chit chat thread

[SteelBlue]

I built a PC a few years ago and enjoyed it for a period of time but then it just became a internet browser and music player. 

Play video games pretty infrequently unless there is a game I'm into. The Xbox One I got a few years ago has served me well in casual playing.

[Jdesign]

That fire is crazy.

[patsbimmer1]

Ummm, I just recently started Red Dead Redemption on my ps3... the first one.  Does that count?

[B C]

Winter is a troll and is good at setting off a few automotive anxieties:

First 40 degree day when you see lots of water vapor out the exhaust: “Is my head gasket going???”

During the first snowy commute when snow packed in your wheels throws off the wheel balance: “Did my wheel weights fall off?”

Pulling into the driveway and not realizing one wheel is on the lumpy frozen grass and making a tight turn while moving causes a judder: “oh no, my transfer case is going out” but actually you just suck at staying on the pavement

Driving home from the gym in the morning and the AC Is unable to handle the humidity inside the car, “crap, how much is a new AC compressor going to cost!?” Only to find out there is a low temperature safety switch that doesnt allow the compressor to run at 23F and below

[patsbimmer1]

snap said:

Winter is a troll and is good at setting off a few automotive anxieties:

First 40 degree day when you see lots of water vapor out the exhaust: “Is my head gasket going???”

During the first snowy commute when snow packed in your wheels throws off the wheel balance: “Did my wheel weights fall off?”

Pulling into the driveway and not realizing one wheel is on the lumpy frozen grass and making a tight turn while moving causes a judder: “oh no, my transfer case is going out” but actually you just suck at staying on the pavement

Driving home from the gym in the morning and the AC Is unable to handle the humidity inside the car, “crap, how much is a new AC compressor going to cost!?” Only to find out there is a low temperature safety switch that doesnt allow the compressor to run at 23F and below

I have a name for this that I came up with a few years back.  Autochondriac - Someone who is abnormally anxious about the health of their vehicle.  I've suffered through this as I'm sure many of you have that have dealt with traumatic vehicle ownership (aka BMW ownership).  It's often associated with some form of PTSD related to owning an M5x with a constantly failing cooling system, N54 with constantly failing everything surrounding the block and head, M6x timing chain issues, M20's with a constant lack of power and various other issues related to BMW ownership.  Although this condition is not specific to BMW owners it tends to manifest most often in owners of German vehicles.

[B C]

My buddy's friend's uncle's neighbor knows a guy that works for BMW and he said the only reason they stopped making the M20 was because they make all their money on parts and since it was so reliable they weren't selling any parts.

(runs and hides)

My uncle does actually claim this to be the reason they stopped making the Acura Legend though. (despite continuing life as the RL) 

[GB-335xiCoupe]

I like the new Avatar, Snap!

[ChrisO]

I know there are some other photography gear heads on here, check out what I got at a ghetto pawn store in Appleton

I’m not sure if what I did was morally right, pretty sure they forgot a 1 infront of 349. I didn’t question it, just said I’d take it.

[SteelBlue]

ChrisO said:

I know there are some other photography gear heads on here, check out what I got at a ghetto pawn store in Appleton

I’m not sure if what I did was morally right, pretty sure they forgot a 1 infront of 349. I didn’t question it, just said I’d take it.

Sheesh

[YoungCR]

Great deal!

[Jdesign]

WOW. Nice find!

[straight6pwr]

hope it works! bets on if its stolen?

[ChrisO]

straight6pwr said:

hope it works! bets on if its stolen? 

Works great, pawn shops submit all serial numbers and photos to the police and hold items for a month before selling them (I think). I feel comfortable having bought it in a retail store, but if it was stolen I’d feel very bad.

[Jdesign]

Gave my daily some love today!

New air filter installed

Meryyxmas SUCKAS!

[suspenceful]

ChrisO said:

I know there are some other photography gear heads on here, check out what I got at a ghetto pawn store in Appleton

I’m not sure if what I did was morally right, pretty sure they forgot a 1 infront of 349. I didn’t question it, just said I’d take it.

Does it work?!

[SteelBlue]

I got a 55-200 MM zoom lens for Christmas. Does anyone on here have a zoom lens that they use? I have my kit lens and a 50 MM. I think this zoom would be good for at the track use.

I guess if there is anything else in this price range that would be a better options I can return this one.

[suspenceful]

SteelBlue said:

I got a 55-200 MM zoom lens for Christmas. Does anyone on here have a zoom lens that they use? I have my kit lens and a 50 MM. I think this zoom would be good for at the track use.

I guess if there is anything else in this price range that would be a better options I can return this one.

I've been wanting to add that lens to my bag. I'm surprised by how often I don't have the range I need. It's great for track usage like you mentioned.

[SteelBlue]

suspenceful said:

I've been wanting to add that lens to my bag. I'm surprised by how often I don't have the range I need. It's great for track usage like you mentioned.

Here was one of the first pics I took, no post processing.

[straight6pwr]

i use my 55-300 at the track and auto-x events with good results. its not a fast lens either, just the standard f3.5-5.6

this was taken at Road America, Turn 7, probably about 400 ft away.

55-300 also has its place in landscape, portraits, etc

[ChrisO]

suspenceful said:

Does it work?!

It works great! Everything is very clean

SteelBlue said:

I got a 55-200 MM zoom lens for Christmas. Does anyone on here have a zoom lens that they use? I have my kit lens and a 50 MM. I think this zoom would be good for at the track use.

I guess if there is anything else in this price range that would be a better options I can return this one.

If you wanna ball hard you could get a IS 70-200 f2.8L. I had one for a while and it takes incredibly sharp photos at f/2.8 (more depth of field wide open and low light performance) and the image stabilization is a huge help when zoomed to 200mm