A few weeks ago I went out to camp near Lovelock, NV. Early one morning I got Sera out to hike a little and made this capture of camp. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-09-06 07:52:08, 35mm, 1/1300sec, f/8, ISO-400, processed in PhotoLab7.
Thirteen-years ago, I was working through an accumulation of documents that spanned 40 years. They were the leftovers of Wife’s fear that there would be a document we needed from long past. It was also an incredible exposure of data that could be used for identity theft if just thrown out. Therefore, I was grinding those documents and discarding the chaff.
That rumination came up on my Dailies recently and reminded me that I am another juncture in life. I am completing another huge personal project that has gone on for a year and a half. It should close before the end of the year. At that time I can take on another large personal project — a move.
I need to leave this rental. It served me well and provided housing for doggo and I for ten years. (Actually, two doggos — Sera and her predecessor, Ki.) My problem is not simply that I have outgrown the space (I have). I do not want to live in the city. I do not care for city noise. And, although Carson City is not a large city, it is noisy. There is also not enough room for decent radio antennas and there is way too much radio noise for good hearing. There is also not enough room for The Girl to spend some time outdoors during good weather.
So, now I am faced with grinding through another project, this one to decide where to move, then find a place that I want to live in for the remainder of my life, then to execute the move. That sounds simple; it is and it is not.
I am old enough that I begin to be concerned about health. The what-ifs make me think that I should be closer to family, which means my children. If I should need someone to check on me or need a ride, then it would be better to have one of them closer. When I leave this mortal coil, it would be better for them if I was not on the other side of the country.
But, and this is a BIG BUT, they all live east. I live in the west for a reason, I like it here. I like the landscape and I like the weather. I like the availability of public lands where I can roam and camp.
Therefore, my heart is in the west but my reason says “go east”.
So, that is the plan. Regardless of my preference for geography, I am grateful. Life is good.
N.B. The image was made on a weekend camping trip a few weeks ago. My friends were out camping near Toulon, NV and invited me along. On a whim, I threw some necessities into the camper and headed out. That was the right thing to do.
It might be hard to see, but there is a night rider in the frame. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-10-03 19:50:13, Voigtlander 35mm f/0.9 Nokton, 1/550sec, f/1, ISO-12800, light processing with PhotoLab7.
An excellent photographer and teach, David duChemin, recently wrote piece on on optical sharpness. This prompted me to write a comment to his post. What I wrote got me to thinking that I had just written a weblog post of my own, with some editing and expansion, of course. So, I will post my comment here and then expand a little, maybe.
It is OK, OM (abbreviation for /Old Man/ that radio amateurs use as a term of endearment), for you to be salty and rant a bit. In fact, I think you you and I would have a good time together sitting around the campfire with a beer. We are at the top of our game although in different fields. And I am often sufficiently salty for both of us, enough so that my closest colleagues call me Doc Salty. 😉
I might go a step further and say that our current crop of lenses are *too sharp*, to the point fo being clinically sharp. It is a reason I gravitate toward those lenses that are less so, such as the older Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 or the 18mm f/2. They might be a little softer or less perfect optically. Heck, I even shoot legacy glass on an A7iii using adapters. The old designs, like the planar, sonnar, any of the double Gauss formulae, etc produce some interesting results of common subjects when shot wide open. The current parlance is to say they have /character/ (same as this old man).
After reading probably hundreds of lens reviews over my lifetime, the poster is probably correct. Most optical formulae are at their sharpest, optically, a couple stops down from wide open. If optical sharpness is the only goal, then by all means shoot at the aperture that provides that result. I don’t follow that advice and never have because, as you say, the scene will demand an aperture (likely) that captures the mood. Furthermore, back in the old days, one would have a choice of only a few apertures (unless on a tripod) because the film speed impacted the combinations of shutter speed and aperture that was available for a particular subject.
The only real optical limitation that I can think of that *might* impact a capture is diffraction. I rarely shoot at apertures smaller than f/16, but even at f/11 the airy disc is getting big enough on small sensors that pixel peepers will notice (or a larger print) will make the result softer than I might like (unless that is the goal). There is an argument for using larger media. (I need me a large format field camera! 😉
Sharpness is fine and useful but is never the goal. I’m on board with you, OM, and consistently looking for an image that makes me want to come back again and again because it grabs me somehow.
I don’t make many of them. But, I am only shooting for me because the process of seeing and then applying the camera feeds my soul. I don’t care if anyone likes my images because they aren’t for them, they are for me. If I happen to share an image that makes someone else take a breath, God bless them for He has blessed me with the process.
Here’s to the campfire, OM, and 73 (which is /best regards or wishes/ in ham speak).
Yes, that is a long comment to a weblog post! However, I often write here about cameras and lenses and am one that bemoans the emphasis on clinical sharpness of image quality. There are reasons, beyond status, why Leica still sells cameras and lenses. Of course, there is something about owning a legendary marque. (Remember that I used to drive and ride BMWs. There were reasons beyond the marque that kept me coming back to those vehicles.) But beyond that there are practical reasons why those who run Leicas run them.
Lenses from the major manufacturers are almost all sharp. Some produce sharper images than others in their lineup. The major third-party manufacturers also offer high performance optics (thinking Sigma at the moment). In many ways, I think that optics are developed to a point that, with some exceptions, just about any lens from the major manufacturers that one might use is plenty sharp.
So, although I agree with the post that triggered duChemin is generally correct — camera lenses are generally sharpest about two stops down from maximum aperture — the fact is irrelevant to producing beautiful or moving images.
I am technically inclined and have spent time fussing over MTF charts looking for the best glass. I think I am done with chasing that particular unicorn. I also think I might not be replacing equipment that I have, for the most part. I have some lovely cameras, both analog and digital. I have more lenses that I can ever use. I think that my focus should be on going out and finding interesting things to photograph. Then bring the captures home, review them, and make the adjustments needed to bring out the best of what I saw.
I do not care much anymore about chasing perfection (in my equipment). Everything that I have is good enough. There will remain (of course) that element of my personality that likes to try new things. But, I can satisfy that itch by playing with vintage glass with the Sony A7iii. Most of those lenses are not expensive.
I also think duChemin is right and his rant was rather fun.
I remain grateful. Life is good.
N.B. The header image is a capture I made while walking The Girl a little late one evening. I had a late supper with a best friend and so we walked after dark. I mounted the Voigtlander 35mm f/0.9 Nokton lens on the X-Pro3 (it is a beastly lens and also special purpose) and carried that for some night photography. I need to turn down the electronic viewfinder brightness for night work as my right eye was quite dazzled. But, I made a few captures that demonstrates something of the quality of the lens. It is not super sharp (Ha!) wide open, but does have plenty of character. It will be fun working this lens a bit more.
I should probably have put the background out of focus for this capture. I might also experiment with a black and white version. But this will do for the day. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-09-21 16:55:26, Voigtlander 18mm, 1/2400sec, f/5.6, ISO-400, light editing.
A favorite content creator, Dan Bailey, is a long-time Fujifilm user, professional photographer, and teacher. I think I started following him about 10-years ago.
He recently resent one of his blog posts about his favorite Fujinon lenses and I reviewed his site. He has some good picks on the list that reflect his approach to photograph and his style. Even if my style is somewhat different, there is knowledge to be gained from reviewing his reasons why he chooses what he does.
I have three Fujifilm cameras in my inventory that see significant use. They are 1) X-Pro3, 2) X100vi, and 3) X-T5. The latter two have the 40MP IBIS sensors that are fifth generation. They are exceptionally capable cameras with different use-cases. The X-Pro3 was a curiosity purchase because I am interested in the rangefinder mystique. I have never owned a rangefinder camera1 that received significant use. In particular, Leica rangefinders have an almost cult following. So, I rented one and then kept it.
X-Pro3: The X-Pro3 is getting a lot of carry time. I have a small kit of prime lenses that match the form factor. This makes for a small kit that is readily carried. That is the primary advantage. The secondary advantage is that the camera is less obvious when out and about. It is small, black, and the lenses are also small and unobtrusive. It is a capable camera even if it has a known flaw, which is the ribbon cable that connects to the swing out rear screen2. But perhaps my favorite part of the camera is its size and tendency to be overlooked when I am out and about.
A part of this is use of the smaller lenses. That currently limits me to a longest focal length of 50mm (the Fujinon 50mm f/2 XF WR). That gives me a 35mm equivalent focal length3 of 75mm and I think that the maximum focal length used on classic 35mm rangefinder cameras is in the 90mm range. Beyond that, the frame lines in the viewfinder are just too small to be useful.
I have a Fujinon 90mm f/2 in my inventory and it is a great lens! It is nearly the perfect short-mid telephoto lens I have that fits my Fujifilm cameras. But it is fairly large and heavier than the remainder of the kit.
X-T5: The X-T5 is the goto camera whenever I am using what I call the Big Glass. That would all of the fast zoom lenses (the 100–400mm in particular), and whenever I want more grip than the X-Pro3 provides. My X-T5 is equipped with the Smallrig grip and base and that provides a lot of hand purchase on the camera and a Arca Swiss tripod compatible base on the bottom.
It is a different camera for a different use case than the X-Pro3. It fits into my use whenever I need the longer reach or the in-body stabilization. I put together a small X-T5 kit last year when I travelled east for one of my grandson’s weddings. I took the 16-55mm zoom, the 35mm f/1.4, and the 70-300mm zoom. I used the fast 16-55mm zoom the most because of what I was doing (spending time with my kids). But, the 35mm provides wonderful portraits and the long zoom has a lot reach for wildlife or telephoto landscapes. It has a lot more reach when mated with the XF TC1.4 teleconverter.
X100vi: Last is the X100vi. Many denigrate the camera as an influencer point-and-shoot for the follower crowd. I suppose that it is, but that is not the point. This is a grab-and-go camera that is quite capable with an excellent lens, solid feature set, and that 40MP IBIS sensor and processor. If I do not want to think about kit, I take this camera. It is a solid general purpose camera that produces wonderful images if I do my job.
Now I have to laugh at myself! What started as a rumination on Fujinon lenses turned into said on Fujifilm cameras! I think that I will revisit the topic again, later, and talk about the lenses I specifically carry in my kit that are actually used.
The X-Pro3 and X100vi get a lot of carry time. I will sling the Domke bag with the X-Pro3 and a few lenses over my should or put the X100vi strap over my neck every time I head out the door. I almost always carry a camera along. It is part of how I look at the world. The X-T5 comes along when I have an objective to accomplish — a specific photo shoot that I am working on.
Of course, if I travel, then the X-T5 kit I mentioned above, or a variation thereof, goes with me.
I am grateful. Life is good.
This is a second instance of the capture at top, rendered in black and white. The background is a bit blinding and might need some burning in. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-09-21 16:55:26, Voigtlander 18mm, 1/2400sec, f/5.6, ISO-400, light editing.
While out for an early medical test, I stood looking east from the third-story window. I like how the contrast implies anonymity to the city from this location. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-08-21 07:29:51, 35mm, 1/5400sec, f/8, ISO-400, Ilford Pan F 50 Plus film simulation via PhotoLab7.
At the time this posts, it will be officially Fall 2026. (That would be 1705h local time.) This year the equinox occurs at 00:05Z on 23 September 2026. It is one of the oddball years.
Happy Fall.
About the image: One morning in August I was out early for a routine medical test and was waiting in the assigned area for my technician. As I looked out the third-floor window to the east, I noticed that the morning Sun pushed the structures in north Carson City into a somewhat less intrusive mass of rough shapes. I had the Fuji X-Pro3 with me and a Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 lens affixed to it, so I made a few captures while I stood there like an oversized cat, soaking up some morning Sun.
As I headed in to buy some supper, I noticed the light and the gaggle gathered outside. I stopped and made the capture. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-07-08 19:02:32, Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2, 1/3200sec, f/8, ISO-1600, in-camera Tri-X film simulation.
A few evenings ago I drove over to Olive Garden for some supper. This time of year I sometimes do that to get into the cool. Plus, I eat well and have enough to make another meal.
On this evening, I noticed the light and the crowd gathered outside the door. That made me pause on my way in to make the capture. This is pretty close to street photography.
It was a good meal that fed me twice. I am grateful. Life is good.
I had the Mitakon 35mm f/.095 lens on the X-Pro3 and noticed the light on my friend’s face. I made the capture. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-07-25 18:49:23, 35mm, 1/550sec, f/0.95, ISO-800, SOOC.
I had a Miticon/Zonghi 35mm f/0.95 lens affixed to the Fuji X-Pro3 last Saturday night. I decided the lens needed to be shot, so I mounted it.
While we chatted over supper, I noticed this light fall across my friends face, so I made a few captures with the camera. All were shot wide open. Focus is a bit of a challenge, but I got it.
I quite like the rendering. I will sell the lens to my buddy, who will enjoy it. I have my eye on a Voigtlander 35mm f/0.9. It has contacts to convey lens settings to the camera. I prefer that.
At elevation, the late spring Lupine is blooming. These are a favorite wildflower and remind me of the bluebonnets in Texas. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-06-09 10:33:23, Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4, 1/1000sec, f/4, ISO-400, light DxO editing.
I find myself in another busy period. Fortunately, a number of projects rolled off the active list. Some of them went inactive and others are complete or at least nearly so. A slow-paying client finally paid their bill so I had a large influx of income, which replenished my bank account.
It turned hot here in Carson City — too hot for June and more like late August. I have new window fans and they are much better than those that they replaced. They are quiet enough and keep my place mostly cool enough. The shade sails are up, which mitigates the direct Sun on my apartment and reduces the heat load some. The portable swamp cooler keeps the living room under 80F most afternoons and I can tolerate that.
The forecast for today is a high of near 100F. This is unusual for Carson, but not unheard of. I might decide to take the truck out for a long run late this afternoon. I need to drive it at highway speed for a half-hour to clear the exhaust filter. Yes, I now have a diesel-powered Ford F-250. I decided that I do not want to pull my camper with the 4Runner any more. I want to keep the 4Runner in excellent mechanical condition (as it is) for use as a daily driver and for day trips for radio (or other) play. The truck will be used for camping trips or travel.
I plan to take The Girl up to Spooner today for our walk. There are wildflowers blooming at 7,500ft. The image of the Lupine was made in the eastern Sierra while hiking The Girl. We both enjoyed that walk and it is always cooler up there.
The hike will be after my dentist appointment. It seems that I have a tooth problem that needs attention. I do not allow dental problems to continue. Chalk that up to experience.
Field Day comes the end of next week. I have a few more things to do to prepare, but am looking forward to a few days camping with friends. I am not all that focused on making a lot of contacts, but want to have some radio fun and take a few days away from the desk. Camping with friends is always a good thing.
Although I am busy, I take time to be grateful and to pray. Life is good.
Postscript: An entry about Ki came up on today’s on-this-day. She was recovering from removal of a number of skin lesions nine-years ago (2017). The cancer finally got her and I still hate that. She was a great dog who came into my life at a time I needed her the most. And two-years ago (2024), Sera posed for me atop a old deadfall while we were hiking up at Spooner. She is a great dog and we have a good time together. Both of these companions make (or made) my life better. Canine companions are a gift from God.
I walked to the pharmacy a few days ago and came back a different route. I think Young Son would probably like this place. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-03-28 15:03:59, Fujinon 23mm f/2, 1/480sec, f/8, ISO-500, post in PhotoLab7.
Life continues to be very busy with project work. That seems to be the case looking forward over the next months. Then, maybe, the workload will let up a bit for other things.
Do not get me wrong, I am very grateful for the work. I am a little less pleased with myself for saying “Yes” too many times. The resulting workload (self-inflicted) is a little challenging, but I will get through it.
Regarding the image, a couple weeks ago I decided to walk to the local pharmacy and pick up a waiting prescription. I carried the new-to-me Fujifilm X-Pro3 with the little Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens affixed to the body. This is a favored focal length for street photographers. But there was nothing going on in suburbia.
But… I knew there was an interesting store of some kind on the south side of Fairview, so I walked home that way. What I found is a place I think Young Son would really like — a game store. I went inside and walked around a bit. There were a couple of small groups playing MTG in the back room and a few interesting items on the shelves in the storefront. I chatted with the young man working the counter, and then left. I might go back to peruse the movies as there might be something to add to my collection.
In any event, I came home with a nice capture. I converted this one in Photolab 7.
I remain grateful. I remain prayerful, at least most days. Life is good.
While on walkies with The Girl, I came across this sandwich board, seen many times, but this time I stopped and made a capture. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-04-14 10:16:18, Voigtlandar 35mm, 1/22000sec, f/1.4, ISO-160, light processing in PhotoLab 7.
Two reports are now completed. It was a hard push to get the work done and generate the reports. With them complete, it is now time to turn my attention to the next projects needing it. That will be another hard push, I expect. But, that is the consulting business. At least I will get a small break before the pressure builds again.
I just finished Alex Kilbee’s video about Steven Shore, a photographer was was active in the 1970s and whose work is considered by many to be of mundane subjects. But, there is something special in his treatment of ordinary things and scenes, and Killbee did a good job of pointing out what makes Shore’s photographs important.
I will buy at least one of Shore’s photo books to spend some time with. That will be fun and maybe I will learn something.
The Girl and I got out about noon for a short walk before my next meeting. I carried the Fujifilm X-Pro3 with a new-to-me Voigtlander 35mm f/1.2 manual focus lens affixed to the camera. It is a lovely little lens that matches the rangefinder aesthetic well. There is a jeweler not far from our place and they had their sandwich board displayed on the sidewalk. So, I paused to make an image of it with Fairview Avenue in the background.
While not the same as Shore’s lovely images, it is reminiscent of his use of ordinary scenes to display something special. Perhaps I managed to capture a little of that in my own.
I will spend some time working today, but also some time recovering. I am grateful for the work and for its completion. Life is good.
While out and about one evening, I noticed the light on the renewed Legislature Building. Captured with X-Pro3, 2026-01-29 16:11:30, 23mm, 1/550sec, f/9, ISO-640, light processing in PhotoLab 7.
I have another big push on a project to make. But, I decided that I must do some things that are self care. One of them is a bit of writing here. Another is a bit of photography while out and about.
I have been carrying the Fujifilm X-Pro3 quite a bit since I purchased it. It generally has one of the small Fujinon primes mounted, sometimes called the f/2 line. Not all of them are f/2, of course, but a good number of them are. Most are weather sealed. None have any in-body image stabilization. They might not focus particularly fast as well.
All are good, optically. I think the weakest is 18mm f/2, in part because it is the oldest and in part because it is a pancake lens.
On this particularly outing I had the Fujinon 23mm f/2 mounted to the camera. The light was good.
Life is good. I am grateful, particularly on this Easter morning.
