Serious Dudes (Well, most of them)

Technicians, doubling as photographers, don't get no respect! Best, LM.

Apart from being a great image, I'm amazed at how well this has lasted. It looks really clean, even digital. I would never have picked it as scanned film.

Thanks for weighing in on this one. Your visits are very much appreciated. Most of the credit for the high quality of this image goes to Kodak Kodachrome ( ll ?) and it's archival qualities. Kept in the original Kodak shipping box for the better part of 50 years the challenge here was getting rid of the minute dust spots. I spent a lot of time doing that as I originally prepared the image for printing. I now have a file which I can easily get a 12" x 18" from. For the 4 years I spent with these guys they were my family and they still conjure up many fine memories. Here, in Northern Germany, we were constantly preparing to meet the Russians in battle should they decide to invade Western Europe, a definite possibility during the early years immediately following the Cuban Crisis of 1962. Best, LM.

Good photo of an old photo technique. Comment only on the lens aberration.

Regards

Lens aberration? Yah, I see it now, a blue fringe around the guy on the left. I never noticed it until you mentioned it. I guess that sort of thing doesn't bother me, my philosophy being that the message in the image is the most important element. Same with grain; I'll endure it if the choice becomes image-with-grain or no image. To be fair, the equipment was entry level with the technology of 50 years ago. Modern equipment is less likely to have these faults, especially pro level equipment. This fringe might be more objectionable in a landscape image. Anyway, thanks for your visit & observation. Best, LM.

You must be delighted that they have stood the test of time so well. I wonder how many modern images will survive sloppy backup over the years.

Len, cool picture. The blue fring is probably due to the scanner and not your lens at all. Having been stationed in Germany for 5 years, I really find this image interesting and one that reminds me of my time there. - Sean

Long time, no see. Good to hear from you again. Hope your memories of Germany are fond ones. That people like you, with a military background, find this to be a trigger for those memories is icing on the cake. It feels especially good to share where there is a common bond. Best, LM.

Len, this is hilarious. I had to show it to my family. I am really impressed with the fine quality of the image after all these years! What model of scanner are you using to scan these?

Yes, I was pleased with the way this one endured the ravages of time. This 35mm slide was scanned on my Minolta Scan Dual ll. I also have an Epson V500 for my medium format negs. & slides. Best, LM.

Dudes are forever and so is a good photograph. A sort of great survival.

Thanks for your thoughts. I've managed to keep this one alive for nearly fifty years. Digitizing it will hopefully give it even longer legs. Best, LM.

Your thoughts on this 47 year old Kodachrome? I thought it held up

well. Best, LM.

Looks like it was shot today!, the negative must have been really well preserved.

Thanks for wading in here.  The 'negative' was actually a well preserved Kodachrome slide.  I too am pleased with the quality here.  Scanning courtesy of a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual ll (old but dependable).  Best, LM.

A very good photo! The slide looks like it was shot yesterday.

Thanks!  Your interest is appreciated.  See my comments to Steve, above.  Yes, it's not too shabby for an entry level camera of the day plus Kodachrome.  Best, LM.