Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)
Lens: Pentax A 35-70/4 at 50mm and f/4
2025-07-01
Pentax A 35-70/4: Samples [3] - FF - 50mm - f/4
2025-06-29
Asimov's QR codes
Isaac Asimov - The Naked Sun (1956)
===
Baley stared at the robotic newcomer. It was sleek, but not glossy. Its surface had a muted, grayish finish, with a checkerboard pattern on the right shoulder as the only bit of color. Squares in white and yellow (silver and gold, really, from the metallic luster) were placed in what seemed an aimless pattern.
Daneel said, "Take us to the conversation room."
The robot bowed and turned, but said nothing.
Baley said, "Wait, boy. What's your name?"
The robot faced Baley. It spoke in clear tones and without hesitation. "I have no name, master. My serial number" - and a metal finger lifted and rested on the shoulder patch - "is ACX-2745."
Daneel and Baley followed into a large room, which Baley recognized as having held Gruer and his chair the day before.
Another robot was waiting for them with the eternal, patient nonboredom of the machine. The first bowed and left.
Baley compared shoulder patches of the two as the first bowed and started out. The pattern of silver and gold was different. The checkerboard was made up of a six-by-six square. The number of possible arrangements would be 236 then, or seventy billion. More than enough.
===
2025-06-27
Angarsk: 11 views from 1956 (and 2025)
This is a small postcard titled "Виды Ангарска" (Views of Angarsk, 11 photos) from 1956. Also see another postcard (10 photos) from 1956.
The views themselves are tiny, about the size of a postage stamp, so the resolution is low.
I've also included similar views that I took in June 2025.
Disclaimer: My photographs are nothing more than a documentation of reality.
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2025-06-25
Suzuki AGS
The Suzuki AGS (or 5AGS/6AGS) is a five/six-speed Auto Gear Shift transmission. Based on a manual transmission, it uses an electro-hydraulic actuator for automatic gear shifting.
A notable feature is the Park (P) position of the gear selector (see 1 and 2), which makes the AGS appear to the driver as a conventional automatic transmission.
Since 2014, it has been a low-budget option. However, it later became part of Suzuki's "strong" hybrid system.
Overall, I don't like the AGS. It combines the disadvantages of all types of transmissions. Thankfully, there are no AGS transmissions in new JDM cars anymore. This also means that there are no strong hybrids for JDM. JDM strong hybrids based on AGS have been replaced by mild hybrids based on CVT.
See also related notes:
Image albums:
2025-06-23
Pentax Q 04 6.3/7.1 Toy Lens Wide: Samples [1] - 1/2.3" - f/7.1
Camera: Pentax Q (1/2.3", 12MP)
Lens: Pentax Q 04 6.3/7.1 Toy Lens Wide (f/7.1 only)
Once again, I'm having trouble focusing. The image quality is specific. There is also noticeable barrel distortion.
2025-06-21
Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 40/4.5 (M42x1): Non-retrofocus lens
The Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 1:4,5 f=4cm (40mm f/4.5) with M42x1/45.5 mount.
Despite its focal length being shorter than 43 mm, it was designed as a non-retrofocus lens for SLR cameras. Because of this, it has a rather protruding back.
According to the serial number, the lens was manufactured in 1949.
The Tessar 50/3.5 (on the left) and the Tessar 40/4.5 (on the right):
See also related notes:
Image albums:
2025-06-19
Suzuki Every [Wagon]: Automatic transmissions
The DA17V/DA17W Suzuki Every [Wagon] (2015-present) can be equipped with one of the following types of automatic transmission: 4AT, 5AGS (Auto Gear Shift, AMT, for the DA17V Every only, until 2024), or CVT (since 2024).
One simple way to determine the type of automatic transmission is to look at the gear selector (as with the Alto). All three types have the conventional symbols P-R-N-D, but there are some differences.
1. The 5AGS has +/- M symbols that stand for manual gear control.
2. The 4AT has 2 and L symbols indicating the gear shift limit positions.
3. The CVT has an L symbol, but not a 2 symbol.
2025-06-17
Calibrite ColorChecker Classic Mini
The Calibrite (formerly X-Rite) ColorChecker Classic Mini.
This small, 63.5 x 109.0 mm target is the most affordable option with 24 patches (by Calibrate). I'm going to use it to create DCP profiles for use in ART.
2025-06-15
Mitakon [Zhongyi] Creator 35/2: Samples [1] - FF - f/2
Camera: Sony a7c (FF, 24MP)
Lens: Mitakon [Zhongyi] Creator 35/2 at f/2
Like its sibling, the Mitakon 85/2, this lens produces a smooth background blur. However, its other qualities are questionable.
See also related notes:
Image albums:
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