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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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!