder showing the exact image to be recorded. This enables setting to be made before the camera is turned on. An extensive range of lenses was available to try out, with models up to the latest 200mm lens, coming in at £5000.00! In addition two top of the range medium format cameras with much larger sensors were also available for members to handle. These cameras are capable of producing superb images with extremely fine definition. One portrait of a model had such fine definition it was able to discern the edges of her contact lens. Shanice displayed a series of images showing the capabilities of the cameras.
Following a break, the meeting continued with our usual monthly challenge. This month the challenge was “patterns”. A discussion about the definition of a “pattern” concluded that patterns did not necessarily have to be manmade, but patterns in nature were also acceptable. The first round showed new images taken within the month. They ranged from closeup images showing patterns created by nature, to features of buildings and architectural patterns. The usual friendly banter and joking accompanied the images. Round two continued with second choice and reserve images. Some older shots and archive pictures were allowed on this section.
The next meeting will be on 6th March at 7:30 in The Cartwright Hotel, Aynho. All are welcome. Paul Brewerton. www.addphoto.co.uk