Just wondering how many other Baltimore Camera Club photographers have made "adjustments" to their equipment or hiking routines to make up for not being a twenty-year- old-go-anywhere adventurer. Did I mention how heavy that large Bogen tripod is? When I turned 50, I stopped carrying that heavy large format camera, for me 4x5 was large.

I'm sure that I'll hear from some seventy-something year old member who's still carrying an 8x10 camera, thirty 8X10 film holders, four lenses, a tripod and three meters while going up the mountains in a snowstorm...they just don't make 'em like that anymore...did they ever?

Did I mention that heavy Bogen?

I'm sixty now, but I started noticing the strain on my back fifteen years ago. The reading glasses also made their first appearance about then as a direct result of not being able to focus on the ground glass. I guess I'm just curious about how many of you have learned to "work smarter, not harder" and what tips can be offered to lighten the load.

Did I mention that heavy Bogen?

I had to stop carrying that homemade plywood box for my 4x5, on my shoulder when I turned 32. Only a few years ago I used my own personal "luggage truck", often seen around airports Every good thing has a downside. My pack mule became ill. This has happened once before. This time I carried him down, ignoring that annoying burning bush crying "Wait, I have nine more!"

Did I mention that heavy Bogen?

But, I solved the problem by inventing the wheel, don't believe Al Gore claimed that one. Thus, with my new invention, I've extended Edward Weston's 100-yard rule by a factor of two. Did I mention that heavy Bogen? Sometimes I forget things.

Other Articles by John:

Getting Old
RGB & Violet
Smaller Camera Bags
Fun with Optics
Canyonlands, Utah
Scanning Old Letters
Bedke's Advice - Photoshop

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