Leica D-Lux 4 | Catagraph.us

Transpiration of the Stone

Nov 5, ’10 8:12 AM

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Controlling the Lens Cap of the Leica D-Lux 4 and D-Lux 5

Oct 28, ’10 11:21 AM

Owners of the Leica D-Lux 4 or D-Lux 5 are surely already familiar with the dilemma presented by the provided lens cap. If strapped to the camera, the lens cap gets in the way and draws attention to the photographer. If kept in one’s pocket, the lens cap is likely to get lost sooner or later.

This is easily resolved with a bit of masking tape and velcro.

Voilà! One minor modification provides — simultaneously — a place to stow the lens cap while shooting and a substantially improved handgrip for the photographer.

Obviously, there’s a slight loss to the camera’s ‘objet d’art’ appeal — but given the reversibility and utility of this modification, I doubt that’s of any great concern to those who are willing to try it.

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Let Them Catch

Oct 26, ’10 8:49 AM

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Little Wonder

Sep 22, ’10 12:04 AM

In this image, a diminutive jumping spider (member of the family Salticidae — possible member of subfamily Dendryphantinae) explores the territory of a counter in my apartment.

These are curious little beasties — and highly evolved. They possess both book lungs and tracheal organs for breathing. They may navigate almost any terrain — including glass — due to the tiny hairs on the ends of their legs. Their median eyes are large and capable of great sensitivity across a wide spectrum.

The Wikipedia entry on Salticidae notes — without citation — that they are also inquisitive creatures. This appears to be accurate. They behave quite differently than other spiders. They pause to study new phenomena rather than simply lighting the (hemolymph) afterburners and running for cover.

(If you meet one, give it a pass, would you? They’re just slightly larger than the tip of a sharpened pencil and thus only of danger to insects.)

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