bryce_l.

I would sort "most" Would think most people would not have one location for their photos/images. In other words if you posted a photo to the old or previous version of Photo.Net, wouldn't you also retain a copy, or alias of that same images somewhere else, accessible? Ie your computer or a USB stick or CD anything other than an on-line photo posting location?

<p>Tony Parsons:<br> Consider yourself fortunate you have steam powered trains. Here in Southern Ontario at Canada the two major railways CN and CP only think of money. Hence as opposed to the UK where I assume you are, freight trains have as much or greater frequency than passenger trains. Two and three mile long freight trains hauling chemicals in tank cars, endless string of automobile carrier cars, often two or three miles of them. Then too neither railway wants steam power disturbing their business; both have effectively banned steam traction for excursions; no delays for any reason. Steam trains don't make money for the stockholder!<br> As one person suggested in a private e-mail, do the photography for yourself, not for others. And if at some point you're not satisfied, stop. Nobody will care one way or the other. Good thought now that it has been suggested.</p>

<p>The drone is operated by the captain on the sailing ship, would expect the tiller is on auto-pilot. Must be nice to have the money and be able to have the health and the time to enjoy such a pleasure. <br> Obviously Gerry I have no qualms using computers, have two iMacs and a hefty MacBook Pro; it is my much older in years friends who won't go near a computer. I do find though the youngsters (those less than 40 years of age) now communicate and take photographs with their telephones; it is almost a race to see who gets that special image or view that nobody else has obtained, oh and post same on one or two of those special websites. The young folk want nothing to do with us old parts; trust me, have asked. <br> Am thinking Gerry of a friend, same age as I am minus a year who spends our Canadian winters in the Honolulu area for five months each winter. A retired farmer, he is single like me and enjoys his winters in an island location that is less expensive than here to live and there's no shovelling of snow. He does not take photos, of anything. <br> I enjoy my winters; it makes me what i am I guess. 'Sides am unable to travel stateside, the cost of medical health insurance is prohibitive.</p>

<p>In mid June 2014 posted in this forum of my dis-satisfaction with my own photography; end result sold all my gear. Did no more photography for some time; was observing the rapid demise of affordable E-6 slide film processing here in Canada; thought maybe if I returned on a digital basis it might inspire me to take up the hobby again. Purchased a Nikon D750, it felt good in my hand and appropriate glass and off I went. Incidentally i photograph only railways, never other items or living things (people).<br> Of late due to increasing physical mobility issues have been once again been rethinking, why bother? Use a cane or a four wheel walker if I wish to move any distance or even stand track side and photograph a moving train.<br> Was looking at one of the newer offerings from Nikon the other day, a bridge style camera with a permanently installed long to short focal length lens.<br> Given my tendency to record only in JPEG and realizing as i age physically perhaps some form of lighter in weight all in one digital photographic device might be more practical. Find my mobility is rapidly declining due to physical issues, with no medically assisted relief in sight. Am seeing a geriatric psychiatrist to help with my physical and yes mental changes. Aging is not for sissies.</p> Have found borrowed-from-friends smaller so-called point and shoot mirror-less cameras are often physically way too small to handle comfortably. My hands are enormous. <p>Generally I do not share images with others; and if I did would probably do only as 4" x 6" prints. I photograph perhaps 150 images a month;, with the lamented loss of Kodachrome and colour slides the whole railway photographic world has changed. Many of my similar aged compatriots (over 70 years of age) who do not own nor desire to own a computer no longer do photography, or even own a cell phone for that matter. Of-times they review their massive collections of past railway colour slides dreaming of what was, then.<br> Presently using Nikon D750/24-105mm zoom/70-200mm f4.0 /20mm f.2.8 hardware. <br> Your thoughts, please.</p>

<p>This is a topic, for me easily solved. Nikon was the first "proper"camera available to me in Canada. Canon was not even on the horizon and when they did appear, it was as electrostatic copiers.<br> Then too before moving to Nikon (Nikon F c/w 50mm lense), purchased used from one of numerous camera shops on Yonge Street in Toronto, the price was about C$85.00, a week's salary, then.<br> And I should add my photo gear up until then had been Pentax, Spotmatic. Problem was many of us had friends/contacts at the various camera retail outlets which sold Nikon, and most weekends, lenses could be borrowed/rented for next to nothing. Also many of us swapped lenses when on streetcar photography expeditions in Toronto, other than yours truly, it was all Nikon.<br> So for me it was convenience. I kept my Pentax for a period for black and white, however Pentax was next to worthless on the used market; traded my Pentax gear for my first zoom lense.<br> An acquainiance, who was with Uncle Sam's Canoe Club during the Vietnam conflict showed me the first Canon i'd seen, purchased overseas. Similar in construction to the Pentax, seemed OK, but once a Nikon person, always a Nikon person.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Over the years have whittled my choice of lenses down to three. Specifically a much loved old Nikkor 28-105 f3.5 (recently overhauled for the third time) and two more or less recent purchases: the 70-200 f4.0 and the relatively cheap 50mm f1.8. Now with this glass I photograph only one thing, trains. Railway trains, 90 percent locomotives but virtually all my photography is trains, trains and more trains. My current DSLR is a Nikon D750, back to Nikon Canada for the now third time in nine months. The camera has been a lemon. Suspect too because my gear is bounced around a bit it suffers. Have played with this digital format for too long, without satisfying personal results. My Nikon F100 has once again been pressed into service, again loaded with Fuji E-6. Railway photographers use slide film, they show their images to others in groups. Anything else is a waste.<br> Have had many second and third thoughts about what i haul around for the photographic bit. One surprising thing i have discovered. A cheap low-priced Canon point and shoot with AA batteries for power satisifies all my so-called other photos such as objects or sometimes, yes too photographing humanoids if they are friendly.<br> At seventy years of age, maybe my attitude and world should change. Have been through many withdrawal symptoms over the year with my photography; find most of the time am unable to endure critical praise, if forthcoming. OTOH have discovered that little Canon noted above, tends to result for me the happiest images. Weird eh?</p> <p> </p>

<p>I too am about to embark on a similar scan journey.<br> In my case some 25,000 coloured slides of 90 percent transportation and the balance, other.<br> Have scanned my 135mm b&W negatives and with each roll on an Epson flatbed have also made a contact sheet. The negatives had been stored in 3 ring binders in PrintFile™ pages. The scanned images have been placed on Fuji brand compact discs, One disc can hold an amazing number of images!<br> So am looking at many (roughly 40) 600 slide capacity boxes containing many slides. <br> Shall do an intial sort, <br />and then using a Nikon 5000 scanner acquired many years ago when I was far more ambitious start on the slides.<br> However have a query. What is the best method to retain the scanned colour images?<br> Am thnking of the hard drive method for the colour slides, saving them as JPEG's so if I expire, the images can be used by others on a machine that can read the images on the hard drive/solid state drive. As my machinery is all Macintosh (can't abide by Microsoft), best do the save as a more or less universal format<br> I have almost given up photography entirely, so shall not be adding to the stack of slides so to speak. <br> Digital results in colour prints, as does C-41 colour negative so why bother?</p> <p> </p>

<p>A UV (ultra-violet) filter indicates to me that the colouring of the filter "may" change the rendering of an image.<br> I have just one lens for my Nikon D750 an older 28-105 without a hood! So far in my return to photography have discovered extra lense sare needed, at least at present. <br> Maybe I need to investigate the purchase of a lens hood and maybe some form of protective glass for the front. Which brings up a question, are absolutely clear glass filters (although constructed of clear glass it doesn't seem to me to be filtering anything) available? Not UV, simply a clear piece of glass mounted in or on a filter ring?</p>

<p>I have just purchased two (2) Yongnuo Speedlites<br> Model YN560 III.</p> <p>These were order from the Canadian importer in the Republic of Quebec.<br> These are intended for use with Nikon gear.</p> <p>No where on the box is there an indication these flash units are compatible <br> with Nikon Gear. I may only assume the website for the company is correct in noting these devices are Nikon compatible. </p>

<p>As a photographer of railway subjects, Kodachrome II, and later Kodachrome 25. Still use colour slide film however the market has declined; now it's Provia, and at that perhaps a roll every four to eight week. Reliable post-exposure film processing is the biggest problem these days. Canada has limited reliable resources; my last two rolls were processed as C-41; all the packaging states it was E-6 process however the technicians being none too bright felt they knew better. It all makes one want to stop doing photography of anything. For digital rendering would never do, itis not the same, to me and many others.</p>

<p>As this site is based in a foreign country whose currency is valued more than mycountry would assume the transferfees to my currency would be gobbled up by taxes andthe like. That said,<br> In certain markets here in Canada, $1-million may well only buy you a basement and perhaps the main floor for a house. It would not buy the property on which the house is sited.<br> That noted, clear my debts and then set up a trust fund to supply me with sufficient monies to survive until the end of my days. Many years ago did the reverse of many. Purchased my burial plot, had a proper stone manufactured and placed in situ. The funeral has been paid for along with cremation. Want no fuss or bother when I expire. Like the rabbits mating said "this won't take long, did it?"<br> Photographically, the gear no longer is of interest. One must have a reason to do one's photography. If the reason does not exist, why bother? <br> Too with the plethora of so-called new and maybe better kitall obselete before its time; the photography of today is no longer the historical reference of tomorrow. Historically what will remain, or moreso who shall care? <br> Keep in mind we inhabit this earth as much as other species and one day too, we shall become extinct, which if you look at it in the long term, might not be a bad idea!</p>

<p>If the cat is involved, it would be a CATastrophe,</p>

<p>It has been almost a year since I simply shelved my Nkon F100 and one remaing lens. Mentioned my situation in Casual Photo Conversations last June I believe<br />Thought i would miss taking photographs, haven't in the slightest.<br> Took the F00 out of its original box this evenng, and felt it in my hands. Nice feel but no purpose for the use of the device, so back in the box, and close the lid.<br> So as to your question, full frame for sure, whatever it is. Nikon and others seem to be releasing so many devices so quickly these days. most people would be overwhelmed, or in my case, simply can't be bothered.</p>

<p>Consider the era when the MD-12 was in vogue. Use similar new batteries similar to those used in the era. Alkaline batteries are quite sufficient. I enjoyed the electric thumb on my Nikon cameras and were well worth the extra weight. You can bang through a roll of 36 exposure film in an amazingly rapid amount of time...</p> <p> </p>

<p>Sounds to me as if some photographers are suffering from tripoditis, wherby one's leg is longer or shorter than the other. Ditto to one's other apendages meant to hold photographic image recording devices.<br> My new to me Fujifims XT-1 has such a device, one of the many reasons I sold all my Nikon gear. Find it helps as my sense of balance left to right is not always as good as I wish it could be, should be, might be.</p>

<p>If you were looking to purchase a device to record video, why did you not simply purchase a device to record video? Personally asking one device to do different purposes is IMO asking for problems.<br> And too, a used D7000 is not going to break the bank. If you were looking for a cheap alternative to a retail purchase you have it now. So flog it on the a local internet swap shop, lick your wounds and move on. Life is too short to complain over spilt milk, whatever the flavour!</p>

<p>Having viewed Kent Staubus images previously and on other forums can well understand what is to me a parallex problem. Those elevators simply rear up from the ground and threaten to overwhelm the miniscule BNSF locomotives. <br />Photography without ambient solar illumination is so much easier to control using some form of artificial flash. If I had my druthers would suggest return to a 4x5 field camera with swings and tilts. However as I have discussed with Kent on other forums, processing of such films can be difficult; Kent has a lab which will do his large format with ease.<br> The alternative as has been suggested is the tiltable (is that a proper description) lense which should help eliminate the overpowering effect of those grain silos. <br> As for waiting seemingly forever for a train, that is one of the negative joys of night photography in a train sparse territory. Only $60.00 for fuel? Gee from what well you are pumping your low priced petrol?<br> Bryce Lee</p> <p> </p>

<p>You want a new piece of photographic equipment. Do you accept the line the sales person strings you or do you read various publications printed or on-line to assist you in your decision? A consumer is the former, a prosumer could well be considered the latter.</p>

<p>Sort of my own followup updated. The cat is doing fine. Something to talk and I receive responses, maybe not quite what i desire, however a response.<br> Was in my local photographic reseller the other day to collect money for the sale of the balance of my photographic gear and the owner said "try this". Handed me one of the new Fujifilm cameras which I believe is a 4/3rds sensor layout.<br> Lightweight, superb information in the viewfinder and maybe the way to proceed in the future. Handed it back to him and told him "nice" however what will it do for me if anything to revive my interest in photography? He advised me to keep my options open. Suggested (and he's been a Nikon man all his life) that maybe Nikon and Canon the big players have maybe lost their direction and purpose.<br> Perhaps it is time to look elsewhere. Must admit the Fujifilms camera was light in weight, focused well and the viewfinder provided more than enough information. The lens mount is shared with Panasonic and I think one other manufacturer and the lenses have aperture rings. No more "G" glass without an aperture ring.</p>

<p>Further to my earlier response have since been in consultation with my family practioner and my psychiatrist, in conference with me.<br> My past reflects my future. Aways tend to "burn-out" myself when engaging in activities and employment. Two seperate employment positions, the later my employment was terminated with an early pension buyout.<br> An increased change of litium for my manic condition; as well as other medication adjustments. Advised to obtain and retain an animal of choice (have done so, healthy 14 year old rescue cat); and a helper/attendant to assist me in removing the physical and metal detrimus of my life. A one to one advisor who I meet alternate days at my residence. Intended to clear out what i carry as physical baggage and in so doing assist my mental baggage problem. Have discovered too any one of us could be termed a fanatic if our entire being is engaged in one similar activity if it aligns with our daily employment. My daily employment involved photograph as did my hobby.<br> May well never return to the hobby; first goal is to return to just enjoying viewing the world about me and looking and seeing what is there. If that all there is, then so be it.</p>

<p>Loss of enjoyment or:<br /><br />When I first wrote my question had placed it Philosophy of Photography forum. That lasted a very short time. Was gratified to see the number of responses, was not prepared for the many replies.<br />In my descriptor could have added other facets, however chose not to; these shall be added a the end.<br /><br />To respond in order posted…<br /><br />Zave Shapiro <br /><br />Like you am single, with one exception, am also a homosexual. The word gay as a description ruins a perfectly usable word. Over the years have lost lovers/companions to various diseases. Not all AIDS I might add. Man-hugs at any age are quite acceptable.<br /><br />Dave S:<br />My own physician is aware of my current problems. For myself have been in and out of psychiatric care after age forty when manic depression was confirmed. <br />Now called bi-polar the condition afflicts some people. My medication is one tablet every seven days, and am very aware when the mood swings are worse than normal.<br />The photographic issue was thought to have been a response to one of <br />my mood swings. Not!<br /><br />Stefan T.: <br />Your comment about too many photographs rings true. Have seen what may be termed as photo lines beside a railway track of camera toters waiting to see a special train of some sort to pass. The train arrives and the shutter on most all of the cameras is held down to capture as many images as possible. Sounds like machine-gun fire. One wonders why said photographers could not simply utilize a movie sequence; its not much different. <br /><br />Charles W., Colin Garon, Harry Joseph and others on a household pet:<br />Over the years have always had a cat first two black, then an orange tabby and now many (20+)years a fourteen year old male rescued cat named Samson. He is an inside cat and is there to greet me when I return home. And he doesn’t have to be taken for a walk in all manner of poor weather.<br /><br />Bill Jordan:<br />When made redundant in the mid 1990’s volunteered as driver for the local Canadian Red Cross Society driving clients to and from appointments. Over time this particular <br />volunteer activity changed so now clients (often with walkers or wheelchairs are collected in extended frame ramp equipped specialized vans). Problem for me, is because of my extremely tall height six foot eights tall and 400 pounds) am unable to fit behind the driver’s seat, no leg room. Then switched to Meals on Wheels division which continued throughout my cancer treatment period and afterwards to mid-May 2011.<br /><br />Bob Muckey: <br />Don’t worry about proofing reading, we’ve all been there. In my own case legacy is different. I do have some 35,000 colour slides of railways from around the world. All neatly labelled, and sorted. These may well soon be passed on to certain historical groups with a covering memo advising why they are receiving same and as such as theirs to do with as they wish. Just checked the list; 24 different groups here in various countries that i have visited. Friends have suggested I sell some of my images on eBay however to be honest do not trust that medium and do I need the frustration of dealing with ofttimes unscrupulous peoples? One of my intents is to sort the remaining images further, also have three, four inch thick binders with negatives in 35 and 120 formats with proof sheets and labelling, these shall be sent along to the aforementioned groups with the slides<br />if and when. <br />As to my original educational employment left as an instructional materials technician/assistant co-ordinator with a medium sized school board. Which for the old ones in the group is audio-visual. These days anything I knew then is old hat, was not even contemplated in this bygone days.. The children of today are seemingly far more technologically advanced than anybody was during my working career. And as an aside I have a mobile phone, and use it for telephone call, often emergency only as frequently the battery has died from lack of use. <br /><br />E.Short: <br />Interesting observation and the reply is no. To me all religions organizations are an excuse to explain one’s existence. And for the most part directly or not are not only similar to big business, are often the richest financially in any country, often seemingly caring only of themselves or to those they can minister and make theirs.<br /><br />Allen Herbert: <br />See you posted twice, that send button on the computer is often so very tricky. Death to us homo sapiens happens, as to our pets and what else thrives on terra firm, too shall pass. We know it, perchance they don’t. To me one less piece of baggage to carry. My living will states A.N.D. which translated is allow natural death as opposed to <br />some instructions seen D.N.R. which is “do not resuscitate”. Either way am ready for a whole new something else even it it is a roaring hot BBQ, at 3200F.<br />As for sticking my head out of my rectum, your reply caused me to think and as noted elsewhere have volunteered in the past. These days assist older people and younger people try and understand their computer or in most cases iPad which their children have given them as a gift and to keep in touch. This is down usually in the local senior’s centre. <br /><br />Sally MacK: <br />You appear to be one with your interests. <br /><br />JDM Von Weinberg: <br />You miss your dog and cat however you feel less burdened by their existence. like me and cameras. Having never had children (that I know of) and the geriatric pets and relatives expire as they are wont to do, not sure what’s next. However it too shall arrive on its own schedule. <br /><br />Michael Linder: <br />Just experienced my 68th anniversary (birthday to others, we only have one BIRTHday), and feel no remorse not having photographic equipment. Before my cancer diagnosis road a Honda Goldwing motorcycle from 1980 onwards. It and the attached sidecar accompanied me to the UK and Europe when shipping a combination was relatively low in price. My last lover and I spent five weeks touring Europe in the same combination; he died some weeks later of a heart attack. After cancer, the desire to ride was lost and my balance was poor. The bike with almost 400,00 miles on it was sold, with reluctance. You know your transport device is old she the mechanic doing the servicing wasn’t even born when the machine was assembled. <br />What I may do as an alternate to photography, don’t know, or care. Exist perhaps?<g><br />Flat line is an accurate description, as long as it doesn’t happen on my heart monitor with me looking at it! Existence is a phase of itself, we all do same differently.<br /><br />Steve Gubin: <br />My purpose of writing was to see if others had experienced similar and if there was a solution or at the very least a resolution of same in their mind’s eye. Best ask rather than wait, for the experience. <br /><br />Bill Angel:<br /><br />Childless old bachelor eh? Welcome to the group.<g> Your reading material is <br />interesting for I too read non-fiction and it ranges from magic, to chemistry to how to construct a view camera from wood. Although over the years acquired a massive 5,000<br />volume library of transportation books and publications covering the application of the steel wheel to the iron rail or even wooden guide wheel to a line carved through the wood, these have all be given to others and bolstered any number of technical libraries. <br />I enjoy British humour having all the yearly editions of the late Giles as well as <br />publishers by Canadian writers such as the late Farley Mowat and others. Tend to stay away from US based authors, and have the advantage of being able to read and speak (albeit poor) French which gives me a further range of reading.<br /><br />Bob Atkins: <br />My own physician has suggested I speak to a different health professional which she has confirm if the person is still accepting clients. I see my bi=polar person every three months and my in-hospital cardiac care nurse every two weeks. Attend the diabetic clinic one every two months. Longer explanation of the whole ball of wax at the end.<br /><br />Wayne Crider: <br />Non-participation in anything sounds like a plan. Once pointed to me is how did I get to where I am without making a complete botch of it all?<br /><br />Dan South:<br />No conflicts about the gear. Ironically have bought and sold all too many digital recording devices called Cameras. I must have spent C$50,000 on said cameras thinking the purchase of change of each one would bring some form of happiness. y cameras aren’t there, but then, neither am I!<br /><br />Jody S;<br /><br />The bio-chemistry in my system was changed, and agree, things have to return to normality<br />of some sort. It may not be that which was beforehand. Leaving a hobby for an extended period may help however some times not. Photography is a hobby, as much as other experiences are to enlighten our beings when we are not doing what we might do elsewhere.<br /><br />Bryce Lee:<br />In any summary there are always questions:<br />What was not included with the intro were post cancer happenings. Was diagnosed the summer of 2006 with renal cell carcinoma, and had major surgery some months later. Lost my left kidney, my spleen and all lymph nodes in my groin, under arms and chest cavity. Recovery was slow. The cancer had initially migrated from the left kidney to my spleen and lymph nodes as Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma although these days the term non-Hodgkins is not used, it’s all Lymphoma. As noted then, had a number of years of chemo. The chemo damaged my lower heart muscle so am now as one who has had major heart failure. Not a coronary thrombosis! And there’s nothing that can be done to reverse the injury. In 2009 my dear mother who had stood by me throughout the ordeal was placed in a secure retirement home. In 2010 was forced to sell the large family home to ensure Mum had money to receive adequate care. It was my brother’s suggestion I find .another place to live. A small one bedroom flat was rented. <br /><br />The family home of 2400 square feet was sold in June of 2010 for C$850,000; and then demolished to make way for a 10,000 square foot residence. My brother acquired all of the houuse contents by court order and moved them to his daughter’s new house in New Hampshire. My brother had in 1982 founded a large company involved in the oil industry in Texas. He told me I had no dibs on any of the contents; he was also then executor of Mum’s estate. Only now have been able to replace my own furniture.<br /><br />In late May 2011 was feeling feverish late one evening. It was humid and thought nothing <br />of it. Retired to bed and woke up the next morning to discover my left leg had doubled in size. A trip by ambulance to the local hospital diagnosed advanced Celulitus. Was in hospital for six weeks, my Mum died during my fourth week. Mum’s disposal had been pre-arranged; cremation and a basic (on my request) plastic urn. My brother had Mum’s estate pay for his airplane flight here to look after the will and related.<br />Burial beside my Dad who had died in 1982 was some months later, when I was finally <br />able to be moved by wheelchair. To this date still use a four-wheel walker to move around or two canes for balance as my lower left leg is now quite useless. Had Celulitus in the right leg a year ago (although not as critical) so my walking ability is poor. Through a good friend, his mother was moving to a retirement home and I purchased her small 900 square foot bungalow in early 2013 from the money received from my mother’s estate. Have had interior alterations to suit my mobility problems. Traded my ancient Detroit Land Barge in on a 2011 Honda Ridgeline truck as it was one of the few vehicles of any manufacture which I could get in and out of easily. It is now fitted with hand controls account leg problems and loss of feeling in my extremities. <br />So as you can see disposing of the photographic gear for me was one more required change. Financially am secure however the Celulitus and before that cancer changed my existence. <br />Thank you to all of you for your responses.<br /><br /></p>

<p>However with Toronto Image works no longer doing E-6 Blacks camers shop still do so and if you're sending stuff to the Left coast, Dwaynes in Parsons Kansas still does E=6 and places them in cardboard mounts!</p>

<p>Colour slides are really the only way to do photography. However although E-6 is still available, the labs that do so are quickly disappearing, mostly as a result of lack of demand. Some labs I know locally process C-41 once a week, sometimes once every two weeks.<br> Most everything else comes to them on-line or as disc or as a chip or as a USB stick. The actual "processing" is not done, just the colour printed result. <br> Kodachrome is gone, Provia 400 is gone, and have many friends who have told me when slide <br />film can not be purchase and processed anywhere and at a reasonable (now up to C$21.00 for a roll of 36 plus 13 percent sales tax) they'll stop photography. These same friends have no computer nor digital anything and they are older than I am at age 68. For them to change makes no sense. Let's see; one is 73, one is 78 and the other two or three are in their early eighties. </p>

<p>Thought the process of change was normal. This is not a complaint rather a thought of the future. Have done photography most of my life, both for 35 years of employment in the educational field and on my own following the progression of railway transportation in many locations around the world. What has changed? Used a pair of Hasselblads while employed and on my own started with original Pentax cameras purchasing my first Nikon F two years into their sales here in Canada. Have stayed with Nikon film and then tried digital DSLR's, just because that was the way the industry was progressing. I was made redundant in 1993, however continued transportation photogrpahy as before. Eight or nine years ago realized the desire to take a photograph was disappearing. <br> Today the fun/enjoyment is no longer there. And looking at that which others produce do not even tweak a thought of joy or interest. One interesting aspect, am a survivor of a particularly difficult battle of cancer eight years prior; noticed after some three years of surgery, chemo and radiation that my interest in all things hobby be it photography, gardening, amateur radio and just walking about is greatly diminished. Yes have spoken to my own physician, she suspects some depression however given all my past understandable.<br> As of this writing have now disposed of all my photographic gear, which was a few lenses, a Nikon F100, and Nikon D700 and most recently a Nikon D600. Also my amateur radio gear has all be sold and the outside tower has been removed. Strange in someways as there is no feeling of remorse or lightening of any existence or worries.</p> <p> </p>