A couple of days ago I carried the Sony A7iii and a new-to-me Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 manual focus lens. I seem to be using and writing about a lot of Nikon F-mount lenses of late. The Sony A7iii is getting a lot of work as well. My other cameras are languishing.
Sunday is the first day of the week. Perhaps it should be called Sonday or maybe Son-day in honor of the Savior who rose on the third day. I have thought that for a long time and it bubbled up from my memory as I began to write.
Last week was too busy. This week might be the same. This is not a complaint, but an observation and simply part of the consultant’s life. Deadlines occur and I do my best to make them.
But, that kind of busy-ness leaves little time and energy for reflection, photography, or radio. I do set aside a few minutes in the morning to write in my paper journal, plan the day, and pray a little before the day goes out of control.
The holidays and the end of the year are soon upon us. I hope to take some time this year to reflect on and process the year behind and think about the year ahead. That did not happen last year because I was traveling to see my loved ones and dealing with a broken camper. I should not have a broken camper to deal with this year and I pray nothing else happens.
Aside: I heard my neighbors last night about 0230h. It sounded like there were tearing up the house, but probably they were just moving things around. There was nothing to indicate a domestic problem. But then I heard the sound of a woman screaming and it sounded outside. At first I thought it might be a television, but then Sera started barking. That got me up to investigate, but I heard nothing more and could not get a direction.
There were a couple of days last week when I did not even carry a camera. I needed to get The Girl (and myself) out for some exercise. I needed to just get it done. I could not afford the time to dawdle along at my usual pace. So I left my camera at home and thought that if something interesting was presented I could always just use my phone.
But one day I carried the Sony A7iii and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 that is in my inventory. I saw the frame above and decided to make a capture. I thought that the sign was the interest, so I placed myself such that I could isolate the sign from the background and then made the capture. I kept the aperture open so as to place the background out of focus.
Then I noticed that the dog-waste dispenser and waste bin were both in the focus plane. I like that.
The image is not portfolio grade, but tells an interesting story. At least, it does for me.
Now I think I need to get on with my day. The Girl will want a walk, even if she is limping a bit. I think she over did it Saturday.
I am grateful. Life is good.
Monday on walkies the wind was blowing and it felt rather cold, although the temperature was mild and the Sun was shining. The combination of wind and colder nights means that most of the fall color is gone. The old cottonwoods have given up their summer and fall colors and taken on their winter look.
The Girl and I had a good hike out at Silver Saddle Ranch, even if the wind was blowing in my face part of the trip. She darted about hunting for lizards (now hibernating) or rodents (there are a few) with her intent, happy face. At least the threat of snakes is mitigated.
It was a good day. I came away with an acceptable frame. Life is good.
The Bodine’s sign, shot with the Sony A7iii and a Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 at f/8 or so. No post processing was done.
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.
I am grateful. Life is good.
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.
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 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.
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.
Life is good!
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.
Life is good!
Some time ago, like maybe a decade, I actively collect lenses for the Konica AR mount. They were mostly Hexanon (Konica) lenses, but a few third-party lenses made it into the mix.
I carried an old Soligor 35mm f/2.8 adapted to my Sony A7Sii a couple of times this week on walkies. Then I made a few captures with it at my worktable.
Aside: I also carried a Vivitar 35mm f/1.9 for a day or two. I have more thoughts on the latter for later publication. In fact, I will write a 35mm shoot-out for those 35mm lenses in my inventory. I learned a few things by shooting some test shots with them. This entry is a mini-review of the Soligor.
My impression of the Soligor is not particularly favorable. It is reasonably sharp, but nothing outstanding. However, it has poor flare resistance. This is evident in the image above even though the lens is stopped down to f/8 for that capture. It is bad. It is worse wide open at f/2.8.
So, although the lens was probably an alternative to the much more expensive Hexanon issue (at the time), I think it is not a good alternative.
The capture at the bottom of this entry is from the Vivitar 35mm f/1.9 at f/8 with the same camera and same post processing. The difference between the two images is striking.
This was fun. I remain grateful and life is good.
