Monday, December 07, 2009

Manuals

I love the fact that things which you need a manual for, like a PC (or Mac) do not come with one. But every time I buy a lens, which normally has one or two controls, it comes with a manual!

Granted, it tends to say things like (actual quote from a Panasonic lens manual):
"Take care not to drop the bag that you inserted the lens in as it may strongly shock the lens. The camera may stop operating normally and pictures may no longer be recorded. Also, the lens may be damaged."
How wonderful is that?

It also say twice "not to put a lot of pressure on the lens". I'm not even sure what that means. Not to say things like "this is a very good lens" when the lens can hear it?

And it says "do not carry the unit when it is still attached to the camera body". I suppose when the lens is on a camera, you can only leave it sitting at home on a table.

Aaaaaand it informs me that it should not be stored "where there is fire". Good to know.

2 comments:

John D. Linn said...

So true... great comments.

Pascal [P-04referent] said...

No-no-no! PCs DO come with a manual.
It's on the hard drive, in PDF format. So, just plug in the PC, turn it on, connect it to the Net after configuring your browser, ISP subscription AND e-mail account, install Acrobat Reader, open and read the file, and it will tell you all you need to know to... uhm... er... never mind!

No, but seriously, my Sony MP3 Walkman™ came with precisely such a detailed manual.
(OK, so it also had a succinct one in print. Phew!)

"Also, the lens may be damaged."
How wonderful is that?

I'm not sure... I think the manual should also come with a "Learn to Read" method, and users should start by that. Otherwise, you might be unable to figure out some of the basic stuff they tell you later on! :-P

"Not to say things like "this is a very good lens" when the lens can hear it?"
No, they mean things like "if I botch this shot I'll have to pawn my camera". Now THAT's pressure! :-)

it should not be stored "where there is fire".
Shucks! So much for shooting sexy horny chicks! Or inspired disco dancers, baby.