I hope the Android 17 update will be available too.
2026-06-13
Motorola Edge 50 Pro: OTA works again
After manually updating with Software Fix, my Motorola Edge 50 Pro started receiving over-the-air updates again.
2026-06-11
Mosler Photoguard 35/2.8: Samples [3] - FF - f/2.8 + close focus (helicoid) adapter
Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)
Lens: Mosler Photoguard 35/2.8 at f/2.8
The close focus (helicoid) adapter is used to minimize the focusing distance.
See also related notes:
- Noname Leica M-Sony FE/E close focus (helicoid) adapter (2023-07-30)
- Mosler Photoguard 35/2.8 (2022-11-01)
Image albums:
2026-06-09
Spoke wrenches
These are the wrenches I use to adjust the tension of a bike's spokes.
Both are usable, but I most often use the one on the right.
2026-06-07
ART stops starting
This behavior occurs with the Windows version. I don't know if there are some issues with other OSes.
Sometimes, there is no visible reaction after starting ART (raw image processor). No window appears. However, you can find
ART.exe in the process list. After a delay, the process terminates by itself.In this case, try to find
exiftool.exe and terminate it in the process list. ART uses this process to work with image metadata, but some desynchronization of the processes can occur. After terminating
exiftool.exe, ART usually starts properly.2026-06-05
malykh-tm800 (2006-2009) source code
This is my small industrial telemetry tool from 2006–2009. It relates to the so-called TM800A protocol and includes an analyzer and an emulator.
Java sources are available: https://github.com/malykhcom/malykh-tm800/
2026-06-03
Pentax K 30/2.8: Samples [3] - Instax Mini - f/5.6
Camera: NONS SL42 II (Instax Mini, 0.57x "crop" factor)
Film: Fujifilm Instax Mini Monochrome ISO 800
I was surprised to find the monochrome version of Fujifilm Instax Mini film.
It was interesting, so I tested it with the NONS SL42 II camera. Overall, the monochrome film looks similar to standard color Instax Mini film, but with different dyes (something like Kodak BW400CN). It is [almost] monochrome, not black & white. I noticed a light color cast. Like the color version, the monochrome version requires precise exposure and doesn't tolerate overexposure.
By the way, to take vertical (common for Instax Mini) pictures with the NONS SL42 camera, rotate it so that the film ejection slot is facing up.
See also related notes:
- ND4 filters (2026-05-29)
- NONS SL42 (II): NFE, Pentax K lenses (2025-08-25)
- NONS SL42 (II): "Instax Mini" SLR camera (2025-05-27)
- Instax film sizes (2025-04-11)
- Pentax K 30/2.8: ad (2023-09-15)
- BW400CN (История) (2016-06-17)
Image albums:
2026-06-01
Maxxis Rekon Race 29x2.4[WT]
The Maxxis Rambler 700x50c tires are good, but I realized they are too small after the Vittoria e-Barzo Trail 29x2.6. At the same time, I don't want to wear out the [expensive] Vittoria tires in the summer.
So, my new tires are the Maxxis Rekon Race 29x2.4[WT].
I chose the MaxxSpeed version (TB00465000) because it has a maximum pressure of 40 PSI (2.8 bar) - lower is better for me.
These tires are 120 TPI (foldable, of course).
It's interesting that there is no maximum pressure warning on the tire. Only minimum pressure is noted.
(Inflate to 25 PSI / 170 kPa / 1.7 bar)
Each tire weighs 812 g and 821 g (without packaging).
See also related notes:
- Maxxis Rambler 700x50c (2026-04-17)
- Vittoria e-Barzo Trail 29x2.6 (2025-12-19)
Image albums:
2026-05-29
ND4 filters
Even with modern digital cameras, neutral density (ND) filters are useful for recording video. Since I rarely record video, I mostly use ND filters with film cameras. This is because the maximum shutter speed of film cameras is usually [very] slow.
The ND4 (2EV) filters I use most often have a M52x0.75 mm thread. I also use filter step-up adapters.
One of these is an old ND4 filter made in the USSR.
Another is a modern ND4 filter made in China.
Both filters have a slight color cast (they are not actually neutral). However, I shoot with B&W film, so the cast is not visible.
2026-05-27
Motorola Edge 50 Pro: Android 16
My Motorola Edge 50 Pro stuck on Android 15. When I checked for updates, it still showed that there were none available.
So, I decided to use Software Fix (for PC) to update the phone. Checking by IMEI showed the long-awaited update to Android 16.
Despite the warnings, the "Do not erase my data" option was available.
The update went well. Now, I can use Android 16.
Maybe SZ Viewer will be updated to target API level 36 (Android 16), while retaining the features of A1-2025-01-07 (I didn't make any changes).
2026-05-25
2026-05-23
Fillmore tubeless valves
This valve is unusual. It is Presta-compatible, but has a different design without standard internal removable core.
Each valve weighs 6g with the cap.
See also related notes:
Image albums:
2026-05-21
Kiev-6S: Two prism finders
I have two prism finders for the Kiev-6S camera.
The first is an earlier model, with no electronics (non-TTL). The second has a built-in light meter (TTL).
The earlier (non-TTL) model is smaller and lighter:
Non-TTL prism: 332 g
TTL prism: 424 g (without battery)
I expected the non-TTL model to make focusing easier. In practice, however, I see no difference. I have difficulty focusing with both prism finders.
See also related notes:
- Kiev-6S: TTL light meter (2025-07-13)
- Kiev-6S: Budget medium format film camera (2025-06-11)
- 3RTs53 battery (2025-04-13)
Image albums:
2026-05-19
Philips 9@9++ (2026)
This is my first own GSM mobile phone (before, it was D-AMPS phones).
It's the Philips 9@9++. I bought it in 2004 for $133. And it still works.
Although it wasn't as convenient as Nokia phones at the time, it was more power-efficient. The 9@9++ could go a week without needing a charge. The phone body is also sturdy.
I even made a cable to connect the phone to a PDA to access the Internet (via GPRS).
2026-05-17
Pentax K 28/3.5: Samples [2] - FF - f/3.5
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