Leica M3 — New Zeiss Lens and Artisan & Artist Strap

March 3, 2010

You should have seen my face when the UPS man rang the bell this afternoon. It was already a nice day — the sun was shining, I had gone for a bike ride, and Spring was in the air. I hugged the two packages like a kid on Christmas morning. You will see a lot of new black and white work in the coming weeks. I’m processing film at home in the kitchen now, and with this new Zeiss 50mm f/1.5 C Sonnar, I will be shooting mostly with my Leica M3.

The leather strap was made by Artisan & Artist out of Japan. Such fine craftsmanship by both Zeiss and A&A. I am 25% Japanese and sized similarly to an average Japanese man. The A&A strap fits as if it were custom made for me.

What joy to be found in perfectly made tools! They permit us to create the work that gives our life meaning.

I’m as happy as a clam (big smile).

+ www.flickr.com
+ www.zeiss.com
+ www.artisanandartist.com

Nice Office

February 11, 2010

What a great place to get some work done.

Pony Corner Clamps

February 8, 2010

I ordered a box full of Pony corner clamps last week. These little guys will help me square up a bunch of frames for a show I’ll be hanging in March. I love the double slotted spline joint. I make my frames with a subtle inward bevel on the front face of the frame. The contrasting spline joinery not only makes them solid, but looks good too.

I prefer walnut, but I’ve got a bunch of premium pine lying around from a recently completed project. I think I’ll make a few in each type of wood. I intend to matte 8×8 inch photos with liberal white-space provided by creamy white museum board. A medium blonde Golden Oak or deep dark English Chestnut stain will do the trick. I will post some photos of the finished projects once they’re ready.