Is it just me or is this camera getting heavier? When I bought my first RB I had much more hair and my beard wasn’t white. For thirty years I packed this heavyweight everywhere. Kodak Ektachrome 64 was my film of choice. In 2005 I considered downsizing a bit and bought my first 35mm SLR since high school. That was 1967. My choice was Canon’s EOS 1V, the HS version, and continued to shoot color slides with Fuji Velvia 50 film.

Using my Minolta Dimage Scan Multi Pro film scanner I was able to bring my slide film into the digital age. In late 2005 I finally decided to take the ‘digital plunge’ and with satisfying results. My current cameras are the Canon 20D and 5D. The 5D, at 12.8 megapixal,  combined with Canon’s ‘L’ series lenses and using Genuine Fractals software enable my 16x20 enlargements to rival that of my medium format camera! My ‘L’ series lenses include the 16-35mm wide angle, 135mm f/2 telephoto, 100-400mm zoom, and the 24mm tilt/shift. Non ‘L’ series includes a 50mm f/1.4, 28-135mm zoom, and the EFS 60mm macro specifically for the 20D. My one non-Canon lens is a Sigma 70mm F/2.8 Macro. I use this with the 5D and its sharpness is incredible.

Epson is my preference when it comes to printing. Of course opinions differ on who is best in the digital world when it comes to picking a Canon, or a Nikon, or a Fuji camera. Which printer is the best? Is it Canon, or Epson, or H-P?  It’s the same age-old argument as who makes the best muscle car of all time. Is it a Chevy, Ford, or a Chrysler product? My answer is simple. Just ask the guy who owns one! Technology has advanced to the point where the products from any of these digital companies will give excellent results. I happen to prefer the Epson Ultrachrome  inkset. I print using the 2400, 3800, and 9880 printer.  

Investing in the digital equipment has been a major undertaking both financially and in experiencing new ‘learning curves’. I still enjoy shooting landscapes and waterfalls with the RB. At times I feel the film industry is slowly coming to the end of its life and print making is becoming a dying art. Technology ‘rules’ and digital photography is definitely the future. On June 28, 2010 I’ll be 61 years old. I still have the same passion in regards to photography as I did when I was 12. My goal has always been ‘to be one of the best’. Looking at the level of my work today, I know I am getting closer. Thanks to my friends for years of encouragement in this gift I have been given.