Wednesday, October 4, 2006

I have been adding to my collection of things Rolleiflex. I found a set of filters, a lens hood, a Rollei flash, a closeup lens, and a handle/bracket with a hot shoe. All the filters come in small leather pouches that can slide onto a leather strap. I still need to find a case and strap. My first roll of b&w pictures came out just fine - this was an important test to see if the shutter and lens performed as hoped. All is well, no fungus, no separation, and the shutter speeds seem right on. I have been on ebay everyday looking for bits and pieces. Also on the lookout for a companion camera, one with a xenotar or planar lens. They are going for over $600 on average. I am working on a project list for me and the Rollei. I was going to use it exclusively for black and white work, but that might change. I have two rolls of Kodak Porta (both the natural and the vivid color) and intend to try that out up in Syracuse. I need to scout around a find a good camera store up there - place to process and who knows, maybe find that illusive Rollei Xenotar. I spoke to brother Bill a few weeks ago and he already knew about my fascination with Rolleiflex - well he should, he's the one who got me started down this road. It was years ago now, that I first held a Rollei in his studio in Minneapolis. It was that moment that I knew I had to have one someday. There is an undeniable feel of solidness and quality in that old camera. And when you hold one in your hands you know that it couldn't be better. The knobs, the levers, and the shutter are all in the right place. It's like holding a century of thought, reason, and understanding at your fingertips. This sounds stupid, but if you ever get a chance to hold one, you will see what I mean. RiverDogs out for now. Have a great day, this 4th of October. The 5th is the 16th for us - oh, where does the time go? 6:09:29 AM    comment []

Hello October! This is the month that we always (repeat, ALWAYS) look forward to for relief from the heat that has plagued us since May. And here we are, still looking forward to the relief. It will be 95 again today and the next cool front is Sunday or Monday. No matter to us, for we will be shivering in Syracuse - ah, yes, forward to real Fall with the trees a turning. Flash back to last Friday night, P-ville football against Leander, then picture this, an 18-month old Texas girl at her first football game, ever. Yeah, that was us with G-daughter Ella. What a blast. Her head was on a swivel trying to capture everything that was going on around her. What a great time! And we won the game 36-26, showing for the first time this season that we may indeed be a powerhouse. My gosh we have a tight end and a second player that can rush the ball. Westwood comes to town on Friday and they are undefeated - that will be a test. 5:52:55 AM    comment []

© Copyright 2006 Dave Raaum.