Gardenia Resurrection
For nine years, each season has brought a fragrant outburst of gardenia flowers. Each year there would be maybe 50-60 blooms each season. Then one year, I noticed it was infested, which I treated in the off-season. The next year, and in years since, it produced hundreds of blossomsContinue Reading
Minolta-35 Buying Experience: A Dud, a Head Fake, and a Gem
I’ve just had a complete eBay buying experience. It began with an effort to buy a Minolta-35 rangefinder—Minolta’s Leica-inspired rangefinder. The Minolta-35 was manufactured from 1947 until 1959 and proved to be a capable Leica competitor during its run. Eight models were produced—models A-F, II, and IIB. While the Minolta-35Continue Reading
Buford Highway and Dekalb Farmers Markets—Almost Everything Worth Eating
The term “farmers’ market” typically evokes images of stalls set up for a day or so to sell fresh produce and homemade jams. If that’s your understanding, be prepared to be blown away. Thirty years ago, when we moved from DC to Atlanta, I expected less access to foods IContinue Reading
Never Talk to Camera Collectors–You’ve Been Warned!
Camera collectors are nice people. Well, at least they are no worse than anybody else—except when it comes to camera gear. I’ve come to realize that camera collectors have no sense of proportion. They never ask, “How many do I really need?” You see, a regular person who owns aContinue Reading
Finding ND Filters for 1950s Folding Cameras
As you know, I have developed a new fondness for folding cameras from the 50s. I have three: a Minolta Semi-P, a Minolta Semi III, and a Konica Pearl II. The top shutter speeds range from 1/200-1/500 of a second. These relatively slow speeds make using larger apertures a problemContinue Reading
Fallen Leaves
Among the many sculptures along the BeltLine is this collection of silver oak leaves (only species found in Georgia). Most were impossible to shoot without getting apartment buildings or other structures in the background. The leaves are placed along a small hillside facing west. I was there in late morningContinue Reading
Rhino, Two Times
Once again, I am torn between color and black and white. For months I had seen images of this rhino head but had no idea where it was. My initial impression was the sculpture was in Old Fourth Ward Park. After walking around the park and asking passersby, no oneContinue Reading
VMLP 30: The Minolta Maxxum 700si—The One with All the Awards
The Minolta 700si won the 1994-1995 EISA award and a few others after its release in 1993. Today it has faded into relative obscurity. Looking at sold listings on eBay, one finds that only a few are sold in any given period. There are YouTube videos, though, so that’s good. At theContinue Reading
Back to the 50s, an Ode to Simplicity
I’ve favored autofocus cameras for the last four years because they make creating images easier. In particular, aperture priority shooting with accurate metering leaves me unencumbered to compose and shoot. When chasing birds and insects, autofocus is a no-brainer choice. So, I am surprised by my growing affection for 50sContinue Reading
Cafe Sitting—an Acquired Taste
For my early adult years, cafe sitting was not a part of my social life. Cafe sitting is not the same as simply eating outside, like, for example, on a patio. No, cafe sitting requires being right there on the street next to people strolling by. It’s being part ofContinue Reading
