These remnants of trees are not natural in the sagelands. Nearby are the remains of a structure that has long been collapsed and slowly absorbing into the desert. Both deserve a memory. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-01-27 12:01:27, 16mm, 1/750sec, f/8, ISO-640, Acros-R film simulation (in-camera), SOOC.
After watching Tatiana Hopper’s YT video about a Japanese photographer’s philosophical approach to photography, I have been thinking about beginner’s mind. I have not photographed everything there is to photograph when hiking with The Girl at Silver Saddle Ranch. I have, however, fallen into a rut of not seeing things other than those I have made images of before.
I decided to put a different lens on my rental Fujifilm X-Pro3 and selected the Fujinon 16mm f/2.8 for the exercise. This is a significantly wide angle lens (angle of acceptance approximating a 24mm on a 35mm frame — don’t get me started!) and quite different from what I usually use. I do not see frame lines in the OVF of the camera, so I [ahem] assume that the view in the OVF *is* what the camera will capture. I suppose I should test this with a swap to the EVF and will do that. But, my [ahem] assumption seems to work well enough.
I also used the Q Menu to set the in-camera film simulation to Acros-R (Acros film with a red filter) because I like to darken the sky a bit. The impact on scenes without sky is not very pronounced.
We also changed up our track. There are numerous side trails that connect the upper access road to the sand pit with the two-track that connects the ranch compound to Mexican Ditch. These side trails add distance and relief to the hike. They will not be usable for us in the warm months for the risk of rattlesnakes, but in the cool months they provide much needed resistance to work the old man.
They also provide different perspectives on the ranch. Add this to my general increase in awareness in practicing beginner’s mind as we hike.
I came across this triplet of downed trees. They must have been planted here decades ago. There is also the ruin of a structure not far from this location. So, I suspect they were part of whatever that was. In any event, they provided me with an interesting subject and something different from my normal captures when hiking with The Girl.
I have a few more that I will share. I was grateful for the change of mind, the change of perspective from using a different lens than usual, and for spending time outdoors with The Girl. Life is good.
Hmmm… this part of the toolshed could certainly use some love. The desert Sun from the South is hard on whatever it shines on. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-01-23 13:25:24, 35mm, 1/340sec, f/8, ISO-160, Classic Chrome film simulation (in-camera), SOOC.
It is no secret that The Girl and I hike the Silver Saddle Ranch open space area much of the winter. It is only a few minutes from our home, gives a rural feel without having to drive far, and is often without heavy traffic (foot or vehicular). If I stay in the sageland west from the ranch compound, there is an opportunity to have some relief in my path, which this old body needs to maintain strength.
I recently encountered an old man (well, another old man) hiking the area with his dog. I noticed he was taking some of the intermediate trails between the upper path and the old two-track that leads from the ranch compound to the Mexican Ditch. I like to avoid the ranch compound proper and the cinder trail that is part of the relatively new trail complex in the Carson River corridor. There is more traffic than I prefer and Doggo strains to interact with other dogs1. But, I took his idea and started hiking up and down the hill on the intermediate trails.
We have been taking this approach the last few days. I am noticing that I probably should take her down to the ditch once on our outing so she can cool off a little and get a drink. We are upstream from any of the mercury pollution, so there is little risk of her being poisoned by the water. So, I will amend our trail to get down by the ditch so she can water.
We were out later than usual one afternoon (just before school lets out) and the Sun was at a different angle than usual. I noticed the light on the old shed and the warped, sagging siding. I have been enjoying the Fuji X-Pro3 as a walkabout camera, had the Fujinon 35mm f/2 affixed to the body, and had the output set to the Classic Chrome film simulation. So, I made a few captures. I like this one.
We finished our hike and packed it in. It was a good day. Life is good.
1Although many times those interactions are fine and the dogs just play, if the other dog has any attitude, then a fight generally starts. Sera will be the dominant bitch. I also think she gets something from the kerfuffles besides being the dominant dog. She is scrappy. So, I prefer just to not deal with it.
I rented a Fujifilm X-Pro3 to play with. There is quite a lot of hubbub over the X-Pro Fujifilm cameras, mostly because of the hybrid optical viewfinder. So, I decided to find out what it is all about. Captured with NIKON D750, 2026-01-23 16:38:45, Vivitar Series 1 90mm macro, 1/15sec, f/5.6, ISO-6400, SOOC.
A few weeks ago (months?), my buddy was busting my chops a bit about my Fujifilm X100vi. He was giving me a hard time because I usually use an interchangeable lens camera and the X100 series is decidedly a fixed-lens camera. That is, it is not a system camera but “an expensive point-and-shoot.”
My argument is that sometimes I do not want to take a system with me; I want a camera at hand though. I do not want my camera work to be fiddly, though.
By fiddly, I mean that I do not want to have to make decisions about what lens to use in the field. I want to have a purpose-built machine (a camera and lens) that is more than my phone.
Aside: I decided the last couple-three years that I think computational photography is cool, but it has some limits as implemented in current mobile phone technology. Furthermore, I want to use my mobile phone less and I want a simpler (less expensive) mobile phone as well because I do not want to spend all of my time looking at my phone.
His pushback was that I could simply fit a prime lens to my (very nice) Fujifilm X-T5 and carry that. There is truth in that. But, I really like my X100vi. It has an elegance in its simplicity that is different from the other system cameras in Fujifilm’s stable. It has a bit of that classic rangefinder look that all the kids chase (and that made the X100v nearly impossible to buy because they were always out of stock).
The conversation made me think a little about my [ahem] rationalization to justify ownership of a X100vi. On my last roadtrip, I elected to take the X-T5 and a small kit along. I chose the Fujinon 18-55mm, f/2.8-4 kit zoom, the Fujinon 70-300mm zoom (in case I needed a telephoto lens), and the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 (original standard prime). I found the kit zoom to be the lens I used most on that trip. It gave me a nice range of focal lengths that work in a lot of (most?) circumstances, is relatively small and light, and is optically better than almost all other kit lenses. (The exception likely being the classic nifty-fifties that came on film bodies.)
I was able to get some subject/background separation with the kit zoom, particularly at the long end of the zoom range. I had a fast standard lens in the kit if I wanted more. (I did use it a little, but consciously chose to stick with the zoom most of the time.)
All of this, spare batteries, and spare SD cards all fit into the Fujifilm/Domke collaboration messenger bag that I have in my inventory. There was even a little room for my computer glasses, my Kindle (in the back slash pocket), and a Clif bar (emergency ration). I could swap out the glasses/Kindle for a small water bottle if I wanted.
That made for the lightest, most powerful kit I have constructed to date. In retrospect, I did wish I had the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 macro with me. There were a few times that the close-focusing capability of that lens and the slightly larger maximum aperture would have been used. But, I learned.
That brings me back to the Fujifilm X-Pro3 that is in a small kit. It is a rental camera. I checked the shutter count and it has 15K actuations according to Exiftool. It was made in 2021, also according to Exiftool. I rented it as an experiment and I really like the camera.
It is similar to the X100vi and probably more similar to the X100v that preceded my X100vi. I think that the underlying sensor technology and processor are the same as the X100v. The viewfinder is slightly different because The X-Pro3 has to accommodate the interchangeable lenses. In the hybrid OVF, the frame lines change with the focal length of the lens. It is usable from pretty wide (18mm is the widest I have used to date) through 50mm. With a press of a small lever, I can switch to the EVF, which uses the sensor instead of the optical viewfinder and use lenses outside the effective range of the OVF for composition.
I also love the sound of the mechanical shutter in the X-Pro3. It has the same solid thunk of my original Fujifilm camera, the X-T1.
Would it replace my X100vi? No, I think not. It is last-generation technology and the primary reason I bought the X100vi is to have a simple, rangefinder-style camera *with* the fifth-generation IBIS. I really do not care about pixel count (there was a significant bump in that specification) as much as the image stabilization.
I could have a similar experience and aesthetic with a silver/chrome X-Pro3 and one of Fujifilm’s small primes (what I call the f/2 line). But again, none of those lenses have OIS. It adds bulk (and cost). However, I would give up the IBIS that I find useful in some of my shooting situations.
There are rumors that Fujifilm is preparing to release an updated X-Pro camera this year. It will have either the fifth generation X-Trans sensor (and IBIS) or there will be a sixth generation system released.
That is my analysis of how an X-Pro Series camera could fit into what I do with photography. One could supplant the X100vi if, and only if, the next generation adds IBIS. That will probably make the X-Pro camera slightly larger (to accommodate the mechanism), which is not a deal killer. I like the hybrid OVF. It works. The X-Pro also has an EVF with the press of a lever for focal lengths that do not work with the OVF. It has that classic rangefinder look that I have come to like.
I will continue to enjoy my X-Pro3 rental. I will have a it a few more days. I remain on the fence about whether or not I will keep it.
The Girl and I will hike with it again today. I am looking forward to that. I remain grateful on a daily basis. Life is good.
The Chronoswiss Tora is a chronograph/GMT combination that just works for me.Captured with X-T5, 2026-01-19 20:25:11, 60mm, 1/90sec, f/2.8, ISO-6400, SOOC.
My watch pusher buddy sent me a text message last week about a chronograph he picked up that he thought might interest me. It is a Chronoswiss Tora chronograph with GMT and date complications. Both complications are interesting because they are on subregisters on the dial. The GMT has a separate pusher for setting.
I am a sucker for chronographs and GMTs are a suitable object of lust. So, of course, I nibbled and then got bit.
It is not a new watch. It does not look like a new watch, although it is in very nice condition. The latched band will not work for my small wrist, so that will need an adjustment. I will send it for service so it starts out fresh in my small collection. I suspect it will supplant my Speedmaster for daily wear, except when I am doing anything relatively heavy with my hands that might damage it. I have a G-Shock for those days.
This looks like an engineer’s watch.
At coffee yesterday, my buddy attempted to loosen the screw-down bars to remove the band, but, no joy. It appears they are affixed with a heavy thread lock. This is another reason to send it to a watchmaker for service. I believe it is also a chronometer, so regulation will bring it back into chronometer specification. I am fine with a few seconds per day. I could always use a cheap quartz watch. But, I love machines and the precision of a mechanical watch does something for me.
I am doing better after a really down day on Wife’s anniversary. The weather here is very nice — cool in the morning (20s F) and warm in the afternoon (50F plus or minus), and the Sun is shining.
This diner might be the best diner food in town. Captured with X-T5, 2026-01-19 15:25:24, 35mm, 1/52sec, f/2.8, ISO-320, Fujifilm ACROS film simulation, SOOC.
Thirteen-years ago, Wife died. As I have written and likely will write again, it was the end of a drawn-out process that might have produced a different result, but did not. The following couple of years were very difficult for me and I wrote quite a lot about that as well, both here in my corner of the Internet and in my journal.
It got better — I got better. But I will never, truly be over it. My buddy Jim told me that …it will always suck… Jim is also now gone, but his memory and his words last.
I woke this morning with a heaviness that only increased over morning coffee as I realized that today marks 13 years. I felt that familiar emotion rise while I made my coffee and admit that I shed a few tears.
I dealt with a meeting that was scheduled, then sat at my desk using Signal to message my kids and a friend. After a little more time passed, I decided I was hungry and I wanted to get The Girl out for a hike.
So I fed her and gave her the morning meds, then packed us into the rig and drove over to Betsy’s Big Kitchen. I decided to try some French toast to see if it will spike my blood sugar. It tasted really good and I kept aside a bit for The Girl.
We headed out to Silver Saddle Ranch. There were more walkers/hikers than expected. But it was noon on a gorgeous Winter day, so I should not be surprised. I discovered that I left the transmitter for her control collar at home, so she walked on-lead. I visited with a ham buddy as we hiked.
It was a good visit and between my friend and being outdoors with The Girl, some of the heaviness left.
I had a coffee date scheduled with another buddy for late afternoon, so I took a few minutes after returning home to stretch out with The Girl and listen to some music. I recently gave up on my classic iPod experiment and bought a DAP. I am in the process of provisioning it and learning to use it. I can boost the high frequencies enough that I can listen with cans and without hearing aids. It is more comfortable without the hearing aids.
Coffee with my buddy was good. We chatted about watches, as usual.
It was a good day, even if my mood was not really into it. I remember, Old Girl. You are still missed and will be until my time comes.
Mount McLellan north from Carson City from our favorite winter hike. Captured with X100VI, 2026-01-07 12:26:31, 23mm, 1/6400sec, f/8, ISO-2500, in-camera Tri-X Film Recipe.
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas (and actually to about the New Year) I like to play some holiday-themed music. One of my main go-to selections is the Windham Hill collections called A Winter’s Solstice. There are six collections in that series, most of them completed when Windham Hill was independent.
This year, when I got into my Apple Music application, I found these recordings missing. I was shocked and still do not know how that happened. It upset me sufficiently that I abandoned the idea of celebrating in music. I was busy and the CDs are in a box in the garage somewhere. I was not going to go track them down and re-rip them.
I got to thinking about this early this morning and did a little research to determine how to transfer the recordings from my old iPhone (they were still on it) to my Mac. I found a piece of software (paid) that will actually copy them directly into Music and preserve the tags and album art. It was worth the price of admission so I paid for a year’s subscription.
This saved me a bit of work. I plan on listening to these recordings over the next or so and pick up my missed celebration in music.
Although I was a bit disconcerted by this train of events, I remain grateful. Life is good.
Here is a collection of stuff from my ancient pick box. Captured with X-T5, 2026-01-07 21:06:06, 80mm, 1/100sec, f/5.6, ISO-12800, SOOC.
I retrieved my PRS Santana SE from Play Your Music this afternoon. I ask Vince to replace the strings on it and get it setup to play. Of all my guitars, I thought it would be one of the easier to get started with as the lower tension on the strings will be easier on my fingers.
For the last couple of years I thought that it would be good for me to pick up my instrument again. It has been a long time since I put any effort into music although music has been a big part of my life for most of it. Late last year I started thinking seriously about putting in some time daily as part of my self care. The Yairi acoustic needs some significant maintenance. I am unhappy with the classical guitar as I do not like the action and I need to spend some time thinking about how I want to change it. The other electric needs some maintenance as well.
So, I chose the Paul Reed Smith Santana SE as it needed the least amount of work and I am confident I can make a happy sound with it. I also bought a small practice amplifier, a Positive Grid Mini, so the guitar will sound decent.
The PRS was ready this afternoon, so I drove over to the shop to pick it up. Before that, during one of my breaks, I picked up my old pick box, blew the dust from it, and opened it up. In it I found a collection of very (very) old picks. Most should probably be discarded, especially the corroded steel finger picks I used long ago for finger-style playing on steel-stringed instruments. Those strings will eat fingernails. (I know from experience.) The Alaska-picks can probably be salvaged and put to service once the acoustic is restored. Some of the flat picks are probably collectible, especially the old Fender and Gibson instances. I also found a couple of The Ventures labeled picks in the box.
The Dunlop Tortex will be retained and used as they make some of the best tone, in my opinion. I will keep the Rolla Music Center pick as well. It is a memento of a time long, long ago.
When I first started playing, I took lessons from a college student who taught part time at RMC. He was a really nice guy and reasonable teacher as well. At one point he told me “I don’t want to take your money any more. You have learned what I have to teach. I will, however, continue to coach you if you will come to my house.” He and his wife were very gracious to me. I cannot remember his name.
Three old spinsters ran the store. The eldest, Virginia, was the sweetest old woman and very kind to me. They eventually hired me to teach part time and that was first experience teaching. I made a lot of mistakes, of course, but the experience was good for me.
My goodness, that was so long ago. I am grateful for these memories and for that time. Life is good.
Although it is long, long gone, the Rolla Music Center was a place where I spent a lot of time. I love the three old spinsters who ran the place. I can still remember how kind Virginia was to me. Captured with X-T5, 2026-01-07 21:05:14, 80mm, 1/85sec, f/5.6, ISO-12800, SOOC.
I might have posted this before. I cannot recall. But I was looking for an image to post to Vero a few days ago and found this one. It was made with a Lumix G3 that I had a few years ago and I think a Wollensak 25mm f/1.9 8mm cine lens. Captured with DMC-G3, 2017-11-17 14:01:14, 1/1300sec, ISO-160.
Here it is, a new year. So, Happy New Year!
So, now what? The changeover of the calendar year is something of an event, even if it is just another day. We place a great deal of significance on the ticking over of a year counter. This has been the way, or a way, for a long time… certainly longer than my time.
I do not think this is a bad thing. I think there are good reasons to stop, pause the daily regimen, and reflect on a week, a month, or a year and determine if a course change is needed. It is an opportunity to make an assessment1. I use this time every year to start a new Bullet Journal (my adopted approach to managing my calendar and my projects) and think about the year past, my goals, my accomplishments (or lack thereof), and my intentions for the next year.
There were things I did not do enough of in 2025. These include my guitars and my radios. I found the demands of work and a substantial personal project to demanding to allow adequate time for either of those important hobbies. I did manage to make more photographs because I do that when out and about for other things. I particularly like to carry a camera when hiking with The Girl.
Two videos caught my attention (ahem) yesterday. One was by Rick Beato and is a practice regimen to rebuilding guitar skills. It will serve as a good practice for me, particularly with an electric guitar that is not so demanding of hand strength. I have this bookmarked os I can return to it.
The other was by Pal2Tech, a favorite photographic channel. His encouragement is to make specific efforts to eliminate the pressure of social media on photographic choices and refocus on developing one’s own vision and skills. I like what he says.
I already started reducing the potential impact of social media (which I often call antisocial media) on my life. I have only two outlets that I regularly use — Vero (no algorithm; only see what one signs up to see) and YouTube (beware the algorithm as it induces doomscrolling).
I really enjoy, and am inspired by, some of the photographers I follow on Vero. It is what Instagram was when I first discovered it. Then FB bought it, promised no changes, and turned it into a monster a couple years later.
For YT, I follow a few musicians, a few photography channels, and fewer entertainment channels. The trap is the algorithm, that constantly monitors what I watch and then offers me related videos at the end of each. This is a serious trap and what caused me to abandon IG. So, I will have to be careful, very careful.
The page after the Future Log in my new Bullet Journal is labelled Intentions. I am borrowing from Ryder Carroll’s palette and abandoning Goals for Intentions. I will be working on those, my Future Log, and my January Calendar/Log today. I think that the Intentions page will take some time to fill in. But, I will start with a couple of statements about what i want to be by the end of 2026 and see how that works for me.
My Bullet Journaling approach is still developing. I can see how it has changed over the years as I learn more about what works for me. I think that a few more changes are necessary to make it work better (for me). And, I am working through his book to see what other nuggets of wisdom he might have for me.
In the meantime, have a Happy New Year, figure out what is important and do that. Life is good.
