Fall Photo Shoot

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Finally, it’s fall! I decided this fall that I would dust off an old camera and do a photo shoot.

I chose my Dad’s Canon 135mm SLR, with 50mm lens. I think that he purchased it in 1975.

The camera is in really great shape, just needed a new battery for the light meter and some film. Surprisingly, both were pretty easy to obtain. If you’ve got a camera shop in your area, try them first. If not, you can order from the web.

I chose B/W film, as that is what I used to shoot. I was only able to obtain Ilford film at 200 ASA (film speed). This film should work pretty well in either sunny or cloudy conditions.

I took a hike in a local wilderness area. The camera seemed heavy and limited compared to using the camera on my iPhone. Anyway, I shot away.

Here is a picture of one of the sycamore trees from the park. I took this with my iPhone, as the film process will take some time to see the results. I also took the same picture with the 135mm camera for comparison.

I have not done so yet, but I will take the film to the camera store for development. I will ask for negatives only, no individual prints. This will take about 7 – 10 days for processing and return.

Once the negatives are returned, I will run them through this digital scanner. That will give me digital B/W images.

I’ve done this with some of my old negatives (and slides). Most of them turned out pretty well.

It was fun taking the old camera out for a spin, but back on the shelf it goes. Now where’s my iPhone?

Birkies at 42

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About a week ago, a good friend sent me a text with a picture of some 1970’s Birkenstock sandals. They belonged to Steve Jobs, one of the founders of Apple Computer. The sandals had been auctioned off for $218K. That is just crazy!

However, I do understand the ‘lure’ of a good pair of Birkenstocks. I’ve had my Birkenstock clogs or Birkies, as I call them, for nearly 42 years. I purchased them in 1981, while living in San Diego.

It has become a passion of mine to keep them going until my final days. Why would this be so? What is the point in keeping these shoes alive?

For me, they are a portal to my past. Each time I slip them on, I am transported to another time in my life. A time filled with dreams of possibly working with zoo animals and living at the beach. A time filled with dreams of the future.

And… I know it’s hard to believe, but some individuals do not like my clogs. It was even suggested to use them as planters on the patio wall. Really! These are priceless and need to live on. Perhaps they are even an extension of my soul (sole)?

So, if the individual who purchased Steve Jobs’ Birkies wants to know… they can easily be resoled and recorked. You can keep your investment alive forever! Wear them, travel back in time to the ‘Home Brew Computer Club,’ and tell “The Woz” hello for me.

Enjoy your Birkenstocks – your feet will thank you!