lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

My Dad was born in 1910 and my Mother in 1911. I have often thought what a wonderful time to have lived. Even thought there were a few cars traversing the dirt roads(?), most people were getting around by horse and buggy or steam powered trains. Yet they lived to see a man land on the moon. Dad even talked about reserving a flight to the edge of space. I can't help but wonder what he would be doing today with a laptop and smart phone and photos from Hubble and the new improved telescopes.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Hey, I'm sorry if I touched a nerve. I actually have quite average gear, accumulated over several years. My results come mostly from knowing what to do with what I have. The essential components of my copy setup cost about $800, or less than a good flatbed scanner, and offer additional uses far beyond just copying film.

My copy stand cost $86 in parts from the home store. I now know how to build a better one for half that, thanks to YouTube.

The light source and power supply cost around $55 for the light and AC adapter.

The EFH-09-SA film holder kit for 35mm and 120 films costs about $85 at current exchange rates. I added about $25 for the railroad board (black foam core board) and a 3' piece of 1"x2" framing lumber.

The macro lens can be had used for around $190 to $240. I had that anyway, for general photography, since it makes a good portrait lens for couples and waist-up compositions.

The GH4 camera I use can be had used for around $340 to $470. I had that for photography and video.

I, too, have implanted lenses from cataract surgery, and have similar frustrations...

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

No, no nerve touched. I assumed,.., and made.... Well that's never a good thing to do.

I got about half way through your white paper before my eyelids dropped. Your knowledge of all aspects of photography is impressive, while your equipment is quite humble. I've been amazed at your constructs. But my knowledge of the technical aspects of photography are way below yours. You've spent your lifetime in this pursuit. For me it's just one of many hobbies. I'm not sure I could build and make my own gadgets that I would happy with as you have. I will probably stay in my comfort level. But I do admire your hard earned knowledge, your willingness to help and teach those of us in need. You go to great lengths to provide understandable explanations, and I appreciate that.

Sometimes I attempt to give a short version of my thoughts, and that always seems to backfire. I think it did again.

No had feelings on my end. I hope I did not cause any on your end.

On the subject of cataracts. I'm not happy that you are having problems. I'm just happy to know that I am not alone. I went for the corrective implants. The doctor told me after it was all said and done that my left eye was lazy. Odd, it never was before. As I move my head around, I find spots in my glasses that are sharper that others. Some lights (LEDs) drive my eyes crazy. Bright sun was hard to deal with, now it's overcast days. Two years and I still wear the sun glasses they gave me. Any thing sound familiar? I'm considering going back to ground glass lenses. Yes, they're heavier, but these plastic ones are driving me crazy. And after 33 years of teaching school, it's gonna be a short drive.

Thanx and enjoy what you can.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

[off topic]:

As for knowledge, we become what we think about. I got hooked on photography at an early age. I think about two thirds of what I know about it, I learned in high school, but not from courses. I read voraciously — books, encyclopedias, and magazines on photography — and photographed something every day for the school paper or yearbook. By the time I started my AV job at a portrait photography and yearbook company at 23, I also had six years in radio production, a liberal arts degree, and 15 years of serious writing behind me. So the rest was easy. I joined industry professional associations, went to conventions and seminars... total immersion. It's been a lifetime passion.

UHH is a hobby of "giving back" to the industry that gave me a very decent retirement. If you think I might help you get your workflow fine tuned, just ask.

For cataract removal, I had toric lenses implanted in 2008 (they correct astigmatism and nearsightedness). They have been decent, a FAR better solution than no surgery, but I have two problems: persistent dry eye and flare in my left eye from oncoming headlights during night driving.

My Opthalmologist says I can have the film that has developed on the back of my left lens removed with a laser. If it gets much worse, I may do that. Generally, I'm very glad I had the surgery. My parents and sister all had cataracts, and all had surgery to alleviate them. We've all had similar annoyances.

I'm see well in bright sun with simple non-corrective sunglasses (or bifocal sunglasses with 2X readers at the bottom of the lenses if I'm on my phone). In dim light, I wear progressives that also correct residual astigmatism in one eye.

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

I have noticed that you do a lot of sincere "giving back" to the UHH members. And I pictured you having a large high tech personal lab. Oops. Your White Paper changed that mind's eye picture. But your words define a very knowledgeable career. Never have I doubted your statements.

Without the cataract surgery I probably wouldn't be able to see much. I also got the toric lenses, but I still wear glasses for close vision. Legally I can drive without glasses and often do. I also have dry eyes. Yes, that's fun, especially when I forget to take drops with me. I have already had that film zapped off of one lens. Very simple and very quick. Have somebody drive you because they're going to dilate you. For me that usually means I'll have a headache the rest of the day. Sitting at my computer, I have to close the curtains not to be blinded in one eye. To make it more fun, like my older sister, I have advanced to needing a refractive lens to keep from seeing double. That thing of not needing my glasses to drive kinda went bye bye. And I have gotten the joy of ocular migraines. I keep closer tabs on Sis cause I seem to be following her lead. I just hope I don't get her headaches.

So any time you want to talk eyes n getting old in general send a PM.

Bill