27 August 2013

Free For All Tuesday No. 134

Tuesdays are your chance to ask any Filofax related questions you might have.

So fire away and we will collectively try to answer your questions or offer opinions.

We still have plenty of places available for the Manchester Meet Up, please get in touch if you would like to come along. Full details here

51 comments:

  1. While this may not seem Filofax-related, it's for my blog which is (well, some of it anyway).

    I am looking for camera suggestions. I am not much of a photographer and my current equipment isn't very good. So I'd like something that I can use without having to take a class just to learn how to turn it on. While I'd like one camera for both stills and video, I'm finding that if a camera is good at one thing, it's not great at the other. So suggestions for both photo cameras and video cameras would be much appreciated.

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    1. Depends on your budget, but if the introductory DSLRs like Canon Rebel are good at both camera and video. Many Youtubers just use that line since it shoots HD. Nikon has their own version too. I've heard good things about Sony as a video too, but for a simple P&S, Canon is excellent as well.

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    2. Hi Allee!

      I use a Pentax X5 bridge camera at the moment, which I am really enjoying. There are enough in-camera menu options to handle most situations and types of light, but not so many that it becomes confusing and you end up leaving it on 'Auto'!

      It came with instuctions, but I honestly haven't had to read them as it's very easy to understand and operate.

      It has a marvellous zoom and a macro setting that produces clear shots at a distance as close as 1cm. Picture quality is excellent at all settings.

      Potential drawbacks:

      It's not a 'compact' camera, so if you just want one that you can pop in your pocket when you go out, it's probably not going to be a good choice for you. It's not huge though, and while I do have a seperate bag for it, it often just goes in my tote bag.

      It has a fixed lens, which doesn't accept filters. Not a showstopper for me, you can always add these kind of effects using editing software.

      It is battery powered, so is a bit heavier than you may be used to. But then I quite like a bit of weight and it means that if the batteries run out when your out and about, you can replace them easily and don't have to wait til you get home to re-charge the battery pack. That said, I use lithium batteries and get brilliant mileage out of them.

      If you want an idea of picture quality - feel free to take a look at my Flickr photostream.

      http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacquimills/

      Hope this helps :)

      Jacqui

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    3. Hi Allee

      I use a Nikon D5100 with 28-75 and 75-300 zoom lenses. I find it's a great set of kit for every situation. However, whatever solution you choose, you *will* have to spend some time getting to know the kit before you feel really comfortable with it, so be prepared. That is, unless you literally want a 'point and shoot' solution, in which case you won't get much sophistication of use (sorry).

      I shoud=ld add that the D5100 will take video, but I don't use it for that - stills are my 'thing'.

      Good luck!

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    4. Athena, the Canon Rebel is one that I have been looking into. There are a few different models so I have to sort out what the differences are (other than price).

      Jacqui, Wow! Those are beautiful pictures. Somehow, I don't think I could do that, no matter what camera. I am always in awe of people who have the "eye".

      David, I have a point & shoot now and that's what I have always used...hence, my pictures look like crap! I would really like to step it up.

      Thank you all for taking the time to reply.

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    5. Thanks for your kind words Allee!

      For each of those photos on Flickr, please know that there are several others that didn't make the cut! I am still developing an 'eye' myself and have much to learn, but I am enjoying the journey.

      If you are in the UK and are near a 'Jessops' photo store, you could do worse than speak to the guys there. They are very knowledgeable on a range of cameras and might be able to give you a steer in the right direction.

      Jacqui

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  2. I am buying a new Filofax (A5) soon. I don't want to use it for the 'normal' use (planning, diary etc.). Does anyone have any good ideas on uses for a filofax?

    Many thanks!!!
    Ami

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    1. I gather you've seen the filofax and want it and this is now 'post-purchase justification' (as my hubby would say)!
      I use an A5 as a 'book-o-fax' - where I keep reviews of the books I've read; I also have one as a personal development one, where I keep notes and articles etc. Other people have household ones - where they keep all the bits and bobs to do with household management (numbers of doctors, dentists, plumbers etc; receipts/maintenance schedules). I'm probably about to start a Rotary one where I can keep minutes, project plans etc relating to my Rotary club/work.
      Any help?

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    2. I just bought my first A5 and I'm planning on using it as a journal. So I'm just going to fill it up with my own paper. :)

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    3. Thank you so much for the help!! Yes, I'm trying to justify buying a second Filofax, my first just has EVERYTHING in it, but I think I may have a few ideas now! :-)

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    4. Check out this link to Laura´s blog - some really good ideas in this post :o)

      http://jaggedlittlethoughts.blogspot.ch/2013/03/105-uses-for-filo.html

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    5. Why buy it if you don't have a use for it? Isn't that meaningless accumulation and consumerism?

      Sorry to be negative......but rampant consumerism is depending on people just like yourself.....just say no to unnecessary purchases!

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    6. I have a whole extra filo I use as a writing notebook--it all simply wouldn't fit in my whole life binder. I'm a writer, so not necessary for everyone, but perhaps you have a section in your main binder that is just busting out all over the place like mine was.

      Beware though. In having that in a separate binder, I find I don't look at my planner as much as I should. Only do it if absolutely necessary.

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    7. I have a whole extra filo I use as a writing notebook--it all simply wouldn't fit in my whole life binder. I'm a writer, so not necessary for everyone, but perhaps you have a section in your main binder that is just busting out all over the place like mine was.

      Beware though. In having that in a separate binder, I find I don't look at my planner as much as I should. Only do it if absolutely necessary.

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  3. I recently bought the Kikki K A5 binder and use it as my personal journal. I use the Filofax WO2 as a quick summary of my days and use them to write my longer journal entries. I also have other sections for Happiness (A list of Gratitudes), 50 Things I've Learnt before I'm 50, Quotes I love and Poetry I've written in the past. It's my fun binder and no planning.

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  4. Hi everyone. Does anyone archive their old papers? I've been wondering how I'd go about it. Should I buy some free form rings that you can get at Staples and such and just bind it up, and throw it in a box? I know other people have used string too. Thanks!

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    1. Do a search on philoFaxy for archiving and you'll find lots of ideas

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    2. I know Franklin Covey sells storage binders for pretty cheap and they fit a TON of pages. I've also used the yarn method!

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    3. I don't archive anything.....that way I don't have tons of paper sitting around unused and un-referred-to...

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  5. For those that use a Filofax as a wallet, which model and size work best for you?

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    1. I like both the Holborn and Malden personal as a wallet + planner. Or the pocket chameleon and amazona as a wallet + lists (groceries, financial..) with an A5 for planning on the side.

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    2. Baroque personal for wallet and planner (almost the same layout as a Malden, but with 6 card slots and no pocket behind the notepad slot in the back).

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    3. Nikki, look at the press release for The Purse. It's a Filofax/wallet/small clutch combo. xxxxx

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    4. Thanks, everyone! I'm currently using a personal sized Malden as my wallet after trying the Malden zipped. I'm finding it's working well so far, but I was just curious about everyone else's experiences. I'd love to find a Baroque, but no look. Thank you, Butanben, for the suggestion. I will check out the Purse!

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    5. I just got the Holborn zip. while its not one of the 'prettier' designs it has super functional pockets and the zip makes me feel more secureI

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  6. Can anyone please tell me which Personal model will take the largest after-market inserts?
    (E.g. Franklin Covey inserts).

    I need the best width possible.

    Thanks Philofans.

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    1. The personal Malden has a long strap (so it doesn't crush the page edges) and accommodates the Franklin Covey Compact inserts well.

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    2. My Windsor Zip-personal size- has a lot of room around the pages about 3/4 of an inch all the way around) but a compact zip doesn't have the room.

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  7. Could somebody address the pros and cons of using a smaller Filofax as a wallet? The idea intrigues me, but I'm not sure how to do it. Thanks!

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    1. I use my Filofax as a wallet because I prefer to carry a small planner with me in case I need to recall appointments and it made sense for me to carry my planner as my waller. I have kids, and when I need to make follow-up appointments for them at the doctor's office (just one example) I have the available dates at hand. I only have the month on two pages inserts and some blank sheets for notes in my wallet. Otherwise I use an A5 as my home organizer. Not sure if that helps, but it's what works for me.

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    2. I use a Finsbury Pocket as a wallet. It's bigger than your average wallet, but I bought an extra card holder for it. A lot of the Pockets and Minis have the wallet pocket for cash. Secondly, I've put some paper/inserts in it for those times when I can't carry my Personal organiser with me. It's pretty useful for on the fly jotting down if you're carrying a small bag.

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    3. I use a mini Chameleon as my wallet - it is used only as a wallet though, nothing else. But is absolutely perfect for me :-)

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    4. I use my Personal Hampstead as a wallet - the zip compartment in the back is good for notes and coins - and I've always appreciated the fact that everything is in there. No cons that I can think of......

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  8. I'm looking for weekly diary and monthly calendar refills for a personal Filofax. The ones on this site have a great layout, but I'm looking for a more kawaii look. I love "Filofax Printables" on etsy, but she doesn't offer weekly diary pages or monthly calendars. And suggestions for this would be great.

    Also, looking at franklin covey and day planner. I know I read they fit (can't remember where) but which of their sizes are compatible with a personal filofax?

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    Replies
    1. Day Timer is the "Portable". FC is the "Compact".

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  9. I'm looking for a diary refill(personal size) similar to the DoDo pad, but with bigger space in the grids. Any suggestions?

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  10. I'm also looking for something maybe a bit specific. A timetable for school but it would be one week on two pages and have the times down the side of each day like the filofax day per page diary. I need to have a quick weekly glance to see when my husband and my classes are as well as other reoccurring weekly things.

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  11. From reading a couple of the posts above, am I correct in thinking the Malden Compact zip FF will NOT take the Franklin Covey compact pages?

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  12. From reading a couple of the posts above, am I correct in thinking the Malden Compact zip FF will NOT take the Franklin Covey compact pages?

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    1. Afraid so. Filofax Personal paper is 96mm wide whereas Franklin Covey compact is 108mm. You can just about get away with it in some Filofax Personal binders but expect the pages to stick out in a Filofax Compact or Slimline and certainly compromised in a Compact Zip.

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    2. Thanks Tim,,, you have saved me some money to put towards an A5 Chameleon or Personal Baroque - just got to find them now :)

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    3. Thanks Tim,,, you have saved me some money to put towards an A5 Chameleon or Personal Baroque - just got to find them now :)

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    4. Thanks Tim,,, you have saved me some money to put towards an A5 Chameleon or Personal Baroque - just got to find them now :)

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    5. Thanks Tim,,, you have saved me some money to put towards an A5 Chameleon or Personal Baroque - just got to find them now :)

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  13. Hi,
    My first post here, I am a new potential addict.
    I have recently bought a second hand A5 Hampstead, which has an oiled leather cover, any tips on caring for it?

    Mary

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    1. Hi Mary - I've always used top quality saddle/ tack oil on my A5 Kendal (which is made of the same material). After applying, I leave the empty binder overnight in a plastic bag to soak in and then polish to a shine in the morning. If it wins horse shows that's good enough for me! Tim

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    2. I've stopped 'caring for' my Personal Hampstead, because it looks better the more 'knocked around' it gets.

      In that respect it matches my aspirations for myself!

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  14. Filofax USA Sale is on and the site is temporarily unavailable...translation: everyone wants one ! I can't get through SOB! TEARS!
    Sigh...I will keep trying! The Malden's will vanish ! oh no !

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    1. Update!
      I got through....I got my very first Malden (pocket size, Black)...I'm soooo happy !

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