"Mom's film"

<p>Amazing. Can't wait for the rest. It means something, as you say, even when you don't know the people in the photos. I recently spent a couple of weeks scanning, restoring a little over 1,000 family photos in preparation for an upcoming wedding (mine, actually), so we can have displays of childhood photos. I'm saddened when people related to those in the photos are dismissive, but I understand memory is a tricky thing and what we see can be clouded by memories of unhappy times as often as the reverse.</p>

<p>Gene, what a wonderful post. You are a gentleman among photographers.</p>

<p>What you say about film vs digital is largely true. Although film would often languish in a camera waiting for the roll to be finished. I recall in my lab days (large volume photofinishing) it was not uncommon to see two Xmas' on a roll, one at each end, with a 4th of July picnic mid roll.</p>

<p>When film and photographs were seen as an expensive luxury (such as in my youth, 1962-1980), photographs were carefully rationed. And that attitude remained, for me, until very recently. So photos tended to be very lovingly created, to the best of our ability, because the "amunition" was expensive.</p>

<p>Now comes digital. The cost of the computer is rationalized as part of the household expenses, and once the price of the camera is forgotten, people figure they're shooting for free. So the supply of photos at present is way up, and the quality and value of most of them is way down (economics, supply and demand). No need to ration. We can even experiment with all kinds of odd effects, because the photo costs nothing!</p>

<p>Won't it be ironic if 20 years from now, thansk to most people's poor computer habits, if the valuable photos are those that made it out of the computer, and onto paper as prints?</p>

<p>I knew you guys would enjoy this post. It's not about me. I'm just a grunt. A support person for the larger cause.</p>

<p>The most incredible post yet, with a wonderful story to go with it. This by far my favorite post from the found film series, even though I have enjoyed all of them immensely<br>

It is a wonderful story with images to go along, and in some ways, I can relate. I started taking 6x6 images of my child on e6 when she was just 1.5 years old. The images got processed and filed away; I am scanning them now, and it is unbelievable the feeling of nostalgia that engulfs me as those images populate my screen.<br>

A photograph is such a powerful thing in evoking emotions of times past. Keep them coming please they are appreciated.</p>

 

<p>This series and your comments are all the reasons I cannot ever pass a Gene M post.</p>

<p>I see things.......wonderful things.</p>

<p>It is like opening a time capsule, or as above, King TuT's tomb.</p>

<p>That probably brought back a lot of great memories. I think all of us are feeling emotional.</p>

<p>Gene M.</p>

<p>You're quite a guy, a very good man indeed. I think you should be recognized and rewarded for your outstanding good deeds, (even though I'm certain you don't make a big deal of your many contributions.)</p>

<p>I'm an old guy, even with LOT'S of downsizing I have more camera gear than I need. From my sister in laws Dad, (the original owner,) I received a Retina IIa with Xenon 50mm lens. It had not been used in about 35 years, needed a good service which I had done a couple of years ago. Now it works perfectly, taking sharp images if I did my part well.</p>

<p>He bought it at the PX while in the Navy, he thinks 1952 or 53. It's quite clean, good appearance, has the case and manual, glass in perfect condition. A bit fiddly to load, as most were back then, but a fine performer and I believe you'd enjoy it.</p>

<p>I'd like to make a gift of it to you, in appreciation for all of the great posts you send, with the enjoyable photos and stories that are contained in them. If you'll send me an address where you could receive it, I'll box it carefully and get it on the way to you. I hope you won't say no, it would be a nice continuation of use for the camera to move on to, and then maybe in time you would find another person that could appreciate using it.</p>

<p>I hate it when we don't see anything Gene M. for some time, seeing a new post from you is always good to look into. You really did the lady who sent you "Mom's film" a huge favor, just from the goodness of your heart. Good for you, well done.</p>

<p>Best regards.</p>

<p>Patrick </p>

<p>Those Cakes really got to me...There are so many photos of them, you can tell their Mom was really <em>proud</em> that she made them herself. As she should have been! Look at them-A Mile high! <br>

My Mom used to make cakes and cupcakes like that. NEVER anything store bought. Always made at home from <em>Scratch! </em>So seeing those cakes made me think of my own childhood, and how much I miss having those cakes made by mom. As you said Gene, it strengthens that connection to my fellow human. And can't we ALL use a bit more of that these days? And a little home made cake too....</p>

<p>I'm in the midst of hacking through a new computer. Expect delays.</p>

<p>Gene - that was a very thought provoking post.<br>

Iam of that "social security" age. Your post<br>

brought back many memories of my past youth.<br>

Thanks for the memories.</p>