Large lettering is visible on a building. The poor image quality makes it impossible to read. I don't remember exactly what it said, but I think it was something like "Путешествуйте по озеру Байкал" (Travel on Lake Baikal).
2026-08-27
"A city on the Angara river": Panoramas (2)
Two more panoramic images taken from the "Город на Ангаре" (A city on the Angara river) documentary.
2026-08-25
My first tubeless puncture
Some time ago, I got a puncture in the front tubeless bike tire (Maxxis Rekon Race 29x2.4[WT]). Unfortunately, the sealant didn't help because it had dried out (after several months). So, out in the field, I used a cheap tubeless tire repair kit:
It was easy, and the electric pump was very helpful.
I rode over 100 km with the "bacon strip" (the tire plug) without any problems.
Then, at home, I removed the strip and applied a tire patch.
Everything is okay with the tire now.
See also related notes:
- TOPUMP TB2 Pro: Electric mini pump (2026-08-05)
- Maxxis Rekon Race 29x2.4[WT] (2026-06-01)
Image albums:
2026-08-23
Five Star 500/8: Samples [2] - FF - f/8
Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)
Lens: Five Star 500/8 at f/8
2026-08-21
Pentax Q7: DCP file for ART/RT (download)
Download file (2026-08 version): q7.dcp (32KB)
This is a basic camera profile for ART/RT raw converters. It is only single-illuminant (D50) one. It only contains the
Base table.Input Profile (ART): Embedded
Input Profile (ART): Camera standard
Input Profile (ART): Custom: q7.dcp
See also related notes:
- Pentax Q7: Better, but still too specific (2025-11-13)
- ColorChecker, DCamProf, ART/RT (2025-10-05)
- Pentax Q 01 8.5/1.9 Standard Prime (2025-09-23)
Image albums:
2026-08-19
Newly built cities of the USSR (1958)
I bought a collection of booklets from 1958.
The collection is titled "Новые города СССР/Villes Nouvelles de l'URSS" (Newly Built Cities of the USSR), and contains booklets about eight cities.
The booklet about Angarsk interests me the most.
2026-08-17
Front engine transverse with RWD
In the ICE world, a front (front!) transverse mounted engine with rear wheel drive is crazy (like Ford's T-Drive concept). However, this engine layout is reasonable for a series hybrid, regardless of wheel drive.
There are several such rear-wheel drive hybrid cars. For example, Changan Qiyuan/Nevo A06 in EREV/PHEV version (source).
The front-mounted, transverse IC engine acts as a generator only.
There are no half-shafts in the front suspension.
The rear wheels are driven by the electric motor.
By the way, I would like the new Suzuki Jimny to be a series hybrid with a front transverse IC engine (for more cabin space).
2026-08-15
Pentax Q 04 6.3/7.1 Toy Lens Wide: Samples [2] - 1/1.7" - f/7.1
Camera: Pentax Q7 (1/1.7", 12MP)
Lens: Pentax Q 04 6.3/7.1 Toy Lens Wide, f/7.1 only, without software cropping (29 mm equiv.)
Once again, the Pentax Q7 is better than the Pentax Q.
See also related notes:
- Pentax Q7: Angle of view with 03, 04, 05 lenses (2025-12-17)
- Pentax Q 04 6.3/7.1 Toy Lens Wide (2025-06-13)
Image albums:
2026-08-13
Expired Svema FN 32
Some Svema FN 32 (B&W, ISO 32) 120 film rolls.
All expired (develop before January 1994).
I have tested them. There are some visible spots in the shadows. To avoid this, a lot of light is required, so the film should be exposed as ISO 1 or ISO 2.
2026-08-11
Wuling Hongguang Mini EV: Solid rear axle
The Wuling Hongguang Mini EV (electrical vehicle) has a solid rear axle.
(source)
(source)
See also related notes:
Image albums:
2026-08-09
"A city on the Angara river": Panoramas (1)
Here are two panoramic images taken from the "Город на Ангаре" (A city on the Angara river) documentary. The quality is rather poor due to the quality of the source material.
2026-08-07
Kenko Soft 45/4.5: Samples [3] - 135 film - f/4.5
Camera: Pentax Super A
Film: Expired 20 years ago Forte Fortepan FP100 (135 B&W) exposed as ISO 32
Lens: Kenko Soft 45/4.5 at f/4.5The camera makes it difficult to manually focus this lens. The split-image circle and microprism collar don't help at all (they just make it more difficult). Scale focusing is often easier.
See also related notes:
- Forte Fortepan FP100 (2026-07-01)
- Kenko Soft 45/4.5: 45mm soft focus lens (2025-09-03)
Image albums:
2026-08-05
TOPUMP TB2 Pro: Electric mini pump
Initially, I didn't want to buy an electric pump for bike tires. I was just looking for an electric manometer for a Presta valve. After comparing prices, however, I decided to buy an inexpensive mini electric pump with a built-in manometer.
It is the TOPUMP TB2 Pro. To me, it is a digital manometer with a built-in pump!
Overall, I like this pump because it meets all my needs. It measures tire pressure immediately, even with a Presta valve (a "Fillmore" tubeless valve too), without having to start pumping.
However, I found three minor issues.
First, it is unexpectedly loud (and noisy) when pumping.
Second, the pump gets hot and significantly heats up a tire valve. You can even burn if you try to touch the tire valve. This can also damage a TPU inner tube. This issue is partially solved by using the included hose (with the Presta adapter). But with the adapter, the pump must be started pumping to display pressure.
Third, the battery capacity is small. This is related to the dimensions, of course.
However, I mainly use the pump at home. I bring it with me when I ride, but I also bring a regular manual pump (CrankBrothers KLIC HV) as a backup.
It is also possible to charge the pump with a mobile phone using the included USB-C - USB-C cable (or a compatible one).
The main question is how reliable the pump is. I have used it many times over several months, and it still works. But I'm not sure how long it will continue to work. Especially since it heats up so much.
The pump itself weighs 131 g, the hose with the Presta adapter weighs 22 g.
Be warned: The pump is not waterproof.
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