Introduction to my sickness & me

[George Nova Scotia]

Hi, I figure it's about time to introduce myself to to masses. I've been a member here for over a year and a subscriber for just under a year. I'm living in the middle of Nova Scotia on Canada's east coast. Spent most of my life living and working within 2 hours of where I am now. Retired early with a package and pension from the telecommunications industry. Some thirty + years moving from 60wpm teletypes to gigabit fiber. I stated photography just after high school doing all my own processing and printing, both BW and colour. Continued strong for many years with a Nikon F2 and then a F3. Took a long break from photography for many years. The camera was always there but didn't get as much use as it should have. Never really caught the Digital fever although I do have a D5000 for colour family type snapshots and net postings.

Recently I've revived the darkroom work when I discovered just how cheap it could be to build a darkroom that I could only dream off in the '70s. I've set up a nice room in a spare bedroom and plan to take over a large part of the basement this summer.

Now for the sickness part, actually two parts. First age has caught up to me. Both knees need replacing and docs say I'm not old enough. Some days it's real tough and it can take a toll in more ways than one. I cope.

The second sickness is GAS. I've managed to pick up a nice RB67 ProS setup, Three lenses, backs etc. Just finally picked up a nice used LowePro commercial bag to hold it all, so some road trips should be forthcoming. I still have the Nikon F3 which I bought new all those years ago, picked up a spare body and rounded out my lens collection with a 300mm last summer. On the darkroom side I have a serious problem. I still have my Beseler 23C from the 70's. In the last year I've picked up more enlargers and darkroom gear than one person should have. I now have a collection of Omega 760s, 2 Beseler 45s (one real nice, one so so) and today I picked up my 2nd & 3rd Omega D5s. The first D5 was last fall and came with about ten unopened boxes of Ilford paper. The last two, one colour, one condenser I picked up today from a government surplus auction. (Thanks go out to Alan, another APUG member for your help, much appreciated). Oh and I've found a Fujimoto CP31 and an Ilford 2150 in my basement too. There are also a couple 4x5 cameras waiting patiently to be used.

That's part of my story, I know I need help.

George
PS just love this place and especially the Postcard exchanges.

 

[SuzanneR]

Well, the RB won't help with your knee problem, that's for sure, but it's a great system for making pictures. Welcome in from the lurk, good to have you here.

 

[M.A.Longmore]

.
Welcome Home George !

Ron
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[Paul Green]

Hi

 

[Whiteymorange]

Hey George. Welcome to the GAS house. We all (well, MOST of us) have it.

 

[areaeleven]

Welcome to the site George, from down the road in Halifax.

 

[Chazzy]

Thanks for the intro, George.

 

[Rick A]

Glad to have you here with us.

 

[LudditeJay]

Welcome and enjoy your stay. Have fun finishing your darkroom. I can't wait until I have a nice permanent space.

 

[Diapositivo]

Welcome George. I suggest you search APUG for applying wheels to photographic bags or use contractions to that effect such as pushchairs. Unloading your back, and knees, from the weight of the gear is the first thing I would think of. I would also begin some studio work as a way to spend time with my hobby without stressing my knees too much (as your heavy RB would work on a tripod). Also I would set my darkroom so that I can work seated most of the time.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Hello George and a warm welcome to APUG! I have an RB67 also, really like it!

Jeff

 

[papagene]

George - hello and welcome to APUG from western Massachusetts.

 

[munz6869]

Welcome from Melbourne!!

Marc!

 

[Sirius Glass]

Strong the GAS force is. Resist it not! - Yota, Star Wars XXXXIV

Steve

 

[George Nova Scotia]

Thanks everyone for your comments. Glad to see another Nova Scotian pop up. I think that makes four of us here that I've noticed.

I guess the RB67 is a little heavier than My F3 with motor drive but not by much. The back for the RB67 is still a bit lighter but that may change. I've seen the cart/strollers mentioned for LF but it may be a good idea, I'll have to give it some thought.

Re darkroom set-up. If fact almost all my darkroom work has been sit-down. Especially at the enlarger, some how I like being close to the baseboard.

Thanks again and like I said this is a really nice place on the net.

George

 

[eddie]

George- I had a terrible left knee for years. After 14 surgeries, on it, I had it replaced 2 years ago. Smartest move I've ever made... When it gets to the point where the pain keeps you from leading the life you want, do it. The rehab is rough, but worth it.

 

[George Nova Scotia]

Eddie, all I can say is OUCH! 14 surgeries! As I have said I cope. I was on a waiting list for a partial replacement but by the time my turn came the damage was too much. I need full replacements on both knees, the trouble is the surgeon says I'm too young and have to wait a few more years. Yes the rehab scares me, being a bachelor living in the country I'm not sure I make it work, likely have to move in with my sister for a few months. The good thing is that I was able to take and early retirement with full pension, so if I need a day off no problem! Besides I get to use all those nice parking spots!

 

[johnnywalker]

Welcome George, from the west coast of Canada. I also have an RB with 3 lenses, a 4x5 with 3 lenses, and a few Nikons. My solution (and I don't have bad knees, just an aversion to hard physical labour) was a jogging stroller. A three-wheeler with big wheels, and it works great.