Yes a good CLA is in order for my old treasures. The optics are phenomenal on these old gems. I have 20 X 24's that are so crisp and beautiful.

Thank you all. I really appreciate your input.

I have several all mechanical cameras that are 50 to 60 years old. I have been leaving the shutters in the "B" setting and released as I assumed this would create less stress on the springs and levers. Am I right in doing this?

Way back when I thought film photography might cease to be, I bought several bottles of Rodinol. The one unopened bottle that I have has crystals chunking around in it. Other than microwaving it, is there a way to have the crystals re-absorbed into solution? (No, I really won't microwave it!)

I am also old, and have a collection of old and strange cameras! Most old German made leaf shutter cameras need a good "CLA" as they say in the repair world. Old light meter cells can sometimes be restored and/or replaced. Go online and get the address for Vermont Camera Works. Jim is a superb repair man, and his pricing is very reasonable. Once your Contessa is up and running, get a roll Of EKTAR film, shoot it and let Dwayne's develop and print the film. You will be delighted with that Zeiss lens and the gorgeous color you get from a real C print!

If you want the camera given a CLA, I suggest Vermont Camera Works. They are superb and you can find them by searching Vermont Camera Works online.

I have an Epson scanner that is 6 or 7 years old, and the glass looks to have a film on the underside. Anyone else have accumulated scanner fog? It does not seem to cause any image problem, but I figure it must be doing some degree of degradation of the image. Is it a big dealto remove the glass plate and clean it?

My Epson scanner, which is about six years old, has a "film" on the underside of the glass plate. I can not say that it makes a difference in my scans, but should I attempt to clean it, or should I send it back to Epson for service?

Cell phone cameras are killing camera sales. I know a photographer that has given up their professional work because folks with cell phones would post pictures of the event before my photographer friend could edit and post them! I'm a dinosaur, if I don't want to carry my big camera stuff around I will at least use a compact digital camera. The only way to keep camera sales going is to buy them! Keep your cell phone in your glove box, and use your REAL camera!

The best way to enjoy the Cog Rail Road is to ride it! Ash from the locomotives is pretty much a thing of the past as they now use eco-diesels. The views along the way are glorious, even when there is fog. If you are using an APS-C digital camera, an 18 to 200 would be a great lens. Some wide angle shots of the interior of the cars, a few shots of the conductor during their "patter" as you ride the"stairway to heaven" is also jolly fun. Enjoy the trip up the "Rock Pile", and check out the train collection in East Barnet, Vermont.

My typo, I meant 8-16mm

I have been a very pleased owner of the Sigma 8-16 UWZ. It has proven indispensable for doing some cramped interior images, as well as glorious landscapes. I have 4 Sigma zooms in my camera bag and all of them are fantastic performers. I have the 8-17, 17-70, 18-200, 70-300 APO Macro and they have made me money and always performed with my satisfaction and that of my customers.

My recommendation is to go with B&H, or did you try Adorama? The add on junk from Goya is just that, junk!

I do my own B&W, but color chemistry is no bargain...supply and demand I suppose....I scan my shots with my mighty Epson!

Thank you! I checked out Dwayne's and they are reasonably priced, and I will give them a try.