Search for:
YouTube Logo

New Channel Intro

For a long time now I have been meaning to create an update for my YouTube channel intro. The previous one was a little simple but also quite dull. I was teaching myself Adobe After Effects and used the software to animate a signature that I could place over an image related to the subject of the video. Whilst it served a purpose, I wanted something a little different and that would better reflect the channel. Hopefully my new creation does that. Still short and punchy but this time it will be consistent across all my videos.

Please let me know what you think.

Hanimex Camera

Hanimex 35se

The Hanimex 35se is probably the worst camera I own. It’s a plastic, low build quality, 35mm point & shoot that was made in Hong Kong. It is inflexible and takes average pictures. So why would I buy one. That’s a good question that I hope I answer in my latest video. The shutter speed is fixed at 1/250th and the aperture is a snail-like f5.6, f9.5 or f16. There is no metering or low light warning. But it does have a tripod mount, a cable release point and takes screw in 43mm filters. So it’s not all bad. It can also take some reasonable pictures.

But above all it’s fun and I love all cameras. If somebody wants to pay for this, I won’t condemn them as that’s exactly what I did.

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Chasing the Wind Light Rest Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 Scooter Fix 1957 Kodak Sterling II - Kodak Portra 400 C41 ISO 400

Long Exposure Photography

Some tips on long-exposure photography in my latest video. I spent a recent holiday in Ireland and visited the Powerscourt Waterfall. Whilst there I took some photos using a neutral density filter and shutter speeds in excess of 20 seconds. I was hoping to smooth out the moving water so that it gave me that ethereal look that you often see. I had a lot of fun experimenting with settings and I’m pleased with the results.

Please take a look and consider subscribing.

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Summer Meadow Follow the Path Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 Night Light II Walk Toward the Light
Olympus Camera

Olympus Trip 35 – Part 2

As a follow-up to my previous video, in this edition I explain my attempts to restore an Olympus Trip 35. This is in terms of cosmetic appearance as well as in terms of its operation. I try to follow a superb video to get the aperture blades to work properly. Later I choose to clean, re-skin and paint my newer purchase. I highly recommend Milly’s Cameras for any of your camera repair requirements.

If you enjoy the video, why not subscribe to my channel if you haven’t already?

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Chasing the Wind Light Rest Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 Scooter Fix 1957 Kodak Sterling II - Kodak Portra 400 C41 ISO 400
Olympus Camera

Olympus Trip 35 – Part 1

Another Olympus? Yes, but it’s a very good one. In this video, I talk about my 1968 Olympus Trip 35. My third Trip 35 and the best one yet. The story is a little complicated to cover in just one video and so I will add part 2, as soon as it is ready. In this part, I go through the camera’s operation and a little history behind it. Over 10,000,000 of these were sold between 1967 and 1984. Due to some nice little features and a pin-sharp lens, they are still popular today. I hope to restore mine and perhaps re-cover it as well, so look out for that next time.

In the meantime, why not subscribe to my channel if you haven’t already.

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Chasing the Wind Light Rest Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 Scooter Fix 1957 Kodak Sterling II - Kodak Portra 400 C41 ISO 400
Olympus Camera

Olympus OM-40 Program

This is the 1985 Olympus OM-40 Program. In my opinion, one of the best consumer 35mm SLR’s ever made, and a model I have been on the look out for. Three exposure modes, ESP metering and full DX film capabilities, all make it a very versatile camera and one that is already becoming my favourite to use. Unfortunately, I currently only own one OM mount lens, a 70-150mm zoom. So now I’m on the look out for a nice fast prime lens. You can read more about lenses here.

A massive thank you to everyone who interacts with my channel in any way. You’re all awesome!

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Chasing the Wind Light Rest Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 Scooter Fix 1957 Kodak Sterling II - Kodak Portra 400 C41 ISO 400
Olympus Camera

Olympus OM-101

The 1988 Olympus OM-101 Power Focus was an unusual SLR. Known as the OM-88 in many parts of the world, it was an entirely automatic camera. However, with the addition of an adaptor, it could be converted in to a manual one. My version unfortunately appears not to be working despite my efforts to clean it. Perhaps somebody can offer me some advice? In the meantime, enjoy my video where I discuss the camera and explain it’s operation.

A massive thank you to everyone who interacts with my channel in any way. You’re all awesome!

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Chasing the Wind Light Rest Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 Scooter Fix 1957 Kodak Sterling II - Kodak Portra 400 C41 ISO 400
Relaxing Pool

The Calm Outdoors

My work is not often about the calm outdoors. My focus is usually on the excitement and risk and my videos tend to reflect that. However, the outdoors has much more to offer. The healing and calming benefits of being in the outdoors are undisputed. Much research in to mental health and wellbeing shows that there are numerous benefits to spending time on or near water, in the woods, or just open countryside.

I thought it might be fun therefore to take this one in a different direction. No paddlesport, climbing, zip-wire, powerboating etc. Just a relaxing video featuring the sights and sounds of “my office”. ASMR? Perhaps. Enjoy.

Camera Lenses

Parallax Explained

The Parallax Effect is phenomena that can spoil your photographs, but what is it exactly and can it be overcome? In my latest short video I hope to answer these questions. It does not affect Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras as we are looking through the taking lens. But with point and shoot and other types of camera, we don’t always see what the camera sees. If our point of focus is relatively close, this can mean a missed opportunity. Luckily most manufacturers have our back.

This week my YoutTube channel reached over 300 subscribers and over 50,000 views which is absolutely mind-blowing to me. A huge thank you to all of you.

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 1968 Yashica TL Electro-X - Kodak ColorPlus 35mm C41 ISO 200 Self II Memories
Dolphin & Powerboat

A Relaxing River Trip

Would you like to join me on a relaxing river trip? One of my roles is that of a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) powerboat instructor. This time though I was taking our boat out solo to provide escort to some canoeists. Our short journey was from Upon-Upon-Severn in Worcestershire, to Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire. I wanted to make some kind of ASMR video, but the noise of the outboard is no good for that. So instead I chose some relaxing music. Enjoy the scenery, watch the wildlife and relax.

By the way, the picture above was not taken on this trip but a previous coastal journey of mine. I am pretty sure that there are no dolphins in the River Severn. Sadly!

Related Images:

Quay Flood Evening Walk Golden Shoreline Rain Stopped Play Severnside Reflections Waterside Sunset Flood