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Traveler's Notebook Limited Edition White

Traveler's Notebook Limited Edition White

I've received some props from Midori for our next Travel Cafe promotion in Festival Walk LOG-ON store.  Thanks to their great support, I hope this promotion will bring some excitement to our customers in terms of new visuals and possibily ignite their passion for goods with certain spirits in design and emotions.

One of the props here is a limited edition Traveler's Notebook in white color.  Iijima san from Midori told me that this edition was actually a surprise when they applied white paint on the leather (you can see some random wrinkles on the surface and rough edges).  It became a prize for the Traveler's Post Card Competition, only 10 persons will get this limited edition notebook.  If you are interested to get one and you are from Hong Kong, Taiwan or Japan, submit a postcard according to the judging criteria specified in the link before 31st July 2007.

From a letter I received from Iijima san, other than a standard Traveler's Notebook stamp, he also put on a stamp made by a user who loves Traveler's Notebook.  In addition, he included several A4 papers with "Traveler's Notebook" watermark on them.  I guess these are just prototypes or props out of his R&D department, but what a pleasure to receive well intended stationery goods!

I hope this limited edition won't be stolen and after the promotion I'll be able to own it :)

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15 Minutes Water Treatment - CIAK Sketchbook

15 min. Water Treatment - CIAK notebook

Today's a rainy day and I recall in many occassions I had to write notes on my Moleskine in the rain.  I try to visit as many retail stores as possible during every business trip, so taking notes of these store visits is very important.  So to evaluate a notebook's durance I would deliberately soak it for 15 minutes and see what happens in extreme conditions.  Haven't tried fire though.

15 min. Water Treatment - CIAK notebook

This time I tried CIAK's sketch book.  I just threw it to my sink and add water.  It floats!  So in the most extreme case when you are hit by a typhoon/tornado and land in water, your CIAK notebook will float, and if you float too you won't have difficulty finding it.

To my surprise, the 15 minutes water treatment didn't ruin the notebook a lot.  Only the first and last ~10 pages were seriously wet because paper glued to the inside of the cover and back were totally wet.  All the other pages were wet only 1-2cm from the edge.  I figured this amazing result is probably because of the strong elastic band which held the book close so tight water couldn't get in between the sheets, so for 15 minutes water went in slowly through "seeping" (i don't know how it's called).

15 min. Water Treatment - CIAK notebook

The bookmark naturally took in water significantly and this led to wetness in 3-4 pages in contact with it.  It also became easy to detach from the spine probably because it was glued to the spine using water based glue.  The spine which is the most important part of a notebook remained intact and pages were not falling off, however it had signs of possible detachment from the cover just a bit, probably also because of the water based glue.

15 min. Water Treatment - CIAK notebook

The cover was darkened only from the edges around 3-4cm, this lead me to believe that the cover surface is waterproof but water can seep through the pores from the edge.

15 min. Water Treatment - CIAK notebook

Finally, after leaving the notebook to dry in open air for about 6 hours, the cover color turned back to normal, the bookmark remained fixed to the spine, the pages has wrinkled a bit but still good to use.  I believe if it were blown dried with pressure applied to maintain paper shape, it could turn back to a 98% original condition.
If I have the time, I'd devise a series of standard tests for evaluating notebooks in terms of durance and paper quality, will be fun and interesting to do this comparison..... if only I have the time (or being paid to do so).

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Participating Bind-it-All Project: Theme Blue

I met Joei Lau first on Flickr.  After a few chat we found our common interests - calligraphy, visual journaling, etc.  I found that she was actually born in Hong Kong and we scheduled a meeting to share what we love during my trip to Japan last year.  She is an instructor (see her profile here) in the RBR center in Japan and holds classes on mixed media, visual journaling and calligraphy.  She also arrange exhibitions and little projects constantly.

Bind-it-all Project - Blue: Cover

I am happy to be part of a project called Bind-it-All, which 25 participants each create 25 pieces of 4x4 paper with drawings/painting/collage/etc on them with a theme "blue" in mind.  Each then send the pages with additional cover and back design to her.  She will then mix these submissions to create 25 unique books and exhibit them.  Later after the exhibition, we will all get our unique books back.

Bind-it-all Project - Blue: obsessive behavior spirit

In the process of making these 25 pages, I found that some local stationery store call a particulary type of hard paper "mahjong paper", which many people buy from them to use as a matt for mahjong table.  The paper is hard enough and smooth on the surface, which makes shuffling mahjongs like skating.  Although not a type of high quality paper, they are tough and able to tolerate my rubbing of paints on them and resistant yet absorbs water well.

Bind-it-all Project - Blue: Travel Cafe logo design

I just finished them and speedposted to her today and I just can't wait to see the results of other people's work and what the effect will look like when combining all of them.  I will be very happy holding a book binded by her and knowing that it will consist of 26 people's art and craft works.

Stay tuned for the rest of the developmentl

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Devilrobots on Scrapblog Posting

Devilrobots on Scrapblog

Check out the posting on Scrapblog here: http://www.scrapblog.com/viewer/viewer.aspx?sbId=35665

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Devilrobots x SIS Exhibition Hong Kong

Today I went to LOG-ON and had the luck to meet Shin Kitai (the master behind devilrobots.com) and all the collaborating designers.  There was a drawing/signing event which after you purchased their T-shirts, you could ask them to drawing their characters on it.

Devilrobots x SIS Exhibition at LOG-ON

The story of Devilrobots goes like this.  9 years ago Shin Kitai participated in a character design competition in Japan and he won wide recognition of his character TO-FU OYAKO, which has a lot of facial expression and even though it looks a bit sad but it is afterall loveable.

The TO-FU God came to LOG-ON (http://www.citysuper.com.hk) today and in collaboration of 8 Hong Kong local character designers/artists, created this small scale exhibition, T-shirt drawing/signing event and press interview.

I had the luck to meet him and had all the designers drew their character on a T-shirt I purchased. I also took polaroid pictures of them and had them signed!

"I am Shin, one of the founder of the DEVILROBOTS and I am an art director, as you know, I create all of the characters. Some people call me the TO-FU GOD"

"We grew up watching super robot animations, and we wanted to give our name a strong impact. We are not Angels, so we named our self DEVIL and we love ROBOTS, so these two words combined and became DEVILROBOTS."

Shin Kitai san from Devilrobots

Shin Kitai's Websites: http://www.devilrobots.com/, http://www.tofu-oyako.com/

The T-shirt I got, having Shin Kitai drew on the back and other 8 designers drew on the front in their own rectangles.

Devilrobots x SIS Exhibition at LOG-ON

After the event, some of the designers left, the rest took this nice picture pretending to sign on Shin's T-shirt.

I didn't bring enough Polaroid films so I could only ask several of them to take pictures and sign on the photos for me.

Devilrobots also produces characters/figures, stationery like eraser (shown in this pic) and files.  I can't believe I can be a child again by going through all these characters, Kenny Wong's Molly is so cute and I love it.  Ultraman James Fong has some very cool metallic figures (do check out his blog), Tim Tsui's cool look is reflected on his character, .....

******* Collaborating Designers/Artists *******
Winson Ma: www.winsoncreation.com/
Kenny Wong: www.kennyswork.com/
William Tsang: www.wworkshop.biz.com.hk/
Ultraman James Fong: www.ultra2020.com/
Toby Yeung: www.cubemen.com/
Alice Chan: www.asterialand.com/
Tim Tsui: www.teamzero.com.hk
Danny Chan: www.indhk.com/

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Ztampfever: Soaring Series

If you have subscribed to Ztampf's email newsletter, you should already receive info about this new Soaring Series, which I found it very beaufiul and there is a tempting "Soaring Package Saving", at this moment I'm resisting....

Ztampf_Soaring_L

Just look at the sample images and you'll be instantly captured by all elements, igniting your imagination for possibilities, coz you can do that too really.  Assembling a page is fun, it can give me hours and hours of enjoyment.

ZtampfAlbum_SoaringFlame_L

QuickPages are easy to do, just put your photos right beneath the template and  immediately you get a great page.  It is also very interesting to add more decorations on QuickPages .

ZtampfWireWorks_Soaring_L

WireWorks as a series contains patterns/objects made from wires, this Soaring addition is another gerat example of LIe Fhung's wonderful graphics, I can see the wings has become a recurring image but I'm yet to ask her what significance it carries.

Ztampf_ARTiStrokes_SoaringStrokes_L

I think these stroks will look good when combined with different papers.  Isn't it fun to try the colors on different papers?  I mean digital version of the real paints on digital version of scrap papers....

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Fixing SX-70 Sonar Autofocus Lens Stuck Problem

My Polaroid SX-70 Sonar Autofocus was dead on arrival. I found that lens was stuck in the infinity (fully retracted) position, both manual mode and autofocus mode doesn't turn the lens a bit even though I can hear the autofocus motor's sound during half-way pressing the shutter button.

Since there was no free disassemble guide available I posted to Yahoo's SX-70 group, got some helpful responses but still ....

Fixing SX-70 Sonar Autofocus Lens Stuck Problem

I decided to see what's going on inside. I first used two stationery clips (super useful!!) to pry open the silver lens housing bit by bit, then the sonar unit's front part, luckily both parts are not secured by screws, so I just had to figure out where the notches are, 4 in the lens housing, 4 in the sonar unit. Interestingly, the red button on the housing is connected to the electronic board not by wire but through contact points, so I could completely remove the silver lens housing and the sonar unit front cover, exposing the gears and electronics.

I was facing the gears and found no objects that stuck the lens gears, dispaired then I just touch every possible electronic contact points (using the clips), switching on and off the sonar unit, manually turn the focus wheel harder away from the infinity position..... no luck. Finally by shorting the shutter button's 3 electronic circuit points frantically out of despair, vola!!! the lens suddenly turned and the camera started to focus whenever I short the autofocus circuit!

SX-70 Sonar Autofocus Shutter Button Circuit

Eldo (from Yahoo SX-70 group) was right! The lens can be stuck in the infinity (fully-retracted) position. Brutal force alone didn't work. This fix was done by removing the housing so that I had access to the focusing wheel completely using opposing fingers and shorting the circuits frantically.

See more notes on the picture on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moleskineart/544509794/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moleskineart/544603005/

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Spoiler: New LOMO Frames and Upcoming Product Release

Here comes the spoilers, if you don't want to know what LOMO will release in a short future, quit this page now.
No it is not about LCA+, which is released already. A note to people who can't wait however is that a retail version which is packaged in wooden box is soon to be released, so if you plan to keep your LCA+ as a collection item, wait for the wooden box packaged version.

New Lomo Frames AND Upcoming Product Spoiler

LOMO is going to release several photo frames!

1. Holga Single Frame (seen in this picture), holds one 13x13cm (5x5) photo
2. Fisheye Double Frame, holds two 10x15cm (4x6) prints and displays them through circular openings
3. Fisheye Triple Frame, holds and display three 10x15cm (4x6) prints
4. Horizon Panoramic Frame (seen in this picture), holds 4x10 print

Well, some people already know this... I think the best frames in this release are Holga and Horizon Frames, coz you can't find these format easily in the market. I also love the fact that the Horizon Frame holds 3 polaroid photos as well.

Now the real treat. LOMO is going to release something circular which can create different color effects and works great for LCA/+, Holga, Fisheye... and price is really reasonable comparing to similar products in the market. It is going to be something very useful for all occassions, I can imagine people using this to generate more creative prints..... I hate to do this but I'm forbbiden to tell what it is.

I will post whenever new info can be released, which is at most a week or 2 away.

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A Stroll on Boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris

Rolleicord, Seagull, Semflex

I was heading to the birthplace of Moleskine just to take a picture of the street sign back in the end of January 2007.  I intentionally stopped by Boulevard Beaumarchais coz I'd never been there and would like to see what these camera shops offer on this famous camera street.  Of course none of them I can afford but just seeing all these beautiful clear lens on a sunny early morning already worthed the journey.

Linhof Technorama 612 PC II, Edward Burtynsky

I didn't know many of these cameras but its fun to just take pictures of them and came back to find out all about them after the trip.  Linhof has been producing cameras for over 100 years and it is interesting to find that, like Polaroid (abandoning instant film altogether and adopting LCD/digital hardware production) , it is migrating towards other industries such as laser technology, printing technique and medical equipment, although how much of Linhof's effort to remain in the film photography industry is unknown, they still produced new equipment in 2006.  The above model is called Technorama 612 PC II, a 6x12 panoramic camera using 120 film.

Seitz 6x17 Digital Camera

On separete note, about panoramic, I recall seeing a super size Seitz 6x17 Digital Camera from a recent Wallpaper magazine.  The product was actually introduced in Photokina 2006.  Don't be fooled by this image, it is actually bigger than you thought.

Fotoman Panoramic Cameras

I also found used Fotoman cameras which is produced by a "manufacturing company located in Mainland China, with corporate offices located in Kowloon, Hong Kong, founded in 1993".  The company focuses in large format and panoramic cameras.  There is a Fotoman Cameras Flickr group dedicated to Fotoman brand cameras.

Linhof Technika

Next I found some more 4x5" cameras including this Linhof Master Technika classic, and the following ShangHai ShenHao Professional Camera.  Comparing to Linholf, ShangHai ShenHao was established only since 1994.

ShangHai ShenHao 4x5" Camera

On the same trip, I did visited Leica's store, but I didn't feel like taking any picture at all.  I did fancied a while ago owning their Digilux 2 or 3, went to the Hong Kong show room to try out Digilux and digital M series, it didn't click (user interface and operation) and the price turned me off (I know, it's Leica).  I guess I am staying away from Leica for a while :)  Check out AC's comment on his experience using M8 here, not a good one.

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ScrapBlog - What an Easy Way to Scrapbooking

ScrapBlog Try Out

I just wish it can be printed out locally or a real album can be created and sent to my post box.  Anyway, this site is so easy to use and navigate, it is just like a graphics applicaton on your computer.  All the cut-outs and "stickers" are very easy to use.  The site is a bit slow but you get all the elements ready to pickup, no need to buy and download or scan and upload that sort of things if you use Photoshop to do your digital scrapbooking.
Check out my try out: http://www.scrapblog.com/scription

Thanks to Java Jane who mentioned this on the DigiScrap group.

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