Leica I, II or III help

Ok, ran across a Leica II body that seems to work. Only issue is that is seems to have a some sort of Russian film spool inside instead of the original Leica and it doesn't engage with the film wind mechanism.

I can't quite figure out how the original is supposed to function so that I can modify it to work.

Does anyone have a Leica I II or III with an original Leica film spool that can post some good pictures of it (outside, inside, top down, bottom up) so I can figure out how it's supposed to work?

This one has me scratching my head. I can buy a replacement (and apparently the ones from Canon screw mount rangefinders work also) but they go for almost P3,000 by themselves. I have this option of swapping the whole wind assembly spindle and film spool from a Russian made Zorki. I was hoping to leave the body as original as possible.

UV Filter or Not?

I've always used a UV filter on my lenses, more so for protection of the front element and the thought of possibly getting better photos in some circumstances. What I am hearing now is that the UV does absolutely nothing for image quality on digital cameras....maybe even degrade it somewhat.

Back in the day of film, they did play a useful role in removing some the blue fringe which translated into hazy photos due to the fact that film is reactive to UV radiation, whereas digital sensors are not.

So if I'm understanding this new train of thinking...for the best possible result with a digital camera...and if you are relative careful with your equipment...its best to loose the UV filter. Any thoughts on this?

Scanning color photo quality question

I am scanning some 3-1/2x5 color photos to be enlarged into 4x6 later. Should I scan them at 300dpi or would a larger setting such as 350 or 400 produce a better enlargement. I realize the size increase is not that large, but I am also wondering if I make any adjustment to the image, like change brightness or sharpness, would the increase in dpi give some advantage since I read that any mods to a jpeg file degrades it, each time you do make some change.


I can make TIFF files – am using an Epson V500. I understand your idea to make and keep a master TIFF file. Would I then modify the Master TIFF files and keep a 'secondary' TIFF folder of modified TIFF images? Since I need jpeg files to print photos, could you recommend a freeware program to convert TIFF to JPEG?

Also, the Epson scanner uses “DPI” in the Destination/Resolution section. I read that DPI and PPI are used interchangeably and that is not correct. But for my purposes with the V500 scanner, can I consider them the same? And what dpi or ppi setting would be best considering that settings in the 1000's can take forever to scan? Some happy medium.

One last question: since the aspect ratio of 3-1/2x5 and 4/6 is a little different, when the enlargement is made, would the 3-1/2x5 get automatically cropped to some extent to fit the 4x6? If yes, then should I crop to 4x6 myself so I crop what I want to and not let the printer's machine do it arbitrarily?

Lumix G3 shooting thru Telescope Exposure Issue

I put on a little legacy 28mm Canon with an adapter because I have no micro 4/3 lenses right now, as a test because my scope shots are dark, and exposure is right, the photos are fine.

I have been shooting through an apochromatic refractor with adapters, and getting great shots... well, good enough to make me smile.

It's an overcast day in Seattle. I just got an appropriate quick release plate for this Gimbal head and couldn't wait to get out on the deck to take some photos.

Suddenly, everything is dark. I have NO idea what's up. I can pump ISO through the roof. I can slow the shutter speed to mollasses, all to no avail. Everything is coming out dark through the scope today. Again, with another lens, it's just fine.

Any thoughts? Other than the camera is smarter than I am. I already know that.

What do you think?

MY GF has a GF that makes and sells really unique custom, lighted centerpiece's. Ill explain so hopefully you can HELP ME. Their classy and a Keepsakes. She will use flowers that she will make to match my centerpiece's exactly or my exact color scheme. She will make the design ON them with Monograms or exactly like my/ ..Our (lol) invitations or any design I want in the color I oops WE want. Trying to quit saying "I and MY". Even a custom design just for us! Waaaay awesome. They were at another relative's wedding last year and I have never forgotten them, every one thought they were gorgeous.
HERE is the question as awesome as they are, they are only 14- 15" high and cost about 100-150.$ each. Depending on how "custom" I want them. But they are real eye catchers. Would YOU use them or use the typical flowers and vases? 3 of my BM's said they love them cause they look custom and you can see over them. LOL, and love that we would end up with permanent keepsakes, one BM says she likes the typical really tall one's even if it means the whole thing goes in the trash in a few days ( seems like a waste to me) and My MOH. says she would just use a vase with flowers 'cause their cheaper even though boring but since they are a focal point at the tables she doesn't know what she would do. Shes such a big help - Not!

Can you give me your thoughts PLEASE. I have not had so much trouble making a decison so thought maybe others in my position could help.