I was a dependent living in Ansbach, Germany 1957-61. Lived in gov't quarters, no maid or gardner, etc. No restrictions on mingling with the Germans... was just asked to dress cleanly and be polite. Lived in Bad Aibling, Germany 1972-76.... everyone in our building contributed funds to pay a German laborer to clean the stairwells, mow the grass, etc.

I am not a Pro Photographer. I do it out of pleasure. I've done 2 weddings. The first was for a friend who said he couldn't afford a Pro... asked me to take the pictures. He provided the film (slide). I set up a slide projector for the family/friends. They loved my work, etc, etc. 2 monthes later I heard that I "screwed them over" because they took the slides to a cheap shop to be printed. They wanted custom printing and it was going to cost money. I told them you paid for what you got.... my time at no cost. I will not even consider doing weddings for a friend as a favor. Second wedding I did was not as a photographer. My wife and I were asked as guests. Got there, just throw away cameras on the tables. I went out to car and got my camera. Took lots of photos. Spent hours post processing the photos. The wedding was actually 2.... mother and daughter. I made up 2 books (8x10's) and gave them to the family. Made it look like 2 different weddings. They cried when they looked at them. Tried to pay me for my work. I told them it (they) were my wedding presents to the family. They were poor folks and I knew it. While at a Bluegrass show the mother walked up to me and handed me an envelope. In it was $50. I tried to give it back saying that there was no charge....wedding present. Mother said that my work made their day. Their family wanted to know how they could have afforded a Pro Photographer. That made my day.

But, I just don't do weddings.

Yes, I do miss the darkroom and it is true that digital is much more convenient for me.

I like the Slik tripods. Had a few "junkers" along the way but am still using one I purchased while stationed In Bavaria back in the '70's.... a silver colored Slik Master. It is holding up very well except the center pole locking bolt 's plastic head has seen better days. Called Slik and they're sending me the bolt w/plastic head. By the way, Slick was spelled SLICK on the patent plate but SLIK on othger spots.

I've been lurking in the background here and finally decided to make my presence known. I've enjoyed reading the forums. Agreed with some comments and others just disregarded. I was formerly a Minilota SRT-102 and 202 user in the film days. Did my own lab work and a bit for a few others. Finally broke down and got a Nikon or 3. Went from a D80 (and D80 backup) to a D7100. Still doing my own "lab work" but on a computer.