Work. First day back in 3 weeks actually. Well, officially. I happened to run the chatswood store on sunday and opened it late because the website was wrong about opening hours, we will not speak of that again.

I sent my 28-70 f/2.8 EX DF off to be serviced. In it's travels it's front element and front body have come loose - NO FOCUS FOR YOU! To focus I must hold the element toward the camera body. Yay. It's like juggling.

I also sent away my little DX4330. It's borked too. Hopefully it will be an easy fix. Kodak want $265 to LOOK. I don't get that back wether they fix it or not. 'Sif.

While at the camera store I bought an awesome tripod. It's very nicely engineered. A Manfrotto 190CLB tripod and a 128RC fluid head. Together, a very nice bit of kit.

mf128rc

mf190clb

MF 128RC SPECIFICATIONS

A lightweight fluid head with adjustable pan bar and quick-release camera plate with secondary security. Ideal for cameras up to 8.9lbs in weight. The head has smooth fluid movements, pan and tilt locks. The adjustable pan bar can be positioned either on the left or right side.

• Finish: Black
• Video: Yes
• Maximum Load Capacity: 4.0 kg (8.9 lbs)
• Head Height: 12 cm (4.6 inches)
• Pan: 360°
• Tilt: -60° +90°
• QR Plate Supplied: 200PL
• Weight:1.0 kg (2.3 lbs)

MF 190CLB SPECIFICATIONS

Lightweight, compact and sturdy, this tripod is ideal for 35mm SLR cameras, especially when on the move outdoors.

Key features include:

• four leg angle settings
• centre column with an innovative three faced design
• low angle adapter built in the centre column for ground level shots
• rapid action lever leg locks with just 45° run

• Finish: Black
• Material: Anodized Aluminum
• Series: 3001
• Still Photography: Yes
• Video: Yes
• Sports Optics: Yes
• Column Type: Rapid
• Maximum Height with extended center column: 145 cm (57.1 inches)
• Maximum Height: 116 cm (45.7 inches)
• Minimum Height: 17 cm (6.7 inches)
• Closed Length: 53 cm (20.9 inches)
• Leg Sections: 3
  
• Maximum Load Capacity: 5.0 kg (11.1 lbs)
• Head Mount: 3/8" threaded mount
• Weight: 1.8 kg (3.9 lbs)

 Because I got a fluid head I can make good use of the tripod in video as well for smooth pans and tilts. Very cool. It looks like I will have to purchase a portrait angle or something because it doesn't have an axis to rotate to portrait.