Not Shooting – Sheltering In Place
I had wanted to be shooting over the next few weeks. Sheltering in place for now.
Tomcat with Hasselblad X
The Palm Springs Air Museum F-14 Tomcat. A favorite because of the motion picture “Top Gun”. Photographed with the Hasselblad X1DII 50c camera and XCD 21mm lens. Processed in Hasselblad Phocus software. Phocus with Hasselblad files always produces just amazing results.
Good Looking!
As I continue research into my Yiddish Theater project, I expected to just see the steady parade of individuals all looking like Tevye from “Fiddler On The Roof”. Not so! Stella Adler was one good looking woman. The daughter of Jacob and Sarah Adler, who along with other family members were the foundation of the Yiddish Theater District in New York City. An acting dynasty that started in the late 19th Century and continued through the 1950’s
Stella Adler taught acting to Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, Elaine Stritch, Lena Horne, Harvey Keitel, Melanie Griffith, Peter Bogdonovich and so many more. Among her most famous students, Marlon Brando and Martin Sheen. Interesting to think without Stella Adler there would not have been the motion picture “Apocalypse Now”.
The Stella Adler Studio of Acting still exists. And this quote from her is perhaps very appropriate today.
Adult Superstore
Honestly we were not looking for this when we pulled off the freeway. An amazingly remote place for it. We were actually looking for a still standing Muffler Man. And we did find it. We found a few on that trip. Do you know the Muffler Man? Check it out here… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muffler_Men On one of my photo excursions.
Ghetto Tango
Something I discovered in my research for a project on the Yiddish Theater; something I did not know existed, “Ghetto Tango”. From a description from the collection “Ghetto Tango: Wartime Yiddish Theater”…
“The Jews torn from their homes and crammed into the ghettoes of Lithuania and Poland included young and old, laborers and college students, teachers, doctors, lawyers — and musicians. In the Warsaw ghetto, in Lodz, Vilna and the rest of the unofficial cabarets sprang up. Orchestras and choruses pieced themselves together as well. Musicians, both professional and amateur, began writing and performing as well as adapting popular music of the time. Much of their music reflected or satirized their bleak circumstances and bolstered the spirits of the audiences. Incredibly, not only were these ghetto night clubs visited by Nazi authorities and German soldiers, but they were photographed by Nazi propaganda units.”
Leica Freedom Train
At the beginnings of Nazi Germany, Ernst Leitz II, son of the founder and then director of the company manufacturing Leica cameras conceived a plan to evacuate Jews from the Nazis. Saving perhaps thousands, it became known as the Leica Freedom Train.
My selection of cameras is not just based on megapixels or price. It reflects the place in history of the camera company and the personal support of my business for which I am ever so grateful. Thank You!
Not Far
Downtown Palm Springs today. Something to look through, the alien babies are still there, and every sidewalk needs a yellow cow with polka dots.
A-7 Corsair II Arrives
It might not look like much now, but by the end of the year, those restoration magicians at the Palm Springs Air Museum will have it looking like it is ready to fly off a carrier. A Vietnam War era Vought A-7A Corsair II. The A-7 flew from 1965 through the Gulf War. It arrived this morning.
For my photographer friends; Sometimes I still use my Fujifilm x30. Very convenient to have around. These are Velvia film simulation jpg’s.
Pucci Virus Protection
At the Palm Springs Art Museum today. Braniff International Airlines stewardess uniforms designed by Pucci. Maybe the “helmet’ today would be good virus protection for flying commercial.
Once Upon A Time At The Salton Sea
The Salton Sea was once one of the biggest attractions in the country. A billboard at the road in to Bombay Beach.
Bombay Beach Aircraft
Many have seen this. However it is new since my last trip to Bombay Beach. I had to see it. Bombay Beach at the Salton Sea is truly becoming dedicated to the arts. Fujifilm X-T3 camera. I would like to fly over and photograph it from the air next.
Giant Bird Bombay Beach
Just watch, don’t be impatient. At Bombay Beach Salton Sea. Fujifilm X-T3 camera.
Wrapped In Papier Doux
Model Aristodeme naked except for wrapped in papier doux. A day we spent shooting with many unusual props and ideas. Much fun! Hasselblad digital camera system and Broncolor lighting. Thanks!
Me – Street Photographer?
X-Pro3 Is Pro!
Getting some time shooting the new Fujifilm X-Pro3 Camera. Here with the XF23mmF2 R WR lens. It is a rangefinder camera with the rear screen hidden unless you fold it down. Just like shooting a film rangefinder. The photos here shot in Velvia simulation mode and jpg right out of the camera. The close up, just a crop of the other photo. This is a hugely impressive camera.
Fujifilm Shooting Fujifilm
I had the chance to play with the just released Fujifilm X100V camera today. This is shot by me with the Fujifilm X-Pro3 I also got to work with. The X-Pro3 had the Fujifilm 23mm lens, shot at f3.2 1/60 second and iso400. This is a straight out of the camera jpg in Velvia simulation mode. Just sized down.
The X100V is a marvel itself. Small and lightweight, it could slip in any large pocket like a cargo pocket. Weighs almost nothing. Simple and quick operation, reminds me of a real camera for those of you who know what I mean by that. Looking for that camera to go everywhere without any burden and shooting superb photographs. No doubts this could be it. Today at Camera West in Rancho Mirage California. Thanks!
Fujifilm X100V Demo
The new just announced Fujifilm X100V will be demonstrated by Fujifilm at Camera West in Rancho Mirage this Friday Feb 7th from 1-4pm. I am going to go check it out. You can too; and bring your own SD card to take your photos home with you.
Keen Eye For The Super Bowl
Had a friend happen to stop by to watch the Super Bowl just now. Probably has a keen eye for it!
Fujifilm X-H1 camera body with the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 lens.
Hasselblad Shooting Rolleiflex
Using the new Hasselblad X1DII camera to shoot an old vintage Rolleiflex camera. Lens was the Hasselblad XCD 3.5 120mm with Broncolor F160 LED lighting. Shot handheld at Camera West in Rancho Mirage CA.
Selfie At The Daggett Garage
My attempt at a selfie on a photo excursion last week.
At the Dagget Garage built in the 1880’s in the Borax area as a locomotive repair roundhouse. Moved by a 20-mule-team to the Waterloo Mill and Mine in 1896. Then moved to it’s current location in Daggett California in 1912.
Served as an auto repair shop on old Route 66 until World War II when it became a mess hall for troops guarding nearby railroad bridges.

























