Solo Leveling Arise: A New Beginning, On to Jeju Island without leaving home

 Another Wednesday has passed and the game shows improvement.

Thanks to the developers for speeding up the animation slowdown in the shop and elsewhere!  I haven't seen that ugly blue progress circle since the new release.  It's been slightly more than seven months, so progress should be expected.  In development, it's always better to get it working correctly first and then, speed it up.  Trying to make it fast from the start often requires re-working it far down the line when there isn't time or money for it.

Now, Jeju (pronounced chey ju) Island is a real place in South Korea.  So far the game hasn't talked about much but Seoul and Jeju Island.  Now, the ant king is another matter.  I don't remember a king ant in biology, but a queen ant.  We'll see.

The whole year has been put into future plans.  I was wondering if the game would last a year with the quick progression toward maximum levels.

My Sung Jinwoo is quite strong and the Hunters are showing their strength, also.  It was good to see that they have new light-oriented weapons for Sung Jinwoo.  For so long, I had one R-ranked weapon and then, one SR-ranked weapon.

Now, I have several weapons in both categories that are at level 100.  I've eliminated all of the R- and SR-ranked weapons except for Hunters, and those that remain are for Hunters I have rarely used.

Our tiny, 3-member Guild is going strong, on the way to C-rank.  With the re-balancing last month, it's become easier to finish every daily task.

I'm still unable to enhance/enchant artifacts.  Also, I have three cores, already assigned, but I'm slow to learn how to enhance those.  Being that I started playing the first official day, I should be picking it up better, but I'm sure people with school or jobs are having much more difficulty.

I hope you're all having fun.

Update 2024.12.21: I started on the journey to Jeju Island.  I'm a little concerned about some of the language.  I'm Japanese and I've had Korean friends.  I have the audio in Japanese, but I'm using English subtitles.  All along, when Korea is mentioned, the characters say in Japanese "Japan", which is very confusing since there is at least one word for Korea.

Ahead of the trip to Jeju Island, the Japanese Hunters meet the Korean Hunters in Korea.  There is some dialogue which is aggressive, as though our countries are not friendly.  I'm surprised, especially since this is a video game.

In any case, the first few episodes have been okay, but I'm not to the point where the characters met the queen ant or rather, king ant yet.

Update 2024.12.24: Character level is up to 91 and Army of Shadows is up to level 55 of 72.  Reputation level is 59.

Update 2024.12.28: The Army of Shadows is up to level 57 now.  Battle Tier is up, as well.  Plus, our little three person Guild ツムツム is up to C-rank level 2 and will probably be at C-rank level 1 by Wednesday.

I'm working on getting weapons upgraded with better skills, and getting the Hunters' skills up as well.

Three good reasons to use micro Four-Thirds

 

I've been using micro Four-Thirds seriously since 2014 and I was dabbling from 2012.

I've been hearing "Full Frame" chants since 2004, even when there weren't any such bodies available.

I have three good reasons to use micro Four-Thirds.

• Weight
• Telephoto reach
• Variety of available lenses
• Video on Panasonic bodies
  

Weight is not difficult to understand.  if you have a light system, you can photograph more effectively and travel further with more equipment.  You can find select equipment that is smaller than typical for various sensor sizes, but overall, micro Four-Thirds has the smallest combinations.  Even with the GH7 and G9 MkII, the equipment is fairly light in contrast to APS-C or 135 Format.

Telephoto reach is not difficult, either.  Having a multiplication factor of 1.94x over 135 Format, a telephoto lens with the same reach is smaller.  400mm is effectively 800mm and yes, the Depth of Field is deeper, which is actually preferable when shooting from a distance.

micro Four-Thirds started around 2008, so it has a lot of lenses available over 16 years.  The original lenses were just sufficient.  Since then, some unique lenses such as the Panasonic 10-25mm f/1.7 lens and the Olympus 8mm f/1.8 fisheye lens.

Best photography with micro Four-Thirds

You can do anything with any camera, if you have the determination, the money, and the skill and sometimes, the luck.  However,  If you're in micro Four-Thirds for wide landscape photography, you're in the wrong format.  If you're photographing weddings or doing portraits, there are better sensor sizes.  However, if you're doing video for weddings or practically anything else, micro Four-Thirds, especially Panasonic, has you covered.

Since the GH4, Panasonic put a lot of its professional knowledge into a camera body that was easy to handle.  Up through the GH7, they have added stabilization, waveforms, and more to make it easier to get video recorded consistently.  The 135 Format Panasonic S5 Mk IIx is equivalent to the GH7, but the GH7 has fewer downsides.  I have the regular S5 Mk II, but I'm not doing much video these days.  Even then, I suspect that Panasonic has a few more firmware updates for the series.

Doing video with the GH4 was better than okay but the auto focus wasn't reliable and the body didn't have IBIS (in-body image stabilization).  For someone with a gimbal stabilizer, it would be less of a problem.  Most film makers don't use auto focus, so there isn't a problem for them, either.  The GH7 and G9 Mk II both have hybrid (PDAF + CDAF) auto focus and amazing Dual I.S. when using Panasonic lenses with O.I.S.

Panasonic S5 Mk II with Tamron SP 180mm f/3.5 macro for Canon + adapter

 I've been wanting a telephoto lens of some sort.  Spending another US$1000 or more wasn't happening.  I have too many questions about what will suit me.  On Four-Thirds and micro Four-Thirds, I had a good selection of telephoto zoom lenses, including one that was exceptional for any format I've ever used.  The Olympus ZD SHG 35-100mm f/2.0 is an amazing lens.  Comparing every 70-200mm f/2.8 lens to it makes me think that I'm just not going to get what I want.

 

Switching to 135 Format, I don't have any telephoto lenses, not even from my old film days.  I took a chance on a Tamron SP 180mm f/3.5 macro lens.  The lens was introduced in 2003 and I'm not sure how old this one is.  Considering how clean it is, without weather-sealing, it's probably quite new.  To use it properly, I bought a Viltrox EF-mount to L-mount Pro adapter, the one that has the electronic connections for AF, IS, and aperture control.  The lens doesn't have any image stabilization, but it does have auto focus, with a clutch on the lens that you pull toward the body to enable manual focus.  Manual focus sounds a little grindy.  I seem to remember reviews complaining about all focusing making some noise.

 

It didn't arrive with the lens, so I bought a K&F Concept manual adapter in the meantime.  The lens and the camera fit together, and I can focus and shoot, but because there is no aperture ring, it's stuck at the default aperture, and there isn't much else.  It worked but defaulted to ISO 6400, which probably wasn't that bad.  The adapter seems sturdy enough and I was interested in their quality for an inexpensive circular polarizing filter, as well.

The Viltrox adapter arrived today, after Adorama sent a second one since the first one was lost at the UPS facility.  Getting it about a week late is no joke.  2nd Day Air usually works better.  I appreciate that Adorama went out of its way for me.  I'm just glad I wasn't counting on the mount adapter for a job, like in the old days.

 The adapter has electronic connections, a switch on the side to indicate to the camera to notice the combination of lens and adapter as a native lens or to let the adapter be seen by itself.  Unfortunately, the switch is hidden by the handgrip and it's safer to remove the lens, set the switch, and reattach the adapter.

The Viltrox adapter also has a USB type-C port for software updates.  I took a look at the website and it mentioned lens updates and strangely, didn't even mention this adapter.  It was surprising that they had an electronic adapter.  They've been selling lenses lately, but not for L-mount.  They had some adapters for micro Four-Thirds and probably wanted to show Panasonic that they were still out there.

What's pretty amazing about this mount adapter is that it has an extra collar to tighten the lens to the mount.  It's a little tricky to get everything right, but you don't want an expensive lens jiggling and losing contact just when that perfect photo is about to be captured.

It's raining outside (neither are weather-sealed) but the little bit of testing I did with the Viltrox adapter shows it to be good.  The AF of the lens was never incredibly fast, so I think it's as good as it would be on a Canon dSLR body.  Maybe, it's even better because there probably isn't a calibration problem, as we used to have where the lens was just a bit too close or too far for focus to be exact.

 Now, if Viltrox will put out their new 135mm f/1.8 LAB lens for L-Mount, I'll be set.  I'm fairly certain that Samyang's 35-150mm f/2.0-2.8 would be a better choice, though.

Update 2024.12.15: It's a bit less rainy today and I noticed that the local park has an added duck pond.  After shopping, I went there to take a few photos.  I need to adjust for the weight, as the IBIS isn't good for long distances.

The photo of the tree seems to be more in focus.  The water and ducks seem just out of focus, but on the edge.  I probably should have chosen more carefully but it was below 50 degrees F and I don't handle cooler temperatures all that well after having frostbite years ago.  I just exported a JPEG version of the raw files to add here.  Color is good.  At one point, the auto focus went the whole range to figure out where it needed to be.  Macro lenses have the oddest AF.

For a fixed focal length of 180, it feels heavy enough to be a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens.  Maybe, I'm just out of practice.

 

Update 2025.01.03: The moon and one planet were out and it was so clear last night as I was walking to the store.  I hesitated but kept going.  Tonight, it's a bit hazy, unforunately, but I tried.  I had to give up on AF because it just wouldn't lock onto anything.  Manual focus makes a lot of noise, as if there is something wrong, but I seem to remember these lenses doing that even when they were new.

Don't buy Razer products, Support (web site) sucks

 I've had it with Razer's crappy support.

My Razer Edge that I bought in July is DEAD.

I went to their web site, got the device number they needed and filled out the support form.  Since I'm in my account, they shouldn't need more than an explanation.

Please let us know more about what happened. A little more detail about the issue would be very helpful.

When and how did the issue start?
Was it working fine before?
Were there any changes made to your system prior to this issue?
Have you updated your Windows to the latest version?
Were there any circumstances in which any physical damage has been inflicted on the device?
Any noticeable physical damage from the device?
Could you walk us through the things/steps that you have done before the issue started? We appreciate it if you could provide the detailed steps as possible


Please also provide the following information below for us to validate the warranty claim:

Complete Name:
Phone Number:
Country:

Subscribed to RazerCare: Yes/No?

Place of Purchase:
Date of Purchase:
Proof of Purchase:

We would also need a PDF copy of the proof of purchase in case a warranty claim would be needed.

 They'd like me to troubleshoot it.  To me, they should understand that dead means that it no longer functions.  Maybe they don't have competent people.  Maybe they're not located in the headquarters where they have access to the information.

Previously, I had a pair of their low-end Bluetooth headphones/headset.  They were good and I got a deal on the high end pair with THX-capable sound.  They were slippery to get out of the case.  Apparently, when I was trying to remove one of them, I touched the shell in a certain way, lowering the volume, so that they weren't equal.  When they're out of the case, there was no way to change one of them in such a way.  I eventually did something similar and it was fine again and then, I caused it to happen again, and it's been stuck that way.  Support was "Oh?"

I'm a bit surprised that the Razer Edge didn't even last five months.  Perhaps, the Snapdragon G3X was too much, even with the fan running constantly.  I remember people complaining about the 888 being hot as hell.

Update 2024.12.05: Got a decent response:

Thank you for your detailed response. Based on the information provided, we’ve determined that the issue appears to be related to a possible hardware fault. We will now proceed with processing your RMA.

You can expect an email from our RMA team within 24 to 48 hours with further instructions on the next steps.

Hope that it won't be too difficult from this point.  I'm still not buying any other products from them.

Got the e-mail and went to the link.  Couldn't enter my information (which they already have in their system) with Firefox, Chrome, or Edge on Windows 11 and using Firefox on macOS.

Update 2024.12.08: They updated my address within the form.  I clicked the checkbox to apply the same address to both billing and shipping.

I clicked the Next button, which gave me the UPS shipment number and the ability to download the shipping label.  Clicking the download gave me "Access denied".  I can't be the first to use this system.  Surely, someone (should have) tested their website.

Too quickly, I judge.  They sent me an e-mail from UPS with the linked label.  I'm guessing that I can take the link to a UPS Store and that they will be able to scan it and print it.

Update 2024.12.09: Someone saw my issue that I posted and they made a copy of the receipt in PDF form.  I actually made it to a UPS store this morning and they scanned the e-mail from UPS and it's on the way.

Update 2024.12.13: Friday the 13th, my lucky day, it is.  Razer's facility in the U.S.A. has received the Edge and they're processing the RMA.  Supposedly, I should receive another device after a few more days.  They are keeping in contact.  Maybe, it will make it by Christmas.

Update 2024.12.17: FedEx seems to think that the replacement will be delivered tomorrow.  I read something that said that the warranty of the replacement unit will last 90 days or until the end of the original warranty, whichever is greater.  Since it was about 150 days, I should have a bit over 200 remaining.  I hope I don't need it.

I'll say that the customer service has been good.  I had a terrible time with their web site, but customer service bent over backwards to help me.

 

Update 2024.12.18: I got a package today.  Unfortunately, they sent me a power brick and a cable, instead of my Razer Edge.

Update 2024.12.20: Apparently, they had to ship a new device, all the way from Hong Kong.  FedEx is handling the package, so hopefully, they'll be better than UPS is and it will arrive before the end of the year.  Once again, I had trouble with their web site.  I clicked on the tracking number and got "no permission" or "denied" or some such.  It looked like a FedEx tracking number, though, so I tried their tracking and it was theirs.

Update 2024.12.23:  It took three days to get across Hong Kong, so I don't hold much hope that it will arrive before the end of the year.  It's "on the way",  so it could be on a ship, on a plane, or in customs.  Maybe, a OnePlus 12R should be on my list once I have the money.

It made it to Taiwan while I slept.

Update 2024.12.27: It arrived and it left.  They didn't make any noise, so I guess they rang the Ring doorbell that doesn't work and wrote the "no one was home" door sticker.  They needed a signature and I was home.  I'm not the only one in the house, but if someone knocks on the door, someone responds.  FedEx doesn't have seem to have any way to have them send a text message when they're at the door.  The driver barely put the name and the date on the sticker.

Update 2024.12.30: It arrived.  I heard someone open the front door and went to see.  It arrived and I got to sign for it.  The driver used the Ring door bell that hasn't been working for two years.

I think that what arrived was the full retail package.  Since they seemed to be on clearance when I got mine, I'm surprised that they had any remaining.

I need to send them a controller, since they sent the who combination.  Ugggh.  Now, I feel bad that I didn't send every little detail.

Right now, it's updating the operating system.  I wish it was newer than Android 12.  After that, it will take a while to get my games and other apps installed and get my data back from backup, if I can figure that out.

Panasonic Lumix S-series Telephoto Lenses.

 The one thing that isn't good about 135 Format is the telephoto lens selection and Panasonic only has one that ends at 300mm, a 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 and it's about US$1100. It took Panasonic a while on micro Four-Thirds to get any good telephoto lenses and that format is much better for reach because of the sensor size.

I've been looking for a 135mm f/2.0 lens, like what Rokinon/Samyang had, even if it's manual.  There is a Sigma 135mm f/1.8 but it appears to be going away.  For US$1400, it's not bad, but it has the hypersonic motors that were being introduced in the dSLR days for faster auto focus.  In my experience, they are not great for photographing video with AF and stepping motors work much better with mirrorless cameras and hybrid AF.  It's possible that we'll see the version change from HSM to HLA in the near future, as some of their lenses have already made the transition.

As an aside, my first 135 Format film camera came with a 55mm f/2.2 Fujinon kit lens and I later bought a Vivitar 135mm f/2.8 lens for something like US$45.00 when a 50mm f/1.4 would have been US$350 and a 50mm f/1.2 would have been US$500.  Back then, Vivitar was a good brand and had the first push-pull zoom mechanism.  Working in the camera department of a department store a bit later, I had the opportunity to test the equipment, so that I could give an accurate opinion.  Sadly, we didn't have any Medium Format equipment.

Have you noticed all of the long telephoto zoom lenses?  I haven't, either.  Sigma has the 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3, which is the latest rendition of what we used to call Bigma.  For US$2000, it's a deal, but it's over 5 pounds at 88 ounces or 2.49 kg.  You'll need to hire a photo assistant and have a tripod ready.  Panasonic has a 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 and it's about US$1100.  These are weather-sealed lenses.  If you're photographing sports, you're going to be ready.

 In the meantime, I opted for something used, a Canon 180mm f/3.5 macro lens substitute from Tamron for US$243.00 + a Viltrox (Pro) adapter for US$163.50.  They actually had a Canon L-series lens but it was missing parts and I didn't want to pay extra and not have all of the parts.  Besides, the L-series lenses were sometimes good, sometimes not.  I used to see a sizeable number of refurbished L-series lenses.

180mm isn't terribly long, but the 70-200mm f/2.8 isn't much longer, and I'm not sure I'm wanting to pay for that 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6, even though the Dual I.S. will make it steadier.  Neither the Canon or Tamron lenses seemed to have image stabilization.  The IBIS in the S5 Mk II probably won't be completely effective at 180mm, which is partly why I already have a Smallrig CT-20 tripod/monopod.

Update 2024.12.23: I mentioned something about the lack of a Panasonic 85mm f/1.4 on L-Rumors and someone mentioned that the Sigma lens was amazing.  As great as that is, where is Panasonic's lens?

Next month, they have an announcement at CES, which is not exactly the place for professional equipment, but maybe, just maybe, they're announcing replacements for the S1, S1H, and S1R, plus some lenses.