Archive for February, 2009

JJ had to work on Saturday as usual and I grabbed the bus to Gangnam as she left to go to work. I made my way via Subway to Namdaemun to hit up a couple of stores where I have made contacts. I was looking for a Canon 70-200 f/4. I was trying to pick up a 내수 model, but really did not have any luck. I have seen a few advertised on the net, but could not find one for a decent price even in the slums shops in Namdaemun. The prices for the 내수 model were not that much cheaper than the Canon Korea version. I changed my mind and started looking at used models. I think that I visited every camera shop in the area. I did have one store that was trying to give me a great deal on a 70-200 f/2.8, but the thing was 1. a little too expensive, 2. way too heavy! I don’t think that I could have held the thing for most of the day. I really wanted to buy a lens that I would get some heavy use out of. I finally found a used copy of the f/4 version. It has a couple of dings on the body, but the glass appears to be in excellent condition. So far, I really like shooting with it, but can already see that it is not a walk-around lens, a great tool to have, but not as a walk around. I did meet some different store owners in the area and will definitely be heading back before I go back to the states. I still want to upgrade my 50mm.

I made one store owner pretty mad for trying to get a better price. Store is not the right word. Booth in a basement is more like it. His price was about 500,000 won more than everyone else. I told him that he was trying to rip me off. He called me 개새끼 and I took that as my cue to leave.(or maybe he had a puppy that he wanted to sell me) I am trying to give him the benefit of the doubt that we were having a language difficulty and talking about two different lenses, but I really think that he thought I was going to pay that much for his used lens. Maybe it was a face-losing situation. I don’t know.

The whole process above took about 3 hours. I walked around for a bit and then decided to hit Youngsan. I have also been wanting to upgrade my kit lens. I have heard good things about the Tamron 17-50 2.8. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to wait or go on and buy on the same day that I bought my other lens. I looked around at few stores and found one that was actually cheaper than the American price, especially with the conversion. I know there have been some quality control issues with this lens, but I’m pretty sure that I got a good copy.

I took the Tamron out last night for a little test when we met some other teachers, but we did not stay long at all. JJ and I ended up hitting a 만두 restaurant and then coming home and watching BedTime Stories with Adam Sandler. Out of 4 stars, I would to give it a one, but it did have some funny moments.

Nice Pour!

Adam contemplating life

Me telling JJ how much I love her for not getting mad that I spent so much money today~!

The home plus deliverly guy is knocking on my door. I will write soon about our first grocery deliverly. If this works, I am going to love it.