Camera Freak

Glancing through my closet just now, I noticed a box I had brought from my parent’s house during my last visit there. When I opened it, I found it contained a Kodak Brownie, circa 1950s, in pristine condition. Best as I remember, it was the first camera I ever owned. My Mom and Dad had bought it for me. It wouldn’t be my last.

Last month, I purchased a fixed-lens Nikon L100. I already have a Nikon S210 that I love, but I wanted something with a longer lens and faster shutter so that I can capture birds and butterflies in flight. The L100 has a 15 x optical zoom but, as yet, I have been unsuccessful in my attempts. The L100, by all counts, is my ninth digital camera.

Which is the best? They were all good but I really like my Nikon S210. It is compact and versatile and I keep it with me wherever I go. I know, it’s been replaced by a newer, faster model, but I’m too poor to upgrade every six months.

Before going digital, I owned more 35 mm cameras than I can count. My first was a Yashica, my last a Canon. I loved them all but none could match the ease and sophistication of digital. I spent much of my tour of duty in Vietnam without a camera but did have a half-frame the size of a cigarette case toward the end of my time there. I can’t remember the make, but it took exceptional pictures, many of which I still have. Maybe it was a Minolta.

My first fixed-lens single lens reflex was a Kowa (I know, I don’t think they make them anymore). My first interchangeable lens single lens reflex was a Minolta SRT101. It took gorgeous photos. How many cameras have I owned? I’d say easily a hundred. Will I own more before I die? Yes, unless I die tomorrow, and I have my fingers crossed that that won’t happen.

Eric'sWeb

Night Stalker

I took this picture two days ago with a wildlife camera mounted on the flagpole in my front yard. I had a strange feeling when I downloaded my pics that I was going to have captured the image of a werewolf, or a bigfoot. Instead, I had this pic of a gorgeous fox. My wildlife camera also managed to snap pics of a couple of possums, a raccoon and, of course my cats. I'll keep you posted if I manage to discover a bigfoot, werewolf, or some really weird person. Meanwhile, I'm contacting Stephen King with an idea for an absolutely frightening story.

http://www.ericwilder.com

Hey, my connection is slow and I can't get the picture to upload. I'll try again later. Until then, imagine a beautiful red fox, in the snow, checking out the food in my cat's food bowls. - Eric