2/27/10
Batteries -
wwwBatteries.com - Good prices and easy do.
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2/15/10
Today I received a call from my insurance company. I had just purchased a MacBookPro and wanted to make sure it was added to my Inland Marine Policy. I consider this one of the best ways to relieve the anxiety of possible theft, damage or loss of one's equipment - whether it's Camera equipment or Computer equipment. My policy costs 1% of the value of the equipment -- so for my $9,500 worth of cameras, lenses, accessories, and computers it costs me $95 a year - a great value, especially in mental concern. If your Insurance company is not able to write Inland Marine Insurance for you, call me and I will give you the name of my company.
Sent: Fri, Mar 5, 2010 4:12 pm
Subject: Need to pick your brain
Hi Bob,
Per your recommendation, I have been investigating "Inland Marine" as a
possible insurance for my computer and camera stuff. I called my local
insurance agent, who thinks Inland is typically underwritten by
Nationwide Insurance, which unfortunately does not insure in Florida
any longer.
Anyway, if you could send me any more information about Inland Marine
(web address, agent's name, etc) I would really appreciate it. How
large is your deductible? Does it cover damage/replacement as well as
lost/stolen? Do you have to have and use the equipment in a business
or can a private party buy a policy? Is the policy attached to your
homeowner policy or is it independent?
Sorry about all the questions. I thank you in advance for any
information you can give me. See you this spring.....assuming the snow
has melted by then...
Bob Orlopp
Hi Bob:
I am under the impression that IMI is available from most companies;
but, that might not be. When I had my insurance with Nationwide they
covered it. Here is a site I found that can give you more information.
www.wisegeek.com/what-is-inland-marine-insurance.htm. It is separate from my home owners policy and I list as personal.
My policy with Farm Bureau costs me 1% of the value of the items
insured. $9,000 in insurance = $90 annual premium. No deductible, I
list items and the value paid. I have had stolen (or mysterious
disappearance covered twice) Dropped lap top covered and a camera that
I inadvertently kicked into Lake Junaluska.
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External Hard Drives… can help you with storage for your images
$85 -$100 for an external hard drive to backup those images or upload them if your cvoputer is running low on space. BTW, my MacBookPro has something that is called a Time Machine - it backs up EVERY piece of work I do on the computer EVERY HOUR automatically or when I want.. A dream come true. Just plug an external hard drive into the USB port and you are all set. Is this getting neat or what?? !!…
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Tripods…
The number one problem most people have, in the beginning, is the TRIPOD - that gizmo that holds the camera steady, usually needed in low light - early mornings and late evenings. And that's when we find most of the light that makes the most awesome images.
Knowing how important it is, I wouldn't hesitate to spend what is needed to get a suitable tripod. However, most newer photographers have not yet reached that point of discernment. It is only after spending a session in the field fiddling with their tripod that they begin to think about making the change.
The one I have is the same one I bought when I started in 1987. These parts are important for a tripod used to photograph nature.
- The Legs - they need to be able to flair out to the side so the camera can get close to the ground.
- The head - the ball head is recommended, sturdy enough to hold your heaviest body and Lens.
- The quick release -that is the part that attaches the camera to the tripod.
If funds are no object there are many options - for the budget minded, I contacted Hunt's Photo, an online supplier we like…
Here are their recommendations.
<<Hello Bob, Kathryn here. I spoke with my manager and have the tripod
info for you.....
Manfrotto 190XPROB - $159.99 with free shipping
Manfrotto 055XPROB - $179.99 with free shipping
Kirk BH1 (ball Head w/ Arca Swiss type Release) - $365.00 with free shipping
Kirk BH3 (ball head w/ Arca Swiss type Release) - $265.00 with free shipping
For a lower priced arca swiss plate type ball head I don't see where one
exists. I found an alternative though from Jobu design company. Here is a
link - it's to change any ball head to an arca swiss type plate
http://www.jobu-design.com/quickreleases.html
For a kinda like arca swiss head we have some closeout specials on Induro
ball heads.
DM-12 - $139.99
DM-23 - $165.99
Here is a link to view these heads:
http://www.indurogear.com/products_catalog_DM-SeriesBallHeads.html
Please let me know if you have any questions on anything listed....
knazzaro@wbhunt.com Thanks Bob, Kathryn>>
For the budget minded we recommend the DM-12 Ball head and either the 190XPR if you are tall or the 055XPROB if you are shorter - 5'5" or under. The reason for the two sizes is that if the tripod s too short, you end up bending over to look thru the view finder - after some time in the field that can start to become uncomfortable. Lke, “Oh, My aching back.”
