Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Thoughts on bulk scanning with a Nikon Coolscan 5000

Wednesday 29th May 2013

Back in September 2008 I purchased a Nikon Super Coolscan 5000 scanner. My intention was to get through all my old negatives within the space of a year or two. But close to five years on I'm still slugging it out. So I've set myself a target of scanning one page of negatives a day with minimum adjustments using the default scanning software. Over time that will get the number of outstanding to a reasonable level. I've also flagged with my parents to get all the negatives that they have out as well. Not sure of the quantity involved but having them centralised and in proper folders will make me feel better.

One thing that does suprise me is the fact that there doesn't appear to be an easy way to perform a bulk scan. What I mean by that is to put a how lot of negatives into a holder and the scanner slowly goes through one by one. They do have a automated feeders for slides and an adaptor that will scan a whole uncut roll? 

Maybe some can get a KickStarter project happening to design, manufacture and sell? If reasonably priced I would definitely buy one.

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Why 2015 will be the worst time to attend ANZAC Day at Gallipoli

Sunday 19th May 2013

On the 25th April 2015 many nations will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. Undoubtedly there will be a huge interest and demand to attend the ceremony with the Australian Government recently announcing details of numbers allowed along with the process of applying (you can read more about them here ... Gallipoli 2015 commemorations).

With numbers being restricted tour companies are finding other ways of getting people close to the ceremony including cruise ships being positioned off ANZAC Cove. Whilst for the passengers on board the ship it will be a spectacular scene looking back to the shoreline I believe that those people watching from land it will be a visual deterrent seeing a large cruise ship spoiling the view in front of them.

Once of the main things that I noticed on when attending ANZAC day ceremony at Gallipoli was the peacefulness one experienced as first light started to appear. Looking out over the calm, peaceful water it gave a stark contrast to what it would have been like that fateful morning back in 1915. Security will also be very tight for and if the troubles in Syria are still going on at that point it may also deter from the whole experience.

My advice is to give it a miss in 2015 and look to attend at another time.