Ah, another great weekend with great company, great photo ops and interesting speakers.
We arrived home early yesterday evening totally worn out but with wonderful memories and, hopefully, memorable images. Cesar was already there when we arrived and observed the process of setting up "PDML Central", as our camper has come be known. Shortly thereafter, while admiring and talking camera equipment, a doe and her fawn wandered into the picnic area where we were set up. Cesar still had his equipment in his car, most of mine was in the camper. I did have the Yashica Samurai half-frame in hand, and being the stealthy hunter that I am :-), was able to get within about 50 feet or so of them and hopefully got some decent shots. Friday evening was spent in a bull session with the PDML crew along with Mike Johnston and Aristide Economopolous (hope I got the spelling right) where we got a preview of the upcoming programs straight from the horses mouths. Saturday morning and we were off to one of the Grandfather Mountain hiking trails at Mark's recommendation. On arrival, I discovered that the quick release plates for my tripod were on other cameras back at the campground (normal, right?). Anyway, I had taken the Kiev 60 with the 30mm Arsat fisheye and my wife was carrying her brand new ZX-L. While on this expedition, we hopefully good a few good shots, including Mark's shoes. BTW, the PanF negatives look okay considering I was shooting at about 1/4 second hand held. Saturday evening, after the great buffet dinner from the GFM staff, we got to listen to Mike Johnston explain how to decide which images to turn into "final" prints. Afterwards, back to PDML Central and more bulls**t and beer. Sunday morning and it was time for Aris' program. He is this year's Southern Photographer of the Year. Being a staff photographer for the Newark, NY Ledger-Star he was on hand for the events of last September 11. His photos taken at the scene, some from as close as one block away, were mind boggling, as well as his feelings of what was occurring at the time. Finally, FWIW, anyone that's looking for a good camera for someone just starting in photography, or wants a simple, easy to use camera, give serious consideration to the ZX-L. It can be used for anything from a simple P&S to fully manual and anything in between, plus it has the ability to be used with high speed sync and wireless modes with the AF360FGZ. Bill KG4LOV [EMAIL PROTECTED] - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
