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Review: The BlackBox 135 film scanner
I ordered the BlackBox 135 film scanner to digitize about 180 rolls of 35mm slide and negative film for a family archive project. The choice of the BlackBox 135 was based on a review of its big brother, the BlackBox 120, on PetaPixel. The scanner arrived on time and as advertised. What’s in the box?…
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Submerged UXO in Hong Kong
October 13, 2024—Scuba diving in Hong Kong, you see numerous nudibranches, poisonous pufferfish and the odd octopus. On September 14, 2024, my buddy Edmund Lee and I spotted something different, a submerged UXO (unexploded ordnance), that turned out to be a World War II bomb. At lunchtime the next day, I posted a photo of…
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Japanese earthquake insurance explained
August 28, 2024 — Like many things in life, Japanese earthquake insurance is complicated. But it can be worth buying, and it’s readily available, despite Japan’s history of seismic activity. At the end of 2022, 35% of the nation’s households had earthquake insurance. Buying Japanese earthquake insurance Earthquake insurance is only sold as a rider…
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Buying Akiya
April 24, 2024—Many foreigners are interested in buying akiya (abandoned homes). Who can resist an inexpensive home in the beautiful Japanese countryside? If you’re thinking of buying akiya, here are a few facts to consider. Savvy competitors Japanese property investors have money, expertise and local knowledge. Japanese investors have also been shunning akiya for decades—which…
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Hong Kong Rugby Sevens 2024
Here are some highlights from Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens. The images were shot from the stands with a Nikon D810 and processed with Digikam and darktable. They feature men’s and women’s teams from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Fiji, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, Japan, South Africa, Spain and the…
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New Year’s Day Rugby
Here are some highlights from the 2024 New Year’s Day Rugby tournament in Hong Kong. This year’s tournament featured four matches: under-16 girls, under-16 boys, under-19 girls and under-19 boys. The New Year’s Day Rugby Tournament 2024 marks the 56th year the tournament, which is organized by the Hong Kong Rugby Union, has been held.…
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Nudibranchs
If you know nudibranchs, skip ahead a few paragraphs. If not, let me introduce you to these fascinating, photogenic creatures. Nudibranchs Nudibranchs (nudis) are sea slugs. You read that right. Slugs. Like the slimy ones in the garden. But these are not your average slugs. Toxins: Nudis exhibit interesting behaviours. For example, Nembrotha kubaryana (pictured…
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Hacking the Olympus TG-5
I’ve shot undersea images with an Olympus TG-5 since 2019. Along the way, I’ve learned a few things that may help you get the most from your TG-5, TG-6 or TG-7, especially if you are a new user. Why shoot with an Olympus TG-5? The TG family of cameras from Olympus (now known as OM…
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How to buy or rent a Hong Kong office
Hong Kong offices come in all shapes and sizes. Here’s how to find one for your company, whether you are buying or renting.