Some recent AK photo's (ratings, carrying, corporation)

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by Siouxcia

What's the PMA?

Well, specifically it is the Photo Marketing Association's annual show and tell, where it is always expected (and occasionally even happens) that the latest and greatest idea you ever wished for in photography is announced for the first time! All very exciting of course...

But, generally speaking when someone uses it the way it was in these articles it should be (regardless of what the writer intended) considered as a generic term equivalent to something like "when the gravy train arrives" or "when my boat comes home". :-)

Wait for the latest and greatest. It's cheaper, because like tomorrow it never gets here.

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by notreesininceland

My advice to a young college kid would be the exact opposite: do not ever find yourself in debt over the inessentials of life. The current financial situation is unlike anybody under 60 has seen in his or her lifetime.

Well, yes exactly. But that's why it makes sense to spend money now.

When we start paying off the debt that George Bush saddled us with in order to drive up the price of oil, the inflation we are going to see will make your savings worthless. A camera will be able to take pictures, which makes if valuable. Dollar bills are going to be cheaper than wall paper...

[notreesininceland]

Originally Posted by Floyd_Davidson

Well, yes exactly. But that's why it makes sense to spend money now.

When we start paying off the debt that George Bush saddled us with in order to drive up the price of oil, the inflation we are going to see will make your savings worthless. A camera will be able to take pictures, which makes if valuable. Dollar bills are going to be cheaper than wall paper...

True, but note that he was being asked to spend money he does not have. I agree about spending now, which is why I just got myself the 14mm f/2.8 L prime.

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by notreesininceland

True, but note that he was being asked to spend money he does not have. I agree about spending now, which is why I just got myself the 14mm f/2.8 L prime.

Hey, if you can get a low interest loan today for any significant amount of money, do it.

First, the interest rates will go up right along with the inflation. Second after a few years of inflation, you'll be paying off the debt with "funny money" by comparison.

Basically, if you buy on credit at a reasonable rate today (and that does not include anything like credit cards or any adjustable rate loan), what you are doing is spending somebody elses money!

Did you mention something about people over 60 knowing something... what they know is what happened in 1973! (And all of us who are retired on a fixed income are scared to death right now.)

[notreesininceland]

Originally Posted by Floyd_Davidson

Did you mention something about people over 60 knowing something... what they know is what happened in 1973! (And all of us who are retired on a fixed income are scared to death right now.)

Well, bro, I just talked to a friend in Iceland today where the country's economy has imploded. By comparison Americans should feel better (but not too much for Iceland can happen here in a trice).

Re. 1973 - the prospect that lies ahead can only be compared to the Great D. I have been following Paul Krugman's blog like a leech these past few months and when he begins to panic I know something real bad is coming down the pike. Bookmark -

Op-Ed Columnist - Paul Krugman Blog - NYTimes.com

[aurorawatcher]

Photo Thread

[notreesininceland]

Originally Posted by aurorawatcher

Photo Thread

I had actually meant to post this article by Reichmann that addresses both photography and the current economic situation. So here -

Quality Vs. Value

[Floyd_Davidson]

Originally Posted by notreesininceland

Quality Vs. Value

Can't say that I was overly impressed. He ragged on and on about how things have changed, and how the current economy has an effect... and couldn't get away from the simple formula that has always been true:

Consider the bang that you need and the money that you have, and buy the most bang for the buck.

Don't buy stuff because it has features, or is expensive or impresses some reviewer. Buy the best equipment to suit what you want to do.

Shucks, I had that figured out when I was 14 years old. I didn't have enough money to buy photography equipment that would do what I wanted, so I didn't do much of anything other than dream for a few years. At 19 years of age I bought one of those new Pentax Spotmatic 35mm cameras and a Vivitar enlarger. I traded a Wollensack 135mm enlarging lense (that was worthless to me and to the person who literally gave it to me) for a good 50mm enlarging lense to replace the nearly worthless lens that Vivitar supplied. Granted I would have prefered a Nikon camera and a Beseler enlarger, but I did get the bang I needed with the dollars I had.

I don't see it being any different today.

[Rance]

Tonights sunset in Kuparuk

[warptman]

Great picture!