16mm Film

Archive for the ‘16mm To 35mm’ Category

Image taken on 2009-12-13 12:40:15 by GraemeKelly.

So you’ve decided to add a new conservatory to your home and are joining the growing number of people who have realised the most economical route is to buy a DIY conservatory and either build it yourself or employ a local builder to build it for you. Assuming you have already decided on the style and size of the conservatory all you have to do now is make a decision as to which DIY conservatory to buy.

It sounds simple enough but if your knowledge of conservatories is limited to what style will look good on your house and you are, like most people, searching the internet for the best deal the choice available could prove daunting and confusing. There is an almost endless choice of conservatory specifications for you to choose from ranging from low budget conservatories to high specification models and it is important not to simply look for a cheap DIY conservatory but one that will suit your specific requirements.

Using the search terms of DIY conservatory or self build conservatories in your favourite search engine is likely to return hundreds of thousands of links to DIY conservatory supplier sites plus many sponsored or paid for links which will probably direct you to auction sites as well. Research shows that most users don’t click back further than the first three pages of results but this will still give you around 30 different DIY conservatory supplier sites to look at and all will have different product specifications and different prices. So how do you make the right buying decision?

Obviously you will want to get the best value for money you can but going for a cheap DIY conservatory may not be the best choice depending on what you intend to use the conservatory for and whether you want it to be a year round extension to your home.

After all, the conservatory will be a permanent fixture on your property for many years to come and there are a lot of other design features that need to be taken into consideration. To put it another way, buying the cheapest conservatory now may seem like a great bargain but once installed, you will have to live with it until you decide to move on.

There are essentially two main routes to buying a self build conservatory:

DIY SUPERSTORES

Some of the search engine links will take you to the online sites of some of the major DIY superstores where you will be able to view their offerings which will normally be standard size models with minimum specifications designed to keep the price down. They will probably be quite basic in terms of design and limited in the number of options(if any)available. Opening vents and doors may be fitted with basic locking systems, you will probably be limited to a 16mm or 25mm polycarbonate roof in one finish and the double glazing is likely to be standard glass with no heat retention properties.

The fact is that these DIY conservatories are specifically made for the superstores where price is king and specification comes second. The components are usually sourced in bulk from developing countries where costs are very low which normally means they will be made from standard size windows and doors that simply lock together using frame connectors. This keeps the price down and whilst it does simplify installation, using a connector between each single window module does increase the sightline and reduce the glass area. The PVCu frame may only be 60mm deep and the windows and door will probably feature an external glazing bead which could allow the glass to be removed from the outside.

This type of product would not generally be offered by any respectable local home improvement installer because the specification is dated and the finished product would not have a quality feel and appearance.

Buying a DIY conservatory from a superstore does however have the advantage that you will probably be able to view a sample conservatory in their showroom although you may find it difficult to find anyone who will be able to discuss the project with you in any detail due to the thousands of different products these stores sell. It is simply a catalogue number to them which may come complete with a telephone help line.

Having said that, DIY superstores sell a huge number of self build conservatories every year and if you are on a very tight budget and are prepared to accept the lower specification you should be able to find a decent size DIY conservatory for less than £2,000.

SPECIALIST DIY CONSERVATORY SUPPLIER

The majority of your internet search results will contain links to dedicated DIY conservatory suppliers who specialise in supply only conservatories for the self build customer. These conservatories will usually be made to order and the specification will be much higher. As the product is made to order the options available to you will be much greater and will include extras like decorative glass and solar control roof glazing.

The PVCu frame will usually be 70mm deep which increases the structural integrity of the conservatory and the windows and doors will probably be internally glazed which prevents the glass from being removed from the outside.

Using a conservatory supplier who only supplies to the DIY market will ensure that you get all the assistance and advice you need from a conservatory supplier who knows what is needed and will provide base plans and installation instructions to make your installation as easy as possible.

Like any other purchase, you will only get what you pay for and it is important to consider the main requirements to ensure you buy a high quality self build conservatory:

• 70mm PVCu Windows & Door

• Internally Glazed for security

• 28mm Sealed Units preferably using heat retaining glass

• Minimum frame connectors to ensure traditional sightlines

• High security locking

• High specification conservatory roof system

• 35mm Polycarbonate roof glazing

Options worth considering are:

• Decorative glass fanlights

• Solar control glass roof

• Roof vents with rain sensor control

• Air conditioning unit

A new conservatory is proven to add value to your home, just how much will depend on the quality of the product and the usability of the conservatory throughout the year.

Saving a few hundred pounds on the cost of your self build conservatory now may be tempting but if the conservatory doesn’t retain heat in the winter or is like a sauna in the summer the amount of time you will be able to spend in it will be greatly reduced.

Always aim for the best specification you can afford rather than the cheapest DIY conservatory you can find to ensure that you will be able to get the maximum use of the conservatory throughout the year and remember that ultimately the higher the specification, the more desirable your property will be when you come to sell.

From the early June, we are in the depths of a recession. There’s no point in trying to sell your house as you want the market to pick up and your savings aren’t earning any interest. You’ve decorated your house to death and your garden is all done and ready for a barbeque. So now you are investigating the possibility of a self build conservatory.

What are the main criteria for selecting a self build conservatory?

1. Decide what you are going to use it for.
With self build conservatories this needs to be thought about rather carefully as this will denote the size and the style of the project.

2. How big do you want your conservatory to be?
Where self build conservatories are concerned this is really a two edged sword, as the obvious answer is as big as possible for my budget. But think practically and go outside with a tape measure and mark it out. There’s nothing worse than sitting in one thats to small or the sofa wont fit !

3. What style of conservatory would I like?
Self build conservatories come in a range of styles with the most popular being the Edwardian, lean to or Victorian style. Most come in a range of three colours White, Light Oak (caramel) or Rosewood. The best advice I can give is match it to your windows.

4. What type of base would you like?
Types of base I hear you say what he is going on about. Well for self build conservatories the base market has been brought into the 21st century over the last couple of year. The big development is steel bases. These fundamentally are a floating steel raft that your conservatory sits on. There are no back breaking footings to dig just 450mm pads that you then fill with quick setting cement. These bases are great in difficult situations where drains are in the way of your building and go up in no time at all. In fact one Saturday i dug and concreted the pads for mine in around 3hrs. Admittedly I did get a move on as I was going to the rugby that afternoon but still I surprised myself. These bases also have prefabricated walls that have different slip brick styles to match your house.

5. Glass roof or polycarbonate roof?
Which is better well it depends on your budget and what you are going to be using it for. Glass roofs are more expensive but offer greater sound insulation but are more expensive. This is because of the glass itself is always toughened and the rafters and roof aluminium use to support the extra weight is reinforced. Polycarbonate offers great value for money but always make sure it is at least 25mm thick. Beware some diy high street chains offer 16mm as standard. At 25mm or 35mm if possible its insulation properties are superior to glass keeping the heating bills down.

6. Your budget and finance
Self build conservatories usually have a 10yr warranty and so stick to you budget and don’t get seduced into finance there are much better deals to be had from the banks than any company can offer.  And don’t forget to haggle there’s always a promotion round the corner.

From the early June, we are in the depths of a recession. There’s no point in trying to sell your house as you want the market to pick up and your savings aren’t earning any interest. You’ve decorated your house to death and your garden is all done and ready for a barbeque. So now you are investigating the possibility of a self build conservatory.

What are the main criteria for selecting a self build conservatory?

1. Decide what you are going to use it for.

With self build conservatories this needs to be thought about rather carefully as this will denote the size and the style of the project.

2. How big do you want your conservatory to be?

Where self build conservatories are concerned this is really a two edged sword, as the obvious answer is as big as possible for my budget. But think practically and go outside with a tape measure and mark it out. There’s nothing worse than sitting in one thats to small or the sofa wont fit !

3. What style of conservatory would I like?

Self build conservatories come in a range of styles with the most popular being the Edwardian, lean to or Victorian style. Most come in a range of three colours White, Light Oak (caramel) or Rosewood. The best advice I can give is match it to your windows.

4. What type of base would you like?

Types of base I hear you say what he is going on about. Well for self build conservatories the base market has been brought into the 21st century over the last couple of year. The big development is steel bases. These fundamentally are a floating steel raft that your conservatory sits on. There are no back breaking footings to dig just 450mm pads that you then fill with quick setting cement. These bases are great in difficult situations where drains are in the way of your building and go up in no time at all. In fact one Saturday i dug and concreted the pads for mine in around 3hrs. Admittedly I did get a move on as I was going to the rugby that afternoon but still I surprised myself. These bases also have prefabricated walls that have different slip brick styles to match your house.

5. Glass roof or polycarbonate roof?

Which is better well it depends on your budget and what you are going to be using it for. Glass roofs are more expensive but offer greater sound insulation but are more expensive. This is because of the glass itself is always toughened and the rafters and roof aluminium use to support the extra weight is reinforced. Polycarbonate offers great value for money but always make sure it is at least 25mm thick. Beware some diy high street chains offer 16mm as standard. At 25mm or 35mm if possible its insulation properties are superior to glass keeping the heating bills down.

6. Your budget and finance

Self build conservatories usually have a 10yr warranty and so stick to you budget and don’t get seduced into finance there are much better deals to be had from the banks than any company can offer. And don’t forget to haggle there’s always a promotion round the corner.

Copyright © 2009

Conservatories add valuable flexible living space to any home and once you have become used to enjoying the benefits conservatories provide you will not want to consider living without one. However, if the conservatory was installed many years ago it is probably starting to look tired, dated and no longer provides the attractive relaxation space it was originally designed for.

Timber conservatories that are over ten years old may be developing signs of rot and require high levels of maintenance whilst early upvc conservatories were constructed from wide bulky continental profiles that were not specifically designed for the purpose. Double glazing if actually fitted at all offered minimum insulation levels when compared to current energy efficient glazing.

The standard of components used in upvc conservatories today is now world’s away from those used eight or ten years ago and there is now an increasing demand from homeowners of these older structures to upgrade their existing conservatory to 21st century standards.

A makeover will modernise all or part of your existing conservatory and there are three routes to consider:

ROOF UPGRADE
Conservatories built over five years ago will probably have basic 16mm polycarbonate roof glazing which is thermally inefficient and very noisy when it rains. For south facing conservatories there will be little protection from direct sunlight making the conservatory very uncomfortable on a hot summer’s day and cold during the winter.

Subject to the structural stability of the conservatory side frames it is possible to install a new roof glazed with either the latest solar control self cleaning glass or 35mm polycarbonate in a variety of finishes including the latest solar control options.

Upgrading the roof will substantially improve the energy efficiency of the conservatory and provide the existing structure a new lease of life.

If the side frame windows and doors are double glazed it is also a relatively easy task to replace these with energy efficient low E double glazing to help reflect valuable heat in the winter back into the room.

REPLACE EXISTING CONSERVATORY
You can remove the existing structure and install a new modern conservatory onto the existing base and dwarf walls following the same footprint.

This is a popular choice for home owners on a tight budget since there is usually no need to employ a builder and for do-it-yourself enthusiasts this can provide the most cost effective solution. Demolishing an existing conservatory and replacing it with a brand new energy efficient model is usually a straight forward process that can be carried out over two or three days. All DIY conservatories are usually supplied with full assembly instructions making installation of the replacement conservatory fast and easy for anyone with practical do-it-yourself ability.

COMPLETE REBUILD
Demolishing the existing conservatory, walls and base allows you to start afresh and completely redesign the conservatory to suit your individual requirements. Whilst increasing the size of the conservatory may require planning permission a complete rebuild allows you to personalise your extra living space and even change the colour and shape.

You could change one side of the conservatory to include sliding folding doors which allow a wide unobstructed opening directly into your garden or patio instead of traditional French doors or sliding patio doors. The latest colour options allow you to change the colour of the conservatory to cream or black or green to differentiate your new living space from the main house. If you have the space changing the design from an existing Edwardian or Victorian conservatory to a P shape conservatory will provide increased floor space that can be used as two separate areas such as a dining room and sun room.

Upgrading an existing conservatory will modernise an old and dated living space whilst also improving its energy efficiency helping to lower your fuel costs in colder months of the year.

I currently own:
-Canon T1i (I have owned other cameras previously)
-Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (kit lens)
-Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS
-Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

I feel my skills and wants are not met by my equipment. These lenses are pretty much beginner level, and I’m past that level. Plus I focus mostly on landscape photography, but as you can see none of these lenses are quality ultra-wide angle lenses.
So I thought of buying a Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8.
But now I’m thinking: Why don’t I just buy a full frame camera now instead of purchasing lenses for my T1i which I may eventually sell?
I was originally going to buy a full frame camera two years from now because of the fact that I got T1i a little less than a year ago.
It’s no point spending $600 on a lens not designed for cameras with Full Frame sensors, if I will buy a full frame camera in the future.
My question is:
1. Should I go ahead and buy a Canon 5d Mark II (or a similar full frame canon camera) and buy lenses for the new camera? (possibly sell the T1i and the EF-S lenses)
OR
2. Should I just buy lenses (specifically a ultra-wide angle one) for my current T1i?

Soo…
should I start from scratch with a Professional level camera and buy lenses for it (upgrade camera and lenses)
OR
should I buy the Tokina lens for my intermediate camera, wait a few years then buy a full frame camera (add a third party lens for old camera, upgrade camera years later)

another alternative

should I just buy high quality professional lenses (like Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L) for my intermediate level camera and not buy full frame camera in the future (so don’t upgrade camera but upgrade lenses)

Plus any ideas on other alternatives?

i’m a amature–i’m rather new to this film thing. if I were to shoot in 16mm would i have to shoot the same scene in video as well in order to incorparate audio in my film? and, what are the benifits of shooting a 35mm?