Time for a change

I have been posting infrequently lately.  That is because I have been spending more time in other areas.  I have decided to try and start blogging about another subject.  So, I have just started Silver Gelatin.  It is starting out as a blog that will later on include a shop for those interested in purchasing some of the equipment that might be discussed in the blog.  I will still continue to post here, just not as frequently.  I still need a place to post all of my future vintage finds.  If you are interested, check out the new venture.  I'll still be checking in here every once in awhile.

Hello, Lover

I saw you hiding behind some other photo equipment on the shelf, coyly peeking out at me. I saw you. I had to have you. Yes, I have several others of your kind, but that does not matter. I had to have you.


You had some cosmetic issues, but I overlooked them because I cared about what you had to offer on the inside. (I have no idea what your previous owner dipped their hands in, but it was not good.) I could definitely run this through AFIS. (Yes, I watch too much CSI)


Once I got you home, I pampered you and took care of you. Your appearance improved quite a bit.

I must confess that what first caught my eye was your beautiful leather case. OK, so maybe it wasn't what you had to offer on the inside. All I know is that we will have a long happy life together.

Vintage Views

Lately I have been attracted to anything with a vintage lens. I picked up these great vintage binoculars the other day.

I found this beauty today.

A lovely Kodak Retinette 1A. She is sexy, isn't she? The shutter needs some work, but other than that she is pretty clean.

I seem to have developed (ha) a pattern when it comes to purchasing cameras. I have been picking up a lot of cameras from the sixties lately. Most of them are rangefinders. I am not sure why. I intend to find out how each of them performs.

Swap

Do you know what it is like when you have a good idea and then when it comes to fruition you decide that maybe it wasn't such a good idea after all? At the end of last year I decided to ask my friend Suzanne to participate in a monthly swap. Once a month she and I would exchange a piece of artwork. It did not matter what it was or how long it took to create. The idea was that it would keep the both of us producing creatively and the bonus was getting to see the work of the other person. She was very excited with the idea. I have known Suzanne for several years now. We met in France when we were both given art fellowships to live in Giverny for the summer and work on our art. When I think of her work I think of incredibly beautiful pieces made with precision and craftsmanship. What was I thinking? This arrived in the mail just the other day. I placed the film canister next to it in order to give you an idea of scale.

I am showing it to you as you would open it yourself.

FYI - there is a large stack in here. I am just showing a few examples.

There is such a special quality that is added since you can hold this in the palm of your hand.

Maybe I am sorry that I came up with this idea. I mean, I do get a nice piece to add to my collection every month. She, on the other hand might feel a little ripped off. Mine pales in comparison. The pressure is on for next month.

Fountain Pen Hospital

Yes, it is called the Fountain Pen Hospital. Unfortunately, I was not there during business hours. I have some fountain pens in need of some aid.

Nueva York

I still have a few random New York shots left.

Gold mine

For those of you living in or visiting Chicago, it is a virtual gold mine of photography right now. So much to see, so little time. Wait, it is a holiday so you have no excuse not to head down to the city and view both of these great shows.

The first show you should see is the work of Vivian Maier at the Chicago Cultural Center. She had an incredible eye. I have certain "issues" regarding how the work is being handled, but I shall keep my opinion to myself. It has nothing to do with whether you should see the show...you should. It will be interesting to see what becomes of her work in the future and what the critics and historians will have to say.

Another show to see that is only a block or so away is the work of Milton Rogovin at the Gage Gallery of Roosevelt University. You have the opportunity to see two great shows and both are FREE. Need I say more?

After going to the exhibits I went to Takashi again. You know I cannot pass up ramen. I sat along another window this time.

Look at the view you get during lunch.

Plus, you can watch the dance rehearsals/classes at the Joffery Ballet across the street.

Hope your Friday is better

I was sitting here yesterday when I suddenly smelled a burning odor and my computer screen went blank. Yes, my computer decided to check out. It is currently being diagnosed. I am so frustrated.

So, I am posting a photograph by one of my photo mentors. I wanted to leave you with a calming view for the weekend. I am just going to stare at it and imagine that I am sitting here with my regular (so much faster) computer.

Fall

Definitely a fall weekend. How lovely is this black acorn?

Let me introduce you to my little friend

Yes, rummage sale season has started up again. Fortunately, I took in several more episodes of "Hoarders" beforehand. I do not have cable so I am limited to the episodes available online. Anyway, it definitely changed my perspective when I walked into that sale. Up until I walked into the camera department I had only spent $1.50.

I have not looked at camera equipment in quite a long time. When it is what you do, you finally reach a point when you have pretty much all the equipment you need. I am definitely old school analog all the way. The only digital I have is the point and shoot I use for this blog. The majority of my equipment is medium format and the 35 mm I do have is predominantly Minolta. I prefer my equipment to be analog and definitely a workhorse. When I stumbled upon this lovely Nikkormat FT2, I was intrigued. The price marked was for an f2 5omm lens and an f4 200mm lens. The 200mm lens was nowhere to be found so I had to bargain down the price. It was pretty much a steal. I look forward to getting to know this camera in the coming months.

I also found these Japanese tea cups at a second rummage sale I went to after the one mentioned above. I am sure that you find it hard to believe I came home without any furniture, but I did.