Mguy

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Hmmmmm. Really? I would think Imacon/Hasselblad would be in that conversation.

From an old Kodak book on filters, green will darken the red features and give a ruddy/rough complexion to a Caucasian face and might be effective on a male subject... but will almost never be appreciated by a female subject. So have to be selective.

Update. Have a bulb on order. Whew! Steve Hendrix of Capture Integration in Atlanta, also a HB dealer, is able to get the bulbs and has one on order for me. In a phone conversation, we surmised that I was talking to a newby clerk at HB who was a bit confused about HB policy. We think the reality is that bulbs are available thru dealers only and not direct to end users. But that's not the way it was communicated to me. No matter. I'm pleased that bulbs are still available, even if they are $125 a pop. Ouch. Probably cost a couple bucks to actually make. Sorry for the alarm. If anyone knows of an aftermarket (Osam, etc) equivalent for the 848/949/X1/X5 scanners, my wallet would appreciate knowing. Thanks

I understand the Flextight love, having had a 949 and now an 848. But I felt more than a bit abused by Hasselblad when I found out from them today that they no longer sell the bulbs alone. If a bulb goes on your scanner, you'll have to send the scanner to HB at roughly 250USD RT shipping and purchase their tune-up for another 450USD just to get the bulb replaced. $700 (or more) for a bulb is maddening. Redefines being "serviced" by the seller. I know HB is in rough shape, but raping your customer base can't be a sound long term solution.

No mention of your Rolleiflex? Has it fallen out of favour?

Here is one out of left field. Goruck makes some extremely well made bags that don't stick out a mile from your back. But they need an insert to hold your gear. The GR1 bag houses either a Hadley Pro insert as though it was made for it. Also, the thinner F-stop ICU's fit quite nicely. Quite smart looking. Doesn't look like either a camera or schoolkid's bag. Pricey but so versatile.

Forgot to mention, try to catch the extravaganza evening show at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. A throwback to old Cuba and very entertaining. Will need reservations well in advance.

I was there for a week 2 years ago. Took a Mamiya 7II w/ 43mm lens, great for narrow streets during daylight and close in candids. Also took my M6 with 35 1.4 for interiors. Wide and fast. People are open to being photographed, so you can move in with a wide and still show a bit of surroundings. They don't ask, but appreciate a few coin as thanks. Most are poor and can use it. Don't bring anything you can't carry or leave in your room safe. If you look and act like a rich tourist you might be resented and get no cooperation.