The south end of a north-bound dog… a view that I see often. Sony A7iii and Carl Zeiss DDR 135mm f/3.5 wide open, SOOC.
It has been a busy week. I went camping last weekend with Greg/Subrina north from the Interstate and near Nightingale Mine. There was no particular radio event happening, I simply wanted to go camp with my friends, get away from the house after the previous busy weeks, and be outside.
I made a quick provision of the camper, bought a little food (too much, of course), and headed east on US 50 with The Girl. It is not much more than an hour to the site and I readily found their rig. I pulled up nearby, got out, and surveyed the site. I did not care for the stickery weeds growing on the site, but figured there was probably not much better available nearby. They were already setup, so I checked my camper for level (good enough), and deployed the stabilizers.
The Ryobi impact driver I bought makes deploying and recovering the stabilizers trivial. It sure beats hand cranking the bastiges. The driver will also serve should I need to remove a wheel from the rig for repair. That was a lesson learned from last winter when I struggled with a lug wrench on the shoulder of I-40 in the cold and wet.
I put up the Chameleon MPAS 2.0 so I could play some radio. I also got the Elecraft KX3 to chase some Zombies in the annual Zombie Shuffle. But I could not hear many Zombies and decided to go visit with my friends.
After supper, Sera and I returned to our mobile house where I fed her and then chased a few more Zombies. I managed to work a DX expedition station, CM21MM, although I did not know it was an expedition at the time. Sera settled on the bed while I enjoyed some radio time.
When I tired of that, I got out my Kindle and worked on a book I was reading, “A Cold Dish” by Craig Johnson. I loved the Longmire series on Netflix and a buddy suggested I read the books. They are better (and different).
There is more, but I have things to do this morning. So, I will table the story for now.
The image is of the south end of a north-bound dog… a sight I often see given the personality of My Girl. I shot it with a new-to-me Sony A7iii and a lovely Carl Zeiss DDR 135mm f/3.5 Sonnar vintage lens wide open. I like the way the lens renders the image.
It is that time of year again. The rabbitbrush is in fall bloom and that makes my allergies go crazy. Shot with the Fujifilm X100V at f/8 using the Kodachrome film simulation in-camera. No post processing.
Well, my last remainders post was a couple of weeks ago. I wonder where the Interwebs will take me this week?
I know that I have some hearing loss. The tinnitus is a pretty good indicator. I saw a news bite somewhere that indicated my Apple Airpods Pro 2 can work as OTC hearing aids. The how is explained by Dr. Cliff Olson.
Father Nomad is a maker of adapters to connect water filters to water containers.
I have an Elecraft K3 transceiver for amateur radio use. This link describes how to set the Automatic Gain Control of my rig.
In my YouTube wanderings, the algorithm presented a video by James Fleet. He is a British photographer living in the Philippines. I have not yet explored his YT channel (but I will), but his article comparing the Fujifilm X-T5 to the X100VI for street photography is good.
The shutter tool is valuable for reporting the number of mechanical shutter actuations of a digital camera. Why is this important? I am preparing to sell some of my digital bodies and it is standard practice to report the number of shutter actuations.
I stumbled on W.G. Snuffy Walden several years ago. He turned up on one or two guitar music collections and I noticed his playing. It is quite tasty. Then I learned he scored The Stand. It is a good score.
Rick Oleson maintains an antique web page that has information of interest (at least to me). It is worth a look.
The new-to-me Sony A7iii arrived today. So I made a quick test shot with it and the Canon 55mm f/1.2 SSC. This is straight out of camera.
The new-to-me Sony A7iii arrived today. There’s plenty of battery to take with me camping, so I will. But I paused for a quick grab shot and The Girl was looking at me. The message is: “What are you doing? I want to go walk!” (Laughing out loud…)
She is bossy.
I am heading out to camp for the weekend. I need to make a quick grocery run and then finish loading the camper. It will be a good weekend.
Gina’s at The Nugget. Shot with Sony A7Sii and a Carl Zeiss Jena 35mm f/2.4 Flektogon, probably at f/8, SOOC.
David Fleet did a nice video on Gear Acquisition Syndrome and YouTube gear reviews. His words resonated a bit with me because I tend to be a gearhead.
There is nothing inherently wrong with an admiration of cameras and lenses — they are fascinating and wonderful machines after all. But, if one intends to use the tools to make images, then fascination with the equipment can become a trap as it becomes the focus and not the use of the equipment.
Thus, GAS also applies to any endeavor, be it amateur or professional, that relies on (expensive) equipment to accomplish said endeavor. (Ahem) Radio (ahem) can also be in this category.
I went through a bout of photographic GAS last year and the beginning of this year. I bought several cameras and a few new lenses. (Plus a few vintage lenses, perhaps this will be a topic for another weblog entry.) I used each of them enough to form an opinion on whether or not each would become a part of my regular kit.
The three most significant cameras purchased over the last year are: A Fujifilm X-T5, Fujifilm X100V, and a Sony A7Sii1. The X-T5 replaced my old X-T1, which was my entry into the Fujifilm ecosystem. I have plenty of lenses for this camera. They can do everything that I might want to do, perhaps with the exception of a tilt-shift lens for architectural photography. However, I do not do much architectural photography and I have a vintage Nikkor 35mm tilt-shift that could be pressed into service.
If I want to carry an interchangeable lens camera, then the X-T5 is my go to. I can choose a couple of lenses that will handle my intended subject, toss the camera, lenses, and support2 into a bag, and off I go. I have adapters for the Fuji if I want to shoot vintage glass.
But, sometimes, I do not want the complications associated with an interchangeable lens camera system. I want to take a camera, a purpose-built machine for making photographs (not a cellphone). But I want simplicity. So, I have a Fujifilm X100V. Even with the lens hood and a small grip attached, this is a small camera. I can carry a small bag with the camera, support, and a water bottle and have a capable system. I often carry this bag under a backpack when I hike with The Girl.
I like the simplicity of a fixed-lens camera. I do not have to make a decision about what lens to use. I raise the camera to my eye (or use the screen), frame the shot, and make the capture. There is something liberating about making images with a fixed-lens camera and I use mine a lot.
Plus, the Fujifilm in-body film simulations are quite good. There are also hundreds of programmable film simulations available for Ritche Roesch’s Fuji X Weekly website (and smartphone app). My favorites are currently Reggie’s Portra 400 simulation, the Tri-X simulation, and the Kodachrome 64 simulation.
I generally shoot raw (perhaps plus an in-camera Fuji film simulation JPEG) or JPEG only with one of the programmed film simulations above. The raw files are readily post-processed using either the in-camera film simulations (to JPEG) or using PhotoLab7. But, I find that I often just shoot the in-camera or programmed film simulations on the fly and then use those straight out of camera. There is probably another entry about this process.
I bought a Sony A7S (Mark I) as a test to see how it worked and whether I liked the results with my vintage 35mm (full-frame) glass. I found that it worked, but desired the in-body image stabilization, so I bought an A7Sii. This is a solid camera. But after shooting with one for more than a year, I decided I want a little more resolution, I do not shoot video (a specialty of the A7S), and want a bit more power in the processor. So, a Sony A7iii is on its way.
Now, all of this is quite a bout of GAS. Last week I considered my investment in all of these cameras and decided it is time to let many of them go. I decided I want to redirect my energy from seeking the best camera and lenses into making more images and working on the art part of photography. After all, a major part of my return to my cameras is the search for practices that feed my soul.
Furthermore, I am plagued by the engineer’s curse of always seeking to optimize the system. I agree with Fleet that any modern camera, or every modern camera, and the associated lenses are capable of making excellent images. It really is up to what system works best for each photographer’s approach and preferences. For me, it is the Fujifilm for digital photography. I need to leave behind my impulse to find the best because what I have is plenty good enough to accomplish my goals.
Where is this leading me? Well, I began the process of liquidating my excess gear. I made images of the A7S and its vertical grip this weekend and will list them for sale this week. The A7Sii will follow shortly, maybe next weekend. I sold/traded the X-T1 to a buddy who already loves the camera. I have three more Fujifilm bodies that will be photographed and sold soon.
There are others as well. And there are a few film cameras to follow as I have time to make the images and post them.
Something else Fleet said also resonated with me. That is the proliferation of YouTube channels that receive pre-release equipment, prepare their reviews, and then post simultaneously on release day. For example, Fujifilm just released the new X-M5, their smallest camera in the X-Trans line. I noticed a bunch of YT videos appeared in my feed on the same day.
I am not in the market for the X-M5. I looked at the X-M1 as a possible carry camera, but the lack of a finder turned me away. A finder is a requirement for my way of photography. Many times the ambient light is simply too bright for me to properly frame the shot with only the rear screen. This is one of my gripes about using a smartphone for photography.
But, Fleet mentioned these YT channels and how this is just part of the marketing strategy and the general push of commercial consumerism. I really just do not care to play. And Fleet decided to stop doing equipment reviews and focus his content on photography and not stuff.
That said, I will upgrade my X100V to the X100VI. I want the in-body stabilization and upgraded processor that the X100VI has. I will then be set for my digital camera setup for awhile, probably years. It took me nearly 10-years to upgrade from my X-T1 to the X-T5. So, it will be several years before I am again motivated to upgrade my main cameras.
Now, if I can only curb my appetite for vintage glass. There are already many posts of shots using vintage glass (as above). There will be more, for sure. Plus, I recently shot a bunch of comparison shots from my collection of 35mm focal length lenses. I was curious about their performance, particularly a tiny little Soligor 35mm f/2.8. When the Sony A7iii arrives, I will re-shoot this series and then write it up.
But, I need to leave the fascination with the latest, greatest, and search for the best digital gear behind and focus on the creative aspects of photography. These are much more difficult than buying equipment. Perhaps that is why so many people chase the gear instead of investing the energy in developing the craft.
It is certainly food for thought.
I am grateful for the tools I have. Life is good.
1There are a handful of others and a few more vintage film camera bodies, but again, those are probably the topic for another weblog entry.
2Support here means a spare battery (or batteries), a spare memory card or two, and a bottle of water and snack if I am hiking with Sera.
The Girl and I walked a showery day out at Silver Saddle Ranch last week. All the fair-weather hikers stayed home, so we nearly had the place to ourselves. Mother Nature put on a nice display for us as we started our hike. Yes, there is a rainbow. Shot with Fuji X100V at f/8 using the Kodachrome 64 film simulation, SOOC.
I had supper with an old friend last night1. One of his favorite subjects (as a photographer) is bees. He loves to make images of bees going about their work. He reminded me that I stumbled upon at least one pepsis wasps a couple-three years ago. Well, maybe it was four-years ago.
Ki and I were walking one of our routes along the Carson River/Mexican Ditch out at Silver Saddle Ranch. There is a section of that trail I call “The Slot” because one side is bounded by a fence intended to keep livestock (and people) out of the river corridor and the other side is bounded by a fence to keep livestock in the pasture. An irrigation ditch parallels the latter so there is a large berm to keep water in the ditch. The path is only four or five feet wide, in contrast to 10 or 15 feet wide along other sections.
I generally kept Ki (and now Sera) on-lead when we pass through that section of the trail. Line of sight is limited and I do not want to be surprised by other canines. I suppose that is unnecessary information.
On the particular day, I noticed a couple of butterflies working a milkweed plant. And then I noticed a black wasp with red wings. That got my attention. I had the Fuji X-T1 with the Fujinon 35mm f/2 lens mounted to it2. I made a capture of the wasp… probably several captures.
I cannot find them. I spent an hour last night looking for the originals and found nothing. They must be lost with one of the transitions in software I made over the years. I recall leaving both Aperture and Lightroom behind. The images might have been lost the respective libraries. That is a pity.
In any event, I found an image here in my weblog. It was a rumination on a chance meeting with a woman named Judy M., who I met on the trail out by Carson River. My recollection is that she was another wanderer who was working through some life changes. I recall that we visited off and on while hiking the trail and that she created her own weblog where she posted her own ruminations.
I have not heard from her in several years. We kept up via email for a while. Her weblog is gone. Perhaps she is, too. I do not know.
But, as I think I have reflected here a number of times, I am reminded that we have circles of engagement about us. The smallest holds those closest to us — close family, closest friends, and lovers. They are more permanent than most other people we encounter in life.
The next circle is a bit larger. It contains the first group plus other friends and professional relations. These are less permanent relationships, though they might be strong for a time. But things change and those folks move on to other places, people, and endeavors.
The last circle is larger yet. It contains the first two groups plus the myriad of other folks who wander into our lives for a time, maybe are close and could possibly join the other inner circles, but for whatever reasons do not stick and wander away again.
That departure sometimes leaves a hole behind. I can think of a few relationships that I thought were going to last, with the individual moving close and closer to my inner circle for a time, maybe even stay for a year or three. But, sometimes abruptly, they leave. Those leavings sometimes hurt a bit.
Judy never made it that close. But we were friends for a time. I wished her well and enjoyed the company and conversation of another who wanders. I wonder where she might be now. I expect to never know.
In the end, I find it a bit fascinating how dynamic my social life has been. I have never had a large social group. I am an introvert and gain energy in solitude (with my dog now; with Wife for many years). But I have a social group and parts of it are dynamic, with others moving in and out of my circles.
Now I need to get on with my day. I am preparing to sell several camera bodies that I am not using and am not going to use. I replaced my first Sony A7S with an A7Sii last year. My approach to photography is a bit different than the use case of A7S series, so I bought a Sony A7iii late last week. It will be delivered in a couple of days and I will put it to use shooting my vintage glass.
A few weeks ago I took a notion to shoot the 35mm lenses in my vintage collection. I did the shoot with the A7Sii and was fascinated by the difference in optical performance. I am going to re-shoot the test with the A7iii (a 24MP camera opposed to the 12MP of the A7Sii) and then put together a comparison of the results. I do not expect a dramatic difference attributable to the change in camera resolution, but that will make an interesting observation as well. It will be fun.
The image is from last week. We had a day of showery weather — definitely a sign that fall is here and winter approaches. We walked anyway, with The Girl pausing now and again to shake the rain from what little fur she has. As we hiked the access road, I noticed the bright patch over my left shoulder and paused to make an image. The faint rainbow was a gift.
As always, I am grateful. Life is definitely good.
1No, I did not have an old friend for supper last night!
2I thought I had a different body and a Vivitar 90mm f/2.5 macro lens. I guess my remembry is broken. Or there are (or were) more images than just the one.
My morning often involves use of my vintage Esterbrook J Demi fountain pen. I restored it and it is filled with Noodler’s Zhivago. The drafting pencil is used for guidelines, just like I used to when I was a drafter. Image made using the Nikon D750 and a Nikkor 35mm f/2.8 at f/4. Image straight out of camera.
We all have routines, or something I call dailies. They are a set of habitual behaviors that serve us in various ways.
My morning regimen generally involves a coffee (or two), made one mug at a time. I heat water, warm the mug and Aeropress, grind my beans, and then extract the drink. This is a ritual.
Once I have coffee, I sit at my desk for a few minutes enjoying the coffee and spending some time with my journal. I usually make a prayer list and exercise it. I write any thoughts that came up during sleep… sometimes recording a dream or a dream fragment. I think about the coming day and what needs to be done. And I write about anything that is or was remarkable.
This process usually involves another mug of coffee. As my wake-up routine progresses, I might watch a bit of YouTube if any of my followed content creators published something I want to see. I also tend to my Bullet Journal to review what was done, what needs to be done, and to plan (ha!) my day. Then it will be breakfast time.
Or rather replaced. The pressurized gas cylinder on the starboard side of the camper failed. It spit out its oil through the bottom seal. So, I ordered a replacement and replaced it Friday.
Yesterday, Saturday, was spent on camper repairs. When I arrived at the Walker River Paiute Tribe research station a couple of weeks ago, I discovered two problems with the camper. The bracket/brace that the front portion of the shower was affixed to had released from the front bulkhead of the camper’s hull. That meant it could not be raised. Because I was at the research station, I was going (and did) use the shower and head in the main trailer. So, this was not a fatal problem.
The second was that the bracket/retainer of the rear bulkhead of the camper’s hull had parted from the camper’s floor and side panel. I did not want to lose the bracket, so I “borrowed” some zip ties from a colleague and attached the bracket to the rear bumper bracket. That way I figured it would not readily depart from the camper on my way home.
I also noticed oil leakage from the pressurized gas cylinder (lift) I use to make raising/lowering the roof tractable by hand. Yes, I press it up from the ground. The linear actuator was a bad design and after two of them failed, I chose to move to a different solution.
I ordered replacement cylinders and replaced the starboard unit. The port unit is fine (for now).
So I hooked up the camper to the 4Runner yesterday and hauled it over to my buddy’s place. We surveyed the shower panel problem and came up with a solution. One of the screws had sheared, so we replaced it with a bit stouter screw (same size; better quality) and added one screw to each half of the bracket. Coupled with a little construction glue, I think that problem is solved.
Then we attended to the rear bulkhead. The manufacturer had affixed the bracket/molding that retains the entire rear bulkhead of the camper to the unit with four screws. The port-side pair had separated although the starboard pair held.
When I discovered this, I just shook my head in disgust. Clearly, this was insufficient strength to hold the entire rear bulkhead of the hull together. There was insufficient shear strength and the flexing of the system when underway finally broke the weakest link on the port side.
We talked about the solution for a few minutes, then started the repair. We added a handful of screws to the bracket and it was pretty easy to slide the panel into the bracket slot and get it reassembled.
That was after I spent a half-hour cleaning the old caulking from the back panel and bracket. All it took was a little elbow grease and a bit of acetone.
I still need to caulk the rear panel. But, I backed the camper in a little too close to the garage door to do it today. I will do it before I head out to camp on Friday. It will take only a few minutes and I can do the final job while filling the potable tank or over a beer.
In all, the work required a bit more than six hours of labor. I would not be able to do this without the help and knowledge of my buddy. As a result, I bought supper at El Charro Avitia. I had a very good Carne Asada Burrito and a couple of Margaritas in celebration of a job done.
The camper gets better each time we do one of these jobs. We repair a weakness in the design/construction of the unit. I cannot believe how poorly they are designed and assembled.
I sat down on the sofa with The Girl when I got home. However, I immediately crashed. I think I put something on Netflix to stream, but I have no idea what it was. When I woke about 2100h, I had a black screen facing me and The Girl had gone to her mat to sleep. So, I shut down the house and wandered off to bed myself. I was whupped.
It was a good day. Good work was done. Fellowship was enjoyed with good friends. Life is good.
I think I made this capture using the Contax TVS on Kodak Gold 200. But, the truth is that I do not remember. I am not even sure of the location, except that it was in Southwestern Missouri on a road trip to Arkansas for the day.
Older Son and DiL had a day off while I was there early this year. We took the day to drive down to Johnsonville, Arkansas (I think) to go to the Duluth Trading Post store and to go the kids’ favorite bookstore there.
On our way to Arkansas, I noticed this state park. I cannot remember the name. It was cold but not frigid. The Girl wanted out. Although there was a leash-law posting, there was nobody around the park. So, we carried a leash, but we let her run off-lead.
I also cannot remember what camera I carried. At first I thought it was the little Contax TVS. But as I write I am not so sure. It might have been the Nikon F2 and now I think it was.
It was cold. The head was closed. But, it was still a good day. And, the capture will do.
After supper with Jimmy, I drove downtown for a short photo walk. The Fox looked good in the evening light, so I made a couple of captures. Sony A7Sii, CZJ 35mm f/2.4 Flektogon at f/4. SOOC
I think quite a lot of the Carl Zeiss Jena 35mm f/2.4 Flektogon lens. It is a good walk around lens and I had it affixed to the Sony A7Sii when I walked downtown Carson City after supper with my friend Jimmy.
I was hoping to catch the lights lit at Cactus Jack’s or The Nugget casinos, but no joy. Still, the capture of The Fox is good enough.
