The reason why I shoot film is simple economical. It would cost me $5,000 to replace my film camera and my lenses to go digital. I would want to go full frame and have the same type of coverage that my current lenses now give me. At this point in time I might break even after 20 years but there's no guarantee that I'll make it for another 20 years.

Hi, The free standing stair cases are in the Supreme Court Building and were built by Cass Gilbert. A Minnesotan, they are also in the Minnesota State House in St. Paul. He also built one for the Vatican, though I'm not sure where in the Vatican it would be.

I've been a seasonal tour guide, mainly 8th graders, in DC for the last 14 years. If I could only get into one building, it would be one of the most beautiful in the World. That would be the Library of Congress - The Jefferson Building. Twice a year, Presidents Day and Columbus Day and also Memorial Day this year, they have an Open House from 10-3. You may walk onto the Main Reading Room floor and take all the photos you care, even with a tripod. Normally one needs to have their Library of Congress card to get on the floor, with no cameras. Make sure that your socks are on good because what you are going to see will knock them off! Union Station is also another beautiful building to visit.
If you have any allergies to marble, make sue that you're up on your meds!

Sensorloupe is correct. The battery is a 6volt. My battery, an enercell, reads PX28A. You can get them from a Wal-mart, RadioShack or a camera store. Enjoy the camera!

Ooops! Told you I was a dinosaur........ small brain.

I confess that I'm still a dinosaur. I only use film. I haven't gone over to the dark side, yet.
Star trails are no problem with my Canon AE-1. Simply place the camera on the tripod, screw in the cable release, focus on your object, e.g. moon, big dipper, etc., push plunger of cable release and lock down. Set alarm, go to sleep and wake up 4-6 hours later, release cable release, then wait for a week or so for the developer to have my photos ready. I'd love to post my results but back to the dinosaur bit, I don't have a scanner. Sorry.

However much time that you plan on spending there, it won't be enough.

The outside scenery will be outstanding. However don't forget the inside scenery as well. Go into the lobbies of the lodges, hotels and inns in the National Parks, be they American or Canadian. And you will be brought back to an earlier era of constructing buildings worthy of the area that they represent. Awe inspiring buildings of awe inspiring views. Enjoy!!!

I was privileged, just out of college, to spend three summers and two winters, 1976-1978, in Yellowstone, mainly at the Old Faithful location, working in the restaurants. On my days off during the winter I would sleep out in the snow somewhere in the Park. Stories for other times.
Anyway, try to time your visit with that of a full moon. Most of Yellowstone is above the 7,000 foot elevation. Which means 7,000 less feet of atmosphere for the moon to shine through. It's almost like daylight on a clear full moon night in the winter with the light reflecting off the snow. It's amazing to watch Old Faithful erupt during those times, as well as the other geysers.
Try to visit the waterfalls as well: Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone. The ice cones are beautiful. One of the lesser visited Falls is Fairy Falls, just north of the Old Faithful area, near Grand Prismatic Springs. Fairy Falls drops about 400 feet. About halfway down, water seeps out, gradually forming an ice ring. On sunny days the ring is blue.
During the winter, one find more animals in the geysers areas as the ground is warmer, making it easier for them to get to the grass.
I hope you enjoy your visit. Thanks for bringing back memories, which aren't buried very far back in the grey matter.

Hi,
I've been to Gettysburg about 45-50 times over the last 10 years as a tour guide, leading mainly 8th graders.
There are CD's that you can put in your car and drive around the battlefield with it. Can you ask questions of the CD? Yes, you can. Will it answer back? No, it won't! The best way to visit the battlefield is to hire a Licensed Battlefield Guide at the Visitors Center. They will take you around in your own vehicle for 2-3 hours, telling you about the battle and answering any and all questions that you might have. This is what my company does. These men and women are highly informative and are always striving to learn new things about the battle and the men and women that were there at that time.
Before you leave home, see the "Gettysburg" movie that came out with Martin Sheen, Jeff Daniels, etc.. . Once there go thru the Visitors Center, see the Cyclorama, get your Guide. After you're finshed with the tour then you can go back out and explore on your own. Places to eat in town would be The Farnsworth House and the Dobbin Tavern Inn.
Hope that you enjoy your visit. It is a very special place.