Hello from Essex

[Barry]

Hi there, not quite sure how I came across this site, it might have been from '6 Moons' or from 'Google', but liked what I saw and decided to join. I then promptly forgot my password, so have to thank Steve Toy for helping me out.
Having realised that 'lurking' is regarded as the cyber equivalent to stalking, I remembered my manners and so now introduce myself.

My name is Barry and have taken early retirement from working at the research centre of what was the largest electronics company in the UK. I have been interested in music and its reproduction for about forty years.

Intially, as an impecunious university student I had to build much of the equipment, however on achieving gainful employment I was able to put the soldering iron away and buy commercially available items. Whilst I have listened to a fair amount of equipment, I have not made many changes: I am on my third turntable, second pick up arm, third pre/power amplifier and second set of speakers. All of these have been with me for thirty years. There is of course additional gear that is used 'in parallel', but in general I am very satisfied with my set up and listen to it for several hours a day for about ten months in a year. It has all been very reliable. The only area where I have tinkered aroud has been with cartridges; I am playing with my eighteenth!

My tastes in music are absurdly broad, it probably easier to say what I don't like than what I do.

I perhaps ought to declare that I am also a member of two other sites: 'World Design Forum' (I recognise some names here) and the 'QUAD Hi Fi audio group'.

For information, my other interests are: photography (analogue), especially collecting and using classic cameras and lenses; travel; wine and cinema.

I do try to read my e-mail each day and at the same time have a quick look at the postings, but intially I expect I shall just 'surf' the postings and only contribue when I think it might be of interest. From what I have seen that might not take too long; it does seem to be a very friendly site.

Cheers

Barry

[Spectral Morn]

Hi Barry

Welcome:)

Interesting CV. I look forward to reading your contributions when you feel like doing so. However I suspect you have lots of value to offer so please feel free to post anytime you like.

Maybe you might like to post some pictures of your system in the Gallery section

Welcome to AOS

Regard D S D L

[Barry]

Thanks for the welcome.

I'm sorry I can't supply any pictures at the moment as I don't possess a digital camera (apart from the 2 Mpx one in my mobile phone), so until I can get hold of one all I can do is describe my system for you.

Turntables:
1 EMT930st with EMT929 arm and EMT TSD15 (fine line stylus),
2 Thorens TD124 II with SME 3012 and EMT XSD15 (spherical stylus),
3 Thorens TD124 II with Breuer Dynamic 5A arm and 'nude' EMT XSD,
4 Thorens TD124 II with SME 3009 II with Ortofon SL15E or SL15E II.

I have some additional arms fitted on Thorens 124 arm boards:
1 SME 3009 imp FH (early version with metal bearing) used with ADC 25,
2 SME 3009 imp DH (bearing changed for metal replacement),
3 Infinity 'Black Widow' used with Decca VI (Gold), in GB cartridge block,
4 Decca FFSS fitted with anti-skating and adaptor for Decca V (Blue).

Fitted to SME S2 headshells are
1 Denon DL103 (spherical tip),
2 ADC 26 (elliptical tip),
3 Shure M55E (elliptical tip) (my second cartridge and kept for nostalgia)
4 Linn Asak (don't laugh it works with light damping)

Other arms which I no longer use are an Audio and Design M9BA (later known as the Keith Monks arm) with mercury contacts (!) and a Decca London International.

Amplifiers:
1 Quad 44 with Quad 405 (lightly modified)
2 Quad 33 with Quad 303 (used in a separate system with Eltax speakers, to pick off the audio channels from my DVD player and freeview box)
3 3 x Quad 50E (picked up cheap and kept as back up for the 405).

Pick up pre amplifiers:
1 EMT 155st
2 Quad A3E and A4E boards.

Other transformers and headamps no longer used are a Ortofon 2-15K transformer, a Nakamichi MCB 1 transformer and a Linn 'Linnk' pre amp.

Tuner:
Quad FM3

Casette decks:
Nakamichi BX2,
Nakamichi BX125 (used to record off the TV).

CD player:
Sony CDP XB720E QS

Tape Recorders:
Nagra IVs (2 track, reel to reel),
Ferrograph 632 (2 track, reel to reel).

Speakers:
Quad ELS (57)

Interconnects:
Prefer to make my own using standard RG cable (usually Huber and Suhner) with Neutrix connectors (phono (ugh!), DIN or XLR). Speaker cable is QED79.

Mains components:
Olsen 6 way distribution board fitted with Schaffner capacitor block with switch and neon indicator removed. I also have a 1.5kW Claude Lyons line voltage conditioner but no longer use it.

Other associated equipment:
'Nitty Gritty' record cleaning machine.

Equipment no longer used include a Sugden C51 preamp my first preamp), a Hafler DH101 preamp (my second), a Uher 4000 series tape recorder and a Pair of Koss 6 electrostatic headphones.

Regards
Barry

[Spectral Morn]

HI Barry

Wow what a set up Quad ESl 57, Nakamichi tape decks, reel to reel tape decks...wow you will fit in here really well. I known Nick is going to love talking to you about those. Some nice classic kit. Thank you very much for going into so much detail.

Role on you getting the loan of a digital camera at some point in the future.


Regards D S D L

[Beechwoods]

Oh my word, that is a FANTASTIC collection of very wonderful gear. It reads like a wishlist of things that I'd like to have one day! EMT turntable, Quad ESL 57's a Ferrograph 632 (the 2 track stereo series 6, nice :)) and a few TD124's for good measure. I would very much appreciate it if you could post some pics and thoughts on the Ferrograph and EMT because they're relatively uncommon, and highly desirable, for me at any rate!

I have a few of the items you mention (see my sig) but am in the infancy of my fascination, so there's time yet ;)

Welcome to AOS, Barry!

[Haselsh1]

To add to what you have already said: I too am an analogue photographer taking black and white 'art' photographs for sale in my gallery here in Pickering, North Yorkshire. I also use old style cameras and silver based film. I dabble with liquid emulsions and cotton fibre papers.
In terms of hi-fi I am very passionate about single ended triodes but live in the real world so therefore find I cannot use one...! It doesn't stop the passion though. I hope we shall continue to have many things in common.

[Marco]

Hi Barry,

How would you describe the difference, sonically, (tonally, too), between your DL-103 and EMT TSD-15? :)

I ask because I am interested in obtaining the latter.

Marco.

[DSJR]

Welcome (and you're not hugely far from my location either......)

We'll need your technical expertise I reckon, here and there.

How's the ADC these days? Mine doesn't appear to be collapsing, but there is substantial high frequency mistracking compared to my XLM (various generations), ZLM and their descendant Sonus Blue, which the Dual 701 loves. A shame, 'cos the 26 has the kind of meaty bass quality that is fully realised in carts like the 103 and 'SPU.

Marco, Jimmy Hughes once used a VDH EMT cartridge because it had a similar balance (neutral) to CD. Don't let that put you off, as I suspect a modern turntable and current arm thinking would bring out more "texture" in the sound; not as much as a Koetsu, but just a bit more "human" and a bit less "mechanical," if you see what I mean :)

Other goodies I loved were the Kiseki Agat Ruby and the top model Lapis Lazuli, very close to master tape style reproduction in the best sense (I suppose the ZYX models I've heard are modern day equivalents perhaps).

[Spectral Morn]

Other goodies I loved were the Kiseki Agat Ruby and the top model Lapis Lazuli, very close to master tape style reproduction in the best sense (I suppose the ZYX models I've heard are modern day equivalents perhaps).

Hi Dave

I loved the above carts...once sold and installed an Agat Ruby..installed in a Pink Triangle Anniversary and Sme 5 combination...very nice indeed.


Regards D S D L

[John]

Hi Brian
Welcome to AOS
Lovelly gear and an EMT TT sounds like you gear has been a labour of love

[Sand Dancin Donkey Walker]

To add to what you have already said: I too am an analogue photographer taking black and white 'art' photographs for sale in my gallery here in Pickering, North Yorkshire. I also use old style cameras and silver based film. I dabble with liquid emulsions and cotton fibre papers.
In terms of hi-fi I am very passionate about single ended triodes but live in the real world so therefore find I cannot use one...! It doesn't stop the passion though. I hope we shall continue to have many things in common.

Haselsh1

Do you have web site or a link to any of your work. Would be interested in seeing some of what you do.

Andy - SDDW

[Barry]

HI Barry

Wow what a set up Quad ESl 57, Nakamichi tape decks, reel to reel tape decks...wow you will fit in here really well. I known Nick is going to love talking to you about those. Some nice classic kit. Thank you very much for going into so much detail.

Role on you getting the loan of a digital camera at some point in the future.


Regards D S D L

Good morning,

Thanks for the kind words of welcome. I am flattered by the interest shown in my system and with the questions asked. That, and the warm welcome, make me feel at home already.

In reply to some of your queries and comments, I shall try to answer as best as I can. I am however still a 'two fingered' typist and because of that make many spelling mistakes. I am also sufficiently computer illiterate that I don't, as yet, know how to activate the spell checker attached to this reply window.

For reasons that I will explain later, I shall make my replies as individual and separate posts.

Regards
Barry

[Haselsh1]

Haselsh1

Do you have web site or a link to any of your work. Would be interested in seeing some of what you do.

Andy - SDDW


My website is at www.pickeringphotography.co.uk
Please be aware though that the images are all scans and most of them are from film. I have just acquired a Nikon D1X camera that I've used for a few images but it's nowhere near as good as silver based film for this kind of imaging. All of my work is professionally printed by a print agency onto cotton fibre papers and then framed by a Guild member.

Although the photography nowhere near provides enough money for a living it does turn a serious hobby into a business, plus, I own half of the shop the gallery is in.

[Barry]

Oh my word, that is a FANTASTIC collection of very wonderful gear. It reads like a wishlist of things that I'd like to have one day! EMT turntable, Quad ESL 57's a Ferrograph 632 (the 2 track stereo series 6, nice :)) and a few TD124's for good measure. I would very much appreciate it if you could post some pics and thoughts on the Ferrograph and EMT because they're relatively uncommon, and highly desirable, for me at any rate!

I have a few of the items you mention (see my sig) but am in the infancy of my fascination, so there's time yet ;)

Welcome to AOS, Barry!

Hello Nick (is it correct etiquette to use the signature, if given, rather than the username?),

Yes, it does seem that we have a common interest in certain items of equipment and I shall in due course talk to you about tape recorders. In particular I would like to ask you some questions concerning Nagra and Uher machines.

Don't feel too despondent about achieving your 'wish list', I have been messing about with Hi Fi for about 40 years. I suspect you are much younger than me: plenty of time for you to achieve your ambitions. I coverted both the EMT deck and Nagra after seeing them in my, then current, copy of the 1971 Hi Fi Year Book. It took me however 34 years to get an EMT and 37 years to get a Nagra, so in part you are way ahead of me. There seem to be plenty of members on this forum that have equally wonderful items that I drool over: SME turntables and Series V arms, Levinson amplifiers, Koetsu, Lyra and the later Ortofon cartridges, not to mention Martin Logan speakers. Oh well, ever onwards and upwards.

Regards
Barry

[Barry]

To add to what you have already said: I too am an analogue photographer taking black and white 'art' photographs for sale in my gallery here in Pickering, North Yorkshire. I also use old style cameras and silver based film. I dabble with liquid emulsions and cotton fibre papers.
In terms of hi-fi I am very passionate about single ended triodes but live in the real world so therefore find I cannot use one...! It doesn't stop the passion though. I hope we shall continue to have many things in common.

Hello 'Haselsh1',

As a professional photographer you are way, way, ahead of my humble efforts. I have yet to take a photograph that I feel is sufficiently good to have enlarged to 10" x 8" or 12" x 15" and displayed. I did, many years ago, attend evening classes on developing and printing but never got around to setting up a darkroom myself. Most of my photography is done on my travels. I use a Leica M3 and M4, and over the last 25 years they have proved superbly reliable despite extremes of heat, cold, sand and dust. I do feel that black and white photography is better at capturing a mood and I really ought to do more of it. Perhaps we should talk about this via e-mail, unless this forum allow threads for subjects that are not related to audio, i.e. photography, cars, etc.

Apropos your love of single ended triode amplifiers, whilst I admire the simplicity and elegance of some circuits, I cannot believe that this is the 'way to go', especially as most of these circuits seem to use valves that were designed 75 to 80 years ago. I have yet to be persuaded but you could convince me otherwise.

Regards
Barry

[Barry]

Welcome (and you're not hugely far from my location either......)

We'll need your technical expertise I reckon, here and there.

How's the ADC these days? Mine doesn't appear to be collapsing, but there is substantial high frequency mistracking compared to my XLM (various generations), ZLM and their descendant Sonus Blue, which the Dual 701 loves. A shame, 'cos the 26 has the kind of meaty bass quality that is fully realised in carts like the 103 and 'SPU.

Marco, Jimmy Hughes once used a VDH EMT cartridge because it had a similar balance (neutral) to CD. Don't let that put you off, as I suspect a modern turntable and current arm thinking would bring out more "texture" in the sound; not as much as a Koetsu, but just a bit more "human" and a bit less "mechanical," if you see what I mean :)

Other goodies I loved were the Kiseki Agat Ruby and the top model Lapis Lazuli, very close to master tape style reproduction in the best sense (I suppose the ZYX models I've heard are modern day equivalents perhaps).

Hello Dave,

My ADC cartridges are still holding up with no sign of suspension failure. I haven't used any of them for while now, but as I have three of them with several spare stylii, they serve as a back up when the cost of new cartridges and/or their retipping become uneconomic for me. They were acquired in the early 80's, after my 'Shure period', starting with model 10E IV.

I have no direct experience of the VDH EMT. When it was released, I did try to talk to the importer at one of the Hi Fi shows, but could get remarkably little information. All I can say is that at the time I was using a Linn Asak, having reading a good review in 'The Absolute Sound' magazine, and despite reading somewhere that the Linn gave the much more expensive Koetsu a run for it's money, both my friends and I preferred the EMT. I would still like to know however if the Van den Hul tip profile is better than either the conical or 'fineline' tips of the current EMTs. I would also love to hear a Koetsu, but suspect that my leaning might be towards the Lyra range. Unfortunately, I can't afford either!

Regards
Barry

[Spectral Morn]

Hi Barry

There is a section called Abstract Chat and you can talk about photography with Haselsh1 and any one else to your hearts content there, or any other subject not related to audio. As to PC use and typing....ummmm, I am not that hot myself. If you use two fingers you are ahead of me, and my one fingered efforts. If you are worried about spelling type on word and then cut and paste to the forum or have a dictionary to hand. The submission box here on the forum (what you type a reply into) does not have spell check(as far as I can see).

If we use a first name in our signature, then its okay to use that instead of the nick name...my name is Neil:)

Once again you are very welcome and nice to see you getting involved.


Regards D S D L

[Haselsh1]

Barry, staying with single ended triodes, I have to agree with what you have said but as with all Hi-Fi, tizz a very psersonal thing and my own personal thing are single ended triodes. I love the sound they produce and their sheer naturalness. For me it is a gift from above but of course, as already stated, I cannot use one as this is the real world.

[Barry]

Hi Barry,

How would you describe the difference, sonically, (tonally, too), between your DL-103 and EMT TSD-15? :)

I ask because I am interested in obtaining the latter.

Marco.

Hell Marco,

Your question is the most difficult to answer quickly. I 'chop and change' cartridges a fair bit and don't have a sufficient memory to be able to recall detailed differences. If I don't like a cartridge I sell it on. At the moment I am using an elderly Ortofon.

In order to be able to provide as full an answer as I can, I propose doing a comparison of the 103 and EMT, using the same arm (probably an SME 3012) and listen to a selection of records chosen to cover as broad a range of music as possible. If you can bear with me, I'll let you have my thoughts in a couple of days.

If you are in a hurry, and that there is a chance that you might miss out in obtaining an EMT in good condition and for a reasonable price, then I would suggest you go for it. If, having bought it, you decide you don't like it then you can sell it on (I might buy it). There are a couple of points I ought to mention: you refer to the TSD. This model can only be used in an EMT arm, since the contacts have the 'diamond' Neumann configuration, as distinct from the 'square' EIA arrangement used by virtually all other makes of detachable headshell arms (such as your Jelco). You might consider removing the generator and remounting it in your own headshell. If you meant the XSD, then this weighs in at 21 grams and needs a medium to high mass arm (your Jelco ought to be OK). All conical tipped versions really need a playing weight of 3g.

I'll let you have my thoughts soon.

Regards
Barry

[Spectral Morn]

Hell Marco,

Your question is the most difficult to answer quickly. I 'chop and change' cartridges a fair bit and don't have a sufficient memory to be able to recall detailed differences. If I don't like a cartridge I sell it on. At the moment I am using an elderly Ortofon.

In order to be able to provide as full an answer as I can, I propose doing a comparison of the 103 and EMT, using the same arm (probably an SME 3012) and listen to a selection of records chosen to cover as broad a range of music as possible. If you can bear with me, I'll let you have my thoughts in a couple of days.

If you are in a hurry, and that there is a chance that you might miss out in obtaining an EMT in good condition and for a reasonable price, then I would suggest you go for it. If, having bought it, you decide you don't like it then you can sell it on (I might buy it). There are a couple of points I ought to mention: you refer to the TSD. This model can only be used in an EMT arm, since the contacts have the 'diamond' Neumann configuration, as distinct from the 'square' EIA arrangement used by virtually all other makes of detachable headshell arms (such as your Jelco). You might consider removing the generator and remounting it in your own headshell. If you meant the XSD, then this weighs in at 21 grams and needs a medium to high mass arm (your Jelco ought to be OK). All conical tipped versions really need a playing weight of 3g.

I'll let you have my thoughts soon.

Regards
Barry

Hi Barry

This sounds like a review to me. Could you post it into the Strokes Of Genius section on the forum. Sounds very interesting.


Regards D S D L

[Beechwoods]

Hello Nick (is it correct etiquette to use the signature, if given, rather than the username?)

I'm happy to be called anything, as long as it's not rude ;) but it makes for a friendlier forum when we use our proper names :) AOS is a great place for friendly folk.


Yes, it does seem that we have a common interest in certain items of equipment and I shall in due course talk to you about tape recorders. In particular I would like to ask you some questions concerning Nagra and Uher machines.

I'm always happy to chat about tape machines!


Don't feel too despondent about achieving your 'wish list', I have been messing about with Hi Fi for about 40 years. I suspect you are much younger than me: plenty of time for you to achieve your ambitions.

I'm a mere whippersnapper as far as collecting vintage hi-fi is concerned! I'm learning so much all the time, and there is a world of wonderful equipment out there to get to see, hear and maybe one day own :) For some reason though vintage gear seems recession proof! A good bargain sounds so much sweeter than something that costs the earth!

[Barry]

This is my final posting for today and an explanation of why I have submitted individual and separate posts. I did respond last night and wrote one very long reply, essentially a concatination of all my previous posts of today. I did this using the 'Quick Reply' window which proved to be a mistake. Upon submission, the system asked me for my user ID and password. This didn't seem to be unusual as this happens on the 'World Designs' forum. However when I returned these details the system said that the posting could not be made as I was already logged in (which I was), suggested I press the back button and try again. This didn't work, and as I don't have a copy and paste facility so could not use the regular 'Reply' arrangement. You can imagine my exasperation on loosing what took me something like three quarters of an hour to write! It's enough to drive me to use :steam: as a suitable emoticon.

Am I right in thinking that you only use the Quick Reply facility if you are just browsing and haven't logged in, but wish to reply to a posting?

Told you I was new to this.

Anyway enough distraction, I really ought to get on and help Marco with his query.

Regards
Barry

[Spectral Morn]

Hi Barry

No its not you but your PC or more exactly the amount of memory this forum needs in your PC cache. I have the same problems which is why I write long items in word then cut and paste them into the forum. So write on the PC then take it to the forum. All you do is highlight your work in word...hit ctrl and c then when you are in the forum hit ctrl and v that transfers the item to the forum. I know its happened to me too, you write for ages great bit of work and you loose the lot ERRRRRRRRR. However if you want to take the risk you could write in the normal reply section and before hitting submit reply you could highlight and copy the item just in case you get logged out, and loose the lot. What happens with my PC is you have to log back in...you then step back a few pages and you can then post the item....but sometimes this will not work. So you can submit the item again via crtl and v.

Art of Sound uses a very high graphics count and requires a lot of PC memory when you are logged on. I think thats right as this happened to me a lot when I had just joined. Don't let it put you off. Nick or any of the admin/mods can talk you through what you can do. However if your PC is older...like mine you may need a memory upgrade.


Regards D S D L

[DSJR]

Hello Dave,

My ADC cartridges are still holding up with no sign of suspension failure. I haven't used any of them for while now, but as I have three of them with several spare stylii, they serve as a back up when the cost of new cartridges and/or their retipping become uneconomic for me. They were acquired in the early 80's, after my 'Shure period', starting with model 10E IV.

I have no direct experience of the VDH EMT. When it was released, I did try to talk to the importer at one of the Hi Fi shows, but could get remarkably little information. All I can say is that at the time I was using a Linn Asak, having reading a good review in 'The Absolute Sound' magazine, and despite reading somewhere that the Linn gave the much more expensive Koetsu a run for it's money, both my friends and I preferred the EMT. I would still like to know however if the Van den Hul tip profile is better than either the conical or 'fineline' tips of the current EMTs. I would also love to hear a Koetsu, but suspect that my leaning might be towards the Lyra range. Unfortunately, I can't afford either!

Regards
Barry

Going back to the late eighties, in between the Peter Belt stuff, my mate Jimmy Hughes used to try all sorts of weird and sometimes wonderful kit at home. One amazing cartridge was a new Koetsu Onyx. The original purchaser had knocked the tiny diamond off the cantilever (not uncommon) and Jimmy bought what was left from Ricardo and sent it to VDH for re-tipping. In his Breuer arm and Roksan, it sounded beautiful, with none of the dull overdamped squidge of the standard upper model Koetsus. On a whim, Jimmy sent it back to Japan to be converted into a Signature model and it came back ruined! All the life was gone along with much of the delicacy too.

Another goodie was the Goldbug Mr and Mrs Brier models. Awful if not set up right, they would suddenly come together and produced the lowest surface noise I've ever had at home from LP's. The styli lasted very well too..

You know, the AT33PTG often referred to here and elsewhere would probably see off many exalted models with designer price tags, even though the UK currency is still weak right now. I heard the now £700 ZYX model last year and that sounded great too.

lastly, what I'm hoping is that Marco will have a Denon 103 EsCo'd (£175 to do I understand). This might just be the best 103 of them all......... (Expert Stylus Co do some great Karma and Troiks rebuilds - have you noticed how the Troika's on eBay have almost doubled in asking price? :lol:)

[Marco]

lastly, what I'm hoping is that Marco will have a Denon 103 EsCo'd (£175 to do I understand). This might just be the best 103 of them all.........


Stay tuned, Dave! I've recently bought a stock 103 to use and possibly have modified as you describe ;)

Basically, it's been a while since I played around with the stock model, and my set-up has much improved in that time, having learned lots in the process, so I'm curious now how close I can get the 'old nail' to perform in comparison with the 'SA' :)

Marco.

[Barry]

Hell Marco,

Your question is the most difficult to answer quickly. I 'chop and change' cartridges a fair bit and don't have a sufficient memory to be able to recall detailed differences. If I don't like a cartridge I sell it on. At the moment I am using an elderly Ortofon.

In order to be able to provide as full an answer as I can, I propose doing a comparison of the 103 and EMT, using the same arm (probably an SME 3012) and listen to a selection of records chosen to cover as broad a range of music as possible. If you can bear with me, I'll let you have my thoughts in a couple of days.

If you are in a hurry, and that there is a chance that you might miss out in obtaining an EMT in good condition and for a reasonable price, then I would suggest you go for it. If, having bought it, you decide you don't like it then you can sell it on (I might buy it). There are a couple of points I ought to mention: you refer to the TSD. This model can only be used in an EMT arm, since the contacts have the 'diamond' Neumann configuration, as distinct from the 'square' EIA arrangement used by virtually all other makes of detachable headshell arms (such as your Jelco). You might consider removing the generator and remounting it in your own headshell. If you meant the XSD, then this weighs in at 21 grams and needs a medium to high mass arm (your Jelco ought to be OK). All conical tipped versions really need a playing weight of 3g.

I'll let you have my thoughts soon.

Regards
Barry

First of all, apologies for the embarassing typo. Not a good start; the first word in my first posting to you! As it stands, it implies flippancy and uninvited familiarity that was not intended. Again apologies for any umbrage it might have caused. I'll start again:-

Hello Marco,

I have compared the two cartridges. You will find my thoughts posted in the 'Strokes of Genius' section. Trust you find it helpful.

I see that you are a bit of a Denon afficionardo. I'm sure you will have a lot of advice for me on how to get the best out of the 103s.

Regards

Barry

[Beechwoods]

Marco is immune to umbrage, Barry. Don't you worry. I doubt anyone spotted it. I didn't. It's all too easy for the fingers to move slower than the thoughts..., especially when you know what was meant :)

And thank you for your post in Strokes Of Genius. Contributions like that are really welcome.

[nortonl]

Hi Barry

Nice to see a fellow local here and one with such a wonderful collection.

Would the research centre you referred to be in Great Baddow ? If so, I did an apprenticeship there 20 something years ago.


Leigh

[Barry]

Hi Barry

Nice to see a fellow local here and one with such a wonderful collection.

Would the research centre you referred to be in Great Baddow ? If so, I did an apprenticeship there 20 something years ago.


Leigh

Hello Leigh

Oops - looks like I've been 'outed'! Yes, I worked there for nearly 30 years. The place has changed considerably since you were there (for the worse!).

Barry

[break-3]

Welcome, Barry. I'm also a fan of vintage cameras - I've got a few Leicas, Zeiss Ikons, a Rolleiflex and some others. Cameras, watches and hi-fi... Lovely. :eyebrows:

[Barry]

Welcome, Barry. I'm also a fan of vintage cameras - I've got a few Leicas, Zeiss Ikons, a Rolleiflex and some others. Cameras, watches and hi-fi... Lovely. :eyebrows:

Thanks for the welcome.

I use Leicas for travel photography with a different lens on each. For a long time now I have also used Exacta cameras, for which I have some dozen lenses covering a focal length range 25 - 400mm. One interest I have is to compare lenses of the same focal length but of different optical design. Just as different pickup cartridges display subtle differences, so too do the images produced by these lenses.

A Rolleiflex - lovely, what type of film do you use, Ilford FP4 or Tri-X?

Regards
Barry