Calzone
Gear Whore #1
The April Meet-Up did not happen. kinda got bumped into May.
I'm thinking with the milder weather that we might want to go to that Beer Garden in Astoria. Landrew reached out to me last year, and I had a great time meeting some of his crew of working photographers. This outdoor beer garden is also a cool place.
For those who want to go shooting early in the morning, there is great light in Port Morris and Mott Haven in the morning between 8:30 to 10:30 in the Bronx.
Pretty easy to walk to Randall's Island over the 102d Street pedestrian bridge. They completed this walkway into the South Bronx by the New York Post printing facility. What I love shooting are the dramatic shadows under the Amtrack tressles in the early morning.
By 11:00 the good light is gone, but there is time to walk to Astoria.
Probably the weather should stabilize towards the middle and end of the month. Would be great to get over spring fever by shooting.
Cal
I'm thinking with the milder weather that we might want to go to that Beer Garden in Astoria. Landrew reached out to me last year, and I had a great time meeting some of his crew of working photographers. This outdoor beer garden is also a cool place.
For those who want to go shooting early in the morning, there is great light in Port Morris and Mott Haven in the morning between 8:30 to 10:30 in the Bronx.
Pretty easy to walk to Randall's Island over the 102d Street pedestrian bridge. They completed this walkway into the South Bronx by the New York Post printing facility. What I love shooting are the dramatic shadows under the Amtrack tressles in the early morning.
By 11:00 the good light is gone, but there is time to walk to Astoria.
Probably the weather should stabilize towards the middle and end of the month. Would be great to get over spring fever by shooting.
Cal
Prest_400
Multiformat
Best of luck in the gathering! April always means picking up the camera again, and for some reason, I tend to get to shoot some E6 just at this season. Somehow the same feeling of things being pushed towards the end of the month and May.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Yesterday "Maggie" went to some "Press Event" that featured eyewear. These press events are not open to the public and one has to be invited. It is highly curated and is designed to be an important way to get exposure by the media and is really a media event.
So Maggie got invited because eye wear is an important part of her branding. At the Oakley booth she saw that they re-released "Razors" the first sport glasses that they first created. She mentions that I have a pair of originals that I had prescription lenses made for, and that I'm a biker, fisherman, runner...
She also tells them that recently I bought a new pair of Oakley's and had prescription lenses made for them.
So now Oakley will be sending me some glasses and clothing as Maggie pimped me out as "their boy." So I will be getting some "swag." Mighty cool, and from a brand I love and use.
So now it seems mighty timely to start an Instagram account so I can "tag" them with shots of me wearing these glasses, my old Oakley's, and of course modeling the clothing. Let's see where this can go.
Would be great to start my blog about bikes, cameras and guitars. Seems very timely, and I can see me representing Oakley and modeling their products.
Patagonia is another brand I want to target. I like their clothes; they wear like iron; are comfortable; and are clothing that is engineered.
I bought some of their climbing knickers last year on closeout, and I bought some more on sale just last week. Pretty much I re-purposed these climbing knickers into bike wear and urban wear. The slight give allows the mobility required and mucho comfort.
Cal
So Maggie got invited because eye wear is an important part of her branding. At the Oakley booth she saw that they re-released "Razors" the first sport glasses that they first created. She mentions that I have a pair of originals that I had prescription lenses made for, and that I'm a biker, fisherman, runner...
She also tells them that recently I bought a new pair of Oakley's and had prescription lenses made for them.
So now Oakley will be sending me some glasses and clothing as Maggie pimped me out as "their boy." So I will be getting some "swag." Mighty cool, and from a brand I love and use.
So now it seems mighty timely to start an Instagram account so I can "tag" them with shots of me wearing these glasses, my old Oakley's, and of course modeling the clothing. Let's see where this can go.
Would be great to start my blog about bikes, cameras and guitars. Seems very timely, and I can see me representing Oakley and modeling their products.
Patagonia is another brand I want to target. I like their clothes; they wear like iron; are comfortable; and are clothing that is engineered.
I bought some of their climbing knickers last year on closeout, and I bought some more on sale just last week. Pretty much I re-purposed these climbing knickers into bike wear and urban wear. The slight give allows the mobility required and mucho comfort.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Cyberdoorman informed me that I got a Fed Ex delivery. Likely my new Fralin pick-ups for my carved top chambered Tele.
I'll be setting up this guitar tonight. I ordered a low powered humbucker called the "Big Single" that even uses 250K pots as if a single coil for the neck, and a "Blues Special" for the bridge.
This guitar should be rather "spanky." Because it is hollow bodied it articulates and sustains like a MoFo.
For the sound of a 2X10 Brown Super understand that this amp was also Duane Allman's main amp. Also with any Tele it is a match made in heaven.
Yesterday "Maggie" had to teach, so I plugged in and was in tone heaven. Takes about 40-50 hours of "amp beating" to break in a pair of speakers. The sound is getting better and better. So smooth. Might take a bit longer since I'm not playing dirty. Only distortion is from the power tube saturation, and that is juicy and organic.
2x10 pushes a lot of air. I think the amp coupled to the floor likely is heard although it is concrete. Blues shuffles have a chesty thump and even though brighter single coils there is thud without the mud.
Vintage tone, nothing like it. It would be interesting to hear my friend Dave play though the Super. Dave is a crazy good blues player with a savage set of hands.
Cal
I'll be setting up this guitar tonight. I ordered a low powered humbucker called the "Big Single" that even uses 250K pots as if a single coil for the neck, and a "Blues Special" for the bridge.
This guitar should be rather "spanky." Because it is hollow bodied it articulates and sustains like a MoFo.
For the sound of a 2X10 Brown Super understand that this amp was also Duane Allman's main amp. Also with any Tele it is a match made in heaven.
Yesterday "Maggie" had to teach, so I plugged in and was in tone heaven. Takes about 40-50 hours of "amp beating" to break in a pair of speakers. The sound is getting better and better. So smooth. Might take a bit longer since I'm not playing dirty. Only distortion is from the power tube saturation, and that is juicy and organic.
2x10 pushes a lot of air. I think the amp coupled to the floor likely is heard although it is concrete. Blues shuffles have a chesty thump and even though brighter single coils there is thud without the mud.
Vintage tone, nothing like it. It would be interesting to hear my friend Dave play though the Super. Dave is a crazy good blues player with a savage set of hands.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Bonus vacation today. How-Weird was off today.
I had the opportunity to watch "All Things Are Photographable" at work on my computer. I live streamed PBS.
Good to know and learn some history of photography.
Cal
I had the opportunity to watch "All Things Are Photographable" at work on my computer. I live streamed PBS.
Good to know and learn some history of photography.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Friday the Fralin pick-ups arrived and I installed them. I'm waiting for "Maggie" to fly to L.A. for some audition for some episode where I believe she will be a guest host for a TV series. This quick trip is for only an audition. I'll be able to plug in and do some pick up height adjustments to dial in the tone while she is gone.
It seems that one of the contestants on the New "Project Runway" is a fan of Maggie's. In an interview she mentions Accidental Icon as being someone who's style she admires.
Only one more class to teach and then that part of her life is over.
There is a possibility of a trip to Italy for a gig and that might effect a change of plans as far as going to Amsterdam.
My Rolex Sub has been running for the past 15 years without any maintenance, and now service is kinda needed. It runs slow and on sometimes stops. Been putting it off because it will likely be about $600.00-$800.00.
I have my Panerai. It cost about $1K to get serviced, and soon thereafter I cracked the crystal, so I put it into storage because now it needs a new crystal and another $1K to get repaired.
I'll use the Panerai even though it has a cracked crystal for the month to six weeks that I'll be without my Rolex. Pretty much going out without a watch is like being naked. Maggie offered to pay for the Rolex which helps me stay in austerity mode. A nice payback for helping her out.
BTW my Rolex is a "cheap Rolex" called a "No-Date" that lacks the "Cyclopse" on the crystal that I don't care for. It is also now considered a vintage watch and collectible because it has a less cluttered dial than the newer version that they updated. It is worth about double of what I paid for it back in 2003 over 15 years ago.
Cal
It seems that one of the contestants on the New "Project Runway" is a fan of Maggie's. In an interview she mentions Accidental Icon as being someone who's style she admires.
Only one more class to teach and then that part of her life is over.
There is a possibility of a trip to Italy for a gig and that might effect a change of plans as far as going to Amsterdam.
My Rolex Sub has been running for the past 15 years without any maintenance, and now service is kinda needed. It runs slow and on sometimes stops. Been putting it off because it will likely be about $600.00-$800.00.
I have my Panerai. It cost about $1K to get serviced, and soon thereafter I cracked the crystal, so I put it into storage because now it needs a new crystal and another $1K to get repaired.
I'll use the Panerai even though it has a cracked crystal for the month to six weeks that I'll be without my Rolex. Pretty much going out without a watch is like being naked. Maggie offered to pay for the Rolex which helps me stay in austerity mode. A nice payback for helping her out.
BTW my Rolex is a "cheap Rolex" called a "No-Date" that lacks the "Cyclopse" on the crystal that I don't care for. It is also now considered a vintage watch and collectible because it has a less cluttered dial than the newer version that they updated. It is worth about double of what I paid for it back in 2003 over 15 years ago.
Cal
Range-rover
Veteran
Fralin makes great pickups, just like they made back then.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Bob,
I love these "Broadcaster" Fralin's that were made for Callaham that I have in a 50's styled swamp ash blond Tele. The Fralin Broadcaster version is actually hotter (slightly overwound) than the vintage Fender 54 originals, but the Callaham version is most true to the vintage Fender original spec's.
I'm glad I have my set because they are no longer available from Callaham. Callaham basically made a custom order. Pretty much is like a Fender Custom Shop Tele that my friend Cris put together for me.
The Blues Special is a mild overwind for increased mids and bottom. Looking forward to the "Big Single" because it is a humbucker that captures a single coil sound. Even uses 250K pots. Looking forward to more "chime" and less thickness than the P90 like Pickups I had installed. The old PU's had to much output and thickness.
Th new PU's are in a chambered carved top Tele that catches lots of air. Sustains like a MoFo. Should be really nasty into the brown 1960 Super.
You know you have a great amp when the clean sound has depth, beauty and rich texture. With some early breakup very horn like and vocal.
Cal
MrFujicaman
Well-known
Cal,Cal…
Everybody knows that real men wear a G-Shock!
Everybody knows that real men wear a G-Shock!
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
MFM.
Except if you are a bankster. LOL.
I believe I have bankster blood in me. My mom was an educated woman from Hong Kong from when back in the day this was uncommon. The other half of me is Cantonese thug on my dad's side. Pretty much a family of criminals.
Now I'm an American. LOL.
Back in the day Rolex subs were issued to Navy SEALS.
BTW I love the Panerai because of its military heritage. Also the watch is massive on my girly wrists. I don't see many Panerai's "in the wild."
I use to say, "If a Panerai GMT is good enough for President Bill Clinton, its good enough for me," but Maggie says that that is backwards and should be "If its good enough for me that its good enough for Bill Clinton because I'm the better man."
Cal
Nokton48
Veteran
Hey Cal.
Setting up the 3.5 gal Kodak Sink Line. Notice the 70mm reels
70mm Basket Line Getting Set Up by Nokton48, on Flickr
Setting up the 3.5 gal Kodak Sink Line. Notice the 70mm reels
70mm Basket Line Getting Set Up by Nokton48, on FlickrCalzone
Gear Whore #1
Hey Cal.
Setting up the 3.5 gal Kodak Sink Line. Notice the 70mm reels
Dan,
I love how over the top you are going with your darkroom. I'm really jealous. Like you I accumulated mucho darkroom stuff, and I hope to go totally nutz like you when I retire.
I saw that shot on your crazy thread. Are you going to use those 3 1/2 gallon dip and dunk Kodak hard rubber tanks for the 70mm reels?
Know that I have a set of 3 1/2 gallon tanks too. and a different rack for 18 120 reels.
Not that I'm a stalker, but I have been following your leadership. Our friend Phil just got Joe and I a steal deal on 5222 at the student rate. Also many thanks for all those posts on ADOX and the dialog you had with Tom Abramson (a true friend to the world) sharing your results. Cheap-cheap-cheap.
I also soon will be going crazy with the 70mm Rollie 400 S. Cheap-cheap film, and I love what I can do with it. For me shooting a baby Linhof like a Leica is too cool. I have about 5-6 Linhof CINE's and each can hold about 60 6x7's. One is a 645 format so I can get 120 shots without reloading.
Our friend Chris has shown me some shots where he used D23, a compensating developer that is easy to mix because it only uses two chemicals. Know that I have an ultrasonic bath, a triple beam balance, a set of weights, and all this crazy expensive research lab glassware. Cheap-cheap-cheap.
In my darkroom I'll be setting up for wet printing digital negatives that I will print using my Epson 7800 and contact printing using a large vacuum frame.
How crazy is that? You must be in heaven.
BTW I wish my fashion blogger gal could settle down. Seems like it ain't happening, even though she's retiring.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I had to do a follow through with a Patagonia order I placed on 4/12 that seemed to have dead ended. I was trying to load up the truck and take advantage of a closeout sale, but no confirmation and no shipping notice.
So this late spring and summer uniform for me will be these Patagonia rock climbing knickers that kinda fit me like bike shorts because I'm a skinny bitch.
Somehow because of the screw-up, likely me, somehow I got an additional 15% off, and a free upgrade to two day shipping. Moral of the story is that I should screw up more often. What strange luck I have.
Also know that these Patagonia products wear like iron and are a great value.
I'll be wearing them to work. How cool is that? Pretty much I'm getting an attitude of a "shortimer." Pretty soon I hope to be like Dan and happily retired. That's when I can get really crazy. Oh what fun.
Cal
So this late spring and summer uniform for me will be these Patagonia rock climbing knickers that kinda fit me like bike shorts because I'm a skinny bitch.
Somehow because of the screw-up, likely me, somehow I got an additional 15% off, and a free upgrade to two day shipping. Moral of the story is that I should screw up more often. What strange luck I have.
Also know that these Patagonia products wear like iron and are a great value.
I'll be wearing them to work. How cool is that? Pretty much I'm getting an attitude of a "shortimer." Pretty soon I hope to be like Dan and happily retired. That's when I can get really crazy. Oh what fun.
Cal
MrFujicaman
Well-known
I'd rather spend $$$ on cameras and photo supplies. I have trouble wrapping my mind around the idea of a 16K watch....
Range-rover
Veteran
**Gear Alert**
Finally got the pictures back from the Leica R4s I used with Cal's 50mm lens,
well all I have to say, the camera works and Cal's lens is really good.
Finally got the pictures back from the Leica R4s I used with Cal's 50mm lens,
well all I have to say, the camera works and Cal's lens is really good.
Nokton48
Veteran
Yes I can process (three) twelve foot or so 70mm nylon reels at a time in the deep tanks. I'm thinking about DK-50 as I have a big stock of that, with replenisher too. Classic deep tank developer.
Yes it will feel heavenly to be back in the B&w darkroom
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
MFM,
You are correct that my watches are luxury items and status symbols. Pretty ghetto when you understand that my dad was poor, an illegal immigrant, and illiterate.
The ultimate ghetto statement to remind me that I'm no longer poor and powerless are the Victorian and Edwardian old mine cut diamond rings I own. One is gold and the other platnum that date to 1850's and 1880's.
These diamonds are about 1 1/4 caret each, the platinum ring (Eddie) also has three small diamonds on either side. I wear these rings on my left pinky together. "Maggie" thinks that together that they are over the top. Really ghetto and a pretty big statement.
At one time these rings graced the hands of British nobility at a time when the sun never set on the British empire. Now they grace the hand of an Asian.
If you understand post colonial culture these luxury items have a very deep meaning to my identity.
The Panerai GMT is a limited edition, and like my Rolex they changed the AM/PM indicator and made the watch dial more busy. My Panerai kinda became an instant collectable.
"Maggie" made an observation: that I either dress down into a street style of sportswear; or I go full tilt into Paul Smith suits; and I seldom just dress casual. The watches are a statement to go with these looks. Also know that I have that muscular military build that goes with the watch's military heritage.
As far as cameras and darkroom gear that I own, there is no shortage and I'm kinda stocked up. Perhaps not as crazy as Dan, but not far behind. Pretty much I have more than what is practical.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Yes I can process (three) twelve foot or so 70mm nylon reels at a time in the deep tanks. I'm thinking about DK-50 as I have a big stock of that, with replenisher too. Classic deep tank developer.
Yes it will feel heavenly to be back in the B&w darkroom
Dan,
Please tell me more about DK-50. Because of Chris I think I will be trying D-23 because it seems like an alternative "Slacker's Brew:" A compensating developer; and only two chemicals for cheap-cheap-cheap.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Bob,
As far as fast 50's go the 50 Lux "E60" is one of the best. I like to think of the rendering as being very much like a Noctilux as far as the transitions between sharp and soft. Take note of the OOF areas. They look like a Noctilux.
You kinda kill it as far as finding cameras for "no-money." You seem to be a lucky guy too.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I know what Dan is doing. While he is building an ultimized darkroom, I already know that Dan knows about the "zone" where intense long periods of intense concentration lead to this heightened state of creativity.
Pretty much a state of bliss that not everybody experiences. In a way this full immersion is a bit like a deprivation chamber because it screens out a good part of the world and pretty much you exist in a small contained and controlled enviornment that is not the real world, but then again you become the master of your own universe.
The zone is a state of bliss and pure creativity that resembles a manic state. Back in undergrad in art school, I was Photo Editor and Darkroom Manager for the college newspaper. I would spend entire weekends in the darkroom. Sometimes I would emerge into the day, the light hurt my eyes, and I felt like Paul Newman in "Cool Hand Luke" coming out of solitary confinement.
Cal
Pretty much a state of bliss that not everybody experiences. In a way this full immersion is a bit like a deprivation chamber because it screens out a good part of the world and pretty much you exist in a small contained and controlled enviornment that is not the real world, but then again you become the master of your own universe.
The zone is a state of bliss and pure creativity that resembles a manic state. Back in undergrad in art school, I was Photo Editor and Darkroom Manager for the college newspaper. I would spend entire weekends in the darkroom. Sometimes I would emerge into the day, the light hurt my eyes, and I felt like Paul Newman in "Cool Hand Luke" coming out of solitary confinement.
Cal