Review: BlackRapid Cross Shot

I came across the BlackRapid Cross-Shot during one of my basic photography sessions with Jo Avila. Found it as a solution to the neck pain the standard camera strap gives you. Luckily, Jo allowed me to try it on. As a bonus, all former students of Jo Avila get a discount card with all his sponsors [Photobomb- for all your camera gear], valid for one year.

Well, I did my research before deciding to buy. Finally, it was the perfect birthday gift for myself (dad paid for it actually) during a trip to Quiapo last October 2014. 

The SRP for the BlackRapid Cross Shot is 2150Php or $48 but it's on sale @ Watson Photo for... guess what? 1600Php or $36! What a bargain indeed!

To objectively review this, I tested the Cross-Shot on 2 events: The WTA Finals @ SG last Oct 21-27, 2014 and my cousin's wedding last 9 Nov 2014.

Pros:

• Easily locks any SLR camera in place. Just twist the fastener tripod until it locks. 
• An added safety feature is the BlackRapid Lockstar- ConnectR Swivel Hook Cover to prevent the hook from opening.
• The shoulder rubber pad is made from sturdy material. It stays in place so your SLR camera is secure even when you move. The shoulder pad can be used on either side of the body and it won't bother with your clothes.
• Two plastic fasteners on the Cross-Shot allows one to secure the length of the SLR; how much you want to swing it high or low in use or while walking.

Neutral:

• The first time I used it, there was a tendency for the strap to twist whenever I would remove it from my body (ex. toilet breaks or my partner would use it). However, that seemed to be resolved during the wedding without doing anything special.

Cons: 

• May not be for petite people. My gf who is 5'0" and weighs about 100 lbs says it's heavy.
• Any broken or missing parts may prove to be more expensive than replacing the whole Cross Shot. I don't mind if its $10, but if its $20, I'm better of buying a brand new Cross Shot.

Final Verdict:

• The BlackRapid Cross Shot is a great SLR strap, considering its quality, safety features, and price. Also, I can easily shoot all I want while walking and running, since it is secured. Definitely, this strap will remove your neck pain as the weight is distributed; similar to a messenger bag. However, petite persons may find it heavy. I suggest you go ahead and try it out yourself from a friend or go to your nearest camera store. Overall, I give it a 4.5 stars! 

 Seller's info:

• Watson Photo is having a BlackRapid strap sale on some models @ 25% off. Location: 312 P.Gomez St., cor. R. Hidalgo St., Quiapo, Manila. Phone# 733-7697 and look for Jackson or Philip (the latter is the brother of Ramon, Mayer Photo). Call first to know which BlackRapid straps are on sale and which ones are in-stock. Cash transactions only.
• To get to Carriedo, coming from Cubao. You can take a jeep or FX that says Quiapo. Or like me, I take a tricycle to LRT 2 and take the LRT 2 to Recto, switch to LRT 1 at Doroteo Jose stn, then get off at Carriedo. Go inside SM Carriedo and exit at the other side, where you will see Watson Photo.

Update 11/17/14: My Quiapo Adventure

Hidalgo Street from Mayer's Photo

Recently returned to Quiapo to have my SLR checked with Mayer, since there were instances that my Nikon D5200 would refuse to auto focus during my recent trip to Singapore and attended my cousin's wedding. 

Iba talaga ang service when you buy your gear from an old-timer photographer like the Chinese Quiapo sellers. Compared to the malls that have salesman and salesladies, who may not know after-sales service or stare blankly at you when you start to speak about your SLR problem.  

Swerte mo pag may service staff sila, who can understand you. Thank God for Mang Ramon of Mayer Photo, he provided a solution: when taking a shot, you may need to switch from AF-S to AF-A para magfocus.  

Kasabay ng aking pagpunta ay mag pa-frame and syempre umikot narin ako sa Paterno St. para tumingin ng salamin. Window shopping only, since I'm very much satisfied with the one I have.

Some optical shops are having a year-end sale, 50-70% off. Prices from 3k php are now 1,500-900 php only! Compared to when I went there last Nov 2013, I didn't go around much, so I didn't look for sales in shops. 

Pros:

1. Kung hindi kayo pihikan or gustong makatipid, this is the right place to be. So many shops and selections to choose from. Mahihilo kayo sa dami.
2. Marami kayong ipagagawang salamin. 2nd pair, for kids, bring along your family and friends so that you can avail of huge discounts. Whether its for fashion or necessity, dito na kayo.
3. For those aiming photochromic lens (Transitions by Essilor or Exposure brand) to various types of lenses- ultrathin, polycarbonate, high powered lens, made to order, lens job only, frame only, adjustment, soldering, etc. Big savings here! I-Sight Optical along Paterno, beside Kamla Optical Supply and near Essilor Bldg., (they only cater to optical shops) offers the cheapest Transitions at 4,700 php, at least from my inquiry. Of course, it should come done with an authentication card. The Exposure brand is a cheaper alternative, 1,600 php from AG Rodriguez Optical (in front of I-Sight and Kamla). Can someone verify Exposure? I can't seem to find it online. 
4. Huge savings compared to malls. However, optical shops in malls are now being competitive, so do check out their offers and sales too. At times, it may not be even wise to go all the way to Quiapo to save money, if the price difference is between 200-500php.
5. It's a haven for Dental and Optometry students. Optical and dental supplies on wholesale prices.

Cons:

1. This is Quiapo, so stop looking for branded frames, most of them are class A. For authentic frames, head to Optique Prima along Paterno or Ideal Optical and Watch Supply at Evangelista St., (sister company of Ideal Vision) or to Ongpin. The optical shop in Ongpin is near Sim Clinical Laboratory. I've inquired Swissflex frames (for mom), and from 10k, they can give it at 8k or 8.5k. Sure ka original dito. Meanwhile, Optique City Manila claims to sell authentic frames at low prices. 
2. Obviously, the shops in Quiapo will sell you glasses, so learn how to say no until you find the pair you like. Kasi haharangin ka nila dito, until you make your purchase. Minsan hindi kailangan ng salamin pero ipipilit nila (ex. low grade or too young). This Optician tells it best.
3. Some shop owners in Quiapo are Optometrists, but the assistants are not. Obviously, they won't have the training or hygiene. In my case, hindi nila pinupunasan ang equipment or mali ang sukat (sumasakit ang mata ko and here). Especially for those with young children, older people, or those who wear high powered lenses, you really want to see an Ophthalmologist so that they can assess your eye health as a whole and how they can help you. In some cases, glasses can be avoidable or they can best advise if further procedure is needed.

Smart tips:

1. Make your trip worthwhile and save money. Pagsabay-sabayin ang gagagwin para makatipid sa pamasahe.
2. Remain alert on your surroundings and belongings. Cash transactions only kaya po mura sa Quiapo.
3. Choose reputable shops that are big and have A/C (see my recommendation above) to have the best chance that your prescription fits perfectly. It seems may halo ang lens ng ibang shops to profit from the cutthroat competition.
4. For the perfect glasses, best to consult your Ophthalmologist or at least a mall Optometrist first before proceeding to get your lens job done. Ideal Vision does eye exam for free, whether or not you will get your glasses from them. Their doctors are friendly and honest. Previously, in some cases they have advised me not to get glasses as correction was too low (-.50 on both eyes) or advised me to sleep more or how to prevent eye fatigue. Hindi nila hinahabol ang makabenta or huwag kang maging dependent sa salamin.
5. Request that your eye prescription be written down in a sample form below for your own copy. The doctor's prescription is best followed by the lab technician, especially when you decide to have your glasses made in Quiapo. 
   
   
   

    

   
   

   Good luck on your Quiapo eyeglass adventure and do let me know what happens! 

Review: My first SLR Camera- Nikon D5200 from Mayer Photo

This is a long overdue post, dating 7th July 2014, the day I bought my Nikon D5200 camera. Like some, I have held a point and shoot camera all my life, dating from film. My folks are not gadget people. Basta gumagana ng maayos, ok sa kanila.

In one of my previous posts, I have thought about getting a slightly advanced p & s (point & shoot) camera, since my Sony W300 of 5 years has broken down it seems (new mc corrupted, lost majority of my photos from Bohol (2013) and Dubai (2014) trip, and had to make do with a smartphone camera).

After repeatedly canvassing for a Canon G1X and Sony RX100 (they cost around 19k-21k cash) from Henry's Trinoma upon suggestion of my partner. Some friends suggested that I get my hands on a DSLR Camera. I have long avoided the temptation or trap for the ff. reasons:

1. DSLR is expensive.
2. The hobby is expensive and addictive. 
3. I don't want to carry a heavy load, while traveling.   

Thank god for the internet, I did my research, consulted my partner and zeroed in on a few starter DSLR models. It was a three-way tie for: Nikon D5200, D3200, D3300. I picked the Nikon D5200 upon the prodding of Uncle Rick:

 

My Nikon D5200 with kit lens

So, Uncle Rick, a photo hobbyist himself accompanied my mom and I to Hidalgo Street, He primed us up with: bring cash, keep your outfit simple. Let's go on a Monday to keep crowds away.

Upon arrival, I started canvassing while they roamed around. This was a helpful tip, yet I didn't follow it. I started to ask from the ff shops (as of July 2014):

1. i-Click outlet- Nikon D5200. 23,500php with 6 mos. service warranty. Ok silang kausap, but I don't know their aftersales service.
2. Henry's- I talked to Henry himself and the wife. 24,700 last price with 6 mos. warranty. 
3. Others- to order or no stock. 
4. Mayer Photo- 24k php cash, 6 mos. parts, 1 yr. service warranty. Includes 8GB MC, camera bag, and Nikon backpack (as thrown in). Actually, I canvassed with Ramon and his daughter, and said I will return and compare with Henry's. I requested that I get a fresh stock inside the shop and not from the glass display. Fortunately, they have it and Ramon said "last price, mura na ito." I added a lens filter, Sunpak 52mm for 200php, tested the camera and thanked him with a smile. I'm telling you, I'm not leaving the place empty-handed.

 For those who want to get an upgrade to branded camera bag and/or memory card. Puede basta add lang kayo. 
 

To date, I've had no problems with the camera, test shots here. Overall, it is a great starter DSLR w/o breaking the bank. Read up, keep taking shots and evaluate them and/or with a seasoned photographer. Your gear is as good as you use it, master them.

Also, all my transactions with Mayer Photo are all smooth and positive. 
Staff is knowledgeable and friendly, marunong na sila mag-Hokkien sa presyo. Like some, I ask kung puede pang babaan. They would tell you at what price they can, and kung mababa na yan.

Hindi ko po naabutan si Sir Ramon in bad mood. Always ended my transaction with a thank you and smile. Never fails.

For the past few months, my partner and I have bought several accessories from Mayer:

1. Larmor LCD Screen protector for Nikon D5200- 500php
2. Hoya Lens filter for Nikon D5000- 600php
3. Benro tripod for #2- 1.2k php Kausap namin si Auntie Helen, and dahil siguro Chinese kami, naging 950php.
4. Phottix  3 in 1 cleaning kit (inc. lens pen, cloth, blower). 500php 

Highly recommend Mayer Photo- 5 Stars for price, quality and service! Basta huwag lang kayong makulit, tawad ng tawad tapos hindi kayo bibili.

Please refer here for a complete list of Hidalgo sellers.

Salamin Salamin Sa Quiapo Bilhin! The verdict on Standard Optical

This is my final post on my Paterno Street, Quiapo adventure.

Finally, after 2 days my glasses was delivered via JRS:

Upon holding the glasses, it felt heavy (compared to my Fury). Wore it and as a few hours went on, I got used to it. Maganda ang fit niya, no complaints.
It's the 1st day of the glasses with me, so I'll post some updates in any case.

The verdict on Standard Optical:

Glasses- 4/5 it feels fragile and heavy to hold. So far its been good to me, I'm not complaining about having dizzy spells anymore. Ask the sales staff about the quality of the frame: Authentic (it's a rarity and it sounds too good to be true), class A, AA, AAA, made in China or replica. I guess sa materials nagkakatalo because my Fury eyewear is of the same style (full frame instead of half-frame), but it feels like you are holding or wearing nothing. In terms of quality and durability, that will have to wait in a year or 2.

Hygiene & Professionalism- 1/5 The assistant didn't wash her hands when she performed the eye exam nor cleaned the refractor. Another sales staff was eating her lunch in front of me as I sat for the eye chart exam.

Service- 2/5 The sales staff is accommodating when I first stepped inside the store, until I paid for the glasses and delivery fee. However, they failed to inform me when the item was picked up from their store. I even called twice to check with them, only to be told na tawagan ko na lang ang JRS.

Savings- 5/5 My replica Spyder frames + multi-coated lens  = P2,800
                                                               + delivery charge (P140) = 2940

Usually they have packages: frame + lens at 2k+ php. Magmamahal na lang sa type of lens: photochromic, toric, etc. Haggle or at least try. Overall I was able to save P1,555 which includes my expenses going to and from our house, meals and drinks too. If you want to save more money, I suggest you do your canvassing for the best deal.

My old eyewear costs 5k with lens, but its been sturdy and reliable for the last 3 years and counting. I just had to change the lenses annually. 

  

Total: 12/20 It's quite bad, the hygiene, service and professionalism must be improved. Hand washing and wiping of the equipment should be done after each use of client. For the sales staff that was having lunch in front of me while the eye exam was on-going, I suggest you move to the other room.

 

I know that Quiapo is not as posh as the Optical Shops in the malls, and people flock to the area to find eye wear at bargain prices and a plethora of styles. Kaya siguro ganun na lang ang level of service nila sa customers. Plus the area is known for its optical and dental supplies, so their main clients are Optical Shops in the malls, perhaps retail clients are secondary.

 

Authenticity of frames: I'm not sure but you can try the bigger shops like Optique Prima, Optical Look, Acebedo Optical or Abesamis Optical. When the price is too good to be true, it probably is. 

I read from another blog that they bought authentic frames from Optical City Manila. 2k+ each for a Christian Dior and same for a Ray Ban. These are with lenses, so think about the price. The frames itself will cost you 10k in the mall, and you find a similar one at Paterno that costs P2k. Magtaka na po kayo. It would be credible when it's 30-50% price difference. Common sense dictates that original manufacturers will need their income too.

No offense to those who purchase/wear fake items. Never pass it off as the real thing.

                                                                More photos:

Salamin Salamin sa Quiapo Bilhin! Part 1

Photo thanks to: Urban Roamer

Apat ba ang mata mo? Feeling mong pumorma? Kailangan mo ba ng bagong lente or salamin? Tara na sa Quiapo, kung saan matatagpuan ang Holy Grail of eyeglasses!
May mura pa ba sa Maynila? Eto rin ang tanong ko sa sarili ko. 
Does cheap in Manila mean no/low standard? Find out below!

I've been having frequent headaches lately and decided to get my eyes checked. Since, I'm looking for new glasses, (the last one being 2 years ago) I decided to go on the cheap.

Prior to my adventure, I did my research on "eyeglasses Quiapo" and found out that there are loads of optical shops, labs and supplies at P. Paterno Street, Quiapo, Manila.
To get there: Get off Carriedo LRT Station, turn left and walk towards Quiapo Church.
You will see a lot of street vendors with a tight alleyway to walk by. Take a look at your left and you will see some optical shops, this is your sign that you are close. Hence, I took a left at the next street (2nd or 3rd street) and asked one of the vendors where Paterno street is. From there I walked straight and turned right.
Tada! You will see a street full of Optical Shops, Labs and supplies. From the small shops to the big ones with A/C. Holy Grail ng salamin!

Some smaller shops (non A/C) will offer you 450php on frames + lens for starters. Of course it will get more expensive depending on the type of frame + lens you want. You can spend your time canvassing or searching the whole street, until you see the frame that you like.

In the malls, I've seen promos worth 795php from EO. They give you discounts for 2nd pair of frames, discounts or packages for clients to frequent clients. Sa dami ng optical shops ngayon, the competition is tight, kaya dapat lang na magbigay sila ng discount sa suki nila ang client. Depending on your location, and if the price difference isn't that big, I suggest you purchase from the mall instead.  Nakakatakot po kasi iyung area, and it was broad daylight, lunch time.

Along the way, while I was holding on to my backpack for dear life (it was in front of me). Suddenly someone held my right arm tight. To my surprise an old lady was looking at me (for alms). I got scared and removed her hand and walked quickly. I refuse to give money to beggars and would prefer to give them food instead, pasensya na lola, I didn't have food with me.

Hindi ko po sinandya ang magpunta sa Paterno. Coming from Gil Puyat LRT 1, I decided to pass by on my way home (LRT 2 Betty Go-Belmonte). From my research, a lot of shop names came about, and I selected Standard Optical based on one blogger's recommendation. Plus, the owner is Fil-Chinese, so I guessed that hooked me in.
It is a smaller sized shop compared to its neighbors: JSM Optical, Optique Prima, Optical Look, Acebedo Optical and Abesamis Optical. The owner & optometrist is Dr. Lisbeth Tan-Gaw.

Upon entering, I was entertained by one of the staff. Since, I've been checking out Spyder eyewear at George Optical VMall previously (my mom and sister goes there for their glasses. However my mom goes  for complete eye exam to Ophthalmologist Dr. Antonio Say- one of the finest this country has produced). I saw the price and my eyes gouged! 3,000 php for the frame alone. Hence, we may be look at, at least 4k-5k php to spend.

Hence, I requested for a Spyder eyewear and the staff gave me 5-6 frames to choose from. I ended up with a half frame and asked for a check-up. The assistant who doesn't seem like an optometrist did the computer refractometer on my eyes and checked my old glasses for grade (initially I just wanted to change the lenses, which costs 800 php). Then she proceeded to do the eye chart exam (this is done on a computer monitor). To my surprise, only astigmatism remains: -0.25 on both left and right eyes. So far tama un eye grade, pero wala bang eye measurement for the frame? I mean the millimeter ruler or that machine they put on your eyes.

Hygiene-wise, I didn't see the assistant wash her hands, or wipe the equipment before attending to me. To think that numerous faces are on the eye refractometer. Tapos, may isang saleslady pang kumakain sa harapan ko while I was having the eye chart exam. Eeek! Unprofessional. Siguro ganun nga pag mura, mamamatay ka din sa dumi. Plus, you cannot expect any type of courtesy and/or service. 

Hopefully, for those who go to P. Paterno, you didn't experience this, or maybe next time, I would go to the bigger optical shops around the area as I mentioned earlier. Or, I would just return to Success Vision altogether.

This is really a surprising development because back in high school and college, i was nearsighted with astigmatism and my eye grade would fluctuate. Sometimes, I would buy promo frames from Ideal Vision or contacts from EO or Success Vision plus a more expensive frame (the only thing I can remember is my last Fury frame) and have the lens changed instead. Aside from the lost screw several times (they would fix it at no charge), the Fury frame has been able to hold well, so sulit iyung 5k php for 2-3 years and counting.

So I was billed 2,800 (package for the Spyder frame and multi-coated lens) + 140 for shipping. I'm guessing the frame is 2k php and 800 php for the lens because I asked them how much to change the lens and the saleslady told me 800php.

I tried to haggle, but to no avail. She told me to wait for 1.5 hrs and since I didn't have the time, I just asked the lady if they do shipping, and she said yes LBC or JRS. This will be picked up by (late) afternoon.

Well, in this shop, all of their frames are replica. Bihira daw na may dumating na authentic. I don't know with the bigger optical shops around the area. Kung marunong kayong kumilatis, or if the price is too good to be true compared to the optical shops in malls, then it's a fake. Really, who will look at your frames and tell you, peke iyan.  Pag sunnies, you can easily detect it's fake, pero sa glasses it seems hard kasi palaging suot ng tao iyan.

Called them on the morning of Nov 28th to follow-up on my delivery and another saleslady told me hindi pa na pick-up ng JRS or LBC. Called them again in the afternoon and she said, eto po iyung tracking# from JRS. Kayo na lang po ang tumawag. So I called JRS office to track my package and the guy said, trying to sound funny, grabe naman po kayo mag-check. He's not being funny and I am pissed being passed around.

Then he asked me when the item was picked-up. I said I don't know, I was just given the tracking# only. This really got me pissed with Standard Optical's after-sales service. I paid in full + shipping charge. Yet, wala man lang kayong pakialam or concern sa clients ninyo, para magtext na "Ma'am/Sir na pick-up na po iyung order ninyo today or (date). Eto po iyung JRS/LBC tracking#".
I went there so that I can claim my glasses within the day or the next day.

Recommendation: go to your mall optometrist or hospital ophthalmologist to have your complete eye exam. Especially for those with high eye grade, sensitive eyes or a history of eye diseases and diabetes, a full eye exam must be done to know the state of health of your eyes.

Sa Paterno kayo pumili ng frame + lens kasi talagang makakamura kayo basta willing po kayong maghintay from 30 mins to 2 hours. Though for special cases, you will be asked to return.
I suggest for those with high grades, magpagawa na kayo ng 2 pairs (panglabas at pangbahay) at tumawad kayo. Or bring someone who needs a change of glasses too.

Warning: the area is quite scary so dress down and keep your things close to you. Kung may bag kayo, sa harap ninyo ilagay. Mas maganda po pag backpack at naka-lock. Avoid talking to strangers, at huwag magmukhang tanga, easy prey for bad elements.
Verdict: I'm still awaiting for my glasses to arrive. So I'm expecting that it'll be today, Nov 29. Or else I will give them a lecture on the phone and go there myself on the 30th.