Greetings from Soho (London)

[Allora]

Been reading on this site for a couple of months now and felt maybe enough time had passed for me to say 'hi' to you. I started with photography in about 1960 with a Brownie 127 and by 1963 bought my first Pentax (S1a) shortly followed by a second (SV). These soon had stablemates of first a Rolleicord Vb and then a Rolleiflex F 2.8 Planar. At a somewhat precocious age I got my first job on a now defunct 'City Press' newspaper and, with a couple of M3s etc. I followed the well-worn and troubled path of self-employment that lasted until I got married (ring any bells?).

I had been totally away from photography until 18 months ago when I got bitten by the bug again and - not knowing what was what - bought a p&s digital Olympus C50 Zoom (oh the shame). Actually quite liked the convenience of being able to download straight onto my mac, edit, etc - so bought an Olympus C8080 Zoom (even more shame). The monitors on both died within weeks of each other and I became totally disillusioned with the wonders of the digital age - something was definitely missing - it was a soulless process and I didn't like the idea of merely 'making images'.

I thought I'd investigate the possibilities of 'proper' photography again though from the welter of pro-digital magazines and publicity I could have been excused for believing that didn't exist anymore. Having had one 'real' heart attack I thought I'd better avoid anything with Leica written on it - didn't want an 'all-singing, all-dancing, all-auto-everything' camera but saw and fell in love with a Nikon FM3a. Goes everywhere with me. Saw this site recommended in Black and White Photography magazine and here I am. Totally blown away by the depth of knowledge displayed, the kindness and the humour that go to make this such a fantastic site - on more than one occasion found answers to questions I didn't know I had!

Now spending far too much time on the streets taking photos - interesting in Soho - but have to use a printer in Tonbridge (Kent) as I don't have the time or space to do it myself - not to mention haven't done that for so long I've probably forgotten how and the chemistry is bound to be different too.

That's all really except that I'm loving every minute and regretting the wasted years.

Take care - Mike

 

[Peter Williams]

Mike,

Welcome to APUG. I too started down the dark path in image making and I also found that I disliked the process. I think that it has something to do with not being able to actually touch the image. Thanks for posting - every time someone introduces themselves with such enthusiasm, I get motivated to get out and shoot.

 

[Dave Miller]

Welcome to the forum Mike; better late than never?

 

[David Henderson]

Hi. Interested that you're apparently living in Bushey, photographing in Soho, but having prints made in Kent. Maybe it might be easier to have your prints amde in Soho too- at least you could brief and give feedback to the printer personally and get a chance of building a useful relationship. Clearly there's a number of places around who will print b&w traditionally for you, but I use Kevin Markwick at Bayeux, Newman Street, just north of Oxford Street.

 

[roteague]

Hi Mike,

Welcome to the forum from Hawaii. Good to hear that you found us. I've been through London a couple of times, but I'm not a city person, so I didn't really enjoy it much. You are quite lucky, there are a lot of really great B&W photographers and printers on APUG from your area.

 

[Allora]

Thanks

Hi. Interested that you're apparently living in Bushey, photographing in Soho, but having prints made in Kent. Maybe it might be easier to have your prints amde in Soho too- at least you could brief and give feedback to the printer personally and get a chance of building a useful relationship. Clearly there's a number of places around who will print b&w traditionally for you, but I use Kevin Markwick at Bayeux, Newman Street, just north of Oxford Street.

First thanks to you all for the welcome - David - Yes, do live in Bushey and work in Soho (pays the rent / buys food / etc) but with photographing there too spend more time here. Was recommended a printer in Kent and sent first films off with a briefing and some serious degree of trepidation as had been almost 30 years since done anything serious - rang him after a couple of days to see how things were going and his reply was "Good to see you haven't lost your technique" - results were more than I could have hoped for and so encouraging. Have actually bookmarked Bayeux on the mac and will certainly investigate - estimate 5 minutes walk - can't be bad. Thanks for the heads-up.

Take care - Mike

 

[mono]

Hi Mike, welcome from Germany!
We all found our way back to classical film based photography or remained there in spite of digital temptations!

 

[Andy K]

Welcome to APUG Mike, good to see another addition to the UK contingent!

 

[arigram]

Thank God Mike that you were saved by the evils of 0s and 1s in the early stages of the disease!

 

[Stoo Batchelor]

Hi Mike, and welcome back.

I'm just down the road from you in Stevenage. I've whiled away a few hours myself in Soho, but never with my camera. Usually have a glass in my hand!

If you ever fancy getting your hands wet again, just give me a P.M. I'll be having a refurb in a few weeks time, but any time after that. Soon have you building a shed in the back garden!!!

Regards

Stoo