03-06-2023
It looked like the Arboretum had been getting a tidy up, branches trimmed and cuttings stacked.
*******
*******
*******
Nikon F80 – 28-80mm G, Kentmere 400 @ 800asa, Ilford DDX Developer.
Nikon F80 #2
2 Replies
Tag Archives: Nature
Nikon F80 at the Arboretum
30-05-2023
I had always wanted a Nikon F80, but couldn’t afford one when they first came on to the market. Then I saw a Nikon 28-80mm G lens at a good price and couldn’t resist, this then gave me an excuse to look for an F80 camera ! The prices on that auction site were all over the place and so was the condition of the cameras offered. I waited patiently and eventually one came up complete with box and instructions, the seller said the back was sticky, a common fault with this series of cameras. I paid £38.99p (expensive for me) and ordered some alcohol wipes at the same time. 10 minutes with the alcohol wipes on the back of the camera and the stickiness was gone, and still is. The camera is in great condition, doesn’t look like it has had much use.
So on a bright February morning this year I loaded it up with some Kentmere 400 pushed to 800asa, stuck an Orange filter on the lens, and set off for the local arboretum.
I shot the entire roll of 24 exposures and developed the film in Ilford DDX the next day.
My Garden This Morning.
14-05-2023
The sun decided to come out and shine mid morning, so after a bit of homeless cat herding and feeding I thought I’d give my Olympus macro lens another go on the Olympus E620. The lens is difficult to get to focus on exactly where I want it to, found it best to use manual focus and move the camera back and forth.
Next time I’ll up the asa and use a smaller aperture. So lovely to have a sunny morning and warmer temperatures.
Lets Try Again
29-04-23
It’s been such a long time since I posted on WP. Last year was really one to forget for me, I was so glad when it was over. I know I shouldn’t wish the time away but three friends passed and both my beautiful cats. My enthusiasm for photography ebbed, but I managed to stay positive even after reaching three score years and ten in October.
I bought a few cameras and lenses in 2022, including a Nikon F80, Cosina CSL, Holga 120, Praktica BMS, and a lovely 1954 Aires 35. Will post about them soon.
Here are a few digital images from late last year and spring this year.
Autumn 2022
*******
*******
*******
I was lucky that there had been a rain shower before I set out.
*******
Spring 2023
Took these on an old Sony S80 compact that a neighbour kindly gave to me.
*******
*******
*******
*******
I really miss my two cats, the house felt so empty after they passed. They kept me company so well during the dreadful lockdown time. I now feed six homeless cats that have taken up residence in my garden, the last one appeared about three months ago, not sure if it’s a male or a female, so I’ve called it Cloe/Claude, it’s very affectionate and comical. I’ll write a blog post about the waifs and strays that have turned up.
Cloe/Claude
*******
It’s good to get back to WordPress and get some inspiration from the Blogs I follow.
In My Garden
17-06-22
It’s 30 deg. C / 86 deg. F in the uk today, quite hot for this country. I decided to walk to the hairdressers and have what meagre hair I have shaved to a No. 2 setting, feels so much cooler. Then walked on into town to pick up some essentials, it was quite busy, but I can’t help but think back to the 60’s & 70’s and how lively the city centre once was. Stopped off at my favourite café, had an iced Americano coffee and a homemade cheese scone.
Yesterday I took a few images around the garden with my macro lens, still trying to get the hang of it.
*******
*******
*******
Desert Varnish
15-06-22
Just watched photographer Ben Horne’s latest YouTube video photographing in Utah with an 8″ x 10″ film camera. He mentioned the desert varnish on the rocks and the scents and sounds in the area. It took me right back to when I visited Capitol Reef in 1992 (my first visit to the USA) We camped at Fruita N.P. for a couple of days in a very small tent, I was hardier then. I recently scanned in a roll of film from that time, I put off scanning it for so long because it has a lot of dust marks, but with the aid of Lightroom’s healing brush and a lot of patience and fan whirring on the lap top I managed to get some reasonable images. I can vividly remember the scent of Pine and Sage, and the heat reflected from the rocks.
Desert Varnish
*******
Olympus OM2n – Zuiko 24mm f2.8. Plus X Pan I think.
Around The Garden
10-05-22
The Humble Dandelion
I’ve been trying to tidy up the garden a bit, but as usual keep getting distracted by the flowers and cats.
New Growth
Herb Robert
Lilacs
The Lilacs are just going over, I love the colour they add to the garden.
Thursday Doors
05-05-22
Thornby Hall
I was going to post this for last weeks “Thursday Doors” over at Dan Antions excellent blog, but chores and other mundane things got in the way. After my adrenaline ride on the back of my buddies Triumph motorbike to Thornby Hall I managed to steady my hands enough to take some images.
According to their website the site of the Hall dates back to the 1500’s. The building of the present hall starting in 1665. The site is now a meditation centre and as you would expect very calming, I think the lovely warm colour of the stone helps convey calmness.
*******
*******
The gardens around the hall are really worth a walk around, not too manicured, left to be more natural.
Looking forward to going back for another visit, they serve really good food and coffee, not to mention homemade cakes !
Launde Abbey – Still Life
Well I still haven’t developed any film, and now have a lovely cold and tickly cough, serves me right for drinking beer and walking home in the winter weather. So here’s another two images from last November at Launde Abbey.
A week of reflection
It was a friend of mine’s funeral on Friday, the crematorium was so full, people sitting and standing around the sides of the hall. The eulogies from her husband, family, and members of the band she sang with were so heartfelt and moving. The wake afterwards was at a music venue in town, musician friends of hers paid tribute to her memory by performing small sets on stage, her fellow band members and husband concluding the evenings music and tributes.
I haven’t felt like taking photo’s over the last couple of weeks, There’s a roll of B&W to develop and a roll of colour to send to the lab for processing, both from Dec/Jan. So here are two more images from Launde Abbey that I took in November.
coronet66 