The Thursday Ramble: Cameras - would I Leica?

His parents were buying a new Leica. 

It is no secret that I enjoy good cameras. I have owned a long list of them, starting as a teenager - and I keep saying this will be the last one that I buy - and then buying another. Back in the 1970s I started with Canon, my oldest brother bought a Canon FTb in Asia in 1971 or 1972, and my father seized it in exchange for money he had spent bailing Dale out of a couple of tight spots in the preceding couple of years. I don't know as Dale intended that camera to be repayment.  Dad gave me the camera a few years before he died. I gave it back to Dale after Dad died. Closing the circle. 

I used the FTb a fair amount, and bought a couple of lenses for it. When it came time to buy my first good camera, I bought a Konica from a local shop in Florida. It was inferior to the Canon, I was never happy with it. About 18 months later, I sold it to a classmate (who dropped it down a flight of stairs a few days later,) and used my summer working on the farm money, to buy a Canon F1. The F1 at the time, this was the fall of 1975, was the top of the line professional camera in Canon's line up. It was an amazing camera, built out of brass and titanium, it was rugged, reliable, and fast.  I added more lenses. 

A year later I added a couple of medium format cameras to the bag, a Yashica 124G twin lens - a Japanese copy of a Rolleiflex.  And then a Pentax 67. This was a massive single lens reflex camera that produced 2.25 by 2.75 negatives (6 by 7 centimeters.) 

The real workhorse was the F1. It's only drawback was weight, it was very heavy and the high quality glass lenses were very heavy. A decade later I had a few really profitable years, and found a reliable used camera dealer in Maitland Florida.  I added to the collection a Canon AE1 Program with a motor drive, and a couple more lenses. The AE1 went to Europe with me in 1990 and 1991. I was young and fit, and part packmule.  

Sometime in the late 90's I traded all of the Canon gear on a Nikon N65. I had stopped using the Canons because I didn't want to haul around the gear. I still have the Nikon. I haven't used it in 20 years, but I still have it. At the time, the Canons were just a bag of old gear, the F1 was about 20 years old. Cameras had become much lighter and more compact, and also did more. Instead of the motor drive being a half kilo add-on that took a handful of AA batteries, the motor was built in, and driven off of two tiny batteries that lasted for months. If I had held onto the Canons they would be worth more today, but I don't regret trading them on a camera that I actually used, used a lot. 

I have never owned a Leica, I probably never will. They make some of the worlds finest film and digital cameras, but the price is frightening. And I could take better photos with what I have, a better camera won't make me a better photographer. Still they are fun to look at. 

Leica has retail stores in major cities. There is one here in Washington DC, on the recent trip I was in two stores, Milan and Vienna. The stores sell Leica cameras and lenses, and the two I was in also feature coffee bars and small galleries. I love looking at the works of great photographers. And the shops drip with elegance as they should when the prices start in the thousands and go up. I am glad I stopped in. Would I ever own one? If I won the lottery (unlikely as I don't buy tickets) I might, but I would probably buy a Hasselblad and then complain about how heavy and bulky it is. But their top of the line is now 100MP, with amazing lenses.  

My World of Wonders: June 17, 2026

 

Where have I been this week? Down to the Alexandria waterfront to tour three "Tall Ships." The grocery store, they gym, a walk to Wegmans, the indoor pool, the outdoor pool, the farmers market, out to lunch on King Street. 

What have I been up to in the kitchen? Hmm, a pork spanish rice dish, tortellini and salad, roast pork tenderloin with cheesy mashed potatoes and green beans - nothing terribly exciting. I started my second batch of dill pickles for the summer. 

Who have I talked with this week? Amy, Kevin, Jon, Giuseppe, Ruth, Paul, Renee, My Sweet Bear. 

When is the next adventure? Mid-July a few days to visit family. 

What is on the easel? A large canvas primed in blue, the theme for August show is "Explosion of Color." I need to create something. 

What will keep me busy this week? The current art gallery show comes down on Wednesday morning, the new show goes up on Friday and Opens Saturday afternoon. I have two paintings and six photos ready for this show.  I have printed the wall tags, and I am working with the graphic artist to finalize the program.  The PowerPoint for the opening reception is almost finished. Joan and Pratibha are curating the show after this one. I am organizing two more in the fall,  Still Life and Real Life, and Landscapes and Dreamscapes.  

Travel Tuesday: Milan Duomo Up On The Roof

We started our tour of the Cathederal in Milan, up on the roof.  We had booked tickets ahead of time, you go to the entrance at the right rear of the church, and the elevator takes you swiftly to the top. The stone work is simply amazing. 

 

Monday Moods: Things that work

We had been having intermittent problems with the washing machine not wanting to start, for probably a year. Most of the time it would start, then it wouldn't.  The advice was unplug it, and plug it back in. That worked, until it didn't. Then the advice was leave it unplugged for five minutes, that worked, until it didn't. Finally after being asked to repeat that process, a technician was sent out to look at it. The technician repeated the unplug and stare at it routine, consulted with the manuals and announced it needed a new circuit board and door latch mechanism. The repair estimate was nearly half the price of a new machine. And I was so frustrated with the old one, I said, "no - thank you." I wanted to say "fuck no" but I am too polite to say what I am really thinking sometimes.  

A quick trip to Lowes, we had narrowed the choice down to two options, and they had both on display, side by side, and both on sale for the same price. We went with the LG, it was delivered a few days later. The simple joy of things that work. Everytime, at the push of a button. 

I had not really allowed myself to acknowledge how stressed I was about the intermittent problems with the washer. A low level underlying stress, for months. Hesitancy to run a load of laundry. Angst over will it start on the first try or will I have to fiddle with it to get it to work today. That had been going on for months.  That is gone. A little concern the first few times I pushed the buttons on the new machine, but it works. There is nothing to stress over. Life as it should be. 

For those wondering, the washer dryer is in the kitchen. The condo is relatively small (a little over 1,100 square feet, about 100 square meters.) In nearly all of the floorplans the apartments came with a stacked washer dryer in the kitchen. Unusual in the USA, convenient as could be.  The integrated washer/dryer stacks work very well, and fit the space nicely. 

The Sunday Five: Politics

Graffiti near the Vatican in Rome. 

I rarely talk about politics on my blog. I have strong feelings, but try to keep this blog a happy place. On the occasion of a cage-fight on the White House lawn for HWSNBN's birthday, I am making an exception (what a national embarrassment.)  

The Cage Fight Structure on the White House Lawn for this clown show.
So much for dignity and respect. 

1: Did you vote in the last election? 

2: Have you ever regretted a vote? 

3: Have you written (or emailed) your political representatives? 

4: Will you vote in the next election? 

5: Today is "his" 80th Birthday, what is your wish for him? 

My answers: 

1: Did you vote in the last election?  Yes

2: Have you ever regretted a vote? Yes, a couple of times. 

3: Have you written (or emailed) your political representatives? Yes, not often enough. 

4: Will you vote in the next election? Yes, please join me. 

5: Today is "his" 80th Birthday, what is your wish for him? Two million people crowding the streets of DC cheering his name, it will likely happen at his funeral. 

Please share your answers in the comments. 

The Saturday Morning Post: Creativity as Meditation

This was carved out of a single block of pink marble, I can only imagine the years of concentration that went into this. 

At times we create in a mad flurry of activity, working fast, as it is described being in flow. But more often, we create slowly, focussing on the details, working slowly, make minor changes, improvements. I have read that the Mona Lisa took years to create. It had been paid for, and had to be delivered.  

An interesting article linked by Angus in Scotland a few months ago, talks about a shop in Japan that creates tea caddies, boxes to store tea in. They are made one at a time, slowly, all by hand, as close to perfect as can be done. It list three essential steps: 

    1: Slow down

    2: Focus on something worthy

    3: Try to get a little better each day. 

A great article, a good reminder to focus on developing the craft of creativity. It describes the creative process as an active meditation. When I am painting, I lose track of time, and forget the clutter in my mind. 

Funky Friday: What Knockers of the Borgo Pio

  If you are unfamiliar with the title reference, watch this clip from Mel Brooks Young Frankenstein, 

"Thank You Doctor"

The Borgo Pio was the street our hotel was on in Rome. 

The Thursday Ramble: Death

In Vienna we visited the Royal Tombs, and last weekend we attended a "celebration of life" for a dear neighbor who died a few weeks ago. All of this gets me thinking about death.  If, I live to the age my parents died, I have about 20 years to go, at my weight, that is unlikely, more likely I have 10 - maybe 15 years left to go. My greatest wish is that I am able to enjoy life, and that when the end comes, it comes suddenly. 

I have no fear of death.  I am sure I will be surprised, disappointed that there were things I had hoped to do, that will be left undone. But I see little reason to prolong the dying process. "To die, to sleep, to sleep perchance to dream," I have no concerns about what lies after life. 

What to do with this mortal coil? I greatly dislike the the stuffed guy in a box funerals that have dominated the United States almost 200 years in the USA.  Rolling me off the side of the road, to feed the critters is not an option in the USA. So incinerate what is left. Then I really don't care what happens with the cremains.  Toss them in the River, or off the side of a cruise ship. I really don't care. 

The celebration of life was a first time model for me. It was a private event, hosted in a live music venue, with buffet food, and a cash bar. Loved one's spoke, a family member performed live music, old friends - one dating back to school days, spoke. There was lots of conversation, more hugs than tears.  A DJ played background music and controlled the stage lights (Larry was a live music fan.) Dress was casual, with a reminder to wear your favorite concert T-shirt. It was comfortable. It provided closure, without the usual religion filled sadness. 

Would that work for me?  I don't know. Larry had a larger social network than I do. Maybe fly in a dozen bloggers for steaks and really good bourbon. Finally something to do with the bottle of Forged Oak in the cabinet in the dining room. But I would really sooner be around to sample the golden nectar - come for a visit why don'tya?  Celebrate that I was here, not cry over my being gone. 

My World of Wonders: June 10, 2026

 

What has been on the easel? "Star Spangled" for the upcoming community show, "250 Years of Red White and Blue.  This was a work in progress for a week, it took me three versions to be happy with the product. The first one, I had the wrong number of stripes, the second one I didn't like the way the crystals dried onto the canvas. I kind of like this one. The states are the shining stars.  

Where have I been this week? The treadmill, the indoor pool, a Celebration of Life for our dear neighbor Larry who died of cancer a couple of months ago. Mt Vernon for a long walk. Along the Potomac for a long walk. The grocery store. 

What have I been up to in the kitchen? Something simple fried chicken, coleslaw, and sauteed corn. Bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches. A simple pasta and sauce, and a rhubarb and plum tart. 

What is happening outside my window? The outside of the building is being painted, at 16 stories this is a rather involved process.  It is the first time in about 20 years it has been painted. The color the board chose if very close to what was there before, but less pink. 

What domestic drama is playing out? The five year old Speed Queen washer dryer refused to start. Service was out, the repair estimate was nearly $900. When I was a teenager (back before the last ice age) my parents bought a Speed Queen washing machine that lasted for 25 years without a service call. This machine was extremely expensive ($3,475.) and honestly was a big disappointment. A new machine has been purchased and should be delivered and installed on Thursday.  

What about car rental company logic?  I am booking some travel to visit family this summer.  I went onto one of the big travel search sites to reserve a rental car.  When the confirmation arrived I realized that the pick-up and drop-off times were wrong, so I clicked on the button to modify or cancel. To modify it said to call the rental company, or click one button to cancel. I cancelled it. I still had the search open, so I changed the times and redid the search. The same options came up and the prices looked about the same (the difference was pick and drop off times were 2 hours later on the same days.) I rebooked, then compared the two confirmations. Booking two hours later on the pick-up and drop-off times, for the same car, from the same vendor, was $10 less money.  Should I keep checking and see if it continues to come down in price? 

Travel Tuesday: Cartagena Spain

I was a little hesitant when I first read that there was a port call in Cartagena, the one in central America is infamous for drug violence, the one in Spain is not. It is amazing. 

His friend walked a bike down the stairs, and held the foot traffic so this guy could ride down the stairs, my it looked like fun. 

On top of a hill overlooking the city are the remains of a church, and a Roman theater. It was a long climb, but worth it. 

Lots of narrow winding streets. 

Love the light fixture 

 

Monday Mood: Sometimes You Just Need To Get Lost

It has been a long time since anyone told me to "get lost" in other words go away and leave others alone.  When I was a child, my mother would periodically tell me to get lost, I would go for a long walk around the farm, or explore the old barns, or pop-into visit my grandmother and great-grandmother.

I got lost in Barcelona, in a different way. This time it was me, who wanted to leave others alone. The streets of the Gothic Quarter were overrun with tourists, with hundreds of vendors vying for any available euro. I was out for a walk, I was not feeling it, so I turned right, went in a couple of blocks and found a quiet street, headed down it to wherever it took me. I turned right, left, left, right, and probably right again, thinking I was making my way back to the busy main street. Someplace I failed to close the box, and I walked and walked, and got lost.  Absorbed in the joys of meandering the streets of the old city, with no clear plan. Time was on my side the ship didn't leave port until evening. 

I stumbled across a market, and bought a year's supply of saffron,  

then pulled up Google Maps on my phone. I was lost, about 2-miles from where I thought I was. I made my way back to the harbor and the ship, having been completely lost in the experience. 

I needed that.  At times it is just what I need. 

For anyone wondering, Sweet Bear, stayed on the ship that day. We had spent several days in Barcelona on a previous trip, and he wanted a day of rest. I got lost, giving him a day to relax. 

The Sunday Five: Subways

1: What was the first subway system you ever rode in? 

2: When was the last time you used a subway? 

3: How far is it to your nearest subway station? 

4: Would access to a subway system enter into your choice of where you would like to live? 

5: Do you have a favorite system in the world? 

My answers: 

1: What was the first subway system you ever rode in? London in 1990. 

2: When was the last time you used a subway? Tuesday, I had a meeting in DC. 

3: How far is it to your nearest subway station? About 1/2 a mile, a 10 to 12 minute walk. 

4: Would access to a subway system enter into your choice of where you would like to live? Yes, it did. 

5: Do you have a favorite system in the world? This is a hard question, Paris, London and New York have some of the most useful systems, but they are older systems with many-many stairs to climb in most of the stations.  The DC system is smaller, but very accessible. London and Paris are moving along well on making the stations more accessible. 

Please share your answers in the comments.

 

The Saturday Morning Post: Don't wait to start, until you can answer "What Are You Painting?"

 Sometimes when I start, I know exactly what I am creating, and sometimes I just start.  I have to start, or nothing happens. But most of the time, if I start the image emerges. I don't know where it comes from, but it happens. A pattern, a feeling, a response to my emotions, to the rhythm of the background music, the happenstance of the next tube of paint I pick up, the next tool that I pick up. 

If you ask me what I am painting, I often don't have an answer. If I waited until I had a vision of the finished work to start, I might never start. How do I start, I unwrap a canvas, put it on the easel, and paint on a primer or base layer, and then flow from there. Some paintings take days or weeks to develop, others happen from start to finish in minutes. 

The critical thing for me is starting. For me creativity happens when I am working, not when I am trying to decide what to work on. Don't wait for creative inspiration, start and it will find you. 

Funky Friday: What Caught My Eye

Signs on the street behind Notre Dame. 

Sub in a Paris Subway Entrance

The Hemlock Society published a book with that Title. 

Caution Hound

I am slightly at a loss to interpret this

Die Wiener is a reference to the people of Vienna, and next to it Normal People 

On the Square in Milan - No I would not do that

The view from the hotel room in Ft. Lauderdale 

Hold until you are home?

When Dogs Take Over 

Wiener Hounds