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Al Kaplan has passed away.


ralph_jensen

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<p>Very sad news. Al was a long-time and valued contributor to this forum.</p>

<p>http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=84100</p>

<p>.</p>

<p>Post on Al's blog:</p>

<p><a href="http://thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com/2009/12/passing-of-alan-kaplan.html">http://thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com/2009/12/passing-of-alan-kaplan.html</a></p>

<p>ADMIN EDIT: <i>Fixed link</i></p>

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<p>I can fix that link for you.</p>

 

<p><a href="http://thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com/2009/12/passing-of-alan-kaplan.html">http://thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com/2009/12/passing-of-alan-kaplan.html</a></p>

<p>Al was an polarizing guy in some ways. I enjoyed many of his images/thoughts and also butted heads with him in a couple different instances on photo.net, the last of which necessitated a parting of ways between him and PN. But it is hard to argue that he wasn't a very interesting fellow, dedicated to Leicas (and film), and a skilled photographer.</p>

<p>It's always sad to find out that someone's ticket has been called. But I suppose that's just the way of it for us humans. And those of us who have been on PN for a long time are going to have to get used to this sort of bad news, as there will be plenty more of it as some of the "old timers" move on to the next life (or insert your personal belief system here).</p>

<p>So raise a glass tonight to all the interesting, fascinating, and frustrating creative people you have known in your life. Then make a resolution to spend every second of 2010 to the full extent possible.</p>

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<p>A character, in a rough-edged but benign sort of way. His photographs were good and he had a wealth of solid knowledge accumulated over decades. He was also an enthusiastic smoker, but I bet he would not have done this differently, even with the knowledge he would go too young. Whatever the case, the world's a bit less of an interesting place today. </p>
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<p>Very sad to hear this news.</p>

<p>Al was unfailingly gracious to newcomers and to those who asked questions. I recall reading a post once (possibly by Marc Lieberman ?) that said Al treated them as he would treat guests at his table at home.</p>

<p>That post was right on target.</p>

<p>My condolences to Al's family and his many photography friends.</p>

<p> </p>

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<p>I am sorry to hear of his passing and extend condolences to his family.</p>

<p>Al was a true gentleman who continued to help other photographers after his departure from this site. He was unfailingly generous with his time and knowledge. When I could no longer stay in touch with him here, we began corresponding privately. He sent me one of his prints and two long rolls of a special order film, gratis.</p>

<p>Among Al's clients were some universities in the Miami area. It would be fitting if one of them offered an Al Kaplan Memorial Scholarship in photography. I imagine that his many friends on Photo.net would contribute amounts large and small to endow it.</p>

<p>I hope that his heirs choose to preserve and exhibit his photographic legacy.</p>

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<p>Al's passing away is a loss. He was a photographer with a rich history of photo journalism. His unique use of the 15mm for self portrait was snickered at by many people here, but he was not intimidated by the negative feedback. On several photo websites Al found many admiring friends.</p>

<p>May he rest in peace.</p>

 

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<p>I must have spoken to Al several times. A few years ago I bought a case of Kodak Imagelink HQ 35mm perforated microfilm. Al had an interest in trying and he was one of the photo.netters who bought a 100 foot roll of the film from me for cost. I thought I might see him one day when I went to FL to visit my dad.</p>
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<p>He was an interesting guy, especially from the perspective of photo.net history. I didn't often visit the Leica Forum but when I did Al was among the few guys, along with Tony, who didn't make the non-Leica fellows like me feel like heretics and heathens. And Al was okay by me on the b&w forums. He was a paladin of the old school era when Leicaphiles and film fanatics made the internet at least as interesting as playing any fantasy warcraft game.</p>

<p>One day we will look back with irreverence and declare: They don't make 'em like Al Kaplan anymore. Heck, let's declare it now.</p>

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