I concur with your observation. We live in California in an HOA that was built in 1978. There are no front porches in the entire 59 unit complex. Furthermore, essentially none of the homes have living room windows looking out toward the street. Every home is focused toward the back of the house where there are a few pools but mostly just nice seating areas. Reflects the times, I guess.

Scotty

I expect that CHG_CANON has more insight to the actual stats than we do but as a long time UHH member, I'm not sure Nikon is that over represented. I certainly see a lot of questions and comments focusing on Canon as well as Sony, Fuji, Hasselblad, etc. While I have used Nikon for over 60 years, in addition to being very happy with Nikon, with so many Nikon lenses, it just did not make sense for me to change even as Canon and Sony came up with other amazing new cameras. I just made the shift to a Z8 but expect that is my last camera purchase. I think far too much is made of the Canon/Nikon issue. Both companies make great cameras and excellent professionals use both, so I think most of the "arguments" are just favoritism for what you have. It is sort of like insisting your college is always better than any other.

Scotty

I have used Shutterfly for years - more than 20. I usually do a photo book to cover the last year of family and travel. I have used several of their formats and have liked all the results. They are the best customer service company that I use. Once there was a printing error and a picture was reversed. They immediately corrected it and sent a new copy quickly and free of charge. No questions asked. Very good "chat" support if needed.

Scotty

This all seems like a tempest in a teapot. It is almost like school children arguing about who loves Taylor Swift more. I have a Nikon D-850 and the Z-8 and have been taking pictures for over 65 years. Of course, when I intentionally go out to take photos, I use my current best cameras. However, I don't always have one with me. Seriously, it is not rational to haul around several pounds of photo gear in every day-to-day situation. Frequently, especially in family gatherings or surprise occasions when a particularly good photo opportunity arises, I will use my cellphone and be very happy to have captured the moment. I find now with the new cellphone cameras, I can get photos good enough to include in the calendars I share with family and friends. One uses the best tool available at the time. These absolute arguments insisting it has to be one or the other are not really meaningful, to me.
Scotty

As with so many things these days, as we all "age-out," gradually the forum requires new life from younger photographers. It is my belief that with the explosion of amazing cell phone use for photos, fewer and fewer younger people are interested in "photography" as a special interest. We see the same thing in duplicate bridge. Getting the younger generations interested in bridge does not seem to be working and our tournaments and online participation is diminishing. Lately, it seems that the smaller participation may also be a result of the holiday season.

Scotty

I was in almost the exact same situation. I used a scooter at the local County Fair and found it to be a great way to get around. We went to a local medical supply store and looked at the available scooters. We bought one and have been very happy with it. It gets quite a lot of use on one battery charge and is able to be broken down into four parts each one weighing less than 35 pounds. It fits in the back of the car. However, we found it a little awkward to break down after a while mostly because we are aging (already aged, actually.) We then purchased a carbon fiber scooter that weighs a total of about 40 pounds with the battery in and folds conveniently. The domestic airlines are required to put it on board for no additional fee. We have used it several times to take on vacation. I drive it up to the airplane and fold it up and they stow it below in the belly and return it when we land. Very convenient. So now I have two. The larger, heavier one we use around the neighborhood mostly and use the fold-up one for travel. There are many available. Both scooters run about $2,500 each. If you can afford it, I think it is worth the price.

I am surprised that you have had bad experiences with Shutterfly. I have been using them since they started and find them to be probably the best customer service companies I have ever dealt with. No, I am not related or connected to them in any way other than being a user. We use them every year for our holiday cards. I use them to make gift calendars and other photographic items. I find their "chat" feature to be excellent. Had to use it yesterday and the chat person was very helpful. They have always stood behind their products and have been quick to replace anything I might have been unhappy with.

It seems to me that after some of the initial negative feedback, Admin adjusted the format so you can immediately click on "Filter by section" and read exactly what you want. Works for me and I was one of the initial nay-sayers. I'm not sure why the change was thought to be necessary but I guess I did not read complaints or issues with the previous system.

Thanks. USN 1963-1992 Nuclear Submarines (and one diesel)

I can deal with it. I’m not sure why the change was thought necessary but I’ve figured it was.

I'm afraid I find the "new" format awful. After quite a few years, I had a sequence in which I read the morning Hedgehog column. Now I have no idea of what I am going to see next. I read the "way" to reorganize it but it does not track with what I see on the screen. I am told to look at the top left hand section of "digest." I don't see any "digest" section. I liked the old system and may just need to drop out unless it can be an option. I understand the desire for "new and better," but I find it definitely not better.

Scotty

Yes, Topcon cameras were used by the submarine force to take pictures through the periscope. I used several on four different submarines and when I was in charge of a photo lab in Yokosuka, Japan. I don't recall specifically whether the lens was a 1.4 50mm or not but then that was over 50 years ago. I always thought of it as a sturdy, high-quality camera.

I'm surprised you experience problems with Shutterfly. I have used them since they started up, I believe, and have found them to have THE best customer service in the industry. [Note: I am not affiliated with Shutterfly in any way other than being a user. I am a retired Naval Officer.] I have been able to resolve virtually every issue with either their chat service or by phone. I find their prices good and their responses quick. I am storing some 40,000 pictures on Shutterfly and have used them for our Christmas cards and about 25-30 calendar gifts a year in addition to prints including enlargements up to 20 by 30.

For probably 20 years, I have been using Shutterfly to print some 25-30 calendars I put together for friends and family. Look at the offers and jump on one of their 50% off offers and also look for free shipping if you are buying more than some preset amount - this year it was $79. I have always been impressed with their customer service and availability. Their online chat assistance is excellent. And, no, I have no connection to them other than using them for a very long time. I have said before that I think they are by far the best company I do business with.
Scotty

Truly an impressive set of photos. I'll bet the firefighters will appreciate them. With others you must have collected, they surely will make a great exhibit or book.

Congratulations for a job very well done!

Scotty