I spent moat of a year at Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara. That was close to 50 years ago. The major reason I went there was named Nora. Sh was my girlfriend here in New York City and went to college out there. We were kids. I figured Brooks was the only way I could get my parents to contribute to me and Nora being together. As it worked out, Brooks training, such that it was, turned out to be the longer lasting relationship. Hard to tell how much it helped my career. I am still a working pro. Looking at the Brooks alumni website, it looks like only a few guys from my 'era' went on to full time careers. I definately learned from my time there. Was it worth it $ wise? Probably not. In my 50+ years paying the rent with a camera, I have yet to have a client ask "Where did you go to photo school?"

Yep, looks like Wasabi for me, too.

Just picked up a Fuji X-100s. It came with an original Fuji charger and a single battery. My next purchase will be another 3 batteries and a second charger. And I am looking to save a few bucks.

Over the years I have used a variety of after market batteries and chargers on my DSLR's and other cameras with no noticeable problems. Well, maybe one or two that stopped holding a full charge after extended use, but I suppose that's to be expected. Just wandering through on line listings today and there seem to be a whole slew of battery labels out there, most of which I have never heard of. Confusion reigns!

So, I just wanted to know if there are any current suggestions on any after market brands to buy – or avoid?

Thanks!

Not refurb: perfect out of the box!

sorry, lenses not interchangeable

Sold.

At a recent PhotoExpo here in NYC, one of the exhibitors had a sort of 'repair shop' set up and among other things, was cleaning lenses with a blue liquid. I asked what it was: "Windex." have been using the stuff ever since. Also works on my spec's. And windows.

Forget the postcards: you will go nuts keeping up hotel's inventory, dealing with 'loss,' and in the end, collect only pennies on each sale. Use of some of the hotel's wall space as a gallery is a great idea. Possibly offer a % of sales (unless they also think it is a great idea and offer the space free!). Once you find out who you really need to talk to, print up a couple 16x20's or larger and show up with matted/framed prints and a selection of the others in digital format that you can leave. Hey, if the buyer really looks positive about the idea, leave the prints too!

OK. I guess the advice I got many years ago was pretty accurate and glad to have it confirmed by this fine group. Will make sure to fire each unit as suggested along with that monthly charging. Thanks to all!

I was once told that capacitors on flash units will 'deform' if the unit is not used regularly, so it is necessary to power up a flash periodically even if it is not being used. I still do this with any of my lights that I have not used for a month or so, but doing it today (on a rainy afternoon) I realized that I never really checked out the benefit. Or even if it is necessary. Anybody know for sure?

Yeah: Buy American! Right! Only problem: there is practically nothing in terms of professional gear that I can buy. Currently the only American made items I use are some sync cords made by Paramont Cords (made in my old neighborhood, Bronx, New York), my Domke Bag and my virtually bomb-proof Porter brand rolling case. That is it. Everything else is foreign and despite labeling, is probably made in China.

Back in my 'studio days' I used American made tripods (Majestic, remember?), lights, lenses and a solid Deardorf view camera. I did not pick them exclusively because they were made here; I got them because they were top quality and affordable.

For those who still insist on 'buying American,' great! Just show me a line of professional digital cameras and lenses and strobes and accessories and computers and storage systems that are made here. At any price. OK?

And as to this whole LensPen business: I bought both because I needed the 'good' one and I really wanted to see what I was going t get for $1.02. In both cases, I am pretty sure I got what I paid for.

Anybody got a problem with that?

Recently I had posted a few questions about the LensPen; ended up buyi one for around $9.00 at the Big Camera Store here in Manattan. But while doing my research, I came accorss lots of similar looking ones on line. One advertised free delivery and a total cost of $1.02. Really: a dollar and two cents delivered. OK, I couldn't resist and yesterday the plastic envelope arrived from China.

Now, my wife has no particular interest in photo gear, but she does have a Black Belt in shopping! The Lady can tell quality from across the room. In the past she is usually pretty accurate in picking out the knockoffs, purely by the 'look.' This time she was right on.

However, when I tried the two in a 'side by side test" using each to clean one eyeglass lens, the results were virtually identical. While the knockoff did feel cheaper and not have as smooth a finish, it did actually have a few features that I liked better. First, the brush was just a bit stiffer, not coarse, but since it was meant to remove grit, it seemed to me that the slightly stiffer bristles wil do a better job. Second, the cleaning head was mounted on a slightly flexable shaft. I felt that this covered the contours of my glasses a bit better. Both removed the oil from where the glass came into contact with my skin.

The removable cover over the cleaning head was also screw-on on the LensPen and friction fitted on the other.

Now to see how long they both last.

Officially, just over 50 for me, not counting shooting for Theodore Roosevelt High School's newspaper, where I learned that as school photographer I could get out of classes!

40+ years of studio large format work and I have never had this happen. Stopping down increases the depth of field, not the focus itself. General rule of thumb is that what ever that increase, it will be about 1/3 in front of the focus point and 2/3 behind it. Usually you could see this on the ground glass with a good loupe. Then the Goddess of Photos gave us Poloroids!

I am greatly relieved.