Category Archives: Equipment reviews

Getting Ahead

Posted on Monday,29,August 2022 by the moderator

I have bought a new tripod head! This is for several reasons – it is both smaller and lighter making it easily portable when I am out with my camera kit. It is also simple to use. The two part … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment reviews | Comments Off on Getting Ahead

A tale of two lenses – Updated

Posted on Thursday,21,July 2022 by the moderator

Welcome to another of our infrequent review / comparison posts. This time we are taking a look at two 35 – 105mm lenses in Nikon fit, a Tokina RMC 35 -105 mm f3.5 – 4.5 manual focus zoom lens and … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment reviews | Comments Off on A tale of two lenses – Updated

Why Models C and M ?

Posted on Monday,29,June 2020 by the moderator

So now let me explain what models C and M are. Continuing the Home Studio situation for the long-term future of GCM Photographic, I have been inspired by the Platypod camera support system.  As Colin and I have had to … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment reviews | Comments Off on Why Models C and M ?

Berenstargh Batteries and Chargers

Posted on Thursday,18,July 2019 by the moderator

Camera batteries – we all have our thoughts and understanding of these little things. For most people, gone are the days when you could operate a camera without batteries. Only those of us who still continue to use 35mm film … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment reviews | Comments Off on Berenstargh Batteries and Chargers

The way we test products

Posted on Thursday,27,June 2019 by the moderator

I know! The title of this article does not sound that inspiring. This is more an explanation of our reasons for the way we test products. First off. We are photographers, we work in the real world. When we test … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment reviews, Our thoughts and general articles | Comments Off on The way we test products

Rayzr MC120 and Astora SF200 LED Panel Lights

Posted on Tuesday,18,June 2019 by the moderator

Our initial thoughts on receiving the Astora panel lights (Rayzr units) are that they are well constructed. They appear to be weighty, solid bits of kit that would be welcomed by serious amateurs and professionals alike who would require them … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment reviews | Comments Off on Rayzr MC120 and Astora SF200 LED Panel Lights

Yes I’ve done it! Have you done it too?

Posted on Wednesday,1,May 2019 by the moderator

So an interesting title. What have I done? “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men Gang aft a-gley, [often go awry]” [From Robert Burns Poem – To a Mouse, 1786. https://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/the-best-laid-schemes-of-mice-and-men.html] My plans were for a nice trip to … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment reviews, Our thoughts and general articles | Comments Off on Yes I’ve done it! Have you done it too?

OLYMPUS FL-LM3 FLASH

Posted on Sunday,17,February 2019 by the moderator

HOWEVER I OWN A PANASONIC GX 8 ! Tech Spec: Guide No. – 29.86′ (9.1 m) ISO100 Exposure Control – TTL Vari-Power – 1/1,  1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64 Bounce Head – 0° to +90° Swivel Head – left and … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment reviews | Comments Off on OLYMPUS FL-LM3 FLASH

Extension Tubes

Posted on Tuesday,9,October 2018 by the moderator

What are extension tubes? Extension tubes extend the lens away from the camera body, so increasing the possible closer focus of any given lens. Primarily, these are best used with a standard/short telephoto lens. How many do I need? Often … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment reviews | Comments Off on Extension Tubes

A cautionary tale

Posted on Monday,27,August 2018 by the moderator

As you may have gathered by now. Mark and I enjoy the challenge of making and adapting items with the aim to save a few pounds here and there, proving that good results can be created without spending a small … Continue reading →

Posted in Equipment reviews | Comments Off on A cautionary tale