This is simply stunning work, Linda.

Take care,
Andy

As I was saying...

I've not looked in here for quite a while - busy with pandemic stuff, which is still a crisis in the affordable and senior housing world. A member was kind enough to PM me and ask if I was okay. I am, but I'm still totally slammed at work. In addition, I have had to take a break from shooting for almost a year now, as my arthritic hip slowly disintegrated and was replaced with a bionic one on August 4. Due to a serious infection I contracted in the operating room, I have been unable to recover as fast as I was expecting, and have only been able to walk without crutches and carry the weight of photographic gear for the last week or two.

In any event, I'm still shooting, but virtually all of my hobby work has reverted to film, which is not as big a topic here. But I do want to say hello to everyone here that I'm not in contact with outside this forum.

My best,
Andy

I'm sure this will be moved to the attic, but I wanted to express my agreement with it before it goes. Well written.

Andy

Movie editors are extremely cheap and widely available. I've seen them in thrift shops, and there are plenty on eBay at under $20.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VTG-Kalart-Editor-Viewer-Eight-8-mm-Film-Movie-Splicer-Model-EV-8-BROWN-BAKELITE/153738494498?hash=item23cb874222:g:oSIAAOSwUlhdavNm

Andy

+1 to this.

Whatever cataloging software you use, I suggest you invest time in developing a keywording system for your personal photography needs. Cross cataloging really helps as well - especially between different categories entirely - events, people, places, dates for example. Once your digital library gets to a certain size, it becomes impossible to find a particular image you may recall but not recall in complete context. More of a problem the older I get!

Andy

As you can see, there are a lot of opinions on this subject, and many decent options. There are two points I'd like to stress again:

One, the major investment you will make in any editing software is your time. It's a long-term commitment, especially if you really want to develop your editing skills to the maximum. Switching back and forth is a waste of time, and if you have to go back and re-edit shots that you've already "perfected" you'll be starting over. Don't invest in software that doesn't have a good prospect of continuing in business.

Two, the subscription model is becoming the new normal. While many people hate the idea of "renting" software, it's the only sustainable business model for software companies, which is why it's being adopted in so many areas far beyond photo editing software. Providing ongoing support in a world where hardware and software evolve at light speed makes it very difficult to keep up with changes and user needs. You've always only bought a limited license to use the software, you've never really "owned" it and any ongoing support is provided completely free by the companies. That's why it's unsustainable.

My personal choice is the Adobe suite, as it functions well for me and is affordable within my budget. I'm open to other software, but this works the best. I try to avoid software zealots who insist that their decision is the only reasonable one. Like most zealots, their thinking may be more emotional than rational.

Andy

I've done business with all, and have no complaints with any. I buy mostly older film gear, and I think I've gotten slightly better pricing at times from Roberts. I'm also a big fan of New England based Hunt's Photo, and both their B&M and online stores.

Andy

The only cost is your own time in learning it. It's not terribly intuitive. There are lots of tutorials available but not one tenth of the number for Lightroom / Photoshop. Ten bucks a month is well worth it for me, I spend more on takeout coffee during a typical month. Switching software suites is, at least for me, a major PITA, and I try to make my initial choices without the expectation that I'll be having to start all over in a relatively short time. That standardized "industry standard" model, has worked for the software companies, and it has honestly worked well for me. I literally never have to worry about updates or compatibility, and glitches are fixed quickly. My own time is my scarcest resource.

Andy

My experiences with Adobe support have also been very positive. I haven't had many experiences with Microsoft, but then, I haven't had many problems. The only poor support I can report on is from Netgear and HP.

Andy

I use these all the time for work presentations. Never had an issue.

Andy

Smaller tears or holes in the shutter curtain are easily repaired and accessed. I use a liquid rubber product for shutter curtains and bellows. I’ve just lubed the springs and found them pretty accurate. You can find Graflok backs that can be easily adapted from later cameras if you don’t mind having a “Frankencamera”. As for lenses with functional shutters, they’re a dime a dozen on eBay.

Display is fine, of course, but it’s not hard to turn these into functional cameras if that’s your goal.

Andy

Lovely little camera! My first one that was (at least in theory) "large format". The roll film backs make it a big winner.

There is no substitute for a film test for the focal plane shutter, although the sound, combined with the accuracy of the slit size can give you an approximation.

Andy

That's not a question anyone can answer - I have stuck to DX format because it meets my needs, and shoot with a D7100 because it is the best model for me. I don't like or want flippy screens, GPS, or wireless connections the D7500 doesn't have sufficient IQ improvement to make it worthwhile. The D7200 has a bigger buffer capacity, but zero difference in IQ. Since I rarely shoot wildlife or sports in movement, it's not worth the premium to me. Like everything else, the camera that's most suitable for you depends on your individual needs, desires, and budget.

Andy

I know that taking group selfies by handing your camera over to another person is dangerous in many ways, but no matter how trite or frequently repeated, every single image of you with a person who is no longer alive is precious beyond the cost of any camera.

Trust me, I know from personal experience.

Andy

I am so busy with work and home life, I hardly have time to check in. I do always check for posts from you, and the many other photographers and contributors I admire, but I rarely have time to comment or show my appreciation.

We will someday return to normal, and maybe I'll develop and post process the rolls of film I've taken during this horrible time.

Andy