Author Archives:
Macap MXK
I bought Macap MXK grinder. My espresso setup made a LEAP forward. I had tons of problems with premature blonding which I attributed to alleged excess of pressure in the Rancilio Silvia (and Audrey in my case) machines. Turned out it is not the cause. The cause is in the poor grind. The 63mm conical grinder [...]
Finally! my 7D on-camera flash finally gave in
On-camera flash on my 7D had intermittent problems, now the problem is permanent. This is a good news for me, getting even with the Canon service center; in the past rejected with a smile implying a con, failed to reproduce the problem on the spot, surely you’ve experienced this embracing feeling, I would have my satisfaction now, rejecting the [...]
Rancilio Audrey Group Head
Today I disassembled my Audrey with the intent to install pre-infusion mod and to clean the group head. I did not install the mod though. I realized that my mental picture of the mod is not matching what I found in the machine.
I am looking for a place to attach the water shock absorber. [...]
Rancilio Audrey Pre-infusion mod
Next facelift for my Rancilio Audrey will be a pre-infusion mod. There are two ways to do that. Simplest way is to add a couple of water hammer aresters (kudos to JeepinGeo @ coffeegeek.com).
JeepinGeo also posted a Youtube video of this setup (I assume it is the same guy and the same setup) in action.
The [...]
The lengths we go for it…
The E61 group design was created by Faema in 1961. Since then it has become a golden standard. The design is still very modern. Many high-end semi-automatic machines are using it still. Manufacturing capabilities have improved, gasket material, finish, and electronics are much better, but the design is still the same.
Just to understand the [...]
When you thought is cannot get any better…
There is no limit to espresso perfection. A better machine does make a difference. I think I have a nice blend of espresso beans. I usually pull the shots in on my Rancilio Audrey. Today I tried the same blend on the Quick Mill Andrea. It is definitely better. It tastes more blended and floral notes [...]
Well, Canon did not take my camera
Canon service center did not take my camera for repair. They told me that there is nothing wrong with it. I could not reproduce the problem on the spot. I guess I have to wait until the problem develops more.
I mentioned that I am toying with the idea moving to Nikon, and they answered: “It [...]
No, it does not work
The Canon 7D repair saga continues. It was not fixed first time! It goes back to the shop today. My camera still has the flash miss-fire problem. Isn’t is wired? Dear Canon, do it right this time, please. Or else… I was about to switch to Nikon, but then 7D came out and I decided [...]
Playing with Olympus E-520
Olympus E-520 is a really neat little dSLR. It is all plastic, but does not feel flimsy. In addition, Olympus has great menu structure. It is easy to navigate, contrary to the most of the reviews that I have read. It does have highlight clipping problem, but it is still manageable. I would readily carry [...]
The search is over
Why bother with a prosumer P&S camera if you can get an Olympus E-520 dSLR for $329 refurbished at B&H? I decided to go with a two lens kit that a managed to buy for 400 dollars. You cannot buy a used Canon G10 for that amount of money. Olympus offers so much [...]