Retirement, film photography, and travel

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OP

Down Under

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Happy to see things here are firing up again. I find al your comments stimulating and thought-provoking. Well done, everyone!

At age 71-4 (Y-M) I'm slowing down a bit. So far small but growing mobility problems are being noticed - as my beloved partner and my medico quack slyly hint, if I seriously apply the principle of Excess In Moderation, give up my lifelong pastimes of gluttony and sloth and lose 10 kilos of excess bIubber I could surely get about more easily, and if I shed 15 kilos I could be 65 again, imagine! - also my ever- growing dislike of carrying heavy gear. I've never really liked having to cart things with me (suitcases for travel, heavy bags of groceries, armloads of library books) and as I'm not a car driver (I no longer even have a license) I find I nowadays have to plan better to get more things done such as shopping, buying wine, visits to the library and the hardware store, and so on,without relying on aforesaid partner's help with the car.

In 2018 we moved from our house in Tasmania to our condo (unit) near Melbourne. This wasn't as stressful as I expected - by prior agreement before the move we disposed of at least 60% of our possessions, household goods, long-unused personal items, darkroom bits I'd hoarded for years. Out went my beloved Nikkor tanks and cartons of no-loner-useful fim bits. One enlarger was sold locally. All told I coped surprisingly well - what took more out of me than the actual packing was the sorting and the (often emotionally wrenching) decision of finally rid myself of things I once wanted so badly, but after acquiring them found I didn't use them or bond with them. As we all do. The big Do It was to decide to get rid of those items, after which the rest was easy. So far nothing has been missed.

A cherished old friend (now gone) once told me two wise things. The most important step in making changes in life is to buck up the courage to do them, and 90% of life is a series of compromises but the last 10% just happens.

I still enjoy traveling. In two weeks I'll fly to Brunei and Sarawak to look at old colonial buildings,then meet up with friends passing through Singapore for two days, go on to Thailand by train via Malaysia with (maybe) stops in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Penang, and a meet-up with my partner in Phuket, which I first saw in 1974, those five beautiful beaches, once pristine, now tourist havens for hotels and resorts and disco-clubs with tabletop dancers, fooi! Eventually back to Australia after 2-3 months via Surabaya (again to see friends) and Bali. So far this is my LAST (famous last promises) planned extended visit to Asia, but then time will tell and we'll see.

I'm already about half packed - 12 kilograms of clothing and personal items in a medium-size rolling bag (soft), a Nikon D700 with 28, 60 macro and 85 lenses and (I never learn, do I?) a Rolleicord Vb with a 16 exposure kit, a few other basic accessories, and 20 rolls of 120 film in a clear plastic container to keep the Customs boys and girls happy.each and every item I put into my bag or backpack is carefully thought out. If I can buy it locally, I will. A few T-shirts, Chinos, walking shoes, sneakers. I've sourced film suppliers in Malaysia and Bangkok if I need more, but I doubt I will. In all I plan to be away for three months.

I now have 14 cameras (down from 20 in 2018, down from 50-60 in 2012, well done me!) and I want to sell or give away of a few more this year. The Nikkormats and Nikkors will stay (nobody will pay decent $$ for them), also the Rolleis. Two Nikon F65s will be given away. two Contax G1s and (maybe) two of my five wonderful Zeiss lenses sold via Ebay. The carton of old German folders, Kodak Retinas and unused saleable Nikkor items will be flogged off. Less clutter, more spare dosh for cold Tiger beers and good seafood lunches in my travels, a sensible trade-off. The glutton will be pleased!

A new, minimalist darkroom is in the works. One LPL 6700 enlarger, a Jobo unit, still too much old printing paper, basic accessories, fresh chemistry as and when needed. No more hoarding bulk chemicals in cartons in the spare bedroom, Off with the gallons of Kodak Rapid Fixer I bought in 2010.

Once back home I intend to sit down and deal with my photo archives once and for all. Too many old negatives and color slides to be checked, cleaned, scanned or cut up. Keywording, captions, archival filing. Also too many digital image folders to be checked, assessed, and maybe loaded into that web site I've promised myself and others for far too long to set up.

Also to spend on a new laptop with decent color screen and a reliable 'l' key and space bar....

My photo sales were down in 2018, more so than in 2017. My last good year was 2016 when I made enough to pay for my overseas flights. Photo markets are no longer as they were but it may also be that I'm no longer as interested as I was. Anyway, we'll see. I have all these old film images in my files... But this is only a passing mention as this not really the main point of my post.

Time passes, things happen, life goes on. So many of us who are over 60 (and even over 70) are still out there, doing things and enjoying life. I for one am so grateful for having photography to thank for getting me out and about and keeping me interested in things. Too many I know don't have this privilege and sadly are no longer interested in anything other than sitting around, complaining about things, and eating/drinking too much.

Over to you good people now.
 
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jtk

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Here's some time travel. Jerry Berman.

Few photographers have addressed 1960s in California as significantly. And 1960s in California drove much of subsequent American culture...that's where beatniks and hippies originated.
https://designobserver.com/slideshow.php?entry=5857&view=898&slide=8#slide

Post-60s, American culture rapidly devolved to the point where, today, people are mere commodities (think Facebook) with only moments of something approximating a culture (think the now-departed punk). Of course, I'm not in a position to comment on black American culture, but I'm optimistic.
 
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OP
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My last (as in final) post. I will say more about this at the end.

In five days (trip delayed from tomorrow to April 4 for unexpected family reasons, fortunately not to do with illness) I leave for two months in Sarawak (Malaysia), Thailand (to revisit a few of my old haunts (if they still exist) from my year's work in Bangkok in the '70s, overland to Laos and Cambodia, and if time allows, a last stop in Hanoi before I fly home in July, the first month of the Australian winter, pooh bah.

This will be my last long jaunt away. Time is slowly but steadily starting to take its toll on my body, my health remains 90% good but bits and pieces are starting to ache or otherwise give me grief. As I'd was expecting to happen for some time. The going for me was truly good until I hit 70 (in Dec 2017), at which time some (fortunately so far minor) health issues began to make themselves noticed. I'm still fine to travel, but I've slowed down a lot in the past year, and I expect this Go Slow will continue. My future trips will be more carefully planned and done with my partner, who is 20 years younger and has enough energy and stamina for both of us.

Time waits for no-one and age inevitably wearies us. To me old age is nothing special - anyone can get there with a little care and attention.

A few new decisions have been taken. I'm traveling with ony one camera - my new Nikon Z6 and 24-70 lens. I also want to take a Nikon 20 and my so little used 180 - I'll decide about time when I do my final packing. I'm much less keen to travel with heavy bags. My original plan to take a Rolleicord Vb kit and film has been nixed - it's too much gear.

Life is a series of compromises, and at this time for me, new compromises have to be made. When I return to Australia, I'll spend time sorting my photo archives (digital and film) and I hope, complete a series of small illustrated books to mark the milestones in my life - my architectural work, my travels, the highlights of my long-ago time as a journalist, the important people in my life. Also our cats, this at the request of my partner, who noted the thousands of images I've made of our felines and now insists I must do something with these before my time ends and the negatives and slides go to a dumpster and the pixels end up wiped.

I've enjoyed this thread and I've learned from it, which is just as important to me. I hope it will continue.

I've now come to a decision after some time spent in serious thought. To me Photrio has changed, and I no longer feel as involved as I was in the APUG days. Recently I've had a thread deleted by moderators without contact before or after or any explanation or reason given, it was just removed. I also believe that overall, the quality of many posts in Photrio is sadly declining. This may be yet another aspect of Old Age on my part, but whether or not I was in the wrong in writing what I did in the deleted thread, I feel strongly about censorship without explanation.

So from tomorrow, March 31, I will bow out, and no longer post on this site. I want to devote the time I have left to more rewarding pursuits - my photography and writing, the archiving I so badly need to do, creating new works from my lifetime of images. Also I hope, more travel in the next few years.

To everyone who has posted so far in this thread, many, many thanks. I will check it now and then in future, and I hope it will go on for a very long time.
 
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Prest_400

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As a youngster, the insight from many photo veterans, such as yours, has been very useful. Not only about photography but mostly about life.
It helped me be aware that things go away, Apug members helped me being the last generation to do Kodachrome being on my teens in 2009-10. Reflections on time and people that go, it's really about the time stopping part why I got into photo and then embraced its beauty. Also I enjoy annoying my cohort with stories from hippie days!

About the other thread I hope for you to be able to source film every once in a while, and run it through the Rollei & co even if it is for local photography. I am not doing more than 2-5 rolls a month, which is about a mild smoking habit for many.
Safe journey, lots of health and hope you do step in every once in a while here in a future after the trip.
 
OP
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Thank you, Prest. It's good to be reminded now and then that we old duffers still have things to teach to others.

However, in my experience, I've found that you young'uns are more connected to the real world than many of us oldies, and in that sense you have as much as (if not more) to teach us than we do you.

Overall I reckon it's a good trade-off. A win-win situation!
 

Truzi

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You have probably traveled and accomplished more in the past year than I have in 10.
My grandfather always took it slow, and quite enjoyed it. The point is to do what you like doing. Sometimes I think jettisoning "dead weight" isn't so much about necessity as learning you don't really need it.

I've now come to a decision after some time spent in serious thought. To me Photrio has changed, and I no longer feel as involved as I was in the APUG days. Recently I've had a thread deleted by moderators without contact before or after or any explanation or reason given, it was just removed. I also believe that overall, the quality of many posts in Photrio is sadly declining. This may be yet another aspect of Old Age on my part, but whether or not I was in the wrong in writing what I did in the deleted thread, I feel strongly about censorship without explanation.
I don't think this is an aspect of Old Age - people often get more tolerant and apathetic about these sorts of things over time. My sudden drop in participation and lapse of my subscription (both occurring years ago) are for similar reasons, and many others who taught me a lot have left for similar reasons; we are all younger than you.

So perhaps you are getting younger. Good luck in your future endeavors, you still have plenty of time to enjoy.
 
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Hello, lovely to read about your experiences with film. I shoot all film and vintage cameras up in Cairns, but hopefully visiting Melbourne at Christmas as it's my home town and been away 30 years.

I read you had some rolls of Panatomic-X cold-stored for 30 years and wondered if you could part with a few rolls, or swap for other rare films?

I write about cameras and lenses and you may enjoy my articles. I'd really love to write an article about Panatomic-X, but almost impossible to find cold-stored films.

https://www.casualphotophile.com/author/cheyenne-morrison/

Mr. Cheyenne Morrison
206 Grafton St, Cairns 4870
0479 054 972
 

Finny

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This topic has interested me for along time...
I nowadays travel a lot...
Enough for now. Bon voyage to all of us on this.

i loved to follow and read this thread back then. So I would be even more pleased if the thread opener would get back to me and tell me about his latest ventures and maybe even trips!
any hope?!
 
OP
OP

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Ah. Someone has revived my old thread. Much deja vu.

I have deliberately stepped back from posting here for the past year, due to unresolved problems of censorship but also other issues with the site and far too much kitkit from the usual malcontents who surface when they feel themselves contradicted over some posted trifle.

This said, we now live in unusual times, and this may be the moment to say "you are forgiven" and start anew.

I've had a few adventures since last year, and I will try to write something not too emotionally deconstipating to some, and post it in the near future.

I hope others will return and post their own travel adventures and misadventures as well.

I hope to resume my travels as soon as COVID is brought under control. There is too much world out there yet to be explored and need I say it, photographed.

A bientot!!
 
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Vaughn

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Chile 2018/2019. Platinum/palladium prints, 5x7

From a month of camping in southern Chile with my 5x7 and two boys. With a photo of one of our camps. and our wheels for the trip!
 

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Finny

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Ha! Bingo!
Well, I'm very happy that you answered to my attemp. So there is a chance that it continues with exciting stories. Hopefully also from other users. Because one thing is clear: even if the times after Cov-19 will be different when it comes to travelling. But photography and travelling, they belong together, they are one.
Good "new start" to all of you and: give us your experiences and pictures!
 

KenS

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After my 'forced' retirement from my 25+ year position as a 'Registered Biological Photographer" within Agriculture Canada's "Research Branch" (thanks to the 'acceptance' of digital imaging such that staff could 'do it all for themsleves), i accepted my PhD-type daughter to "go and earn your BFA" (at the nearby University a 20 minute walk from home.. so I did. I got some 'advanced standing' thanks to previous formal "College education", my "Board Certification".. and work history.

I then sold a rarely used 'now un-needed' and Pentax 'Ultra-Achromat' 50mm. lens and invested in an Epson 850 scanner to scan my LF negatives (from my 4x5 Linhof monorail and 8x10 B&J 'woodie') and print onto Pictorico OH 'film (a means of reducing/preventing any 'damage' to the original negative) when making prints using the 'archaic' print processes onto 'water-color' paper under my home-built UV light source. A process. that is a LOT more 'work' (and 'time consuming')... but somehow... 'Much more 'satisfying'.

Ken
 

Prest_400

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Retirement? I am going into the workforce on my mid 20s (or at least will try to) after a grad degree. I expected a 'tuff 2020 but not an economic depression kick to the decade.

Anyhow the darkroom is a good place to be under the weather (or social distancing measures) and I enjoyed printing on some old Ilford FB.
I noted that there are tons of old paper for which another camera club member mentioned "good for Lith", so I'm eager to being able to order some Moersch Lith developer and get to work that Brovira, Portriga, Orwo paper and stuff from the times where the Iron curtain still stood.
Travel? I began 2020 without any plans as stabilizing a career was a priority. A few miles on a bike and a fresh vision is travel; then some time travel with negatives and new techniques...
 

Vaughn

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I just got a letter today saying I was laid off due to the pandemic. I had forgotten I was still employed! Technically I was...for a Bay Area recreation district as a photo workshop instructor. No more workshops there. I wonder if I can get unemployment, a pension, and social security all at the same time? But two out of three is not bad...
 

Sirius Glass

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I just got a letter today saying I was laid off due to the pandemic. I had forgotten I was still employed! Technically I was...for a Bay Area recreation district as a photo workshop instructor. No more workshops there. I wonder if I can get unemployment, a pension, and social security all at the same time? But two out of three is not bad...

You can get unemployment as long as you are not getting either a pension or social security.
 

Vaughn

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You can get unemployment as long as you are not getting either a pension or social security.
It was asked in jest -- like I said, I already get two out of three, so I'm good.

There are grants out there for artists affected by the pandemic. I might qualify, but I own the roof over my head, not going to starve, and no outstanding bills at the moment, so I'm good. It's hard to play the starving artist at 6"3" and 260 pounds...
 

wiltw

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I am absolute astounded
  • one fellow initially retired in 1969, 52 years ago
  • one guy workd for 150 years in aerospace
What have you guys been eating, so be so long lived?! Of does breathing years of Fixer fumes provide some form of living embalment?
 
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OP
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I am absolute astounded
  • one fellow initially retired in 1969, 52 years ago
  • one guy workd for 150 years in aerospace
What have you guys been eating, so be so long lived?! Of does breathing years of Fixer fumes provide some form of living embalment?

Ah so. We are back again. Good one!

So maybe the guy retired at 21. He would be my age now. Envious of him. I remember (vaguely) hitting adulthood, and thinking, fooi, I can vote and legally drink now, so what? I don't care for this. I still recall the night of the day of my 21st birthday, I finished work (I was a news reporter-photographer and 'rewrite editor' for a small newspaper in Canada so all the news had to be translated into English and I did it), went to the local hotel bar and ordered a triple gin. Bartender said, "special celebration?" and I told him. I had been drinking at that watering hole since age 17 (I looked older). To his credit, he laughed and gave me the drink on the house.

A century and a half in aerospace. Well, why not? Who knows what goes on in the far outer universe. It's another avatar. Old Methuselah of the Old Testament may have been an astronaut...

Forget the fixer fumes. Good red wine is a better elyxir for 'youngfulness'. At home we drank the last of our vintage cold climate Tasmanians in December and are now on Victorian (state) varietal reds. If my liver holds out...

Now on to photography. COVID has derailed us for more than a year, 2020 was a near-total loss photographically for me and so far 2021 looks to be on the same track. I have tidied up my photo archives, did as much work as I could bear to do on culling, disposing, writing and rewriting captions and archiving for whatever future my images hold. Cleaned up a few old cameras. Sold off a pile of gear I no longer want. Sadly, I had to send 20+ boxes of old FB paper to recycling as I found long time storage in our garage and several moves had deteriorated it badly and it was no longer usable. I did think of lith printing and passed the word around, but nobody does lith in Australia. So it's gone. And sadly missed. Bottled and canned chemistry still all good, some 20+ years old. Ancient Kodak indicator stop bath smells as potent as it did when I bought that liter bottle in 1990.

Also planning my next Asian journey, which looks unlikely until at least August and most probably beyond. I hope October. To Indonesia to resume my life there (I kept my rented city apartment in Surabaya and have friends caring for everything there in my absence). I left two Nikon F65s with several D lenses in a locked cupboard and I want to retrieve them (and I hope use them) before they decay into dust. Also am planning a trip I had to postpone last year because of the dreaded lurgy. Vaccines are being rolled out here. I am due for my first jab on the 12th. So things are moving on.

What are the rest of you doing? What have you done? Cameras, films, digital, darkroom?

The list is endless. I am not, never mind.
 

wiltw

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Ah so. We are back again. Good one!

So maybe the guy retired at 21. He would be my age now. Envious of him. I remember (vaguely) hitting adulthood, and thinking, fooi, I can vote and legally drink now, so what? I don't care for this. I still recall the night of the day of my 21st birthday, I finished work (I was a news reporter-photographer and 'rewrite editor' for a small newspaper in Canada so all the news had to be translated into English and I did it), went to the local hotel bar and ordered a triple gin. Bartender said, "special celebration?" and I told him. I had been drinking at that watering hole since age 17 (I looked older). To his credit, he laughed and gave me the drink on the house.

I have long thought that life is backwards...we shoud go out and enjoy ourselves in our youth, and amass great debt which we work off thru old age. This work in youth, retirement in old age is just plain Effing backward! So maybe you have something, with the theory about the guy 'retiring' in 1969 at a young age. That, or he *is* Methuselah now.
 

wiltw

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"Retirement" is a weird idea. If it means you worked for somebody, why did you do that? Self employment and gig jobs seem to be the main alternatives.

Why would anybody work for anybody else, then talk wistfully about "retirement?"

One *can* work for onesself, and then decide to exit that rat race, discontinue working for some jerk who thinks he is God!

In retirement, I find it most unfortunate that the industry retired my favority emulsions, retired 220 film, and retired Cibachrome pirnt paper and chemistry. I have lots of gear, but nothing to shoot it with and print it as spectacularly.any more.
 
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