OK - lets be sure to include personal attacks in this thread. That's always productive, isn't it?

Trying to convince others of the errors of their thinking is a fool's errand.

Sounds like a hostile interpretation of normal p**********l activities to me. Eisenhower, Kennedy and others did the same. We need to seek facts objectively and not make knee-jerk conclusions based on prejudices.

Right on, ragon.

Thanks, Soul Dr and Goofienewfie (?) your comments are greatly appreciated. Another Q: when using a film camera with stop-down metering, the finder gets dark. Is this true with the digital camera, at F16 for example?
Bill

I'm still researching mirrorless cameras/lenses before buying, but I think I'll buy a used Fuji X-E2 or X-T1 or T-10 because of budget constraints. How is the metering done with the older SLR lenses? Does the aperture become manual stop-down? It seems to me that an older 58mm F1.2 would be a decent portrait lens on the APS format...no? Facts & opinions welcome and appreciated! Thanks...Bill (PS: the wildfire photo was taken with a Fuji PS from my front porch - note the planes in the top-left third).

I believe most people will look at your photos and think they're great and admire your photography. Few will say "I could've done that". Those that do are probably envious. Nobody "sees" precisely like you -- or me -- or any other photog -- so have little fear, and courage too!

Basically this: if you don't know why to buy the expensive one, then buy the cheap one and you'll find out. The kit lenses are great starter lenses until you find out which way you want to grow, photographically. 2 cents, please.

Looks like a Leica IIIa/Elmar 50/3.5. ?

Thanks, all...!

Howdy. I started "helping" my pro photog dad back in the late 40's and early 50's when I was about 5 -- mom was a working pro also, and a colorist. Watching an image appear in a developer tray hooked me. Since then I shot a few weddings using a Speed Graphic, I worked in various camera stores, did a lot of darkroom, studied zone system, taught photo at local 2-year college, a stint in the Air Force, opened a camera store, sold the camera store, and then digital happened. The film gear I had was the best. My digital PS sucks. I registered UHH but never participated 'til now. I've always liked the art of photo...photography for the sake of photography. Thanks for the forum...FstopBill

Highway 1 on the west coast is a state highway. I've driven it and bicycled it. Don't recommend the bike, but a motorcycle would work. Dillon Beach is in Marin Co.

Dillon Beach - 52

For the love of photography, I opened a camera store. One of the things I learned was that we had to sell stuff to stay in business and there was no profit in selling just a camera. So we sold filters...a UV or Skylight with every lens. Lens protection?...yeah, I suppose, but I never put them on my own gear. Something else to buy, another surface to keep clean. Never broke a lens either.

Perhaps to the "toppa Tam" - Mount Tamalpius just across the bridge (Golden Gate) gives a splendid view of the bridge and SF Bay and SF. Definite photo stop.

OK. For what it's worth: I agree with the crop - however - that made the window very light dominant in the composition and commands the content. I would suggest toning down the window area...and slightly overall. I like the subtle vignette. Five cents, please.