tonybynum

It's been hot! hot! hot! out here in NW Montana. Most all the flowers are done, the rivers and streems are low, low, low, and I'm sure you're aware, the NPS just closed the western side of park.

I would head to Waterton, Banff, or Jasper. I was just up there last weekend and it much nicer this year.

If your going to stay in Glacier, I'd say the most important thing is timming, and light. With so many photo opps. and each person's own likeings, it's hard to tell you where to go. I would say the most important thing, no mater where your at in Glacier, is to get up early!!!!! and stay up late!!!! And be ready to hike.

For Archy sites, you should go to Choteau, near Bynum Montana there are some great archy sites there. Please respect the Blackfeet Nation and do not remove any artifacts. The eastern side of the park shares a boundry with the Blackfeet Nation.

Jeff, I have owned the T-4 for several years. If you are setting out for "alpine summits," you are going to be a long distance from a town with a camera shop. I would recommend the T-4 if for nothing else then its durability. I assume you already know it's one of the best if not the best compact point and shoot available in the price range. I have taken if all over the country and it's been in natures extremes and has never let me down. Here are the reasons I would buy the camera (not noting the picture quality as it is excellent!):

1. durable, for mountaineering you need dependable equipment

2. light weight

3. Easy to use with gloves, you can actually select limited f-stops. The T-4 has an infinity setting, that means it has to have a small aperture and you can override the auto funtion.

4. the top view finder (Super Scope)is a great bonus. I use it all the time for composing shots from low camera angles and from above my head (i turn the camera upside down and hold it over my head and compose the shot, great for when your in the brush or around objects that limit your view - try that with the Stylus - you'll be surprised at how much you really will use it.

5. Durable, did I say that already. I've dropped mine from chest and waist level on granite. I've used it in bad weather, snowing and raining. While skiing and climbing, and it still performs! Try that with a Stylus.

6. I did have a problem once with the brand new model, right out of the box. But, I found it during my first test (before I took in on a long trip) and Yashica replaced, no cost.

Drawbacks:

1. Fixed focal length. It would be nice to have a zoom, but what you get instead is worth the tradeoff.

2. Control buttons could be a little larger, but I can still use them with mittens on.

3. Special camera battery that cost a little more $

4. Would be nice to have the entire range of stop adjustiment and speed control

All-n-all, If you buy a T-4 you will take more pictures and that's what photography's about anyway.