Say hello to my little friend!! It's a Mamiya RB67 Pro S. I used to shoot film years ago, and a Medium Format system was so far out of the price range for me. So, I went into digital kicking and screaming. I won't say what I paid for this set-up. But, I will say I paid half of what I paid for my wide angle lens used! This camera was probably made when I was in high school and was top of the line back then. Except for maybe a Hasselblad system. Still out of my price range!!  So, I'm going to be shooting film, along with my Nikon D700. 

I'm sure your wondering "Where will he get his film developed?" I am fortunate that I live near 2 camera shops, and they each have someone who can develop film. And, there's also mail order. No matter what you may think, film is not dead! It is alive and well. And I did do my research to make sure I had access to developers. I could do B/W myself, I did it in high school, But, for now, I just want to concentrate on getting used to this camera.

I also don't have a light meter. So, I'll be using an iPhone app and the meter in my Nikon for now. I really want to use this system for Black and White photographs. But, it is also great for color as well.

This camera, with lens, weighs in at 6+ lbs! I can shoot looking down at the waist level finder with it hanging from my neck. Or, put it on a tripod. I do have a beast of a tripod I can use.

So join me on my on my new adventure! 

 Thanks,

 Jeff

I'm Back

I know, whatever. I have my own website now. And you can find it here http://jeffpettittphotography.smugmug.com/ Come on over and check it out. If you came here via the website, welcome. Glad you came. I have been out of the loop for awhile and will be posting what and where I have been shooting.
Hope to see your posts,
Jeff

Hello,

 No, I haven't forgotten I have a blog, I just haven't been out shooting any mills lately. I have however been shooting people. I was a little apprehensive about it, at first, but have been fortunate enough to do some photo shoots with friends and and family. I really enjoyed doing my first photo shoot, and I'm liking it more and more after every one. I was really nervous. But after that, I was hooked!! And so, my photography will be branching out and I will be trying to shoot as many people as I can get in front of my camera lens. So, sit back, and watch as I take this journey. who knows. maybe I'll be shooting you!!

Thanks for watching,
   Jeff

Brocks Mill Trenton NC

 Here's another mill from eastern NC. This one is called Brocks Mill, and it's located in Trenton NC. Just off highway 58. It was built in 1700!!! I don't know much about it though. It looks like it's foundation was rebuilt. We drive by this mill every time we go to the beach, and I finally took the time to take a few pictures.
 So, my quest for more mills in Eastern NC continues!!

Thanks for the visit
Jeff

Yates Grist Mill Transmission

  Hello Everybody,

 How many of us can say we have seen the gears that drive the grist mill? Last weekend, I got the opportunity to do just that. Historic Yates Mill had a open house/tour, and I got to see the inside of the mill. Nestled in the belly of this mill is the "transmission" as I call it. You can see the gears attached to the water wheel in the left side of of this picture. The belt is driving a feeder system for the grinders. The main "drive" for the granite grinding wheel, for grinding corn, is in the foreground right of this picture. In the rear, you can see another "drive,"it has a wooden shaft for grinding wheat and barley. That stone is made of quartz! They had to import that stone from France. And, it was the only place you could get them! They also ran a sewing machine, a corn schucker machine. And, they also milled lumber here. All from this "transmission!"
I also learned that a "Miller"as he was called, wasn't paid in cash, he was paid by taking a portion of grain milled. For every bushel he milled, he would take a peck. Or, one eighth of a bushel. There are still laws on the books for this type of work.
Picking up pecans in Oklahoma, we would pick on the "half shell". Instead of paying the land owner cash, you would give him half of the pecans you picked up! So, I guess milling was the same way.
But it still amazes me, when I look at this picture, this is technology from 250 years ago!! With everybody looking for ways of "going green," why aren'y these mills aren't running 24 hours a day!
I do know of some mills in my area that are still producing products that can be found in my local grocery store. One even has a generator attached to it that can produce it's own backup electricity if it loses main power. I will eventually get there to take some pictures of it for you.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this picture of the past.

Thanks for visiting and reading my post,
Jeff

Yates Mill Open House

Whoa, what's going on here? Not only two blog posts in one weekend, but multiple pictures too? I just couldn't decide which ones to put on here today. It was open house at the mill today. The mill was open to the public, for a $5 fee. The mill wheel would turn, and grind corn. There were volunteers dressed in period costumes showing you around. All in all it was a beautiful day. I just wish I didn't have to spend it alone. My wife was out of town. I had scheduled a mill tour of my own, but had to postpone it. I took lots of pictures. Got to see the mill in action, and learned alot! So, that's it for today! Thanks for looking.

Jeff

Hello Everyone,

 Today, I went back to revisit Laurel Mill. I wanted to be there at sunrise. And, I needed to recharge with some stress management after a long work week. It is so quiet here save for the water running over the dam. I could just sit on this rock and listen to the water for hours. I just needed a cane pole. The fog lifting off the water was an extra bonus this morning. Can't you just picture yourself sitting here, listening to the water going over the dam??
Well, thanks for looking. And we'll see you next time.
Jeff