Adventures on a Sunday
Yesterday, I ventured forth into the wilds of London, or to be more specific the RHS's Lawrence Hall on Greycoat Street. Now, whereas I've been there a few times in the past for matters botanical (my father likes to attend their annual orchid show), on this occasion it was in aid of Photographica -- the PCCGB's camera collectors' fair.
I really shouldn't have done that.
To be fair, I did manage to show some restraint, so the really drool-worthy stuff like the Canon EF and the pristine New F-1 did not become part of my collection. I could quite easily have spent some serious money, but I kept my shopping simple:
Anyway, after wandering around between the tables covered in shininess like a kid in the proverbial store, I naffed off to a pub. There, a pleasurable few pints were had in the company of ongen (whose blog appears to have disappeared) and pndc (who suggested the pub based on rumours of obscene etchings, and was not disappointed.)
All in all, a very good Sunday -- made a change from the usual dozing in my armchair. Now to see what joys the rest of the week has in store...
I really shouldn't have done that.
To be fair, I did manage to show some restraint, so the really drool-worthy stuff like the Canon EF and the pristine New F-1 did not become part of my collection. I could quite easily have spent some serious money, but I kept my shopping simple:
- An AV-1 body -- the only A-series body I didn't have an example of, so it was simply a matter of choosing the one in the best condition
- A 35mm f/2.8; originally I only put it on the front of the AV-1 because it was sitting next to it on the stall and I wanted to check the camera out, but it struck me as a very nice lens so why not?
- A 35-105mm f/3.5, to replace the one I've had for ages that appears to have stopped working properly (stops down to about f/20 regardless of the set aperture, useful!)
- A 135mm f/2.8, impulse buy because it was next to the zoom and the chap knocked 20 quid off if I bought them together. I have a 135mm f/3.5 already, but it's stuck wide open!
- ... and a Asahi-Pentax 110 SLR, which is a very cute ickle baby camera. Just hope Boots still stock 110 film in Banbury!
Anyway, after wandering around between the tables covered in shininess like a kid in the proverbial store, I naffed off to a pub. There, a pleasurable few pints were had in the company of ongen (whose blog appears to have disappeared) and pndc (who suggested the pub based on rumours of obscene etchings, and was not disappointed.)
All in all, a very good Sunday -- made a change from the usual dozing in my armchair. Now to see what joys the rest of the week has in store...