README ------ These disks are part of a growing series on photography. So far there are tutorials available on Portraiture, Composition, Buying Cameras and Accessories, Camera Operating Functions Explained, A Different Approach to subjects, Flash and Selling Pictures and others. Most of these programs are available from good PD libraries, especially 17-Bit, with whom they were originally placed. They are thus also available on the excellent 17-Bit library CD's. A list of currently available programs is also available from the author on receipt of an SAE after a phone call. The information contained on the disks cannot be guaranteed, as it is all a result of my experience. However, I can say that it all `works for me`, and that, as an independent photographer, my opinions are unbiased. A short personal photographic history is included below as a sort of CV. All pictures are the copyright of the author except a small number taken from PD CD's to use to make points. USE OF THE DISK Each disk in the series is of the same basic design and uses the AMOS programming language - compiled in this case. The disks run from Workbench, which provides for the printing out facilities. There is this README file, and one or more named photographic files. The normal double click on the corresponding drawer/icon loads the program. The program opens with a `MENU` screen, and from there you can travel from page to page as you wish. Each page has titled buttons for other pages, text or pictures. Colour pictures may look a little strange. That is because they were originally HAM or 256 colour high res pictures reduced to 16 colours to conserve memory and to make the program work on all Amigas. On this disk is a `CALC` program, also written in compiled Amos basic. CALC is accessible directly from the icon only. It is rather simple, but allows the user to input the data for a flash unit and any extension of the lens used. This can be 0, for example, if a macro lens or close focus zoom is in use, but may also be any value, in millimeters, up to a total of 7 figures. 7 was chosen as the usual set of extension tubes come in threes. The combinations possible from 3 tubes is 7 ! The data used MUST always be all in the same units - metres OR feet. They must NOT be mixed. The answers are then also in those units. The program calculates the increased exposure factor and the distance that the flash must be from the subject for the correct exposure. It works, but the angle of the flash is the users decision, and beware of reflecting surfaces between the flash and the subject. i.e. glass tank sides ! EXPOSURE INCREASE FACTOR is the extra exposure required when a lens is moved further away from the film plane than it is intended to go. You don`t need this figure, just the distance, but it can be interesting and of use if calibration of your system is by flash meter or if you don`t intend to use flash. For example, no extension means a factor of `1`. An extension of 25 mm on a 50 mm lens will give a factor of `2.25` - that is, near enough, one stop extra exposure, double the light. An extension of 50 mm on a 50mm lens, which incidentally results in 1:1 magnification, full size on the film - gives a factor of `4` - that is 2 stops more exposure, four times the light. A surprising difference, which is all due to the `Inverse Square Law` - It states that as the distance from a light source is increased, the light intensity falls off by an amount that is inversely proportional to the square of the distance. Enough of that ! Suffice to say that, if you use this program and print out your results, they will work as long as none of the standards are changed. I write the figures onto a sticky label and stick it on the back of my ringflash. Not pretty, but the figures are always available. HARD DRIVE INSTALLATION. If you have a hard drive, the program will work from there much faster. Installation is by hand I'm afraid. Use a file management program such as Opus, Dirworks or SID, and create a directory where required called 'CLOSE'. Open that new directory and copy all of the files from the two disks into that directory - CLOSE. The only file that you need to change is the one called CLOSE - you MUST replace it with the one from the 'HD' drawer, also called 'CLOSE'. The path for the replacement file is ":close/ " The programs should now work from your hard drive. THE AUTHOR. I was taught how to use medium format and 5X4 inch plate cameras, and process the results as part of my technical training at work and college. Once you have seen the results from 5X4, you appreciate quality ! This was all top quality equipment - Rollei, Sinar and MPP, with Pentax and Nikon later. The darkroom was purpose built and temperature controlled. All of this occurred in the early and mid 1960`s. Since then I`ve joined camera clubs, and helped found one, being secretary and general dogs body for 12 years. I became more proficient at club level and began having some success in national competitions and exhibitions, with a few nice prizes thrown in from magazine competitions. I became a Photographic Alliance circuit judge and lecturer. Judging, done properly, doesn`t tend to make many friends - but I am always honest to my own beliefs. There is little point telling someone a picture is good if it isn't ! ( In my opinion - remember, much judging is personal opinion. ) In more recent years my photography has turned to supplying several libraries with colour and mono pictures. I also submit to a number of magazines regularly and others on spec. It is very nice to see one of your pictures on a magazine cover in `Smiths` or on a greetings card in a shop in Florida ! Beware, if you do this, or shoot weddings at the weekend, the tax-man needs to know ! CONCLUSION. Have a look at this disk. If you are a beginner, many of the disks in the series may be of use. For the more advanced worker, only a few points will be of value - but no one knows it all ! DISCLAIMER All material on this disk is correct to the best of the author`s knowledge. Similarly, all programs and material used are in their freely distributable state, or are in the public domain to the best of the authors knowledge. The author excepts no responsibility for the use of this program, or for any inaccuracies, if present. Any suggested or implied modifications to equipment are carried out completely at the equipment owners own risk. Chemicals are mentioned on some disks. The author cannot be held responsible for the misuse of chemicals in any way. Always remember that all chemicals are potentially dangerous and should be used with care. Wear rubber gloves if your skin is at all delicate. Chemical solutions should be mixed in the order given in a smaller than stipulated volume of warm water. Each chemical must fully dissolve before the next is added. Solution volumes should be made up to the correct total when all mixing is complete. DOCUMENTS Almost all documents on this disk are in ASCII format, and thus may be printed out. Because the disk is booted from workbench, you can use the features in workbench if you like. Following the instructions in the program, and pressing 'X' at the end of viewing a text file will send that file to the printer. BE SURE THAT IT IS ON WITH PAPER IN PLACE. A file handling program such as SID or DIRWORKS offers easy methods of printing out text files. It is also possible to load any of the documents into a word processor that accepts ASCII files, which most do, and print it from there. PAUL BROADBENT (01724 ) 851895