One Image, One Story: Custom Bike in Olde Town Arvada

I can’t remember this gentleman’s name but he was a fixture around Olde Towne Arvada. And maybe he still is. I don’t think he’d fit in quite as well if he was, though. Ever since RTD built the Gold Line to Arvada, the area has been built up and has lost much of the “flavor” that it used to have.

This was taken exactly 10 years ago today on a walk with the Colorado Pentax Group that I was a part of when I both a) lived in Colorado and b) was a Pentaxian. Going through my old files has made me realize that I kind of miss the quirkiness of being a Pentaxian. If it weren’t for the bad experience I had with getting my K-5 fixed, there’s a chance I’d still be one today.

I seem to remember that on this outing, we all chose a single focal length prime lens to use for the whole outing. In my case, I went with an old Tamron Adaptall 28mm f2.5. It certainly wasn’t the greatest lens ever but it worked for me on this day and it definitely reminded me how much I like going out with a single focal length sometimes. It’s a challenge.

I’ll admit that I’m often too weak to go out with a single lens for any kind of “real” photo outing. I always worry about what will happen if and when I come across a scene that requires a lens that’s not with me? The answer is pretty simple, though. I adapt. If I don’t have the lens that I was thinking about, I’m forced to use the lens I have. That limitation becomes a creative outlet when I start trying to see how it sees and how I can use that creatively in a composition.

For years and years I have pondered doing Mike Johnston’s Leica Year project. I always seem to find some excuse not to. I really need to commit to it someday, though. It’s easy to say that I could do some version of the exercise. Mike has even come up with a digital variant for those that don’t want to shoot film for a year. I’ve thought about the latter with my D800 and one of the various Nikon 50mm lenses I have hanging around here. But honestly, I’m curious about shooting the Leica for a year. I think the biggest hurdle for me these days is the fact that I enjoy using such a variety of gear. It’s tough to think about leaving my Rolleiflex and my 8x10s and my 4×5 and all of my other films cameras and even my digital gear behind for a year. It’s just a year, though.

I still can’t quite pull the trigger but I’m getting closer. Someday…

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One Comment

  1. milehipentax@gmail.com April 2, 2020 at 7:07 am #

    Follow-up: The kind folks at Torso Rags commented on this photo on Instagram. The gentleman’s name was Gary, also known as “Hippy.” Sadly, he passed a few years ago. RIP, Gary. Thank you for the opportunity to take this portrait of you and yoru fun bike!

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