A dinosaur emerges

[Charles Hess]

Hello all...long-time member, too infrequent visitor here, thought I'd drop in to see how everyone is doing. It's great to see so many regulars from years ago still here and enjoying the site. I've popped into the Critique section several times recently...lots of good stuff being posted.
Me, still busy at my workplace, entrenched in digital (mostly for work) with a D300, and still using my trusty Contax G2. My passions have moved from glamour photography to life on the streets. After my workplace hosted an exclusive photo exhibition of the Kennedy family by Richard Avedon, I became fascinated, then obsessed with the Rolleiflex TLRs. 2 weeks ago, I found a near-mint Rollei 3.5F TLR, circa 1960. What a ball thinking square (6x6) with this gem, its meter dead-accurate, and the waist-level viewing providing ultimate stealth when shooting street candids. Below is a sample.
Thanks...I hope to pop in when I can. Take care, all.

[mjs1973]

Good to see you again Charles! I started playing around with an old TLR I borrowed from a coworker. They are a lot of fun, that's for sure. Don't be a stranger.

[Old Timer]

Good to hear from you again Charles. My first photo course was taken using a TLR. I went on to use one for about 10 years for weddings and event photography. They take a little getting use to but produce some sweet images.

[adina]

Charles!

Great to hear from you, and glad to see you are still shooting. Philly is still on our list, the girls and I might drive out that way before the end of summer.

thanks for stopping by

[mtbbrian]

6x6 RULES!
You'll love it Charles!
Glad to see you are still shooting!
:thumbsup:
Brian

[Charles Hess]

Thanks, all. I've seen lots of great stuff from all of you, so it's nice to know the passion is still with you. Adina, the welcome mat is always out for you. You and family will be treated royally when you make the trip. Just let me know. :-)

Here's another from my new toy...the waist-level finder gets some geting used to, but I love the control, as you see the DOF change right before your eyes in that big piece of ground glass. This was taken Sunday morning by my high-rise, a block away from the Art Museum.

[gahspidy]

Glad to have you back. Great images. The shallow DOF in that last creates an intriguing photo from an otherwise simple scene. Your comp brings it about as well. Nice work. I would imagine that waist level viewing does help in getting those candid street scenes, as you say.
Keep em coming.

[walterick]

Holy cow, is it dusty in here or did Charles Hess just reawaken? So good to have you back my friend! I think you'll find a lot of the old folks are still around. Good to see you maintaining your passion for street photography and staying with film!

Rick

[Charles Hess]

Gary and Rick...two more veterans, glad to see you still here. I really hope to be able to stick around this time, so it's nice to be among old friends. Yeah, I'm still a film geek. :-)

[megan]

...Good to see you dropping in.

[Frog]

Hi, Charles. I can see by your photos why you like the TLR so I, still learning about different mediums, had to look it up.
Hope you got a better deal than the ones I saw.
I like the second one you posted especially.

[adina]

Hey Charles,

I'm debating about a trip to Maryland the end of August, will let you know when we have some concrete. Probably mid- to end of the month....

[Asylum Steve]

Hey there, Charles. Always enjoyable seeing the world through your eyes. Definitely a case of the right camera with the right guy...

[Charles Hess]

Thanks, Steve, good to see you are still here adding your expertise.

[Liz]

Welcome Back Charles! I'm really glad you're around PR once again. You've been gone too long, and were missed. Your photography skills and photos are always a great encouragement to me. You're the reason I got into street photography - and still love it!

I upgraded to the Canon XTi a year or so ago. I had to sell my heavier lenses (heavy is relative) due to neck/back problems....including my 2 "L" lenses which I miss. However, I'm enjoying the Canon 50mm/f1.4, 28mm/f1.8 and the recently acquired the new Tokina 11-16mm/f2.8. I also carry a p&s with me so I can do some shooting when I get a few moments in between the acts.

Once again, it's great to see you around PR again.

Liz

[Charles Hess]

Thanks, Liz. Sorry about your neck & back problems...hope you get a break in your busy days to do some more street work. :-)