In addition to the excellent responses you have received thus far, check out this article - http://www.dslrbodies.com/accessories/camera-accessories/tripod-101.html

While not medium format, check out this link: http://www.filmbodies.com/articles/thoms-favorite-slide-film.html

Maybe "Flank them with shots 'taken in" Florida

:)

When shooting film; 35mm and 4x5, would slide film scan better than negative film?

I have been using a third party grip (no OEM grip made for my model camera)and have had no issues whatsoever. I had not used the tripod socket for anything prior to yesterday. However, yesterday I got a Stroboframe flash bracket that attaches to the tripod socket. Pulled the socket out of the grip. What if the camera had been on the tripod??? Thankfully, the grip is under warranty yet. Moral-I won't use the flash bracket or the tripod on the grip, only attached to the camera body directly.

And then there are those of us whom are color (colour)blind. The world is strictly black and white, with varying shade of grey (or is it gray?)

I believe there is one in Portland, but I don't recall the name right now.

I have purchased items from both Norman's and Robert's (I live in Michigan, my kids in Indy). Great shops and people, each. Norman's still carries MF and LF film and chemicals. Grand Rapids still has a lab that will process and scan both formats. Marks Camera and Video in Grand Rapids will have a class on sports photography and then a photoshoot with at a minor league hockey and baseball teams that evening. I get emails often from Robert's in Indy offering a walk about evening photoshoot with a local (sometimes not so local) pro, often with a model.

Does anyone have the new Sigma 24-105mm f/4 lens? I'm wondering how it would work on a crop sensor Nikon for portraits and product photography?

One auction site I've recently come across is "shopgoodwill.com" The Goodwill stores across the country post items for auction just like the big auction site, only just donated item. There are a number of film cameras (and I recently saw a Nikon D5100 and a D7100 go) of all brands with some "collectables" also.

I have the 55-200mm on my D5100, great lens for the price. Not the greatest for low light, but $2,200 less than the best.

If I understand correctly, the 50-150 on my crop sensor camera equates to the timeless 70-200 on a full frame. Does that lens too come up short? I state earlier that I also own the Sigma 150-500. I really like that lens, but it is a bit much for impromptu family portraits or T-ball games. It has it's place, but not for these purposes, in my humble opinion. I asked for opinions, I suppose that I got what I asked for.

BTW - lately this forum appear to be a great place to lurk, but sparks a hailstorm if a question is asked.

Thank you all. I suppose that I should have added that I do have the Sigma 150-500mm and am very happy with it.

check these people out:

http://www.backdropexpress.com/default.asp

Looking for user opinions on the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8. Mainly shooting grandson's t-ball games and family member informal portraits. It will be used on a Nikon D5100.