My lesson in contentment!

[Dave Wilkinson]

During the summer months, I spend a lot of time in my favourite shooting location, a preserved steam rail line operating over eighteen miles of beautiful moorland. Last week, as I waited on the platform of one of the victorian stations for the next train arrival, I spotted an elderly gentleman with his wife and dogs, enjoying their packed lunch while waiting to board. Up to this point I had been contemplating the fact that I had not bought any gear for quite a while, and was watching a few things on Ebay that were inducing copious amounts of GAS!.
Back to the old couple! - as two children bent to stroke their dogs, I grabbed a shot, then joined them on the bench, to await the train. Then I noticed the old gents camera - an immaculate Nikon F90, no less!, with a wide angle, large aperture zoom!. Naturally, we soon got talking 'cameras', and he told me he'd had this one from new, and just the one lens, and as it did everything he required - in an exellent way, had no desire for anything else!. We passed an interesting half hour, and he spoke of his lasting fondness for film, and the occasional making of mono, sepia toned prints. Well....this encounter caused me to delete my 'watched items' on arriving home!, and resolve to look at my 'golden oldies' in a new light!.......but for how long? - well I'm gonna try!:angel:
Dave.🙂

 

[Paddy C]

Nice little story. Thanks for sharing.

Sometimes the gear side of photography can get completely out of hand. Good to get some perspective now and then.

 

[mynikonf2]

I know that feeling all too well. Some times I can get so lost in the obsession of a GAS attack that nothing can relieve the pain!!! 😱

Then I have to remind myself of the Chinese proverb, "He that knows that enough is enough, will always have enough" & "There is no greater curse than desire, no greater hurt than discontent".
So after thoughtful contemplation of this ancient wisdom, I immediately purchase the item so I can be free of the curse and not hurt anymore. 😀

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

FWIW....this is what we were both waiting for!
Dave.

 

[kshapero]

Dave, A nice way to spend the day, actually even better than giving in to a GAS attack IMHO.

 

[Florian1234]

Sounds very nice, also about the old gentleman (with a very good camera, I guess, which also might end up on my list to safe for).

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

Sounds very nice, also about the old gentleman (with a very good camera, I guess, which also might end up on my list to safe for).

Yes, it's about an hour's drive away!, and paradise for steam nuts like me!😀
Dave.

 

[Trius]

Dave, my dad was worked for a railroad (agent, then telegrapher then dispatcher) for nearly 40 years. I got to ride for free. 😀

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

Dave, my dad was worked for a railroad (agent, then telegrapher then dispatcher) for nearly 40 years. I got to ride for free. 😀

WOA!.....don't get me going on steam locomotion!.....I'll be here all night!😀.
Dave.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Dave

You have to quit posting those images of those great classic locomotive and lovely Victorian Stations. They are giving me a different type of gas. Wish I could get there. Great photo of the old couple, their dogs and the two kids. Even without your background story the photo says contentment.

Bob

 

[ron1945]

fireman

fireman

nice story and photos, i was a fireman 1961-63 i can almost smell those engines loverly.

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

nice story and photos, i was a fireman 1961-63 i can almost smell those engines loverly.

Ron, these days they even have....gulp!.....women - stoking 'em up!, but I reckon it may be handy at times 😀
Dave.

 

[robert blu]

nice story, interesting concept and good pictures.
thanks for sharing,
robert (blu)

 

[ron1945]

oh dear

oh dear

Ron, these days they even have....gulp!.....women - stoking 'em up!, but I reckon it may be handy at times 😀
😱Dave.

i wouldnt to tangle with a woman who could keep steam up on one of those babys awesome thought though.