the missing road / sequoia
I got my first rolls of film developed since COVD-19 started in February. I had one roll of black and white film in my Olympus XA4 that I’ve been shooting intermittently since then, but I shot 2 rolls of Ektar 100 on the Mamiya 6 on a recent trip to Sequoia National Forest. I’ve missed photography a lot during this time, and plan on shooting more of my daily life whenever possible. The documentation helps provide checkpoints in what seems like a pretty monotonous passing of time.
A photo of me in May working on a plywood coffee table (you can catch a glimpse of it above).
I’ve been reworking my camera gear recently (perpetually?). I sold my X100F and got a Leica M6, which has been my dream camera since I began film photography as a 14 year-old. It seemed entirely unobtainable then, both financially and practically. I purchased my Leica M2 in 2018 in horrendous condition because it seemed unreasonable to spend so much money on a mechanical camera, but after putting hundreds of rolls through it, I’ve decided a good condition, reliable camera that can capture my most precious moments is worth it. I’m excited to have a built-in light meter and a fully functioning shutter. I’ve never been a huge fan of camera backpacks (to be fair, as a backpack enthusiast, camera backpacks haven’t really become well-designed until the last few years), but the Brevite Jumper seemed interesting as an everyday backpack that could protect my cameras and lenses better than chucking them in my backpack with a wrap or jacket. After using it for a week or so, I like it a lot. The gear compartment keeps my camera stuff well-protected and organized, and there’s enough room for everyday work things like my laptop, tablet, headphones, and keyboard if I want to work somewhere else for the day (during the pandemic, options are limited). Here’s a quick sketchy illustration of everything that goes into it.
Other updates
I’m current reading Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America. It’s an interesting history of McDonalds as well as the impact of the chain on Black businesspeople and communities. This 99% Invisible podcast is a great summary for those interested in the topic but can’t read the book now.
I read Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong recently. As an Asian American who has often felt isolated because of my racial identity, it was a cathartic read at times, and insightful/entertaining at others.
Also reading The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness which is a must-read for everyone. It persuasively and effectively highlights all the injustices of our justice system.
We’ve been watching the 2018 remake of Meteor Garden to improve our Chinese skills and there’s only 5 episodes left.
I’m currently scoping out the next woodworking project (the finished bar stools are shown below). I think I will be making a guitar amp stand/shelf with more poplar 2x2’s and maybe some walnut.
I’ve been curious about taking an online photography class…not so much about technique or gear, but more of the storytelling aspect and building cohesive photo stories.
reflection question
What is something you're interested in learning more about in a structured way?
