Monday, March 2, 2026

Monday Morning Coffee: Journey - Analog To Digital


 Early month of March along with a dusting of snow and temperatures in 30's.  Oh ya, also promised rainy days the rest of the week.

No problem, as we have plenty of coffee and a fresh pan of frosted brownies.  We are prepared.

As Paisley was asleep in her bed next to the computer got,  along with a fresh cup of coffee, started thinking about the past and present personal cameras.  Must have been a response to the snow and overcast sky.

Now am not one to fuss about equipment and have never been concerned about having the latest new shinny photo tool.  However as projects evolve different tools are called for.  Can't image covering action sports with a pinhole camera.  Might be possible for some but not for me! 

After several years of wandering about and photographing the Midwest have successfully used a variety of cameras.  As the landscapes, viewpoints and personal feelings vary over time, different equipment is called for.

A rather large development was the photography shift from analog to digital.  Some folks never made the move, they continue to use film.  Others, new to the photo world never used film and just have experienced digital.

Decided, that while enjoyed the analog film and darkroom, digital was the future. I switched.

While using Nikon SLR's for work, a rangefinder camera was my choice for personal use.

After a rather lengthily process, involving cost and availability, selected and purchased an Epson  RD-1 body which was compatible with my rangefinder lenses.   

Released in 2004, the Epson R-D1 was a 6.1-megapixel digital rangefinder camera that offered a manual, film-like experience with Leica M-mount lens compatibility. 

It included a mechanical shutter-cocking lever, analog gauges, a 1x magnification viewfinder, and a 2-inch swiveling LCD screen.

Turned out to be, for me, an excellent choice. The operation of the camera and the ease of processing the familiar color film like results was straightforward. 

Enough chatter, time for a couple examples.

Attic Window Thrift Stores are made possible by donations from local and surrounding communities.

   Anderson, Indiana.

All accepted donations including clothing, shoes, furniture, appliances, small electronics, books and household items are used to support those in need in East Central Indiana.

Not very far away, Bickel's Keys & Locks locksmith,

    Anderson, Indiana.

offering lock installation, emergency car and home lockouts, key cutting as well as re-keying.

Especially enjoy the Kodak film like color. 

Return later in the week for additional Epson examples.  

 All writing and images © Richard W. Rodgers unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Midweek: Signs

Signage on building walls

    New Castle, Indiana.

has long been a favorite means of commercial advertising,
 
    Red Key, Indiana.
 
evolving to include showing the American flag 
 

          Oxford Junction, Iowa.

and a presentation of a local opportunity.

   Tipton, Indiana.

All writing and images © Richard W. Rodgers unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

Monday, February 23, 2026

Monday Morning : Tipton

 

 

From a recent walkabout:

Tipton, created in 1844 and named for John Tipton a veteran of the Battle of Tippecanoe, is a declining city in and the county seat of Tipton County, Indiana with a 2026 estimated population of 5,277.

Along a side street,

    Tipton, Indiana.
 
Moving closer, to the building on the left, 
  
    Tipton, Indiana. 
 
to discover a recycled lodge hall.
 
 All writing and images © Richard W. Rodgers unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission. 

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Black & White Wednesday: Long Ago


     Wayne County, Indiana.

All writing and images © Richard W. Rodgers unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

Sunday, February 15, 2026

F*** off China

No new posts until China goes away. 

Update : in last 24 hrs China has 650 views

Enough of this CRAP.  Stop CHINA  STOP CHINA

 

Friday, February 6, 2026

TGIF: West Union, Iowa


Been a very quiet dark and cold day along with another inch of snow.  No wandering about the countryside.

From a earlier quick journey to West Union, Iowa. The declining city is the county seat of Fayette County with a 2026 population of 2,435 and a poverty rate of 12.78%.

Red Heart Pizza, now closed, was a local popular Italian-American restaurant.

   West Union, Iowa.
 
What captured my attention was the 1874 date on the Bank Block.  Struck me as really early for this part of the country. 
 
All writing and images © Richard W. Rodgers unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

Monday, February 2, 2026

Midweek: Midwest Reality

 

On Wednesday's, whenever possible, will post a B&W result.

As agricultural methods changed, equipment manufactures either adopted to the new or closed.

Once home to a major manufacturer of farm machinery.

    Richmond, Indiana.

This one closed and these days the building serves as a warehouse.  

Just another example of an evolving industry that led to factory closing and unemployment.

All writing and images © Richard W. Rodgers unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.