It’s been a wild couple weeks and culminated in a dream I had last night that found me in high school taking one of those damned tests the begins “Read everything before doing anything…”.
I got a new motorcycle.
As a photographer I can’t help but select things that have some aesthetic qualities that are pleasing to my eye. And with Scooter in the Sticks in mind I just had to have a motorcycle that would display as well as my trusty Vespa GTS 250ie. So meet the Triumph Scrambler.
The photographer who made this picture has admirable qualities in both craft, vision and aesthetics. The high pipe side of the bike is the obvious choice with a camera position just a bit forward to exaggerate the front tire. Shot with the sun close to the horizon, sunrise or sunset I don’t know, but the glow of sunlight fighting through a heavy sky is lovely. Some heavy-handed work with Photoshop on the sky and the intensity of the colors but still, a fine photo.
Saw “Why We Ride” with scooter riding daughter on Sunday. Left thinking I needed a motorcycle of my own.
And a fine motorcycle to join the Vespa in a too cluttered garage. But more on how all this has come to be.
Can you say Lottery. Well, I didn’t win enough to be in the news with millions but I do have a motorcycle and spinning thoughts of retiring. Retiring right now. Just walk out the door.
My brain is in a swirl at the moment. To help ease the chaos I purchased a new (to me) 8×10 camera to work on a new project. This lovely Calumet C-1 black monster…
This very camera is at home, sitting atop an aluminum tripod on a Gitzo G1570 3-way magnesium tripod head waiting for me to venture out into the world. I figure I have a few more years of back strength before I can’t use a camera like this anymore.
I sold my last 8×10 camera in 2007. Since then film prices have climbed. A 25 sheet box of 8×10 black and white film costs $110.00. One sheet of film takes 8 ounces of developer and when you factor in other chemicals and paper to make prints the cost of using this beast is dazzling. Thank god an 8×10 contact print is magical. And the Lottery wipes away all concerns…
So, things are wild and crazy. Nuts even. I have my eye on a BMW and an Alpine Sunbeam. Too much to consider. Brain spinning.
But it’s all ok for those of you who have read everything before doing anything — like leaving a comment. Today is April 1, 2014. And you know what that means. Don’t be fooled.
The stuff about the lottery and motorcycle is an April Fool’s Day fantasy. Did see “Why We Ride”. The 8×10 camera is real though. Currently figuring out how to haul it on the Vespa.
Always remember to read everything before doing anything.
Best wishes for a fine April Fool’s Day.
A shame about the Triumph. That would be one fine bike to own.
Steve:
I sort of surmised that you didn’t buy the Triumph but I love your new View Camera. I wanted to be able to make enlargements and my Omega D2 can accept up to 4×5, so that’s what I have. I still have my Wista and Toyo 4×5’s. I bought a pack of E6 a couple of years ago and now it’s expired. Cost an arm and a leg and not much selection of film locally. You have to go to Freestyle in LA. I still have a Jobo rotary processor and the sheet film drum. I can process 6-4×5’s at a time.
You need to make a floor mount and put it behind your legshield
bob
A weekend photographer
or
Riding the Wet Coast
Totally got me with that one. I am on the verge of buying a Triumph (not sure if it’s a Scrambler or a Bonneville) but winning the lottery would sure help. But I guess you have to buy lottery tickets for that to work eh? I just don’t want to have to give up the Vespa. Can’t justify having two bikes.
I ended up buying the movie on iTunes but I haven’t had time to watch it yet. I was convinced by the bike and the camera but the lottery was a bit much.
Nice view camera and tripod. We used to use Gitzos for holding field spectrometers that probably weighed more than the view camera. THey lasted years with horrible abuse.
Oh my, that would have been a fine bike. This model is still on my bucket list, should I ever win the lottery. No wait, I am not playing. But one can dream.
Steve, you had me going there, your really did.
I was thinking that it couldn’t happen to a nicer more deserving guy.
Last Friday I bought a lottery ticket of my own. The pot at the end of the rainbow was $48 million.
Long story short, I won… $127.90
It’s going towards a romantic evening restaurant date with Susan in Venice.
All fools day, eh?
Good one – but I was kinda sad when you fessed up!
Anonymous: A Triumph would be a nice addition to the garage…
bobskoot: I’m excited to start working with the 8×10 camera. Just got the first lensboard back from the machine shop — the boards are metal and needed a custom hole for the two lenses I have. I’ll start working with a 240mm Fujinon W and a 360mm Osaka.
Last time I was shooting 8×10 I was using a ProDrum on a JOBO CPP-2. More work than I liked though I wasn’t fond of tray processing with bare hands. I have 4 BTZS tubes now. Their fast and easy.
Reuben H: Like you I would have a hard time getting rid of the Vespa. It’s become a character in the play that’s my life. Can’t picture the scenario that a motorcycle would join the cast.
RichardM: I thought the Lottery was over the top. Should have gone with my gut.
Gitzo makes exquisite pieces — tripods and heads. Spendy but worth it. I’ve learned not to skimp on tripod heads.
SonjaM: The Triumph remains near the top of my list!
David Masse: I’ve never won anything but free tickets or two bucks. I’ll keep buying PowerBall tickets every now and again in case the universe decides I’m deserving of a win…
Bryce Lee: It’s been a quiet day.
VStar Lady: Always nice to dream…
Very nice picture of a Triumph, but I know in your heart of hearts….you’re a URAL man! 🙂
Steve, you had me until you mentioned winning the lottery. I knew if you’d won the lottery you’d be having your new manservant writing the blog.
Regardless of lotto or no lotto, you should buy the Triumph. You’re only young once and not for much longer.
Nearly Steve …. Nearly had me 😉
Regards
Len
Bah! Fooled. That is indeed a nice bike though.
Steve,
Yes, I DID read all the story before jumping in on the Lottery and Triumph thing. As I read this I was surprised that you would buy any motorcycle other than a Bemmer and toward the end I counted my instints as correct, at least for now. Congrats on your new camera, he’s a hansome one indeed. Costly at the purchase and after, but worth every dollar of enjoyment. About the movie, I ride with the Peach State WOW riders. Women On Wheels. Some of our WOW members are showcased in the movie. Good for your daughter that she took you to see it. We pro-motorcycle, pro positive lady riders are very proud of that movie…it IS why we ride! Well, dear Steve, I too ride scooters and have such a love for them. A special place in the heart and for the ride they give us. May The Road be ever kind to You and Yours as you take to the vast Ribbon of backroads.
Pama
The photo definitely can speak for itself, as the motorcycle looks great. It must be amazing to own one for your very own. Maybe not now, but this will be a good reference when I decide to get one in the future! Cheers!
Sarah Erwin @ Baldwin Subaru