Mother Ginger's Entrance

From The Nutcracker. Shot from stage left, just as Mother Ginger was leaving the wings. Shot it with my Olympus XA and Kodak Ultramax 800 film.

John at Joe Josts

My pal John and I went for a brew at Joe Josts in Long Beach a couple of weeks ago. Got a fotie of John using my Oly XA and Kodak Ultramax 800 film.

Mr. Jelly Belly Swings Into Christmas

Shot this hand held with my new old Konica Autoreflex TC and 50mm f1.7 Hexanon lens. Shot it wide open at a 15th, so I'm very happy with the clarity. Memories 200 was the film I used.

Caiti in the Rain

Outside the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles on a rainy day. Canon F-1.

Mother Ginger

The cast of the Nutcracker (Library show) takes a bow.

Olympus XA with Kodak Ultramax 800 film.

Paint Me

Doorway at the old Helme Worthy building in dowwntown Huntington Beach California. Rolleiflex with Fuji Pro 400H film, developed in Rodinal (R09 One Shot) semi-stand for 60 minutes.

HB Bigfoot

In the Himalayas he is known as the Yeti, or the Abominable Snowman. However, in the Americas he is known as Bigfoot. This is a Bigfoot sighting I captured on film earlier this year with my Canon F-1 and Kodak Gold 400 film.

I happened to be at the Huntington Beach Library to drop off some books that Sadie had recently read and, since she cannot drive (she being a canine after all) I volunteered to return the books to the library for her. It was closing time and I thought, I'll take a photo of the library exterior in the darkness with only the dim outside lights illuminating the scene.

I cannot recall what shutter speed or aperture I used, but I do recall using the ledge of the car door's lowered window to steady the camera.

I was so engrossed in my assignment I failed completely to notice the passing Bigfoot, whose slightly OOF silhouette I captured. (Yet didn't realize I had until I got the negs back.)

I believe this is the only hard evidence of Bigfoot anywhere south of Oregon.

Flowers Shop

Testing a Bell & Howell/Canonet 28 with Memories brand 200 ASA film I though this "Flowers" shop on Western Avenue in Harbor City worthy of an exposure on a rainy day.

Fire Station

In Redondo Beach, near the pier, there is this fire station and I took a shot of the side of the building with my Brownie Hawkeye Flash and Kodak Ektar 100 film.

The New Bridge

The new bridge over the tidal canal near the corner of Warner and Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. I was shooting into the setting sun with my old Kodak Vigilant 620 that I was using for the first time. I had transferred some Arista EDU 100 film in 120 format onto a 620 spool in the changing bag, so I'm unsure if that had anything to do with the problem.

A Mirliton Observes

Meg, as a Mirliton, observing the show. Ballet Etudes Nutcracker performance at Huntington Beach High School.


Olympus XA and Kodak Ultramax 800 film.

The Mirlitons Have an Admirer

Sidestage at the Ballet Etudes Nutcracker, December 3 at Huntington Beach High School.

Olympus XA and Kodak Ultramax 800 film.

Watching the Chinese

Ballet Etudes Nutcracker, at Huntington Beach High School. Olympus XA and Kodak Ultramax 800 film.

Apotheosis Mini-Me's

Normally the Apotheosis in the Nutcracker is performed by bigger girls. This year, however, the chreographer decided to include the smaller girls with garlands, too. A still image from the Nutcracker put on by Ballet Etudes of Huntington Beach, California.

Olympus XA with Kodak Ultramax 800 ASA film.

The Marys and Their Lambs

A side stage shot I made during the Ballet Etudes Nutcracker performance on December 3 at Huntington Beach High School.

I used my Olympus XA with Kodak Ultramax 800 ASA film.

Mazatlan, October 1977

For our honeymoon Annie and I went on a cruise to the "Mexican Riviera" with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. I took this shot in Mazatlan with my Mamiya-Sekor 500 DTL and Kodak film.

I wonder what that street looks like today? Jorge Ibarra has told me the street location is 1608 Aquiles Serdan. When I Googled it, I found that Google's street view showed a group of people standing in that same spot, just as their ancestors were 35 years ago.

The Harlequin Doll Dances

The Harlequin Doll dances as the Ballerina Doll, not yet animated, appears to observe. This is a snap from Scene One, "The Party Scene," from this year's Nutcracker performance by Ballet Etudes of Huntington Beach, California. This is a shot from the "Tech Rehearsal" last Friday night.

The Harlequin Doll is played by my daughter, Meg.

I took this shot with my Olympus XA and Kodak Ultramax 800 ASA film.

Soldier Shoots White Mouse

Snap of a scene from a dress rehearsal for the Ballet Etudes "Nutcracker."

Olympus XA and Arista Premium 100 film developed in Rodinal 1:100 for 60 minutes.

Corridor

Olympus XA and Fomapan 100 film developed in Rodinal at 1:100.

The Evangelist

Up on Signal Hill one cool and drizzly morn I spotted this young lady at the fence apparently contemplating the view and so I snapped her photo.

Some moments later she approached and asked about my camera. This in itself didn't seem unusual since its not everyday one see a person shooting with a pre-WWII Voigtlander Bessa. She seemed uncommonly friendly however, and pretty soon it all made sense when she invited me to attend her church.

This will explain why I call this image The Evangelist.

I beat a hasty (yet polite) retreat, by the way.

Voigtlander Bessa with Tri-X 400 film which I processed in Rodinal.

Rehearsal

For Ballet Etudes Nutcracker.

Camera: Olympus XA
Film: Arista Premium 100
Developer: Rodinal (R09 One Shot) diluted to 1:100

Don's Motel

Don's Motel is on Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach, California. I took this image with my Olympus XA and Fomapan 100 film. Its a hand-held shot.

I developed the film in Rodinal (R09 One Shot) diluted 1:100 using a 60 minute semi-stand technique.

Dick Deluxe

Dick is a local musician whom I encountered a few days ago while testing my Kodak Vigilant 620. He goes by the stage name of "Dick Deluxe." I spent a pleasant few minutes with Dick Deluxe as he practiced his mandolin music and we talked about music and old cameras. We were chums for a little while. (A pre-WWII Kodak can be a good ice breaker.) Finally I asked Dick if I could take his picture and he graciously consented. Alas, the camera wasn't up to the challenge.

As its name suggests, the Vigilant 620 was designed to take 620 film. However, 620 is the same size as 120, but on a smaller diameter spool. So I took some 120 into the changing bag and wound it onto a 620 spool. It all went remarkably smoothly. (Until I developed the images.)

I processed the roll in Rodinal (R09 One Shot) diluted 1:50 and developed for 7 minutes.

Congregation Alehouse

Long Beach, California. The Congregation Alehouse is located in the ground floor of the Insurance Exchange Building. I took this image with my Vivitar PN2011 with flipped lens.

Portal of Foreboding

Doors of a law office in Newport Beach, California. It conjures some kind of Dickensian image for me, and inside I imagine some law clerk with green eye shades audibly scribbling with a quill pen.

Vivitar PN2011 with flipped lens and Walgreens 200 ASA film.

John Henry

Statue of John Henry in front of the entrance to Santa Anita Park, in Arcadia, California.

I used my Canon T-50 with a 28mm Canon FD lens and Fuji Neopan 400 film. I developed the film in Rodinal 1:25.

Peleton of One

Seal Beach, California. This is on Pacific Coast Highway, just as it winds through the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station and Anaheim Bay. PCH is a great ribbon of highway for cyclists.

Olympus XA. Legacy Pro 400 film. Developed in Rodinal 1:25 for 6 mins.

Happy Bearded Man

Huntington Beach. At the swap meet (AKA flea market) at Golden West College. Olympus XA and Legacy Pro 400 film.

Palm Tree at Noon

Dining solo one lunchtime outside the Torrance Market in Old Torrance, California, I glanced up and this is what I saw. Liked what I saw! I used my Olympus XA. I developed the film in Rodinal. I think the film was Tri-X 400. (If anyone wants to know for sure what film I'll check my negs.)

The Pacific Tower Building

Long Beach, California. Built in 1923 or 1924, depending on what you read on the web. 12 floors. Architect: W. Horace Austin. Took this shot with my Vivitar PN2011 with flipped lens, and Walgreens 200 ASA film.

Hey Sailor,...

On Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach there is a shop that sells nautical antiques. These two gentleman have been standing outside that shop for as long as I can remember.

Olympus XA and Memories brand 200 ASA film.

North and South from Pacific Coast Highway

Huntington Beach from Pacific Coast Highway. Holga 120N, with Kodak Portra 400 film. (Thought I was shooting 6x6. Only when I got the images back did I realize I was shooting 6x4.5.) Neverthless, I love the Portra 400.

North, with the Palos Verdes Peninsula just visible on the horizon.

South, with the pier in the distance. The building on the end of the pier with the red roof is Ruby's Diner.

Bartender, Eagle Tavern

The Eagle Tavern is a delightful watering hole in Greenfield Village in Dearborn Michigan. The Eagle was our first stop of the day, and we slaked our thirsts with a very fine ale made by some local micro-brewery. I cannot recall this gentleman's name but he was a delightful fellow, full of pleasant chat and curiosity.

An accountant by profession it turns out, he had been unable for some time to find employment as such, and the Eagle was his "temporary" financial refuge. He's been working there several years now.

Olympus XA and Walgreens 800 ASA film.

Gull Over Ruby's

Out on the end of the Huntington Beach Pier stands Ruby's Diner. This gull hovered over Ruby's one afternoon. The pink appearance to his (or her) feathers is caused by the reflection off Ruby's roof, which is red.

Canon T-50. Canon 28mm FD lens. Kodak Gold 100 film.

Photoshoot on HB Pier

At the far end of the pier one day, after having lunch at Ruby's with Meg(daughter #2). They serve a delicious malted milk there! You can just make out Catalina Island on the horizon.

Canon T-50 and Canon 28mm FD lens. The film was Kodak Gold 400.

Fireball Over Huntington Beach

The Vivitar PN2011 does strange things with light when the lens is flipped. Here is an example. This was taken from my car window while stopped at a light on Pacific Coast Highway near Main Street.

The "Fireball" is the sun, stretched by the flipped lens.

The film I used was Memories brand 200 ASA I believe.

The Lovell Beach House

Newport Beach, California. Built in 1926, this house is the work of architect Rudolf Schindler. I took this picture with a Contax IIIa and Fuji Pro 400 film.

I used to ride past this house on my bicycle every weekend and I would always admire the design. At that time I had no idea it was a famous home. Then one day, at work, a friend had a postcard on his desk that showed an image of a house with some similar design motifs. (I believe it was a home designed by Richard Neutra, a contemporary of Schindler and indeed friend.) I said, "That reminds me of a beautiful house in Newport Beach that I pass when I ride my bike." He said yeah,...that's the Lovell Beach House!"

Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Late Afternoon

Looking west over the Bolsa Chica Wetlands in late afternoon. Huntington Beach, California.

I thought I'd experiment a little with my Konica I by shooting directly into the sun to see what I got.

Huntington Beach still has a lot of oil pumps pulling oil from deep underground. You can see a few in the distance.

I used Efke 100 film, which I developed in Rodinal diluted to 1:25.

The North Face

It's not the Eiger, its the Ocean Center Building in Long Beach, California. I shot this with my Canon T-50 and a 50mm FD lens. However, with that focal length I was unable to get the roof line in. It wouldn't have mattered anyway, since I somehow messed up the development and one entire edge of the roll of film was undeveloped. Turned out to be the top edge of each photo. So I cropped the top edge away.

Still, I think its an interesting photo. I used Fuji Neopan 400 film and messed up the development in Rodinal 1:25.

Between Races

Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia, California. October 7, 2011. Canon T-50. Fuji Neopan 400. Processed in Rodinal.

The Spoon Thing

A feature of the Oktoberfest entertainment at The Phoenix Club in Anaheim, California. I shot this with my Canon F-1 and Fomapan 100 film which I pushed 3 stops to 800 ASA. I developed the film in Rodinal.

Self-Portrait with Kiev 4a

Taken with my Holga 120 Wide Angle Pinhole camera and Ilford Delta 100 film.

Contemplative Girl

On Signal Hill, in Long Beach, California. Friday, November 4, 2011. Olympus XA with Walgreen's 200 ASA film (expired).

The Helme-Worthy Building

515 Walnut Ave, Huntington Beach, California.

The Helme-Worthy Building dates from about 1903 and is one of those western "false-front" buildings you see in the movies or old photographs. I took this photo with a Rolleiflex and expired Fuji 400H color print film.

I cross-processed the roll in Rodinal 1:100 using a "semi-stand" agitation technique.

Messy Room

Taken with a Vivitar PN2011 that I had converted to a pinhole camera. I used Memories brand 200 ASA film and I think this was about a 6 second exposure.

Lamp Shadows

Side entrance to the First United Methodist Church in Redondo Beach, California. The shadows off the lamps on either side of the door caught my eye as I passed this place in my car one day during my lunch hour. By the time I parked and got the camera out--a Rolleiflex belonging to my pal, Jim--the shadows had faded a little.

I used Kodak Tri-X 400 film which I developed in Rodinal 1:100 usind a "semi-stand" technique.

Roadside Memorial to Hung K. Do

It's not uncommon in the USA for memorials to be placed where cyclists have been killed. Often an old bike, painted white, is placed near the site of the tragedy.

I spotted this one some months ago on Warner Avenue in Fountain Valley, California.

I read up about it in back issues of the local newspaper. Hung K. Do was killed on May 15, 2011 at this spot. It happened at about 3 am. As you can see in the second photo, there is no sidewalk over the rise of the road. My guess is the driver who struck Hung came over that rise and failed to see the cyclist until too late.

I took these images with my FED 3 and Legacy Pro 400 film.

Where Can You Get Your Pupusas?

The ubiquitous American strip mall, that's where! This one is on Marine Avenue in Gardena, California. I took this shot with an old Leica rangefinder that belongs to my pal, Jim. He has many great old film cameras but he never shoots with them. He insists I do. I used Legacy Pro 400 film, and I processed the negs in Rodinal.