tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75245564249444782772024-03-07T03:39:03.090-05:00Bodzash Photography and AstronomyPhotography, Astronomy, Lens Reviews, Astrophotography, How To, ScienceDennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.comBlogger512125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-67491148335966181712022-03-24T01:46:00.000-04:002022-03-24T01:46:24.471-04:00Nikon 120 f4 Medical Micro: In Depth Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIjIiFE2kT9hRCkXFK37KsYv6a_6R7yRwmzTaoRc8nCmnV8JQEOSDOyWbM0kZuIN7Ly6O5u1jvL61KwUZ86Nb1mnofoPOXcOYZi2GfKYPhaqA-dJuMgZZjbg42Uud0DYo1ssRBtbbEhVtlHrDM0BE-9I3TgGot-q3nDjHn7wIwpEO7rgVoIBXvJyO4A/s1703/120%20f4%20Medical%20Micro%20Nikkor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="1497" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIjIiFE2kT9hRCkXFK37KsYv6a_6R7yRwmzTaoRc8nCmnV8JQEOSDOyWbM0kZuIN7Ly6O5u1jvL61KwUZ86Nb1mnofoPOXcOYZi2GfKYPhaqA-dJuMgZZjbg42Uud0DYo1ssRBtbbEhVtlHrDM0BE-9I3TgGot-q3nDjHn7wIwpEO7rgVoIBXvJyO4A/s320/120%20f4%20Medical%20Micro%20Nikkor.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Tech
Spec<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">s</span></b></u></span><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>
</u></span>Focal
Length: 120mm<span style="font-size: small;"><u><br />
</u></span>Dimensions:
5.9” long x 3.9” wide<span style="font-size: small;"><u><br />
</u></span>Weight:
31.4oz.<span style="font-size: small;"><u><br />
</u></span>Maximum
Aperture: f4<br />
Minimum Aperture: f32<span style="font-size: small;"><u><br />
</u></span>Diaphragm
Blades: 7<span style="font-size: small;"><u><br />
</u></span>Front
Element: non-rotating, non-extending<span style="font-size: small;"><u><br />
</u></span>Optical
arrangement: 9 elements in 6 groups<br />
<span> </span>Thread On Attachment: 2
elements in 1 group<span style="font-size: small;"><u><br />
</u></span>Autofocus
Mechanism: NA<span style="font-size: small;"><u><br />
</u></span>Closest
Focus: 13 inches<span style="font-size: small;"><u><br />
</u></span>Maximum
magnification: 2:1 (that’s double life size!)<br />
Filter Size:
49mm<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><br />
</u></span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Background</b></u></span><span style="font-size: small;"><u><br />
</u></span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Nikon
made its first m</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">i</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">cro
lens for cameras (rangefinder) in 1956: a 55mm f3.5</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
capable of producing images at half life size</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
With the advent of the Nikon F SLR system in 1959, Nikon started
producing SLR micro lenses by lifting the optics from the rangefinder
version and dropping them into a F-mount housing. Nikon's first SLR
macro, a 55mm f3.5 </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">(what a
surprise!)</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">, </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">which
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">came to market in 1961.
Shortly thereafter, in 1962, Nikon came out with a 200mm f5.6 Medical
Micro that could go up to 3x life size and incorporated a ring flash
unit that would more than compensate for the lack of distance </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">(and
blocking of light)</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"> from
lens to subject. The ring flash was powered by a large and cumbersome
battery pack. Fast forward 2 decades to 1981. Nikon came up with the
model being reviewed here, the 120 f4 Micro Medical. While trading
off 3x magnification for 2x, the new lens was powered by a
substantially smaller battery pack (8 AA batteries), which made it
much more practical for real world usage all while retaining the ring
flash. Nikon ceased production of this lens in 1998 and, since then,
the highest powered Nikon m</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">i</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">cro
lens only goes to 1x life size. In contrast, Canon produces a truly
stunning lens that can go to 5x life size, or powerful enough to fill
a full frame with a grain of rice. </span></span>
</p><p> </p><p> </p><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Build
Quality</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span>This
oldie is built to the typical standards of its time: rock solid as in
out of solid metal. Funny how Nikon (and everyone else) is now
churning out mostly plastic junk lenses and selling them for
thousands of dollars, isn't it? Needless to say, this lens could be
used as a weapon if necessary. </span>
</p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span><p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Survivability</b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">Good
and bad here. With no electronic AF system, this lens should outlast
the photographer using it. Unfortunately, this lens does have the
ring flash and, after being out of production for 25 years, parts may
be hard to come by should something go wrong. If the ring flash were
to die, it is very unlikely that a repair could be made, which
negates the main selling point of the lens: thanks to the ring flash,
available light doesn’t matter. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">However,
the lens is still 100% fully usable, albeit with a lot more
difficulty. </span><span style="text-decoration: none;">My advice: if
your ring flash were to die, it’s time to invest in a </span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=macro+lighting+arms&sxsrf=APq-WBvNw41pHunKK7pw-lLdqiqLQ9Y23Q%3A1648092060310&source=hp&ei=nOM7Yr61D76GytMP6rONiAs&iflsig=AHkkrS4AAAAAYjvxrMt91haZqiuVQM85ZnV4MFBio5cE&oq=macro+light&gs_lcp=Cgdnd3Mtd2l6EAMYAjIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQyBQgAEIAEMgUIABCABDIFCAAQgAQ6BAgjECc6BAgAEEM6DgguEIAEELEDEMcBEKMCOg4ILhCABBCxAxCDARDUAjoNCAAQgAQQhwIQsQMQFDoICAAQgAQQsQM6BwgAELEDEEM6CggAEIAEEIcCEBQ6BwgAEIAEEApQAFjnD2DUKWgAcAB4AIABVogB0waSAQIxMZgBAKABAQ&sclient=gws-wiz"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>macro
lighting system</b></span></a><span style="text-decoration: none;">.</span><span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span></span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>AF
Performance</b></span><br />
This lens has no real focus capability!
However, as real macro photographers all know, moving themselves
rather than focusing the lens is the way to go. In practice, set the
lens to the desired magnification and then move back and forth to
achieve focus. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;"><br />
<br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Optics</b></span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Sharpness</b></span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Well,
there’s no real objective way to test for sharpness as the focal
ratio of the lens is tied directly to its magnifying power, unlike
traditional macro lenses, like my <a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2014/06/in-depth-review-200-f4-ai-micro-nikkor.html">200f4
AI Micro</a>. Long story short, with the close up attachment in
place, this lens will capture images at .8x life size at its lowest
setting while automatically at its maximum aperture f f4. As the
magnification goes up, so does the focal ratio. By the time the lens
reaches its maximum magnification of 2x life size, it has stopped
itself down to f32. As anyone familiar with photography knows, a lens
will, at some point, hit what is called the diffraction limit, which
is just a fancy way of saying that, come a certain f-stop, the
sharpness of the lens will actually start to decrease rather than
increase. Generally, most lenses peak in overall sharpness across the
frame from f8 to f11, after which the sharpness will actually start
to decrease. </span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">For
anyone who has made it through all of this technical mumbo jumbo to
this point: this lens is not at its sharpest at 2x life size, </span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">its
main selling point</span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
However, this is more than offset by the fact that this lens can to
to 2x life size at all </span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">and,
as seen in the samples below (all taken at 2x life size), it looks
pretty doggone sharp</span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
</span></span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><b>Macro:</b></span></p><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">This
lens focuses down to </span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">2:1</span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
or </span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">double</span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
life size </span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">when
used with the thread-on close up adapter, otherwise it focuses to
‘just’ 1:1, which was already double the native magnification of
any contemporary Nikon micro lens</span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>See
also:</b></span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
Half vs. Full </span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">vs.
Double </span></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Life
Size:<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2014/05/life-size-vs-half-life-size-macro-how.html">
how big is the difference</a>?</span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><b>Astrophotography</b></span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Forget
it, there is no infinity focus.</span></p>
<p align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><b>CA</b><br />
Can’t
see any even in extreme lighting conditions (thanks to the ring
flash). </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Value</b></span><br />
Where
else can you get a Nikon micro lens that goes above 1:1
magnification? Nowhere, save the older 200 f5.6, which I have never
seen anywhere on the used market. On the other hand, the trade offs
that went into making this lens almost a microscope have a price,
namely that this lens can only do micro and nothing else. Any other
micro lens can also be used for any other photographic purpose to
varying extents. This lens? Nope, it’s a one trick pony but, the
one trick that it does do, it does extremely well. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Competition</b></span><br />
To
put it plainly, there isn’t any competition besides the already
mentioned 200 f5.6 Medical Micro, which can go to a whopping 3x life
size. On the other hand, 1:1 macro lenses can be made to go to 2:1 by
extension tubes, but all of these will create the same problem:
namely blocking one’s available light, which is a non issue here
thanks to the built in ring flash. On the other hand, any other
traditional macro lens will be much easier to use. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Samples</b></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMrFgdmr3JEodJdewYT84JVLOOnsHz_lB6FLnkgu8r4-_4QEsWfjorBCF9qM7FCnz8WEfC80OzYYFCgZXNVImzh8jkNgxpBM2SMkIgpUq7EjKUOz8ks9bk6LO6mgCXAd70JbClgfvaY5uCQOn32F0v0uu4MV1RCpraN0i232ZOmNgpuoz0tFbllxcKQ/s4256/book.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMrFgdmr3JEodJdewYT84JVLOOnsHz_lB6FLnkgu8r4-_4QEsWfjorBCF9qM7FCnz8WEfC80OzYYFCgZXNVImzh8jkNgxpBM2SMkIgpUq7EjKUOz8ks9bk6LO6mgCXAd70JbClgfvaY5uCQOn32F0v0uu4MV1RCpraN0i232ZOmNgpuoz0tFbllxcKQ/s320/book.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Book pages.</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vvtOKU_PqlHA6sKNRTjIChLnZhcBJ4-S1NdUBb1yr6b9zF2fQVsk_uas5X8Unw82_Aovm2bjVayfKQKbDwsiDAuk3Fky4dffJTDwrJe8JfJ9fATfSkd6FlJG3NKilMFFrwrF3oM2p9s7lHJ1oO3CRU3-UAH8ziRbttkVm3IzN-eBFolz6UIf64jecA/s4256/camera%20case%20foam.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_vvtOKU_PqlHA6sKNRTjIChLnZhcBJ4-S1NdUBb1yr6b9zF2fQVsk_uas5X8Unw82_Aovm2bjVayfKQKbDwsiDAuk3Fky4dffJTDwrJe8JfJ9fATfSkd6FlJG3NKilMFFrwrF3oM2p9s7lHJ1oO3CRU3-UAH8ziRbttkVm3IzN-eBFolz6UIf64jecA/s320/camera%20case%20foam.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Camera case foam</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6N6P_mEhITcAXEAguVBkwLNcENWwBlfLM9yjPsRIxz8_w6C48IxYGtgnnxDJRA5vs8einMPF-Q0haQ_i3hRI3HFmwb6VLDaGJgjlXZKU-HRtNEYNJxsO6IWCbDiDqtw2N7DOW2freGXIFE6c2ZLZztPhKY0cMk9hJBpYIs6jKq2QH9q6OCF7xcEm9w/s4256/cat%20claw.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs6N6P_mEhITcAXEAguVBkwLNcENWwBlfLM9yjPsRIxz8_w6C48IxYGtgnnxDJRA5vs8einMPF-Q0haQ_i3hRI3HFmwb6VLDaGJgjlXZKU-HRtNEYNJxsO6IWCbDiDqtw2N7DOW2freGXIFE6c2ZLZztPhKY0cMk9hJBpYIs6jKq2QH9q6OCF7xcEm9w/s320/cat%20claw.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cat claw husk</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkoqiYIcL8LGk1pU3BWCEkOP9tlcY3T9BMn0cdP9dLy9ySCjEr7aU3rEh2uxm9nV7eHkwosPU0jeu6skwU3uLO4NgOUKggMOLVA9GDyh9q3u4jycFXV-tvEbrx-xIj3ViPZETALvCeSsaL07ReK7v7dHWvBpOiimeBlNhpYUm_4BdSPTcLodZYWYohw/s4256/cheerio.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkoqiYIcL8LGk1pU3BWCEkOP9tlcY3T9BMn0cdP9dLy9ySCjEr7aU3rEh2uxm9nV7eHkwosPU0jeu6skwU3uLO4NgOUKggMOLVA9GDyh9q3u4jycFXV-tvEbrx-xIj3ViPZETALvCeSsaL07ReK7v7dHWvBpOiimeBlNhpYUm_4BdSPTcLodZYWYohw/s320/cheerio.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheerio</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIISTBVaSnCGTU7zkSztmc7FCRQDkaFP--F_WbjFRixJhm6WNJQsYIsgmdXBhrt88NKk_SXcMlMJEEJwXFaxT22JwGX7YtvlDlms-vHm1v99o-Q4jxNPjt3sII1SJPfZLoMg8Zl0A2u0NKgQ4TwQHWa_KU3byslILsmjIFj7W7DavUw34ZyPPC-iSAQ/s4256/hair%20brush.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIISTBVaSnCGTU7zkSztmc7FCRQDkaFP--F_WbjFRixJhm6WNJQsYIsgmdXBhrt88NKk_SXcMlMJEEJwXFaxT22JwGX7YtvlDlms-vHm1v99o-Q4jxNPjt3sII1SJPfZLoMg8Zl0A2u0NKgQ4TwQHWa_KU3byslILsmjIFj7W7DavUw34ZyPPC-iSAQ/s320/hair%20brush.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hair brush bristle<br /></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrbl0JFJ3j5Ig3NxZTV-M9FRjvlJhiLnTq3g8kz4B_QPSu2UNVBY8GHG8EpumWevy6PpGTi8SF4Q-iTCeszPsvrWX0-FW861ffKrQ8WxV0wgSYcyWFWjUoluukVeqprZLHDCFIgC5lqRbo-0Gky8kh55auHeslrPAyRvnFO7Imtpv-Pb-H3qry-Alog/s4256/hand%20towel.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrbl0JFJ3j5Ig3NxZTV-M9FRjvlJhiLnTq3g8kz4B_QPSu2UNVBY8GHG8EpumWevy6PpGTi8SF4Q-iTCeszPsvrWX0-FW861ffKrQ8WxV0wgSYcyWFWjUoluukVeqprZLHDCFIgC5lqRbo-0Gky8kh55auHeslrPAyRvnFO7Imtpv-Pb-H3qry-Alog/s320/hand%20towel.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hand towel</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUcW0X0exnmvI4YY3-jJ8GNN_n2pU7PZV5zlmGQ-SjL6Cvbjh1pa8Aaqc7w1_15V5m5yT9pwRCWEH1K_wAcBf4XhxhTgPqGEBgKPmF_5OYQ2918vROdE28e7SeoQLQRegsdVbogIDsO1mGPHDPsoKVblWj80WnFfX7PKGAzTAVuXJbc3dipW2sJCiGw/s4256/japanese%20beetle.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUcW0X0exnmvI4YY3-jJ8GNN_n2pU7PZV5zlmGQ-SjL6Cvbjh1pa8Aaqc7w1_15V5m5yT9pwRCWEH1K_wAcBf4XhxhTgPqGEBgKPmF_5OYQ2918vROdE28e7SeoQLQRegsdVbogIDsO1mGPHDPsoKVblWj80WnFfX7PKGAzTAVuXJbc3dipW2sJCiGw/s320/japanese%20beetle.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Japanese beetle</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdYYuthJ5XkFamZDaa8-es7hyHUyAAcwYCQLj9Y_oCR03vRy2kfMLB5jrCyv-wQiGHM3N-Z9sLaRvU2F54AnjYUgyCUVx0HLsWeamp3aYADOwP5XzU9IxjY--beAWBUY4U-FzA9uv7Fe0m5nDDM0lpxHcElRqeCSjB54uwU1PF_1iAImkxl2wj4vKww/s4256/metal%20nail%20file.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdYYuthJ5XkFamZDaa8-es7hyHUyAAcwYCQLj9Y_oCR03vRy2kfMLB5jrCyv-wQiGHM3N-Z9sLaRvU2F54AnjYUgyCUVx0HLsWeamp3aYADOwP5XzU9IxjY--beAWBUY4U-FzA9uv7Fe0m5nDDM0lpxHcElRqeCSjB54uwU1PF_1iAImkxl2wj4vKww/s320/metal%20nail%20file.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Metal nail file</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Pg4PnWE17eI89L822zLAI4E2yl8OhjaIIwb1M_rx3QAseG8kCjK5YVtXxGn9kk8qQirpXLfWTpaNIjwnRPtLfsFDpZBkhe5pUvTuh1gKGS_9fE155xMTTxsDZ69WdfwPSMyVrxOjr5PZNV6buLF7jbt-foRRbuE7y5yRDlbniQwPExlIna3fYUgE6Q/s4256/my%20wrist.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Pg4PnWE17eI89L822zLAI4E2yl8OhjaIIwb1M_rx3QAseG8kCjK5YVtXxGn9kk8qQirpXLfWTpaNIjwnRPtLfsFDpZBkhe5pUvTuh1gKGS_9fE155xMTTxsDZ69WdfwPSMyVrxOjr5PZNV6buLF7jbt-foRRbuE7y5yRDlbniQwPExlIna3fYUgE6Q/s320/my%20wrist.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My wrist</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H63HMfR_qetIU4U56U1cRlNo3eJLsgmS4aGSeoJn1BGzn39GeuTOl0I8HLvJHLHMDUXEx_2KVyZzNlDLJbrXvSLLg9y-T-rAfgizBpj4pnAyZjFb7aSVhZohT_qasGneHpswnZe9NYloEzqplwIqJdS674mx67JYxYMQZJ5X2g8FOwCqhz1a5kOq0w/s4256/pencil%20point.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4H63HMfR_qetIU4U56U1cRlNo3eJLsgmS4aGSeoJn1BGzn39GeuTOl0I8HLvJHLHMDUXEx_2KVyZzNlDLJbrXvSLLg9y-T-rAfgizBpj4pnAyZjFb7aSVhZohT_qasGneHpswnZe9NYloEzqplwIqJdS674mx67JYxYMQZJ5X2g8FOwCqhz1a5kOq0w/s320/pencil%20point.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pencil point</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bsRcI35me5BooLhvee-tHBNCXybcrybU5wTBiuq5135tKyZ_uV0CL3tcHFUy97_nVrS2zbzbxmxJLjatHMG0Gxl_6PGUV8-MkZ43bOFRz8W6eEZwDhYBK-sQh6cCk2IuI1bAeWkKskNIj8uDOBd6DvGQqpvNJsvkeKatAqwdVlHgeiwfDtVVjG0o3g/s4256/pencil.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bsRcI35me5BooLhvee-tHBNCXybcrybU5wTBiuq5135tKyZ_uV0CL3tcHFUy97_nVrS2zbzbxmxJLjatHMG0Gxl_6PGUV8-MkZ43bOFRz8W6eEZwDhYBK-sQh6cCk2IuI1bAeWkKskNIj8uDOBd6DvGQqpvNJsvkeKatAqwdVlHgeiwfDtVVjG0o3g/s320/pencil.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pencil eraser</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4VsaPVjS5waQJRDYNwj8bM5Qjc4uXBVs4u34mHUUvjhB04W03c80StEOlBGgY8LD70RFHuB4gmJpqR2f5O3Nsvr86KGkotnt6SGO41LHgTCFH7F27SRTNBEnHJfYGkFBOYhCVZbXvJG9SR9wVtq2XcGjKj9yt6bsrh5QYZlUBEj7Tpj65MMtWbNSLA/s4256/pool%20cue%20scuffing%20tool.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4VsaPVjS5waQJRDYNwj8bM5Qjc4uXBVs4u34mHUUvjhB04W03c80StEOlBGgY8LD70RFHuB4gmJpqR2f5O3Nsvr86KGkotnt6SGO41LHgTCFH7F27SRTNBEnHJfYGkFBOYhCVZbXvJG9SR9wVtq2XcGjKj9yt6bsrh5QYZlUBEj7Tpj65MMtWbNSLA/s320/pool%20cue%20scuffing%20tool.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pool cue scuffing tool</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kntiehVVlW7_L3_rgGgqPLOh7dFw-HiE9PmgFgxo0jGQrtSgpz-ySQqUMgACpT731NTVh_Tvd6641IMweWKnw7yBmk8tIZuiFTHzwHxj43kCG5_yJNL5r8edDYq9_HqThjGiqGuTeffKqZR_rUsJaz0HP4Hlj-vG3cY0a5juCsjEAsFrhq98kC147w/s4256/quarter%20edge.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-kntiehVVlW7_L3_rgGgqPLOh7dFw-HiE9PmgFgxo0jGQrtSgpz-ySQqUMgACpT731NTVh_Tvd6641IMweWKnw7yBmk8tIZuiFTHzwHxj43kCG5_yJNL5r8edDYq9_HqThjGiqGuTeffKqZR_rUsJaz0HP4Hlj-vG3cY0a5juCsjEAsFrhq98kC147w/s320/quarter%20edge.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quarter edge</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Xz_QsCiS5AMhwmf5aZGN7CyMyLeokecAQZRI66jGfjay-2xtfM5btnfax2hNzR6Irto00xFXqVUJE_vn6lc0xCkeuKmzzUpqgxeq8aHXZBwu0NJNWVdvhx_Lhn_gn5guL0JRAh6H-9MBMoU2wZlrRCUML6QVAqzCZZiPqgO4y2Bf2Qe2y3OQ0S5FHg/s4256/quarter.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Xz_QsCiS5AMhwmf5aZGN7CyMyLeokecAQZRI66jGfjay-2xtfM5btnfax2hNzR6Irto00xFXqVUJE_vn6lc0xCkeuKmzzUpqgxeq8aHXZBwu0NJNWVdvhx_Lhn_gn5guL0JRAh6H-9MBMoU2wZlrRCUML6QVAqzCZZiPqgO4y2Bf2Qe2y3OQ0S5FHg/s320/quarter.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Quarter</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyfImtqw-5AZZM_mCq_0pH4kZdCq86YIgND--av7DHp-xbLOEdQsLO5hXBhim1WtjQ6m5SxSKpNiFmjMOJSditQclFhgs5IVFHe2fb280vS_wW8dcOorw12lCsGIRWF-LGI_WqaAC5qYV2WaraKQucbhgHjjJyecX6ImixlwZn6iM2DVKQUnyVas7Sg/s4256/rag.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdyfImtqw-5AZZM_mCq_0pH4kZdCq86YIgND--av7DHp-xbLOEdQsLO5hXBhim1WtjQ6m5SxSKpNiFmjMOJSditQclFhgs5IVFHe2fb280vS_wW8dcOorw12lCsGIRWF-LGI_WqaAC5qYV2WaraKQucbhgHjjJyecX6ImixlwZn6iM2DVKQUnyVas7Sg/s320/rag.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rag</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLInmZ0BjiAKg1A2piVy66dUvkKIR_KZ-PM9AWCttIoyhgUSBz3rIFynLb0H9fEN-lBQkXhm5DlhXtfsSI0nmOGws731966UiAn_dChjAO1JS3PW96AnxTxygOfG73OBA92y5LwQ2OOm9x99q4u3WUblH1wYRd7phgwBOULHE0Zb_IH4xs-OT9Mml3-g/s4256/razor%20blade.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLInmZ0BjiAKg1A2piVy66dUvkKIR_KZ-PM9AWCttIoyhgUSBz3rIFynLb0H9fEN-lBQkXhm5DlhXtfsSI0nmOGws731966UiAn_dChjAO1JS3PW96AnxTxygOfG73OBA92y5LwQ2OOm9x99q4u3WUblH1wYRd7phgwBOULHE0Zb_IH4xs-OT9Mml3-g/s320/razor%20blade.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Razor blade</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-ZsQ00J8x5mOLMGW4QxNZVUbiv4AF0joNLOb8JbsE-3edMFss6LntNekJGUdrOUduF8arMLI85xnVaol1xldrcgdrZNuLcW0n3tu5CDZ-nGdIzRIbZzGIUDiVzQqZDvbvT2Bhlzi8TcgNF-TjUrajd0iawj-2o4BLvkQG9hoSReCZChbKaZn6dvyZw/s4256/standard%20size%20font%20newsprint.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4256" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-ZsQ00J8x5mOLMGW4QxNZVUbiv4AF0joNLOb8JbsE-3edMFss6LntNekJGUdrOUduF8arMLI85xnVaol1xldrcgdrZNuLcW0n3tu5CDZ-nGdIzRIbZzGIUDiVzQqZDvbvT2Bhlzi8TcgNF-TjUrajd0iawj-2o4BLvkQG9hoSReCZChbKaZn6dvyZw/s320/standard%20size%20font%20newsprint.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Newsprint standard size</div><p><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Speaking
of easier to use . . . </b></span></span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">While
any experienced photographer can usually just take a lens out of a
box, pop it on the camera, and start making pictures, such is not the
case with the 120f4 Medical Micro. This being a film era lens (when
changing ISO mid-shoot was not an option), there is actually <a href="http://cdn-10.nikon-cdn.com/pdf/manuals/archive/Medical-Nikkor%20120mm%20f-4%20IF.pdf">a
24 page manual</a> on how to use this lens. While not a huge read by
today’s standards, for 40 years ago, this was a big deal. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">As
for my experience with this lens, I can’t comment on everything in
the manual for the simple reason that my lens didn’t come as a full
kit. What I do have are the DC power unit (powered by 8 AA batteries)
and the 3 pin flash sync unit, which mounts into the camera’s hot
shoe. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The
book starts out with the most basic operation: mounting the lens. If
you’re reading this, I’ll assume you know how to mount a Nikon
F-mount optic. . . </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The
next few pages of the book deal with the power options. In my case,
this is limited to the battery powered DC unit and the 3 prong sync
cord, which plugs into the lens on one end and then goes into the
camera’s hot shoe on the other. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The
next step is vitally important if you’re shooting film, as it’s a
must to set the film speed on the lens as the output of the flash is
directly tied to the film’s ISO rating. Higher ISO, weaker flash.
Lower ISO, stronger flash. In practice, the ISO setting ring is held
in place by a screw. To move the ring, loosen the screw and adjust
the ring accordingly. For the young macro shooter, it may come as a
surprise to see that the highest ISO setting on the ring is for 800.
Yep, back in the day, ISO 800 was really pushing the limits of film
technology. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Next
section of the book, the shutter speed setting, is largely out of
date unless you are using an old film camera, which will have optimal
settings outlined in a handy chart.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The
next couple pages of the manual deal with focusing and setting the
magnification. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The
next section deals with mounting the close up adapter. Itself, the
120 f4 Medical Micro has a magnification power of 1:1 but, with the
adapter, it goes to 2:1, or double life size. In practice, I had a
hard time threading the adapter onto the lens, no doubt to at least
25 years of adding/removing it and the resultant worn threads. In the
product shots in this review, the adapter is always on the lens. A
table of reproduction ratios, focus distances, depths of fields, and
subject field sizes follow for with and without the adapter. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Next
up: a very cool feature for early 80s technology: magnification ratio
imprinting on the image. To record your magnification on the image,
simply press the ‘data’ button and go. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The
next page deals with using the lens with the ring flash turned off,
which can really come in handy if your ring flash were to die.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">Next
up: how to operate the focus assist lamp in situations with dim
lighting. Unfortunately, you may be out of luck in locating a
replacement bulb come 2022 if yours were to burn out. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
next point is moot unless you have a film camera or a newer digital
one, recommended focusing screens. As someone who has shot an old
film camera (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_FT_QL">a
Canon FT QL</a>), the old pre AF cameras were much easier to manually
focus than the new ones, and anything to make focusing easier should
be utilized because, at 2x life size, to call the depth of field
razor thin is putting things mildly. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;">The
book wraps up with a few pages about cautions (remember, this lens is
electronic), lens care, recommended accessories, and tech specs. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Conclusion</b></span><br />
If
you’ve made it this far into this review, you want this lens as
there's no other lens offering such a combination of high build
quality, optical excellence, insane value, and not to mention greater
than 1:1 magnification as this one, save the 200 f5.6 Medical Micro,
which I have never seen on the used market. Sure, you can pay a lot
more for a current macro lens for AF capability, stabilizers and
‘only’ 1:1 magnification but real macro photographers don't use
AF. On the other hand, the real problem comes via its strength: it
does great micro, but that’s all it can do and if the flash unit
were to go bad, you might be out of luck for getting it repaired.
Bottom line: if you’re very serious about micro photography and
have to go beyond 1:1 power, this lens is for you. For anyone else
(namely casual micro shooters, beginners, or anyone not wanting to go
beyond 1:1), any more traditional optic is the way to go but, if
you’re really big on making small objects look huge, this is the
optic for you and don’t wait around if you’re lucky enough to
come across one, they don’t come up often or last long when they do
pop up on the used market!</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;"><br />
<br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>Like
What You Read?</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />
<br />
Why
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<a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/ancient-astronomy.html">historical
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gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-21546310212692581112021-11-12T17:56:00.002-05:002021-11-30T07:46:49.279-05:00Lorain Super Kmart Closing Photos<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It has been 5 years since the Super Kmart/Kmart Supercenter in Lorain, Ohio closed down in September, 2016. Having a camera always on hand and realizing that this was only 1 of 4 such stores left in the country, I decided to document the closing process for myself. Well, fast forward to 2021 and with the brand itself on the verge of <a href="https://wpgtalkradio.com/kmart-closing-more-stores-two-left-in-nj-six-in-u-s/">going out of existence</a> (the last Super K, in Warren, Ohio closed in 2018), I figured it may be a good idea to post my photos and story online as a means of historical preservation of a brand that is about to become a memory.<br /></span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
began my career at the Lorain Super Kmart Center mid-way through
college as an overnight stocker with the intention of working my way
through college by night, attending classes by day, and then leaving
upon landing a job in my chosen field upon graduation. </span></span>
</span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That
didn't happen. I ended up working at Kmart for 10 years until it was
announced that the store was going to be closing in September,
2016. I landed another job in August and was not around to see the
final tear down after closure. But from May into August, there was a
lot to see and, after being with the store so long, a lot to stare at
in total disbelief.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For
a bit of history, the store opened in 1993 after Kmart decided to
close its aging Amherst store and relocate just across the Lorain
border. The Amherst store was a standard Kmart but the new Lorain
store was an all-in-one hypermart, adding a full grocery department
along with fresh foods and not to mention a lot of floor space. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
remember the store when it first opened. It was absolutely enormous,
far bigger than any other store in the area. About the only thing
bigger than the store itself were the crowds. Despite living less
than a 5 minute drive from Super Kmart, we hardly ever shopped there
because we didn't want to have to deal with the crowds. It took a
really good sale to get us through the doors, only to often find
whatever the sale item we wanted was out of stock. Talking to
coworkers who had been there from the start, I learned that doing
$400,000 a day in sales (roughly 800,000 in 2020) was the norm upon
opening and that it was virtually impossible to stock on 3<sup>rd</sup>
shift as customers would often pull merchandise straight off the
pallets. As for the merchandise that did make it to the shelf, it
didn't stay there long. The store stayed busy 24/7.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Starting
in the mid 2000s, we finally decided to try Kmart again. More
businesses had gone in and the crowds were not as large as they used
to be. There were a lot of good sales at the store and that, along
with the fact that the crowds were smaller and the sale merchandise
was no longer sold out in the first day, kept us coming back.
Interestingly, I learned of the overnight job openings on a sales
receipt. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
my 10 years there, I got a front row seat of what could only be
called the slow death of the Lorain Super Kmart. The first year or so
there the store was extremely busy. It was the norm to have between
8-10 pallets of freight a night in my departments. The store would
typically stay busy into the 2am hour, get pretty quiet from around
3-5am, and then start to pick up again in the 5am hour. Holiday eves?
The store was busy all night. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
first obvious blow came in 2008 when the economy crashed in the fall.
Following the recession, there was plainly a lot more seasonal
merchandise getting marked down on clearance than there had been the
previous year. To make matters worse, a lot of the ordering was done
automatically by computer based on the previous year's sales.
Needless to say, it took a year to play catch-up with the lower
sales, which made 2008 the year of the clearance department. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
next punch came in 2009 when a Super Walmart moved in less than a
mile down the street. Knowing what was coming, a lot of coworkers
were predicting the end of Kmart before Walmart even opened. Yes,
Walmart hurt our business going into the 2009 Christmas season, which
meant more clearance merchandise. However, come the following spring,
business was bouncing back as the novelty of the new Walmart was
wearing off.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2010-2011
were pretty steady years, albeit not at the volume of the
pre-recession years. Good news in 2010, the same year I switched from
stocker to checkout supervisor, was the addition of a Little Caesar's
in the old floral area. In addition, we got a lot of new fixtures in
the fashions area as well as in fresh foods. Fashions was now graced
with modern-looking 2 and 3-tier tables as well as mannequins while
produce, bakery, and deli got wooden display shelves. The biggest
aesthetic improvement was in produce, where attractive wooden tables
replaced clunky-looking metal bunkers. There was even talk of getting
new outdoor signs that would be around twice the height of the
current ones, which would make the store visible from nearby OH-2/90.
However, that never came to pass.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Despite
the improvements, all was not well. News that Sears Holdings, Kmart's
parent company, was not doing so well came in early 2011 after it was
announced that over 100 Kmart stores would close nationwide thanks to
poor Christmas sales across the company in 2010. Knowing that we were
still doing pretty good and the fact that we were the only Kmart
within nearly an hour radius, there wasn't too much worry.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Going
into 2012, what was the biggest wallop, at least for the overnight
business, came in the form of an announcement that the store, which
had been open 24 hours since the start, would no longer be 24 hours.
Instead, all the Super Kmarts in the country would close at midnight
and reopen at 6am. For the stock crew, the only change was a
shortened shift, from 10-7 to 10-6, because we no longer would have a
1 hour lunch thanks to the fact that we would be locked in overnight
and thus would need to be paid for the entire time we were there. As
for the cashiers, those who didn't come to stock or quit were sent to
days. I switched from checkout supervisor back to stock to stay on
3<sup>rd</sup> shift. The night closure started just past Easter and
went through the summer, robbing us of our peak months for overnight
business as the warm weather meant that people stayed up, and
shopped, later. Good news came in August when it was announced that
our store would go back to being 24 hours just in time for Labor Day.
The bad news was that the 24-hour signage wasn't put back and the
return to 24 hours was poorly publicized. The answering message on
the store phone? It continued to say that we were closed from
midnight to 6am for almost a month after reopening to 24 hours. In
the end, we were back to 24 hours but the damage was done as
overnight business was never be the same again as a lot of shoppers,
including many regulars, had converted to Walmart. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">From
here on out, it was all pretty much downhill as the store became
slower and slower as evidenced by the checkouts surviving on less and
less staffing and less and less straightening of the sales counters
that needed to be done overnight. The amount of freight we got in
also started to noticeably go downhill, too. By the time the closure
was announced, 4 pallets was a heavy freight night for one area. The
times of rushing to get one's freight done, trash thrown away, and
returned merchandise put back where it needed to go were a distant
memory.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One
highlight in the 2012 to closure time period was news that the Lorain
store would be used for online order fulfillment. Instead of shipping
from warehouses, Sears Holdings started using stores to fulfill
online orders as it attempted to tap into the online shopping market
without needing to open dedicated online order fulfillment
facilities. This started in fall of 2013, just in time for the
Christmas season. The demand was huge, so much so that, for the only
time in my career there, we were allowed overtime. One week I worked
over 62 hours. Unfortunately, this was not to last as, after
Christmas, the store hired a bunch of people just for the purpose of
taking care of online order processing. Another bright spot: the
addition of a Rad Air auto repair shop in the old Penske truck rental
area in 2013. True, aside from drawing in people who <i>may</i> shop
in the store while their car was being worked on, Rad Air did not
bring in direct money but it was still good to have a tenant moving
in, rather than out, for a change.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
final few years just had me really shaking my head at the conditions
of the store. Thanks to Obamacare, all part timers were limited to 29
hours come the start of 2014, shifts were shortened to 7 hours, and
no new people were hired (on 3<sup>rd</sup> shift, anyway) to pick up
the slack. This problem was compounded by what many people thought
would be the store's lifeline, the online orders. Why? People who
were scheduled to work the floor were pulled to work on order
fulfillment. Result: the store conditions went downhill even though
less people were shopping. The store was often quite the mess
compared to the way it had looked just a few years previously.
Customer service also suffered because there were often just a few
people actually on the floor. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Being
limited to 29 hours after years of working around 40 forced me to
find a second job. I got in with the company that cleaned the store,
which provided a unique perspective to witness the store's decline.
The best indicator of how much business was coming in the doors? The
amount of bathroom supplies used on a daily basis. Second best: the
amount of trash. By the end, we spent more time trying to look busy
than actually cleaning the store. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
addition to the cluttered look and lack of customer service
available, another put-off for shoppers was the building itself. With
Sears Holdings in dire straights financially, corporate was never in
any hurry to pay for building repairs. The roof was full of leaks and
whenever it rained outside, it probably would rain inside somewhere,
too. Little Caesar's dough machine was breaking down a lot, which
meant no pizza, early closings, and a lot of people taking their
money elsewhere. Coolers and freezers were constantly having problems
and merchandise was having to be rushed back to the stockroom
freezers and coolers where people couldn't buy it. One night in the
middle of winter, we actually pushed the cooler merchandise out to
the outdoor garden area in shopping carts because it was so cold that
the food would stay okay. On top of that, several coolers and
freezers on the sales floor leaked and had to be surrounded with rags
and rolls of paper towels at their bases so as to keep the sales
floor dry. The bathrooms were a mess as some of the toilets leaked at
the base. One bathroom even had a leaky pipe under the tile and the
floor was always wet from water bubbling up through the concrete
slab. Out of order signs and plumbers became regulars. For probably
close to 6 months starting around Christmas, 2013, the only lights in
the parking lot were 2 portable diesel powered light towers as
something had happened to the electric supply line. As a whole, the
store simply looked dirty and outdated. In comparison, the Giant
Eagle in Amherst, opened in 1996, still looks like new (and is still
doing good business, to boot!). </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Of
all the problems above, one that out-did them all were the cash
registers. As old as the store, they were constantly freezing up
during transactions. This was probably due in large part to all the
programs that were loaded onto them throughout the years as computer
technology was obviously much more primitive in the mid 1990s than in
the mid 2010s. In fact, the software used to run the store dated to
the late 1980s. Needing to reboot the register wiped out everything
that had been scanned and meant that everything needed to be scanned
again once the register came back up. To make matters worse, the
tendency to run slow and freeze increased when the store was busy as
the system obviously couldn't handle everything at once. The store
was essentially using late 80s technology up until its close in 2016,
not good. In the final year of operation, the problems got so bad
that the entire system would crash and getting back online never had
certain time frames. Probably at least a half dozen times (that I
know of) we had to close because we couldn't sell anything and had no
idea when the problems would be fixed and the registers would be
operable again. Needless to say, it isn't fun showing up to work at a
locked building and having to call the customer service desk in order
to be let in.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
all, going into 2016, things were not good. The store was typically
like a ghost town by midnight, even on the weekends. To make matters
worse, Dollar General stores were popping up like weeds all over the
Lorain area, draining more of our business. Kmart made an
inexplicable move when it stopped carrying anything to do with video
gaming and computers in early 2015. The electronics section virtually
died. As if customer service was not being neglected enough already,
what can only be described as a purge of full time hourly workers
took place in 2015 as roughly a third of full timers were let go on
corporate orders as a cost cutting measure. In the following months,
a lot of the remaining full timers either took buyouts or found other
jobs. Another purge of remaining full timers took place a few months
later. Hundreds of years of combined experience and knowledge were
lost and what positions were retained became part time for the most
part. As bad as things were, we were the only Kmart for a wide radius
and we were doing way more business than the Sears store in
neighboring Elyria. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
January, 2016, we stopped 24 hour operations again, now being open
from 7am to 11pm. Stock stayed as overnight, though, so I stayed put.
More bad news came when it was announced that the big stockroom
freezer and cooler units for perishable food storage would be shut
down. Refrigerated food would be moved into the milk cooler and the
bakery would now have to share a freezer with prepackaged frozen
merchandise. Between overnight closing and the stockroom
freezer/cooler shutdowns, I really was wondering whether the store
would survive the year as a Super Kmart, if at all. We all held our
collective breaths. On April 23, it was announced that the Lorain
Super Kmart, only 1 of 4 left in the country, would close in
September. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
text from my parents asking if I heard that the Lorain Super K was
closing had to be the biggest surprise that I ever had the
displeasure of waking up to. Sadly, the only thing that surprised me
was that the Elyria Sears store wasn't closed down first.</span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For
roughly the first month after the closing was announced, it seemed as
though the whole store would not be closing. The hours were unchanged
and the weekly ads continued to circulate as normal. Looking closely,
though, things were starting to change. The Ohio Lottery machines got
pulled, layaway stopped accepting new orders and became payment and
pickup only, gift cards and magazines (save Sears gift cards) were
pulled and, to me, most surprisingly, online order fulfillment was
shut down. Little Caesar's, which was set to remain open through
Memorial Day, got shut down early, before Mother's Day. So much for
free lunches (they often left 3<sup>rd</sup> shift the leftover
pizza). </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Things
began to noticeably change come mid May. The first big change was in
the ads. The weekly circulars ceased and were replaced by a
store-exclusive 'customer appreciation sale.' Appreciate the
customers for what? Not shopping at the store and putting us all out
of work? Thus gone were the item by item sale signs, replaced with
blanket markdowns of entire departments of varying percents off the
regular price. The pharmacy also shut down before the end of May,
directing now- former customers across the street to Walgreen's. The
so-called 'customer appreciation sale' ran for about a month,
concluding in mid June, at which point the store 'went dark' for
about a week before the official liquidation sale commenced.
Supposedly, liquidation sales in the state of Ohio are limited to 90
days, thus the delay that would push the conclusion to mid September,
which was when the store was set to close. Then came an item of
absolute laughter: 'now hiring' signs went up along with 'store
closing' signs. Why? Management had foreseen (correctly) a mass
exodus of workers. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For
the most part, June was business as usual by all appearances, albeit
all of the 'liquidation' signs. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By
the time July rolled around, it was clear that the store was closing.
Little Ceasar's was now cleared of all equipment, the
stock-especially in what could be termed as 'essentials' (grocery and
health and beauty) were rapidly selling down, and empty areas of the
vast 200,000 square foot store were becoming marketplaces for hugely
overpriced (I wanted to buy some!) store fixtures. The stockroom was
now bare as what can only be described as a gross excess of hardlines
and especially fashions inventory was finally moved to the sales
floor as merchandise began to sell down. Hardlines and fashions were,
by all appearances, normal thanks to the fact that our excess
inventory could finally be moved to where people could buy it. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By
the time August arrived, Lorain Super Kmart was a shell of its former
self. Bakery, deli, meat, dairy, frozen, and produce were all history
while dry grocery was hanging on by a thread. Hardlines and fashions?
They were still pretty full as, during the liquidation process, the
liquidator had brought in a ton of non-Kmart merchandise, which
quickly filled the shelves and prevented these areas of the store
from going barren (thus the lack of pictures as obvious changes were
lacking). August also witnessed the departure of our last front-end
tenant, U.S. Bank, which left at the start of the month. Ironically,
there was a sign redirecting customers to the U.S. Bank located in
the Super Walmart, less than a mile down the road. By mid month, most
of the grocery side of the store had become a fixture-mart, full of
old store fixtures still priced at far more than one would expect at
a liquidation sale. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
was at this time, mid August, that I was lucky enough to find a new
job, thus ending my day-by-day front row seat to the death of the
Lorain Super Kmart.</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still,
even though no longer employed, I remained curious (after all, during
my time there, I'd probably spent more waking hours at Kmart than
anywhere else). On September 17, 2016, 1 day before the store was set
to close, I was in the area ( I had also moved) and decided to drop
in. What I saw would have been mind-blowing to any former employee.
To my surprise, the store was actually quite busy (a special
'thank-you' to everyone who shopped elsewhere until our liquidation
sale, upon which you dropped in like vultures over roadkill). All of
grocery had been crunched into half of aisle 1. I bought the last
2-liter of Diet 7-Up. All of the coolers in dairy and frozen were
gone, replaced by their outlines of filthy floors covered with what
looked like mildew and/or congealed dirt. The old produce and food
court areas were still jammed with unsold fixtures (still grossly
over-priced). The stockroom coolers? Still unsold, they were
literally being cut apart and sold as scrap. All of fashions and
hardlines had been moved up to the front of the store just opposite
checkouts. As for checkouts, none of them worked unless you were
buying grocery merchandise. For everything else, someone accompanying
the cashier had to hand key in the UPC (barcode) of anything else in
order to tell the cashier what to charge (at least I got my 7-Up in a
timely manner).</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thus
was the end of my association with the Lorain Kmart Supercenter and,
one day later, the store itself. <br />
<br />
The Rad Air auto repair
shop, located on the building's South side in the old Penske Truck
Rental location, hung on through mid 2017 when I presume the lease
expired. At about the same time, local newspapers reported that
Meijer expressed interest in the former Super Kmart site.<br />
<br />
For
that entire time from Rad Air's pull-out until around Thanksgiving,
the store remained fully accessible in that anyone driving by could
pull up into the parking lot, drive by the empty store, get out, and
peer inside. It was around this time that I drove up when I was in
the area. Strangely, the lights were all on, illuminating the vast
expanse of the now-empty building. The fitting rooms had been
disassembled and the entirety of the building was wide-open. Easily
identifiable were all the entrance doors throughout the building, as
labeled below.<br />
<br />
Shortly after that visit, things changed.
Meijer inked a deal to buy the site and concrete barriers soon
arrived, blocked off all the entrances, and bulldozers appeared. The
writing was on the wall. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Demolition
started with all glass removal from the entrances and food court.
From there, the bulldozers started knocking down the building in the
Northwest corner (old dairy/frozen area) and started moving
Southeast. The last wall of the store to fall was the South entrance
to the main store leading to the entrance to the enclosed part of the
garden center. By the start of 2018, the building was reduced to a
heap of rubble. Even the light fixtures in the parking lot were
removed. </span></span></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Throughout
2018, Meijer was busy finalizing designs and getting permits. The
site remained unchanged save for debris being hauled off until early
2019, at which point the parking lot was ripped up and construction
of the Meijer store began. All that remained of Kmart were the
painted over signs along Cooper Foster and Leavitt (OH St. Rt. 58).
By the time mid 2019 arrived, the paint had faded, making it possible
to read the old lettering once again, but not for long. The signs
were removed in October, the beams repainted blue, and new Meijer
signs appeared come November. Work on the site continued into 2020 and the store opened in July, 2020 and appears to be doing quite well.<br /></span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
now for the pictures of the closure. Here's a <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/fanofretail/albums/72157651575718865/">link to a large album</a> of when the store was still operating normally. </span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">NOTE: A few of these pictures became corrupted through copying. I have included them anyway in the interest of historical preservation. </span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5/2/2016</span></b><br /></span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uJMbYjnNKRXjLfwl7AgjmCk4sOgLAGDrTs4GvYsmxdoM3r5fljGhr3znrQu23SCzsv-eUR2ftctkRvNARxCzKxdMowBhw2vSrY4pwaz4FinMsvT6vGF0jx3ZQDDhHFCgXMYRd6yGW6bD/s1600/5-2-16+c-os+empty+-+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uJMbYjnNKRXjLfwl7AgjmCk4sOgLAGDrTs4GvYsmxdoM3r5fljGhr3znrQu23SCzsv-eUR2ftctkRvNARxCzKxdMowBhw2vSrY4pwaz4FinMsvT6vGF0jx3ZQDDhHFCgXMYRd6yGW6bD/s320/5-2-16+c-os+empty+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Magazines gone, all vendor stuff gone<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0MA1ylIkmFCnb15ntmloW9CkslK9q4r6CfFsdmUeEDa1HiGFkSfFgz4mARmn7wSHEMrrty4etW137yEk7YUOgekEeadsFmw6B9F1x_oWFfxK3xqAWi-37ZnwNP16x6tgaHrPH181yISE/s1600/5-2-16+gift+cards+gone.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy0MA1ylIkmFCnb15ntmloW9CkslK9q4r6CfFsdmUeEDa1HiGFkSfFgz4mARmn7wSHEMrrty4etW137yEk7YUOgekEeadsFmw6B9F1x_oWFfxK3xqAWi-37ZnwNP16x6tgaHrPH181yISE/s320/5-2-16+gift+cards+gone.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">All gift cards are gone save Sears Holdings.<br /></span><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SMqFVzNc174HJo3pQRRTleobqapauClB0A6Qt3n1G9U12P5-7wTpcQd64tM_HYg6oN5tI5DkyaWtxuMJ-tv0UcDsQde8RAXe8nTOKfoiiuI-BNzosuv_h3JIHJSKNAyBk57DuO3Lni2M/s1600/5-2-16+coolers+done.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SMqFVzNc174HJo3pQRRTleobqapauClB0A6Qt3n1G9U12P5-7wTpcQd64tM_HYg6oN5tI5DkyaWtxuMJ-tv0UcDsQde8RAXe8nTOKfoiiuI-BNzosuv_h3JIHJSKNAyBk57DuO3Lni2M/s320/5-2-16+coolers+done.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Coolers done, doors removed.<br /></span><p></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQOnEU8rbqJm35HQKgaGTsqG3qoHE6UqtWcORGbk7_bqXw3_xN3CmZLAZDCZI07njDpnICPDXcIjm-EV1fkV7bynS6Xfq4EAmeFjFXrDW5JJXe6MqHzePVVHrvnbIc1yBKoxrZbcMvN1g/s1600/5-2-16+coolers+done2+-+Copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQOnEU8rbqJm35HQKgaGTsqG3qoHE6UqtWcORGbk7_bqXw3_xN3CmZLAZDCZI07njDpnICPDXcIjm-EV1fkV7bynS6Xfq4EAmeFjFXrDW5JJXe6MqHzePVVHrvnbIc1yBKoxrZbcMvN1g/s320/5-2-16+coolers+done2+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Backroom freezers shut down, dry grocery overstock now.<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TX4N5PiS9y5KeAm0cylnsuyZuM2mBji7Te0xqcCvpggH8n5l1sCgf13usOjsTiZ8v_IkNF23d9zu9FQPfCKlw2RNvYWWIQOjnq43SQT7r7EdjHJ5euEbPX2C2Biw0iNRXiNO0zqMirTT/s1600/5-2-16+layaway.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TX4N5PiS9y5KeAm0cylnsuyZuM2mBji7Te0xqcCvpggH8n5l1sCgf13usOjsTiZ8v_IkNF23d9zu9FQPfCKlw2RNvYWWIQOjnq43SQT7r7EdjHJ5euEbPX2C2Biw0iNRXiNO0zqMirTT/s320/5-2-16+layaway.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> No more layaway.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkERHxbFBEZWE2gsTt4ZNnk_mRxm3YCjluX_ggXClnZEHOFoXmpl2HcCKqe2_b-0NW2peG6znDB-tl10wDwfPX19IDmzY80w-unZo8jpxLUT0KismXSwBkUeD7G5au1e64z_XORk0H-th/s1600/5-2-16+lotto+gone.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkERHxbFBEZWE2gsTt4ZNnk_mRxm3YCjluX_ggXClnZEHOFoXmpl2HcCKqe2_b-0NW2peG6znDB-tl10wDwfPX19IDmzY80w-unZo8jpxLUT0KismXSwBkUeD7G5au1e64z_XORk0H-th/s320/5-2-16+lotto+gone.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Lotto machine is gone.</span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wT5ypIAY1h7dEvyqvd-lLF_gbsQq61pOAcN-3q-Jm8u9GSHhqGIlc6PsVQYaslrzNTNoiCTMvwxrQpuDi3UpW73EjQ9NZRqO-C9T-Bpc6ecSzw5IEDB6vlIkQuqf2wFJczPYN-k2ZP0J/s1600/5-2-16+mags+gone.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3wT5ypIAY1h7dEvyqvd-lLF_gbsQq61pOAcN-3q-Jm8u9GSHhqGIlc6PsVQYaslrzNTNoiCTMvwxrQpuDi3UpW73EjQ9NZRqO-C9T-Bpc6ecSzw5IEDB6vlIkQuqf2wFJczPYN-k2ZP0J/s320/5-2-16+mags+gone.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> All magazines gone.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggh5__40pqZ-TSXE825Y30s62_dbiK4uFFKT3Ft50xAsSg_emW06rlsyBOsBOhWD8uZDJ2GqESokOYCTTNGHP6CI03UO0sbUd0F1OM53gf9MaY3kBD1QwgMFqjJlQsdyyBFFOMMezNOxjJ/s1600/5-2-16+no+pizza+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggh5__40pqZ-TSXE825Y30s62_dbiK4uFFKT3Ft50xAsSg_emW06rlsyBOsBOhWD8uZDJ2GqESokOYCTTNGHP6CI03UO0sbUd0F1OM53gf9MaY3kBD1QwgMFqjJlQsdyyBFFOMMezNOxjJ/s320/5-2-16+no+pizza+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Little Caesar's was closed down early.</span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> </span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>5/20/2016</b></span><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSF1v1gWIEifbBkcP8P4AkeSsx_wEsbBjtsjW_UboMA7CFSaPDl12IYUBUEQ-toHThu1FhdwrrFFwPkk85NRLE-4a4bBfIxPh1PFbAh0EzMYSA_QxWwHeJ6KTRwAw75d3ReNaBwUQBUxV3/s1600/5-20-16+no+pharmacy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSF1v1gWIEifbBkcP8P4AkeSsx_wEsbBjtsjW_UboMA7CFSaPDl12IYUBUEQ-toHThu1FhdwrrFFwPkk85NRLE-4a4bBfIxPh1PFbAh0EzMYSA_QxWwHeJ6KTRwAw75d3ReNaBwUQBUxV3/s320/5-20-16+no+pharmacy.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Pharmacy closed forever-customers redirected across the street to Walgreens.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>7/7/2016</b></span><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4IyuzmKDCMsKjRX6uVEo7hjn54PiBvtiNKvl6TnJn757QGaaXTeEROMTlqTFfkOBjQx7pKkrFi3_zIm5QOXVp7fdcJmMrt8rj6pqA9tMLN9JbSQeNq2Z5FYb4TrXhsjm_r3V-ypLu0UG/s2048/7-7-16+pizza+empty.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH4IyuzmKDCMsKjRX6uVEo7hjn54PiBvtiNKvl6TnJn757QGaaXTeEROMTlqTFfkOBjQx7pKkrFi3_zIm5QOXVp7fdcJmMrt8rj6pqA9tMLN9JbSQeNq2Z5FYb4TrXhsjm_r3V-ypLu0UG/s320/7-7-16+pizza+empty.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">All the equipment is now cleared out.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmaEtUEPRVnfGkqaLa7oHLMd5g2frEnjS8OZYuM15xsxwA8kh44vnijFWf81SHWDKYLvSGWiPDHDNqGukx0tJ6wBOC2t4B9JVv8lU_1E38R1zzo8yAH-hnxCaL3tKpGOrWKOZHzQi_LtJ/s2048/7-7-16+vendors+want+their+stuff.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmaEtUEPRVnfGkqaLa7oHLMd5g2frEnjS8OZYuM15xsxwA8kh44vnijFWf81SHWDKYLvSGWiPDHDNqGukx0tJ6wBOC2t4B9JVv8lU_1E38R1zzo8yAH-hnxCaL3tKpGOrWKOZHzQi_LtJ/s320/7-7-16+vendors+want+their+stuff.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Vendors no longer servicing their coolers.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> </span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>7/11/2016</b></span><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qIsqj770dh_j0xFPgz8NLnJedaI6o_ql2BHjZ9XiWaGDgpXeBfqRwMTk36fiAMJp7PoER3xgTGRFDv2S-mp7CTWAoFDtUTXlVsMVlX4Y-zk59nnis97wZ4Jq61REL9q_cGMxTmgflgla/s2048/7-11-16+dairy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qIsqj770dh_j0xFPgz8NLnJedaI6o_ql2BHjZ9XiWaGDgpXeBfqRwMTk36fiAMJp7PoER3xgTGRFDv2S-mp7CTWAoFDtUTXlVsMVlX4Y-zk59nnis97wZ4Jq61REL9q_cGMxTmgflgla/s320/7-11-16+dairy.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">What's left of dairy.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFatd5l3OIdMteQFAwsLKnQamIduUwLlUmXG1JKicISKQABVMOyVlQ45xXfJgh5S4S8iMr7dh1oUEjl185HdVz8TOB8xhgSX_dW7_NYllFaJzLfLbvWECiCcPvHjN0_0RoOfoEc9VqAXb5/s2048/7-11-16+frozen+meat.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFatd5l3OIdMteQFAwsLKnQamIduUwLlUmXG1JKicISKQABVMOyVlQ45xXfJgh5S4S8iMr7dh1oUEjl185HdVz8TOB8xhgSX_dW7_NYllFaJzLfLbvWECiCcPvHjN0_0RoOfoEc9VqAXb5/s320/7-11-16+frozen+meat.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Frozen meat's last stand.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioARRhxZ_ZohIiApQZXToFN0bfFrsRd4juR-JyfAIi9oeRzP-0eMv31REFC3hpFqGbu8X4hgDjWs-O14hcnS10vwkCLvK8OLtD9SG-aUw7ExCox-LOcu2uHJvufUbhIj_e09A10OVn_Avi/s2048/7-11-16+meat+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioARRhxZ_ZohIiApQZXToFN0bfFrsRd4juR-JyfAIi9oeRzP-0eMv31REFC3hpFqGbu8X4hgDjWs-O14hcnS10vwkCLvK8OLtD9SG-aUw7ExCox-LOcu2uHJvufUbhIj_e09A10OVn_Avi/s320/7-11-16+meat+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Last of the fresh cut meat.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisD-qEI-59YqT8LEzLgtLaKEPOjM7QJL5rKW1242vsKnjVNwxuyDsGhPcvntQBh5HX4sZZ2isV0BRXcyw-Y_rFWUUlkWlNXuvfXon3OFXouvB2zrlZE_T-BvBt6vlY_b-n_kutjq3vkWQc/s2048/7-11-16+meat.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisD-qEI-59YqT8LEzLgtLaKEPOjM7QJL5rKW1242vsKnjVNwxuyDsGhPcvntQBh5HX4sZZ2isV0BRXcyw-Y_rFWUUlkWlNXuvfXon3OFXouvB2zrlZE_T-BvBt6vlY_b-n_kutjq3vkWQc/s320/7-11-16+meat.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">All of what used to be fresh cut meat (above photo the tiny bit on the right).</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqtUogt0HLGem6lQDxmmv93zwgyKNSKXpK9B3l6yZZqYgNBNsilhf_wtQ-glvhhQiZ80BFNL-QR4G1Sf-ssgDV3Inhjr33-9j3SkhV47yE_aBDUPxMtBhJQQNqMPfHdDxZxcuaBUGLw-K/s2048/7-11-16+no+fresh+seafood.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqtUogt0HLGem6lQDxmmv93zwgyKNSKXpK9B3l6yZZqYgNBNsilhf_wtQ-glvhhQiZ80BFNL-QR4G1Sf-ssgDV3Inhjr33-9j3SkhV47yE_aBDUPxMtBhJQQNqMPfHdDxZxcuaBUGLw-K/s320/7-11-16+no+fresh+seafood.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Fresh seafood is done.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbmb6taId8DB058w-y-TU557rfjYvCtc7ikWnNdpmaeWoVWetL1u-KI4TKzmFjZEvHW_O52_rwB1af981SQ_3fMfyKkLaAiyEs2bzuUAZbB0zL9iNXRTHPOU5fXVpX46U37VvZKBKvNnn/s2048/7-11-16+no+frozen+seafood.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbmb6taId8DB058w-y-TU557rfjYvCtc7ikWnNdpmaeWoVWetL1u-KI4TKzmFjZEvHW_O52_rwB1af981SQ_3fMfyKkLaAiyEs2bzuUAZbB0zL9iNXRTHPOU5fXVpX46U37VvZKBKvNnn/s320/7-11-16+no+frozen+seafood.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Frozen seafood cooler empty.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtVXPRLUHe8vk69hmKvnvJ0269i43vWtlTpnIV6gmurEQJEYIfz0EPxGcgHEBdxBxJYN8Ba0bYSWLl9Dc1Mag_D9khuh5mLQBNjtLg8MWYXxQt-Bl7HvziwomPS0escaol2stXpCxf9Cd/s2048/7-11-16+no+milk.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtVXPRLUHe8vk69hmKvnvJ0269i43vWtlTpnIV6gmurEQJEYIfz0EPxGcgHEBdxBxJYN8Ba0bYSWLl9Dc1Mag_D9khuh5mLQBNjtLg8MWYXxQt-Bl7HvziwomPS0escaol2stXpCxf9Cd/s320/7-11-16+no+milk.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">No more milk.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTHC19nf7iPAm4wl6rcSC1cH5CCsqf4fJVBqmc4WyzCOfXul-pE5xxGD7X2wVk454uKqGzL3amoP8lPRCwgXEroQbfx8J2WcZ8OXQLxHM7euEEbvyxg0f_FEYuVpffhCjlLnXBpJORGY1/s2048/7-11-16+produce.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbTHC19nf7iPAm4wl6rcSC1cH5CCsqf4fJVBqmc4WyzCOfXul-pE5xxGD7X2wVk454uKqGzL3amoP8lPRCwgXEroQbfx8J2WcZ8OXQLxHM7euEEbvyxg0f_FEYuVpffhCjlLnXBpJORGY1/s320/7-11-16+produce.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The last of the fresh produce.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnV1ESP7-7rDj8t3AA-Fdip2X3SCwnCl2uUJNoOG0a2Ly-PRYu1xMn89wIjVfraUSkddQD1IvEEKMMW5Sy-NRzWqk9ExoDxUVamDQ9lw298gydSxsWsmzGA9FxbPi_20UXmd9XiQt60ID/s2048/7-29-16+bakery+n+deli.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnV1ESP7-7rDj8t3AA-Fdip2X3SCwnCl2uUJNoOG0a2Ly-PRYu1xMn89wIjVfraUSkddQD1IvEEKMMW5Sy-NRzWqk9ExoDxUVamDQ9lw298gydSxsWsmzGA9FxbPi_20UXmd9XiQt60ID/s320/7-29-16+bakery+n+deli.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>7/29/16<br /></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXtL1HfCankZv1kZ_4HYK9RnNABUpUPGbhBzlIf1JMqXWLJrOkFTi7WmFkK7t8dcpdfeTma7Y2r-Jb6OODL8S5WRooY9sy29TnqjgYgMOMCuK_juPAWcefYs6H7EZ5PqcP9UBjMi1cYPG/s2048/7-29-16+books+gone.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXtL1HfCankZv1kZ_4HYK9RnNABUpUPGbhBzlIf1JMqXWLJrOkFTi7WmFkK7t8dcpdfeTma7Y2r-Jb6OODL8S5WRooY9sy29TnqjgYgMOMCuK_juPAWcefYs6H7EZ5PqcP9UBjMi1cYPG/s320/7-29-16+books+gone.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">All the books are gone.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4vLaQptEXd8nKDTnBYi6XEfMj0najWSH-qx7mHSCGqI_QnRzlI7v4YC5rG3M8l6vGZPWqXLlCg9Wfq-XUG6HsZi8-wEzk6ddfuEQ7hhQWpLAkIFNpysjGuCpjkBhboaB5RGMvpLWmq-7/s2048/7-29-16+old+food+court.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4vLaQptEXd8nKDTnBYi6XEfMj0najWSH-qx7mHSCGqI_QnRzlI7v4YC5rG3M8l6vGZPWqXLlCg9Wfq-XUG6HsZi8-wEzk6ddfuEQ7hhQWpLAkIFNpysjGuCpjkBhboaB5RGMvpLWmq-7/s320/7-29-16+old+food+court.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The former K-Cafe/Dollar Store</span><p></p><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>8/9/2016</b></span><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha91TQG7n1BURkLbhiCaFoxqweNQPQ96g1TGHxl3qevzErxiP6vSdEa8Ex1xc1Sgq9zWfdh9wW4AcLv9NMXVbMrgdbn4Wfu_7BUWLl-HlR-MoJWlI5SdlRnE-uLJeUXbxj0omw0wYtQ_Fz/s2048/8-9-16+bakery+n+deli+empty+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha91TQG7n1BURkLbhiCaFoxqweNQPQ96g1TGHxl3qevzErxiP6vSdEa8Ex1xc1Sgq9zWfdh9wW4AcLv9NMXVbMrgdbn4Wfu_7BUWLl-HlR-MoJWlI5SdlRnE-uLJeUXbxj0omw0wYtQ_Fz/s320/8-9-16+bakery+n+deli+empty+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Bakery and deli done.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiZZQ6TgJqaVVpg244r0tt-ZWUBAkDYxMzGMblCZYSTCpv_iDHPEuLp6jDhE9ZMcgpGI97C2k2VhWvYCHX78kKr10sZH_KOI2xTGYxXMLq4iA5MMHwArpuEY7j6mUgZXv6HPxpW7v7DyG/s2048/8-9-16+bakery+n+deli+empty.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiZZQ6TgJqaVVpg244r0tt-ZWUBAkDYxMzGMblCZYSTCpv_iDHPEuLp6jDhE9ZMcgpGI97C2k2VhWvYCHX78kKr10sZH_KOI2xTGYxXMLq4iA5MMHwArpuEY7j6mUgZXv6HPxpW7v7DyG/s320/8-9-16+bakery+n+deli+empty.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Ditto above photo.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JhcoBjA1ftDwQO4NjUUZrO4GK_V7gqbAKWW7KcsTBbsHvXYONJvtp3QE9bymXo06JxTyytuaPgXFGQ3Rop-hxltFoMXIF2Qgd-URikv-zCP3pDaLIZjD3IRg3EDDHC-3LOb6pXn1BOWC/s2048/8-9-16+dairy+frozen+empty+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JhcoBjA1ftDwQO4NjUUZrO4GK_V7gqbAKWW7KcsTBbsHvXYONJvtp3QE9bymXo06JxTyytuaPgXFGQ3Rop-hxltFoMXIF2Qgd-URikv-zCP3pDaLIZjD3IRg3EDDHC-3LOb6pXn1BOWC/s320/8-9-16+dairy+frozen+empty+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Dairy/frozen empty.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJF5w2Qqyq6e6EViOzl9Ch8DhLCuIdZ9NP0HGHlvz-8QQVzHqqRtLmTy-IRk6vo8ejlT1F6EvMdBcp0g4QETrf0bko43OGK7vhaztuvOsHJMq0y-xFu-nJ84ph76x-XX4Bv2KPKeEWDDL/s2048/8-9-16+dairy+frozen+empty.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJF5w2Qqyq6e6EViOzl9Ch8DhLCuIdZ9NP0HGHlvz-8QQVzHqqRtLmTy-IRk6vo8ejlT1F6EvMdBcp0g4QETrf0bko43OGK7vhaztuvOsHJMq0y-xFu-nJ84ph76x-XX4Bv2KPKeEWDDL/s320/8-9-16+dairy+frozen+empty.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Frozen empty-note the area blocked off with shelves.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjX7AtaINytOMp35Ip_GRcGV6lLD6OABApBzm6r6nDJ88ULHb7M_9KonngmLSoOB2KL77MtCN3SmOdb56JBoLAuWegxhrtXOVXwHCRQeUJGC_PogrrWPdU5JAc73H_Ba7zba2E9zKH2CZ/s2048/8-9-16+food+court+fixture+mart.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjX7AtaINytOMp35Ip_GRcGV6lLD6OABApBzm6r6nDJ88ULHb7M_9KonngmLSoOB2KL77MtCN3SmOdb56JBoLAuWegxhrtXOVXwHCRQeUJGC_PogrrWPdU5JAc73H_Ba7zba2E9zKH2CZ/s320/8-9-16+food+court+fixture+mart.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Old K-Cafe/Dollar Store is now (over-priced) fixture mart.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEOh5_A1ty3FlwIfc0ro7F0_sCL781iqwkgyrZIBYDDj-6U2bTLMADIRvC3jUZJjKlEVsSU282rY_lIwIUCJW0S20_2d5lVsUei1_k35sUp6GoU4xZosTypcYlOUJbW6gp7e1LndLJXz5/s2048/8-9-16+grocery+empty+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFEOh5_A1ty3FlwIfc0ro7F0_sCL781iqwkgyrZIBYDDj-6U2bTLMADIRvC3jUZJjKlEVsSU282rY_lIwIUCJW0S20_2d5lVsUei1_k35sUp6GoU4xZosTypcYlOUJbW6gp7e1LndLJXz5/s320/8-9-16+grocery+empty+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Dry grocery tear down begins.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sNRqOx5HwX1uxxjwiBh4xqyo8NbUQ2dS78pWKmk27NngOJq5gA38md7fgOqFgXZ1-X2GiHPnl6i7yMaYciVRluc1F-ZUYUlI3szhBIBsmnqTPLS6u5NlMVi2yD1xdI_HEbQeEXe1u-fr/s2048/8-9-16+grocery+empty.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sNRqOx5HwX1uxxjwiBh4xqyo8NbUQ2dS78pWKmk27NngOJq5gA38md7fgOqFgXZ1-X2GiHPnl6i7yMaYciVRluc1F-ZUYUlI3szhBIBsmnqTPLS6u5NlMVi2yD1xdI_HEbQeEXe1u-fr/s320/8-9-16+grocery+empty.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Dry grocery empty.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmLFGLK02LsYvsRkS0dz6f2_hzIL4kFdZrzTws6irO5P41tovP9yvjv6hadKvy320k_ZZ3yXyVt19ULIiiHT5_g6AYBAwtGBwzmSL96OZzLNUItt4dU_f3ijhMTDF2BrojOS4lxhleagY/s2048/8-9-16+hbc+tear+down.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmLFGLK02LsYvsRkS0dz6f2_hzIL4kFdZrzTws6irO5P41tovP9yvjv6hadKvy320k_ZZ3yXyVt19ULIiiHT5_g6AYBAwtGBwzmSL96OZzLNUItt4dU_f3ijhMTDF2BrojOS4lxhleagY/s320/8-9-16+hbc+tear+down.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Health and beauty tear down begins.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih82_L4NqfMclgpL70tBDOORqKkzlLdG3d7-oBxjafZrB6Xf6fxiCVIsRSdFI-fHxLPplhDhgH44svPEhrBqL3rPqAyLZSZUs-ef2NBtVjLjm5j1VVQCONhJv12vPOySzkvL346NHIiEzy/s2048/8-9-16+produce+now+fixture+mart.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih82_L4NqfMclgpL70tBDOORqKkzlLdG3d7-oBxjafZrB6Xf6fxiCVIsRSdFI-fHxLPplhDhgH44svPEhrBqL3rPqAyLZSZUs-ef2NBtVjLjm5j1VVQCONhJv12vPOySzkvL346NHIiEzy/s320/8-9-16+produce+now+fixture+mart.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Former produce area now table mart.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zj9S8gKU3s5Hmd5wfcX_FguM33N3-ihfiORiBky7WuKviJJbvkTyxl3yKSW-UfUfRa0z1130aBnHDI5CwMRTcIJ9D5EZOhtUjen0JrCb8GkY7I1hB6gT6mulKzlxxYGn0g2XKVaVTvCy/s2048/8-9-16+us+bank+gone.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Zj9S8gKU3s5Hmd5wfcX_FguM33N3-ihfiORiBky7WuKviJJbvkTyxl3yKSW-UfUfRa0z1130aBnHDI5CwMRTcIJ9D5EZOhtUjen0JrCb8GkY7I1hB6gT6mulKzlxxYGn0g2XKVaVTvCy/s320/8-9-16+us+bank+gone.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">U.S. Bank-our last front end tenant, now gone.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>8/15/2016</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKnG091CXi3cxv-OFDDMMbPgCaq79cqrfSVqiI4tgW9onrK-XIOBl1Q1uj2KKBOEbOpvIX5EgEEjN6aGgwbFsRLXn-UW__CzAMlcy-aMqPq_bvcOh74Rq_mfT3H14y8j-AkvatQiTCTiU/s2048/8-15-16+dairy+frozen+gone.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKnG091CXi3cxv-OFDDMMbPgCaq79cqrfSVqiI4tgW9onrK-XIOBl1Q1uj2KKBOEbOpvIX5EgEEjN6aGgwbFsRLXn-UW__CzAMlcy-aMqPq_bvcOh74Rq_mfT3H14y8j-AkvatQiTCTiU/s320/8-15-16+dairy+frozen+gone.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dairy frozen gone.</span></span><b><br /> </b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgVnKYonJwwYpqHzumtTXrtPiMJENXj54Yu4I0VAoaAN6Csd6P2xliWSg23125-cFtMXVpVR9UIyyhMFgvmYFAVtnvTsg04tz3Lp10Do5mE6bhAvkvx8bq4vWs92cnduXtVraPzRUKqbw/s2048/8-15-16+dairy+frozen+gone3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgVnKYonJwwYpqHzumtTXrtPiMJENXj54Yu4I0VAoaAN6Csd6P2xliWSg23125-cFtMXVpVR9UIyyhMFgvmYFAVtnvTsg04tz3Lp10Do5mE6bhAvkvx8bq4vWs92cnduXtVraPzRUKqbw/s320/8-15-16+dairy+frozen+gone3.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Dairy frozen gone 2. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwGhbPegF6rAzDQwDbNGoE1IWaYOmgcMgC_jJxokjZhhwlIa6yBB2o713XB_VWZpZi5XcpcACd64pNDdCBkgtzX4w08opjkcbFcQRXf8BpwFrFZyXZ_MLbQnWGcFQNtO621Wv_ykG930B/s2048/8-15-16+dairy+frozen+gone.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwGhbPegF6rAzDQwDbNGoE1IWaYOmgcMgC_jJxokjZhhwlIa6yBB2o713XB_VWZpZi5XcpcACd64pNDdCBkgtzX4w08opjkcbFcQRXf8BpwFrFZyXZ_MLbQnWGcFQNtO621Wv_ykG930B/s320/8-15-16+dairy+frozen+gone.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Dairy frozen gone 3. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYni73ukCviLTjPwb0JlaDEp5UZw2KTqn9WO7W2efrUMvB8xitfYvVE3r9dn3NDHzQFmd5nUjTzEU_2l-8Crwa6QTIgdEgkZInApnoPEHEPZ0zbH8s913uzh4fZeH-NwZgX7dm9ZAseUBW/s2048/8-15-16+fashions+stockroom.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYni73ukCviLTjPwb0JlaDEp5UZw2KTqn9WO7W2efrUMvB8xitfYvVE3r9dn3NDHzQFmd5nUjTzEU_2l-8Crwa6QTIgdEgkZInApnoPEHEPZ0zbH8s913uzh4fZeH-NwZgX7dm9ZAseUBW/s320/8-15-16+fashions+stockroom.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Fashions backroom.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvBQU-JfeT_HeAPFleU-TCDUHOkfztTBnx1XraQVjaqjDEmVSPHP2BJTSiyBam9FhNEmMxoaUBW6Rd0dIvkUyBtw7Pxjg_5Ec9fg3loERXmO9L4iS1O9NWEBpLB_aoJCFo4IulbqJTT5X/s2048/8-15-16+grocery+gone.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvBQU-JfeT_HeAPFleU-TCDUHOkfztTBnx1XraQVjaqjDEmVSPHP2BJTSiyBam9FhNEmMxoaUBW6Rd0dIvkUyBtw7Pxjg_5Ec9fg3loERXmO9L4iS1O9NWEBpLB_aoJCFo4IulbqJTT5X/s320/8-15-16+grocery+gone.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Grocery gone.</span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IbjKm6V4DHNPlfjnH_jHAR-HYY-0SYcFP67bb-gR9xupNID26gkWKPTUaYfTkOqZ7-QlejvBifiDxj7-n4-D1YtWA8DQ0LrKvdWpCvlt6ymT0nrLVgCcmFLsWmY9WA7CfIEUlkXK1aQu/s2048/8-15-16+grocery+stockroom.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IbjKm6V4DHNPlfjnH_jHAR-HYY-0SYcFP67bb-gR9xupNID26gkWKPTUaYfTkOqZ7-QlejvBifiDxj7-n4-D1YtWA8DQ0LrKvdWpCvlt6ymT0nrLVgCcmFLsWmY9WA7CfIEUlkXK1aQu/s320/8-15-16+grocery+stockroom.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Grocery back room-former cooler straight ahead as dark doorway.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6c7Hb13KJopriip4wT1hVF9vUi-z08TYk0Z_Cxpgo3VleSpUiuVStZX1qrajaIbqQag7Z7POEsCBm8akCFFJ4gBqDLtxb-NACLFdEafadDPyahFurmPgbTE9h4rUn1cQnmfsWr76daHBr/s2048/8-15-16+grocrty+gone3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6c7Hb13KJopriip4wT1hVF9vUi-z08TYk0Z_Cxpgo3VleSpUiuVStZX1qrajaIbqQag7Z7POEsCBm8akCFFJ4gBqDLtxb-NACLFdEafadDPyahFurmPgbTE9h4rUn1cQnmfsWr76daHBr/s320/8-15-16+grocrty+gone3.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>9/14/2016</b></span><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGxJiUPqqxK8z8wuGmMh5e9JfixOaEw9PAbWt2tvjXw_7RLBFtwWcram9v0kIgivBl09x1q024fbfSu0AuoAtfus1EAYOYdKPbOBOUO5rSZ5xMRIm7LOmkzKINwvk_8bjGKydzECmnHRY/s2048/9-14-16+dairy+frozen+cleared+out.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGxJiUPqqxK8z8wuGmMh5e9JfixOaEw9PAbWt2tvjXw_7RLBFtwWcram9v0kIgivBl09x1q024fbfSu0AuoAtfus1EAYOYdKPbOBOUO5rSZ5xMRIm7LOmkzKINwvk_8bjGKydzECmnHRY/s320/9-14-16+dairy+frozen+cleared+out.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Former dairy/frozen.<br /></span><p></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">September
14, 2016, only 1 more day to closing. The store was pretty busy so I
didn't feel comfortable pulling out my camera and taking a bunch of
pictures (all others were taken during the overnight shift when the
store was closed).</span></span></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRiea2oVSnJRwgqSCqDy0C9J5Kkl9I-P3IZ5u5BhERy57HyqRFL-5tptRvOwvd9Z98lv51G_4_GZi1PtwT9mz1aKphW_rnC4zx_TwuhZz1pbXtLeYm2e09B4T3G8e1IyxdF151YdBkb2D/s2048/9-14-16+fashions+n+hardlines+empty.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRiea2oVSnJRwgqSCqDy0C9J5Kkl9I-P3IZ5u5BhERy57HyqRFL-5tptRvOwvd9Z98lv51G_4_GZi1PtwT9mz1aKphW_rnC4zx_TwuhZz1pbXtLeYm2e09B4T3G8e1IyxdF151YdBkb2D/s320/9-14-16+fashions+n+hardlines+empty.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Much of the rest of the store.<br /></span><p></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pretty
much the entire back of the store from the fashions midway. This
picture was taken from former home fashions and sweeps up the former
(from right to left along the walls) infants, toys, sporting goods
(the lit black case is where the guns used to go), automotive,
do-it-yourself/furniture, and electronics (you can still see 3 TVs at
upper left). Infant/toddler clothes used to be around the fitting
rooms while lingerie and girls' was opposite them and boys' behind
them. At this point, whatever merchandise that remained was pushed to
the front third of the fashions area opposite checkouts. </span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>After the Closure </b></span><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dZD5A5uc6BNP0SFk4I7Gz_nF9xxVOY-akY9bvGUm320mLMt30IMbOYojExxpLDvxN8rUJlxuxkD8MauOXUWpp085qkPu0i8ER3Ny40kjoKoysbUD5_7K4qqIrHfu9JHvUBGTLgjOOlGh/s2048/North+Entrance+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dZD5A5uc6BNP0SFk4I7Gz_nF9xxVOY-akY9bvGUm320mLMt30IMbOYojExxpLDvxN8rUJlxuxkD8MauOXUWpp085qkPu0i8ER3Ny40kjoKoysbUD5_7K4qqIrHfu9JHvUBGTLgjOOlGh/s320/North+Entrance+1.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the North (grocery) entrance looking as far North as I can. Bakery and deli would be out of view to the right of the rightmost door.<br /></span></span></span><p></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouxrygX2LJcn6wz1eZ0eQO-_aeK1mvRbrOeftZ3rZXI4-pKwBZOyKYVCghMLWsCF0xGVCpTC_WBzp1j6H_egG2_WtXF9BrFA7TfY7DmB9mUZJZPbj45nmti8xIcj3HbPAy8CLnlCVZ5aX/s2048/North+Entrance+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhouxrygX2LJcn6wz1eZ0eQO-_aeK1mvRbrOeftZ3rZXI4-pKwBZOyKYVCghMLWsCF0xGVCpTC_WBzp1j6H_egG2_WtXF9BrFA7TfY7DmB9mUZJZPbj45nmti8xIcj3HbPAy8CLnlCVZ5aX/s320/North+Entrance+2.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The same entrance again, but looking straight back. The fitting rooms would have blocked the view to the secondary general merchandise backroom door.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBmXQr1FCBDSQ5qjKZAF-EFp5QiUJjJlAmjVYFhyphenhyphenBPXvUjlUulJu01-RMXmJ2t8TVhm1b_5rZ1IZ906tfu6kj68hto729TwtVTzWDP9GqG_TiPkCSBW4eTiLd8-pTowNkDbalqXjFviL3/s2048/South+Entrance+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBmXQr1FCBDSQ5qjKZAF-EFp5QiUJjJlAmjVYFhyphenhyphenBPXvUjlUulJu01-RMXmJ2t8TVhm1b_5rZ1IZ906tfu6kj68hto729TwtVTzWDP9GqG_TiPkCSBW4eTiLd8-pTowNkDbalqXjFviL3/s320/South+Entrance+1.png" width="320" /></a></div></div></span></span></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moving to the South (general merchandise) entrance and looking North. This view sweeps up much of the previous picture but from a different viewpoint. Note the public restroom entrance, which was obscured by pillars in the previous picture.</div></span></span></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS562c7E3Kdkads0ayBqLRvRkG-pThHA-IVIC_hK9_xg80_MKu3yJkR96WS9OMM6dmonQ-_0i6VzN7PlWU37xqPbD_zYarTNW5JjNn1GiO1WGIB3vLIXKBG-kZDcZt17VKZRdYTypLcT5/s2048/South+Entrance+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvS562c7E3Kdkads0ayBqLRvRkG-pThHA-IVIC_hK9_xg80_MKu3yJkR96WS9OMM6dmonQ-_0i6VzN7PlWU37xqPbD_zYarTNW5JjNn1GiO1WGIB3vLIXKBG-kZDcZt17VKZRdYTypLcT5/s320/South+Entrance+2.png" width="320" /></a></div>The South entrance looking South. The entrance to the garden area would be at left but is obscured.</span></span><p></p><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81PkpD65_VILpHSp4VSbaYMsbNMNTAQkNxTsZZR2OxUrj8Ptwwj8mngqTupOIBvYKbzASdfmPA_0BAoNREKM2U_YkPaY7KMWVtof5Ft0W9hQZyaeueNJHVJPxmM5wWq3tiG7a295QTnQs/s2048/Garden+Shop+From+Front+of+Store.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81PkpD65_VILpHSp4VSbaYMsbNMNTAQkNxTsZZR2OxUrj8Ptwwj8mngqTupOIBvYKbzASdfmPA_0BAoNREKM2U_YkPaY7KMWVtof5Ft0W9hQZyaeueNJHVJPxmM5wWq3tiG7a295QTnQs/s320/Garden+Shop+From+Front+of+Store.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Looking straight into the old garden shop. A surprise was awaiting to my right . . . <br /></span><br /></span>
<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6GA3PAOtHXc9yF1U_4T-iyw3NazwCrxbJNv0fCFeZE35nl1rDYBcwK-yTMx1Pf_40KB5YsvvLVPxZZoC1F4TB-KwM6yq5cn07w3OwOas7iAEleCxlw6Cx2764j0fSjLAOK4mfS0lF5ML/s2048/Garden+Shop+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6GA3PAOtHXc9yF1U_4T-iyw3NazwCrxbJNv0fCFeZE35nl1rDYBcwK-yTMx1Pf_40KB5YsvvLVPxZZoC1F4TB-KwM6yq5cn07w3OwOas7iAEleCxlw6Cx2764j0fSjLAOK4mfS0lF5ML/s320/Garden+Shop+2.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The wall separating the rest of the store from the garden shop was gone! It never crossed my mind that it was not built in to the store. Awaiting me was a view encompassing most of the store up until the grocery area.</span></p><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGdhmkKB1snzJSW4r79ZsRhHh-AAKirfpgdmdrMun87dsgHN2vCQyGKQ1EFbyq3BifW_ZzwRQ5f2r8d9X3SktECh0pAWWdWC5JTD5ZwedAGIX86hvWoY_56u8_5KLsspd8kB7xdfm8QS7/s2048/Checkouts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGdhmkKB1snzJSW4r79ZsRhHh-AAKirfpgdmdrMun87dsgHN2vCQyGKQ1EFbyq3BifW_ZzwRQ5f2r8d9X3SktECh0pAWWdWC5JTD5ZwedAGIX86hvWoY_56u8_5KLsspd8kB7xdfm8QS7/s320/Checkouts.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The old checkout area is circled. The doorways at right are where our tenants used to be. <br /></span><p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></p><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Like
What You Read?</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Why
not check out other great stuff about <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/photography_28.html">photography</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">present
a</a><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">stronomy</a>,</span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/ancient-astronomy.html">historical
astronomy</a>,</span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">reviews
of a</a><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">ssociated
gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
to use it</a>.</span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
</p>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p></p><br />Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-90574205947331415552021-06-10T07:27:00.000-04:002021-06-10T07:27:13.107-04:00Pictures: June 10, 2021 Solar Eclipse<p>While June 10, 2021 brought an annular solar eclipse for a few lucky people living pretty much <a href="https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/map/2021-june-10">in the middle of nowhere</a>, such was not the case for the Great Lakes region of the United States. Still, though, we got treated to at least a partial eclipse, which was better than could be said for the majority of people living in the United States, who got no eclipse at all thanks to timing that would have the eclipse ending before sunrise for most of the country. </p><p>Still, while not nearly as exciting as the <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2018/07/found-great-american-eclipse.html">Great American Eclipse</a> of 4 years ago, getting to see part of the Sun blocked by the Moon was a sight worth taking a look. </p><p><b>See Also:</b> <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-complete-list-of-future-solar_13.html">Complete List of Solar Eclipses Visible in the U.S.Through 2100 </a><br /></p><p>Unfortunately, dawn broke foggy and partly cloudy. The good news was that the majority of the clouds were to the East, which offered hope, provided that they got out of the way in the 40 minute the partially eclipsed Sun would be visible. About 15 minutes after sunrise, the clouds finally cooperated for about 15 minutes, revealing a partially eclipsed Sun. Below are my best pictures, taken before the clouds moved back in again and made capturing the end of the eclipse a battle once again.</p><p>For the record, the next solar eclipse visible in the United States will take place on October 14, 2023, which will be annular for the Western U.S. and partial for the rest of the country. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO59g2FPkAbre5KTdRhPPSK49wKawIx5TcOFpdsdpSM5nW9xSGu-elQR1IvEX3PbzRc6VFj8NLgEEZEhlojPxcHf5DIlj31pQB3gaVamcz5PnNtxh8gfNJ4MJjeZZheRW0u4llwXmJlak/s2048/DSC_4804+good.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO59g2FPkAbre5KTdRhPPSK49wKawIx5TcOFpdsdpSM5nW9xSGu-elQR1IvEX3PbzRc6VFj8NLgEEZEhlojPxcHf5DIlj31pQB3gaVamcz5PnNtxh8gfNJ4MJjeZZheRW0u4llwXmJlak/s320/DSC_4804+good.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZAX_e2zQQmfosF_Cz3NZeBLBywbMa-PTed1_VE5jSrQdPLAlNCfLx1HfUKC0pI3G-35iSqRo0bvhHnBBSb_BRNgBbhEs17ltWd_xlqLeEGpXFcpY8ddh-Vezc3tT6rt6hUUWjP-3no1d/s2048/DSC_4807+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZAX_e2zQQmfosF_Cz3NZeBLBywbMa-PTed1_VE5jSrQdPLAlNCfLx1HfUKC0pI3G-35iSqRo0bvhHnBBSb_BRNgBbhEs17ltWd_xlqLeEGpXFcpY8ddh-Vezc3tT6rt6hUUWjP-3no1d/s320/DSC_4807+a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK89L2WBmJaltLLV6VRUxWoZCLshyphenhyphenwANHbu89WwPLXIuTWlJfaton_LgTijDGkVFDR-wPBg7LI9gTyu3WZ3PzPoc8R8HiTbPg7STa_ZpGizNup3I3I1Z2zIS7tgvmcIryqpHl3tarjH9yq/s2048/DSC_4811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK89L2WBmJaltLLV6VRUxWoZCLshyphenhyphenwANHbu89WwPLXIuTWlJfaton_LgTijDGkVFDR-wPBg7LI9gTyu3WZ3PzPoc8R8HiTbPg7STa_ZpGizNup3I3I1Z2zIS7tgvmcIryqpHl3tarjH9yq/s320/DSC_4811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-UU9lWBr0dE8UQXvmIN_TyXBEPuCHuWtKcdOk5O7QDAUw8b1CBh1BeQf3Q5xcq-feG9cyKdFwX-G4gyZITHWw0-OXeEFQFEhFMBMyHZ2_sEFLKxjJbfzbTe4o_O2Yku8Ey_bGEgJRUHF/s2048/DSC_4812a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-UU9lWBr0dE8UQXvmIN_TyXBEPuCHuWtKcdOk5O7QDAUw8b1CBh1BeQf3Q5xcq-feG9cyKdFwX-G4gyZITHWw0-OXeEFQFEhFMBMyHZ2_sEFLKxjJbfzbTe4o_O2Yku8Ey_bGEgJRUHF/s320/DSC_4812a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Like
What You Read?</b><br />
<br />
Why not check out other great stuff about
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/photography_28.html">photography</a>,
</span></span><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">present
a</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">stronomy</a>,</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
<a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/ancient-astronomy.html">historical
astronomy</a>,</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">reviews
of a</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">ssociated
gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
to use it</a>.</span></span></p>
Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-86961180506722428782021-03-30T02:38:00.000-04:002021-03-30T02:38:00.706-04:00Why Does Easter’s Date Always Change?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30S6rnWjecZfF9KiACguyQYv3iBTeuVy5UIzHcAVjZECctFC2q6Nlp0_k8JUMZUAFaHJdu0WzEKafbSIqwVHnqpvZbAlpAPInZtOfJ0_2HaBLjAV1-Xx3sn5a1gqqj6byZAru6ud7Qwms/s800/Rafael_-_ressureicaocristo01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="657" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30S6rnWjecZfF9KiACguyQYv3iBTeuVy5UIzHcAVjZECctFC2q6Nlp0_k8JUMZUAFaHJdu0WzEKafbSIqwVHnqpvZbAlpAPInZtOfJ0_2HaBLjAV1-Xx3sn5a1gqqj6byZAru6ud7Qwms/s320/Rafael_-_ressureicaocristo01.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">This
upcoming weekend brings Easter for 2021, the one holiday wherein you
have a legitimate reason to be waiting for the last minute to do your
shopping for the simple reason that it has no fixed date. So, why is
this?</span>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">As
far as holidays go, they generally have a set date. Independence Day
is always July 4 and Christmas is always December 25 (unless you’re
Orthodox, then it’s January 7 for you). Another time fixing method
goes for Thanksgiving, which is always the 4</span><sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
Thursday of November, meaning that, while its date changes year to
year, it’s always at the end of the month. And then there’s Easter, which can float from late March to
late April. So what gives?</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Blame
the Moon.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The
formula for determining the date of Easter is as follows: Easter
Sunday falls on the first Sunday after the first Full Moon after the
Spring Equinox. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Still,
though, you may still be asking why the holiday doesn’t have a
fixed date because, after all, Christ only rose from the dead on one
day, which leads many to ask why we celebrate the anniversary of His
rising different days every year.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Well,
blame the Moon (and the historical record) again.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">As
hard as it is to believe today in a world where Christianity is the
world’s largest religion, it was anything but 2000 years ago.
Thanks to the lack of historical records, we do not know for certain
the years (let alone the dates) when Jesus was born and died. The
only concrete reference we have as to when Jesus died was that it is
well documented that He was crucified </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">while
in Jerusalem to celebrate</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
Passover, a Jewish holiday whose date is set by the lunar calendar. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">In
its first 3 centuries as an underground religion, there was no real
central authority for Christians on matters of religion. Result:
different churches celebrated Easter on different dates, most often
either on Passover itself or the Sunday immediately after. It was not
until the Roman Emperor Constantine became a Christian and made
Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire that there was
uniformity on matters of religion. It was only then that Easter was
fixed as the Sunday following Passover. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">As
for some trivia, the earliest Easter was in 1818, when the Full Moon
fell on the Equinox (a Saturday), and Easter was the following
Sunday, March 22. The next time this will happen: 2285. The latest
Easter </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">was in 1943, when
the Full Moon was the day before the Spring Equinox, which meant that
another full lunar cycle did not result in another Full Moon until
Sunday, April 18, which led to an Easter on the latest possible date:
April 25. This will next happen in 2038. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">On
top of all the date shifting, Orthodox churches use the old Julian
Calendar for determining religious holidays, which means that Western
and Eastern Easter often fall on different dates, as they do this
year. The next time both Easters sill sync up: 2025. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span>
</p>
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-65455986482494036952021-03-14T03:04:00.001-04:002021-03-14T04:36:12.142-04:00What Time Is It? Time to Stop Changing the Clocks?<p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48FnLI_jmXL1WNrztpBPMl3QadmpnUYpIcK0gFKq_fAH5pEbnLqjmTttM7KBcmbfWWmfeYptHpZW9Pxz56GsAL60t6KQUoNzmWasevL4Q5jeefTD6FXh1vi60GP4OfsBKmt_ep12Y22lH/s2048/DSC_4787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj48FnLI_jmXL1WNrztpBPMl3QadmpnUYpIcK0gFKq_fAH5pEbnLqjmTttM7KBcmbfWWmfeYptHpZW9Pxz56GsAL60t6KQUoNzmWasevL4Q5jeefTD6FXh1vi60GP4OfsBKmt_ep12Y22lH/s320/DSC_4787.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The
United States has just completed its first half of the twice a year
time change headache as we sprang forward an hour into Daylight
Savings Time, unless you live in Hawaii or Arizona, in which there is
no DST. For many people, the twice a year ritual involves a lot of
complaining, forgetting, and possibly getting to a Sunday morning
destination at the wrong time.</span>
</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Wouldn’t
it be nice if this could all just go away?</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Well,
in a rare show of bipartisanship, the Sunlight Protection Act has
been reintroduced to the Senate as of last week. First proposed by
Florida’s </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Republican
Senator </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Marco Rubio, the
bill would eliminate the twice a year time change by making spring
forward permanent, as in putting the entire country </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">(with
a caveat-more on that later) </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">on
DST, permanently. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">See
also: <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2018/11/us-suffers-through-another-time-change.html">Europe
Grapples With Time Change Gripes</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">In
a statement, Rubio called the twice a year time change “antiquated”
and observed that there is increasing support for ending the time
change. Rubio also said that the benefits of extended evening
daylight would include less car crashes, less winter depression, and
more “stability” to families.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">While
he probably does not agree with Rubio on much, Massachusetts Democrat
Ed Markey also supports the bill, saying that year long DST could
“improve public health, public safety, and mental health -
especially important during this cold and dark COVID winter.”</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Other
signed-on sponsors of the bill are Senators James Lankford,
R-Oklahoma, Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, Sheldon Whitehouse, D-Rhode
Island, Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Mississippi, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">and
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Rick Scott, R-Florida.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Also
speaking on the bill, Whitehouse noted that “</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Americans'
lifestyles are very different than they were when Daylight Saving
Time began more than a century ago,” </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">before
adding permanent DST will</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
<br />
“give families more daylight hours to enjoy after work and
school.” </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Both
of those points are pretty hard to argue with.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">On
top of bipartisan support in the Senate, 15 states: Arkansas,
Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine,
Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and
Wyoming, have passed their own laws/resolutions/</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">voter
initiatives</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> calling for
permanent DST. The problem: only federal law can </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">change/end
the time change, which means that the state statutes are void without
a federal go-ahead.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">As for the caveat mentioned earlier, the Sunlight Protection Act would not apply to places that currently don't observe DST (Arizona and Hawaii). <br />
<br />
On the other hand, opponents of
year-long DST voice concerns about delayed daylight during the winter
having the potential to cause more car crashes on the front end of
the day, which also coincides with the start of the school day. On
the other hand, supporters of all-year DST will argue that most
schools already start their classes before sunrise (at least during
winter) and </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">it’s
rare for children to be hit by motorists on the way to school even
now. </span><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Should
we go permanent DST? Well, </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">in
the effort of doing something that may actually bring the country
together for a change, it may be worth a go. </span>
<br /><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
<br />
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<p> </p>Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-2206319836089367772021-02-27T07:43:00.002-05:002021-02-27T07:43:22.011-05:00How to Spot a Young (or Old) Moon Within 24 Hours of New<p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Yp3giJajFMseZto1bl583A9VHEEAgZ5ukVJlK6XPhIKrx5hs42xuT_zOdGPCWNDiI31UUi1ejE_cDaHdhClhRwPs0_8NmkzSdnLaKuIL69MCEDdUpLVmFXz6ma_QoDruonhCLIJd-s6h/s1000/how+to+see+a+moon+within+24+hours+of+new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Yp3giJajFMseZto1bl583A9VHEEAgZ5ukVJlK6XPhIKrx5hs42xuT_zOdGPCWNDiI31UUi1ejE_cDaHdhClhRwPs0_8NmkzSdnLaKuIL69MCEDdUpLVmFXz6ma_QoDruonhCLIJd-s6h/s320/how+to+see+a+moon+within+24+hours+of+new.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Can you find the Moon at right? Even this is over 24 hours old!</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">What is the thinnest crescent Moon you can see? Can you see the Moon within 24 hours of New phase? The answer to the first question will vary but the answer to the second is undeniably a 'yes' as it is very possible to see the Moon within 24 hours of New. For even better news, spring is an ideal time to look.<br /><br />Young/Old
Moons (within 24 hours of New) are, besides quite aesthetic, rare, very rare. To sight a Moon
within 24 hours of New requires all the conditions to line up just
right. If everything goes perfectly, on the day after/before New Moon
(or even on the same day depending on the time of New), just past
sunset/before sunrise, a wire-thin crescent will pop out low on the
horizon. Needless to say, when dealing with a Moon less than 2%
illuminated, binoculars are a must.<br />
<br />
So here is why the
Young/Old Moon is so difficult to spot:<br />
<br />
1. Timing. If New
Moon is timed too close to sunset/sunrise, it will be lost in the
Sun's glare on the day of New Moon and will be way past the 24 hour
window at its first/last visibility for the cycle. While pretty, a 36
hour Moon is no challenge, pure and simple. Look up and find it.<br />
<br />
2.
Clouds. If it's cloudy, there's no seeing the Moon. In my Northeast
Ohio area, spring and fall are 50/50 odds for a clear sky, at
best.<br />
<br />
3. Light. Young/Old Moon hunters are forced to fight
the Sun With the Moon under 2% lit, just the act of spotting the Moon
low on the horizon in such light conditions is a challenge because
that is where the Sun is. A saving grace can be a nearby planet or
bright star. If you can use a bright star or planet as a marker, it
is a lot easier to estimate where the Moon will appear once the sky
gets dark enough.<br />
<br />
4. Haze. Even more so than during the
day, haze makes its presence known at dusk, looking similar to wispy
clouds on the horizon. While the biggest problem during the summer,
haze can even appear in winter, too. Even a crystal-clear day can
produce haze on the horizon at dusk. While the haze will quickly
dissipate come dark, that's too late for the Young Moon. As a way to
estimate haze before dark, look at the daytime sky. The deeper the
blue, the lower chance of haze ruining the show. The good news, come
fall and Old Moon season, the haze will be long gone as dawn
approaches.<br />
<br />
5. Horizon Obstructions. Buildings and trees
can play havoc with the horizon as Young/Old Moons will be within 10
degrees of it. What does that look like? Hold a fist vertical at
arm’s length to simulate 10 degrees, then go outside and see how
your surroundings do. Chances are, you’ll have to scout a good
observation sight in advance if you live in a built-up area.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Now
for the good news: spring is Young Moon season. Because of the near
vertical ecliptic at sunset, the waxing Moon will hang higher in the
sky now than any other time of year, which is good. For Young Moon
Hunters, March through May (add February and/or June depending on
time of month New Moon falls) is an ideal time to look. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">On
the other end of the scale, Fall is Old Moon season as the ecliptic
is nearly vertical from September through November at sunrise (add
August and/or December depending on New Moon’s time of month),
making this the ideal time to spot an Old Moon, one within 24 hours
of becoming New again. <br /><br />As for this spring's Young Moon season, thin crescents will appear on March 14, April 12, May 12, and June 11. Of the four, only one will be a true Young Moon (April 12) and only for those people living in the Eastern and Central Daylight Time Zones. Mountain Time and West? The Moon will be over 24 hours old, but still worth a look as few people have ever seen a crescent that thin.</span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Whichever time (hopefully both!) you plan to hunt a thin Moon, give it a
try it if it's clear. </span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">In need of inspiration, here you go for some
of my pictures!<br /><br />
<a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/02/young-moon-captured.html">A
17 Hour Young Moon</a> (holy cow!)<br />
<a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/05/my-4th-anniversary.html">A
19 Hour Moon</a> (<a href="https://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=28&month=05&year=2006">featured
on Spaceweather’s home page</a>)<br />
<a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/06/may-2010-astrophotos.html">A
23 Hour Moon</a></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Like
What You Read?</span></b><br />
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a</span></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">stronomy</a>,</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-35396131758683520832020-12-21T05:51:00.001-05:002020-12-21T06:35:56.057-05:00 3 Perspectives: The Great Jupiter Saturn Winter 2020 Conjunction<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Tonight,
the first day of winter 2020, will bring Jupiter and Saturn closer
together than they have appeared in nearly 800 years, which will see
the two planets separated by about a tenth of an angular degree. For
comparison, a little finger held at arm’s length spans about half
of a degree. The best news: this will be an event visible to the
naked eye as all one has to do is look low in the Southwest about an
hour after sunset. Jupiter is the brighter, lower planet and Saturn
is the dimmer, higher one.</span>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">However,
for some real fun, add optical aid. With binoculars of around 10x
power (and held steadily or mounted on a tripod), the two objects
will become six as Jupiter’s four largest moons will pop into view,
appearing as tiny stars in a line around the planet. Saturn may also
appear slightly oval in shape. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">With
a telescope, the rings of Saturn will become visible, as will the
cloud bands on Jupiter. For an interesting comparison, look at the
span of Jupiter’s moons as compared to the separation between the
two planets. Visually, the planets will appear closer together than
the most distant of the moons, although they will actually be
hundreds of millions of miles distant in space.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">As
for what to expect, look no farther than below as the three pictures
taken on Sunday, December 20 show the perspectives from naked eye
(Nikon D700 and 50mm lens), binocular (200mm lens), and telescopic
(600mm FL) view. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LIPvG2StxZDSLEL3dIjr5JHcn3ocu-IclR5wqrAFHaRomcCAsj219hBxfWpqX6c9SkeRjLctDh8iDejJ_jprdfN63eOZe6tyeRUGxyuSOCqDb5ZOkn-EhD97EAf3YFI6tj-nun7GKnk5/s1405/best+50mm+small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LIPvG2StxZDSLEL3dIjr5JHcn3ocu-IclR5wqrAFHaRomcCAsj219hBxfWpqX6c9SkeRjLctDh8iDejJ_jprdfN63eOZe6tyeRUGxyuSOCqDb5ZOkn-EhD97EAf3YFI6tj-nun7GKnk5/s320/best+50mm+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFt0FF6ZNDZw4s4xN4jh35mc_lcbswsvv2LriTjmM9rB-h87x_9KUoDObWKTrXSdZmJNgIL6n8Q_hM3B41sze7Uzw8-ke9RfxADmg5uNKTjbZpP3YOLzdlvagphwUl3c0ULkySo4cofyFX/s1405/best+200mm+small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFt0FF6ZNDZw4s4xN4jh35mc_lcbswsvv2LriTjmM9rB-h87x_9KUoDObWKTrXSdZmJNgIL6n8Q_hM3B41sze7Uzw8-ke9RfxADmg5uNKTjbZpP3YOLzdlvagphwUl3c0ULkySo4cofyFX/s320/best+200mm+small.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_V-q1eSI2sGM9vQUOCWXruuetpIwdz6Ghx-WMOFD1ac9hizNaCJNk36-ZkjsDA2ResCz56_UM6U2-kS3tapoRykU2IyT2-KbcOOI7XhyeHyzhI5-s21r770UN5gweXnRU27lgBo_vRIA/s1405/best+scope+small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="935" data-original-width="1405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_V-q1eSI2sGM9vQUOCWXruuetpIwdz6Ghx-WMOFD1ac9hizNaCJNk36-ZkjsDA2ResCz56_UM6U2-kS3tapoRykU2IyT2-KbcOOI7XhyeHyzhI5-s21r770UN5gweXnRU27lgBo_vRIA/s320/best+scope+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Whichever
way you plan to view the event, don’t miss it if its clear.
Additionally, the planets will remain extremely close the next few
nights if it’s cloudy, switching places along the way.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Way Back When . . . </span></b><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">As an interesting aside, this event takes place almost exactly 14 years after another historic conjunction, which saw 3 planets, Mercury, Mars, and Jupiter, all come to within a degree of each other. Here's my photo from that event with my old <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/products/hp/compacts/hp_945">Hewlett-Packard PS 945</a> point and shoot (yes, HP made cameras back in those days!). The photo is at 300mm equivalent.<br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmQu0MRJ21NSnVEcFsY5Qg8iLHOcFqcLU1fj_MTCTQfzZfF1S1a7nB4YRpqUOCyIKRYBacgyGfJ4UcOkiyweeARPuPxduffP2FejtY3op4r-94QXEXMo2P6oB6W2A_xXvd5xileikLGb7/s1296/Mercury%252C+Jupiter%252C+Mars+text.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmQu0MRJ21NSnVEcFsY5Qg8iLHOcFqcLU1fj_MTCTQfzZfF1S1a7nB4YRpqUOCyIKRYBacgyGfJ4UcOkiyweeARPuPxduffP2FejtY3op4r-94QXEXMo2P6oB6W2A_xXvd5xileikLGb7/s320/Mercury%252C+Jupiter%252C+Mars+text.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>Oh yes, I got featured (sort of) with this picture on Spaceweather, too.<br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kn36P6h5vHv8opuCT2oTd56ghbDhbSQMTOD3-J9USXqFi2fXNbMuuqUDXCYZ2a8l8Nwg7RuZuD9uL2tewf_AIQeRzPlBKwb3Wy2BG3xqPF0VTlB_GzboWdol2svm5F6HThzECqoMXTS2/s1904/spaceweather+12-11-2006.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="995" data-original-width="1904" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kn36P6h5vHv8opuCT2oTd56ghbDhbSQMTOD3-J9USXqFi2fXNbMuuqUDXCYZ2a8l8Nwg7RuZuD9uL2tewf_AIQeRzPlBKwb3Wy2BG3xqPF0VTlB_GzboWdol2svm5F6HThzECqoMXTS2/s320/spaceweather+12-11-2006.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></p>
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-29231075313698547702020-08-03T03:45:00.002-04:002020-08-03T03:45:56.986-04:00A Complete List of Weather-Resistant Tamron Lenses<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_JwNsopdGfipaU8TAv6pw8i7Uj4Q8jMD7_7Vi5jAY6y67dyz6HxbgtMHlX656CYoYmoErkxTl1xBAIot-H3m_VbXRfy33nDoE4t7vMMAMuaX4Y1HuqiBldEl_vMM_3oPYWTCujoUPCVa/s508/List+of+weather+resistant+Tamron+lenses.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="508" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_JwNsopdGfipaU8TAv6pw8i7Uj4Q8jMD7_7Vi5jAY6y67dyz6HxbgtMHlX656CYoYmoErkxTl1xBAIot-H3m_VbXRfy33nDoE4t7vMMAMuaX4Y1HuqiBldEl_vMM_3oPYWTCujoUPCVa/w200-h149/List+of+weather+resistant+Tamron+lenses.png" title="Tamron markets its lenses as "dust/moisture resistant."" width="200" /></a></div>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif">Tamron
markets its weather sealed lenses as “dust/moisture resistant.”</font></span></span></p><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span></span><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif">Being
someone who values both high quality and saving money, I always
wondered what Tamron optics were weather-sealed. Unfortunately, I
haven't succeeded in finding a concise list of such lenses anywhere.
So, seeing a solution rather than a problem, I decided to compile one
myself. So, if you're in the same boat I was in, here you go: a
concise list of weather resistant Tamron lenses, which can not only
stand up to the harshest environments, but can also save the buyer a
lot of money over manufacturer optics. Know someone else you think
would find this useful? Why not pass it on?</font></span></span></p><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span></span><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif">Companies
are quick to tout cameras for weather-resistance. Unfortunately, what
most beginning dSLR users don't know is this: there might as well be
no weather sealing in the camera if it doesn't have a weather-sealed
lens to go with it. Why is this? Simple: the lens/camera connection
is the best avenue for unwanted junk, whether it be moisture, dust,
or something else, to get into your camera. With a lens that has a
rubber gasket at the mount, this problem is eliminated. </font></span></span>
</p><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span></span><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif">In
terms of lenses, weather-sealing is one of the newer innovations for
the simple reason that film cameras were nowhere near a susceptible
to the elements as are today's “superior” digital versions. So,
to keep their pros happy, camera makers started building rubber
gaskets into their lenses at their most vulnerable points. Below is a
complete list of Tamron lenses that are marketed as 'moisture
resistant.'</font></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif">Of all the major lens companies, Tamron has the best website, far and away, for showing just exactly what goes into their weather-resistance as all but a few of the optics have a cutaway diagram (the one above is from the 70-200 f2.8) showing exactly where the rubber gaskets are located. That said, just because a lens has rubber gaskets built in, doesn't mean that it is of professional quality as a few lenses on this list do not even have metal mounts. <br /> </font></span></span>
</p><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span></span><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></span>
</p><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span></span><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><u><b>Di
Series (Full Frame, APS-C)</b></u></font></span></span></p><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif">15-30
f2.8 VC USD G2</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />17-35
f2.8-4 OSD</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />24-70
f2.8 VC USD G2</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />28-300
f3.5-6.3 VC PZD</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />35-150
f2.8-4 VC OSD</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />70-200
f2.8 VC USD G2</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />70-210
f4 VC USD</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />100-400
f4.5-6.3 VS USD</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />150-600
f5-6.3 (both versions)</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />35
f1.4 USD</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />35
f1.8 VC USD</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />45
f1.8 VC USD</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />85
f1.8 VC USD</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />90
f2.8 Macro VC USD</font>
</span></span><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><u><b>Di
II (APS-C only)</b></u></font></span></span></p><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif">10-24
f3.5-4.5 VC HLD</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />16-300
f3.5-6.3 VC PZD Macro</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />18-200
f3.5-6.3 VC</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />18-400
f3.5-6.3 VC HLD</font>
</span></span><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><u><b>Di
III (Mirrorless)</b></u></font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />17-28
f2.8 RXD</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />28-75 f2.8 RXD</font><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><br />28-200
f3.5-5.6 RXD<br /></font><font face="Times New Roman, serif">70-180 f2.8 VXD<br />
20 f2.8 OSD 1:2<br />
24 f2.8
OSD 1:2<br />
35 f2.8 OSD 1:2<br />
<br />
</font><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></span>
</p><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span></span><p style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><font face="Times New Roman, serif"><font size="5"><b>Like
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-20477756162849947282020-07-23T08:01:00.001-04:002020-07-23T08:04:15.789-04:00MIT Releases Eerie Apollo 11 Disaster 'Deepfake' Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeDUmnXCLWy8ErbBXSUtZ876aSxyLDGTXFQIiH0MgRGb8Km5MNI261lhwfdkc1T2QeHLSPFqTeOx-7sSn8d9QZofCzinRqH0TyBzvIo1FxRev23DfZXQLwKO0CaYVqze3fhqmRtnB4RYq/s1920/In-Event-of-Moon-Disaster-MIT-Deepfake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeDUmnXCLWy8ErbBXSUtZ876aSxyLDGTXFQIiH0MgRGb8Km5MNI261lhwfdkc1T2QeHLSPFqTeOx-7sSn8d9QZofCzinRqH0TyBzvIo1FxRev23DfZXQLwKO0CaYVqze3fhqmRtnB4RYq/s320/In-Event-of-Moon-Disaster-MIT-Deepfake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;">It has long been known that then-president Richard Nixon already had an alternate speech prepared in the event that the Apollo 11 mission should end in disaster. Now, thanks to technology, the world now has the chance to see Nixon give the speech that, thankfully, he never had to make in real life.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;">Artificial Intelligence (AI) experts at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) spent over a year creating alternate history by using advanced computer technology. By taking historical audio and video and running it through a computer, the MIT team was able to create an eerily convincing video of what history may have looked like if things had gone differently in July, 1969.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;">Part of<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=LWLadJFI8Pk&feature=emb_logo"> the video</a> was released a year ago but only now has the full 7-minute video been made available. For anyone wanting to see the 'speech,' it starts at around the 4:30 minute mark.<br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;">While the project owed its impetus to the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, the MIT team had a more present goal in mind: educate the public about the concept of 'deepfakes,' defined as video forgeries designed to make people look like they're doing and/or saying something that they aren't.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;">While in years past restricted to special effects studios, video manipulation technology capable of making a convincing fake video of a real person is now well within reach of amateurs. With its video, MIT hopes to educate about what deepfakes are, how to spot them, show how they can be used/misused, and what is being done to combat their misuse.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;">And as if 2020 wasn't crazy enough already . . . <br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: times;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Like
What You Read?</b></span><br />
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</div></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-55988121345014650852020-05-31T07:49:00.002-04:002020-05-31T07:53:16.066-04:00After Almost a Decade, Americans Return to Space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyfAIEzCtNcHg8fTDoRTJECm5iv9CD8dYvWe_S2DqlYnEMgPM07JZdxQAqc_-B0FeB-8aatMgNAh5JZXYuK9bB0QYd2MiT9uVC3M1u9V2PJT-4IbcZCF5XwX13ZVPFLl1eGZU3cZio3aF/s1600/America+Returns+to+Space.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAyfAIEzCtNcHg8fTDoRTJECm5iv9CD8dYvWe_S2DqlYnEMgPM07JZdxQAqc_-B0FeB-8aatMgNAh5JZXYuK9bB0QYd2MiT9uVC3M1u9V2PJT-4IbcZCF5XwX13ZVPFLl1eGZU3cZio3aF/s320/America+Returns+to+Space.jpg" title="SpaceX Falcon 9 America Astronauts Space ISS" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">For
the first time in nearly a decade, the United States has launched
astronauts into orbit without having to hitchhike a ride with,
ironically of all people, the Russians. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">A
<a href="https://www.space.com/spacex-astronaut-launch-new-spaceflight-era.html">new
era in the history of spaceflight began</a> at 3:22pm yesterday as a
<a href="https://www.spacex.com/">SpaceX</a> Falcon 9 rocket lifted
off from the Kennedy Space Center carrying NASA astronauts Doug
Hurley and Bob Benhken into orbit and to the International Space
Station (ISS), becoming the first privately-owned spacecraft to carry
astronauts into orbit. The Falcon launched from the historic 39A pad,
which saw launches during both the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs.
</span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">What
would have undoubtedly been a media and public frenzy in normal times
was very subdued thanks to the ongoing China-originating COVID 19
Pandemic. Still, though, President Trump and Vice President Pence,
who have spearheaded the effort to reassert America’s dominant
place in space, were in attendance, with the president declaring “the
decades of lost years and little action are officially over.”</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">To
be perfectly honest, America’s space program of the 21<sup>st</sup>
century to this point could be described as <a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2011/07/sorry-state-of-nasa-42-years-after.html">lost
not in space, but on the ground</a>.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">With
mounting calls for the retirement of the Space Shuttle following the
2003 <i>Columbia</i> disaster, then President George W. Bush
announced the Constellation Program in 2005, which sought to return
Americans to the Moon by 2020 via heavy lift rockets similar to the
<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Saturn
V</span></span>. There were to be two versions of the new <i>Aries</i>
rocket: one designed for manned launches and another designed for
heavy cargo payloads.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">By
2009, a study concluded that Constellation was grossly over budget.
As a result, in early 2010, then President Obama announced that
Constellation was going to be canceled and replaced with a single
rocket: the Space Launch System (SLS), which could be built in
multiple configurations while utilizing technology originally
developed for Constellation. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">Fast
forward 9 years and it's more of the same.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
The
first SLS launch at the program’s 2010 announcement was targeted to
be an unmanned capsule sent around the Moon in December, 2017. The
first manned flight was targeted for mid 2021. Obviously, December,
2017 is years in the rear view mirror and the SLS has yet to leave
the ground. The latest in an ever-slipping schedule has the SLS’s
first unmanned launched, now officially titled Artemis 1, <a href="https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/05/01/hopeful-for-launch-next-year-nasa-aims-to-resume-sls-operations-within-weeks/">taking
place in November, 2021</a>.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
However,
manned American spaceflight has a new champion in President Trump,
who has made it very clear that he intends to see to it that
Americans will once again be able to not only fly themselves into
space, </span><span style="font-size: small;">which we now
have done, </span><span style="font-size: small;">but to the
Moon. </span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last</span><span style="font-size: small;">
year, NASA announced that its Project Artemis (the twin sister of
Apollo in Greek mythology) seeks to land astronauts on the Moon again
by 2024 with the long-term goal being the creation of a permanently
manned lunar base that will serve as a stepping stone to Mars. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Making
the upcoming journey especially interesting is</span><span style="font-size: small;">
a new player in space that wasn't even imaginable in the 1960s: the
private sector, </span><span style="font-size: small;">which
completely bypasses the shifting winds of party politics in
Washington D.C.</span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While
there are now numerous private companies involved in spaceflight, the
far and away leader of the proverbial pack is SpaceX.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking
at SpaceX and what it has achieved since its 2002 founding is like
looking at a shopping list. SpaceX was the first private company to:
launch a rocket into orbit (2008), orbit and then recover a
spacecraft (2010), send a spacecraft to the International Space
Station (2012), complete a propulsive landing of a rocket (2015),
reuse a rocket (2017), launch a payload into solar orbit (2018), and
now launch astronauts into orbit as of yesterday. </span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
most intriguing possibility, however, is that offered by SpaceX's
Falcon Heavy rocket. First launched in February, 2018, according to
NASA, the Falcon Heavy is capable of launching astronauts to the
Moon, although the SLS is the preferred option. With the SLS falling
ever farther behind schedule, there is a very real possibility that
the Falcon Heavy could be NASA's ticket to the Moon by 2024 if the
SLS is not ready to go in time. </span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes,
these are not the 1960s when manned spaceflight was a matter of
national priority and pride, but the possibilities offered by the
private sector are undoubtedly exciting, too. NASA astronauts riding
a privately-owned rocket to the Moon? The idea would have seemed
crazy in 1969 but, come 2020, this could be the future of America in
space.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div align="left" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
future of manned spaceflight may look different, but the
possibilities are truly limitless and with the private sector coming
on board, could do a lot to<a href="https://phys.org/news/2020-05-russia-spacex-success-wakeup.html">
show the world</a> that America’s ingenuity and industry are far
and away the best in the world. </span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Like
What You Read?</b></span><br />
<br />
Why not check out other great stuff about
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/photography_28.html">photography</a>,
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a</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">stronomy</a>,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">
<a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/ancient-astronomy.html">historical
astronomy</a>,</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> </span><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">reviews
of a</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">ssociated
gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
to use it</a>.<br />
<br />
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-50427566191979929162020-04-14T11:28:00.000-04:002020-04-14T12:00:07.219-04:00Find Your Old Examiner.com Articles on the Wayback Machine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMpGbHTjBK6LQWvBWmlgXcGDdQL0ahnA9WSmJfWQHrPqMnWFaz8HYHX8-CzNHUg37KlaIM9nNlxqHU_OvN87osI1Fxrvem1JwwIP6DAQV-yPvxmTxorQyc50RksJfslpjxYsm8l8uynzv/s1600/Examiner-logo-vertical.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="find examiner.com articles wayback machine" border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="479" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMpGbHTjBK6LQWvBWmlgXcGDdQL0ahnA9WSmJfWQHrPqMnWFaz8HYHX8-CzNHUg37KlaIM9nNlxqHU_OvN87osI1Fxrvem1JwwIP6DAQV-yPvxmTxorQyc50RksJfslpjxYsm8l8uynzv/s320/Examiner-logo-vertical.jpg" title="recover articles examiner.com" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Did you once write for examiner.com? Are you seeking a way to link to
and recover your examiner.com articles? Well,
it’s possible courtesy of the Wayback Machine.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
After seeing a surge in traffic here
over the last month or so, many new visitors to the site may have
been seeing my anything but subtle plugs to follow various links to
my work on examiner.com in order to, as the text plainly says, help
me pay my bills. Well, for anyone curious enough to follow the links,
they landed on a website that was clearly not the expected
destination. So, what gives?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
For many people looking to break into
writing professionally 10-15 years ago, examiner.com and other similar websites
built on user-generated content offered a promising gateway. While not able to speak for the other
websites that I didn’t write for, I can say that Examiner was very
up front with prospective writers about what they were getting into.
Pay was per click, a penny per click, which wasn’t much. Examiner
was open about the fact that its writers probably wouldn’t even be
able to entertain the idea of quitting their regular jobs for
writing, but that writing for Examiner was more of a way to
supplement one’s income. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
As for me, I was looking for a way to
cover my health insurance costs, or at least part of it. This was in
2009, long before Obamacare drove premiums through the roof. As for
the application process, it was quite simple: look for the largest
market city nearest to you, look for open titles, click on one you
were interested in writing about, write a sample article for that
title, and send it in along with some of the usual job application
stuff.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
I heard back pretty quickly from the
editorial staff and, after I filled out a few forms and opened a
Paypal account, I became the Cleveland Photography Examiner.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
After plugging away around a month or
so, I realized that this was, at least to me, pretty decent money,
enough to cover my health insurance and then some (back when a
healthy young adult could get a policy with a monthly premium under
$100!).
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
The real eureka moment came when I
logged on one morning to see my previous day’s click/earnings total
and was shocked to see that I had over 8,000 hits the previous day
and was going to be getting over $80 for that one article. The topic,
you ask? Remember <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/blog/2009/jul/10/obama-photograph-controversy"><u>the viral photo </u></a>of then-president Obama
looking at a girl’s butt? Yep. Since it was a hot topic at the
time and was related to photography, I did an article on it, posted it, and got picked up by Google
News. It was at this point that I read up on search engine
optimization (SEO) and how to achieve it. Since my pay was per click,
learning about SEO was something worthwhile to do and would quickly
come to be very profitable.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Over the next year or so, I would add
three more columns, Cleveland Astronomy, National Photography, and
National Space News to my plate, often cranking out at least one
article per column per day. Using my newly earned SEO knowledge, I
became pretty good at wording my headlines and opening paragraphs all
while looking for topics that either were already or looking to
become hot in my chosen areas. Astronomy and Space News? Major
celestial events like eclipses, meteor showers and new scientific
discoveries made good fodder. On the photography side, new cameras,
camera side by side (camera A vs. camera B) comparisons, hot photo
industry rumors, and how-to articles on photographing big celestial
events (think cross-marketing) often led to big hits, and money. A
couple of times, I made over $200 on just a single article that got
picked up by and placed at the top of search results in Google.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Did I ever make enough to live on?
Absolutely not, but who wouldn’t mind having, on average, an extra
$500 a month or so from writing about topics they were already
interested in? I sure didn’t!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Unfortunately, after a few years, the
examiner.com gravy train came to a screeching halt. Search engines
(most notably Google) decided that examiner.com was a ‘content
farm’ and that the articles offered on such websites were low
quality ‘click bait’ and that such websites’ search results
should get pushed to the bottom of the proverbial barrel. Come 2020,
people who are urging Big Tech and, even worse, government, to
regulate the spread of ‘fake news’ and ‘misinfornation’ need
to think about this: who are Big Tech and government to determine
what online content is of quality and what is not? Do you really want
other people deciding this for you? Do you think people are too
stupid to think for themselves? Well, it already happened when sites
like examiner.com were blacklisted by search engines. As a writer, I
will say that SEO was a big part of being successful on examiner.com
but, on the other hand, using attention-grabbing openings doesn’t
equate to junk articles and besides, what established media outlet
<i>doesn’t </i>use such tactics?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Long story short, the hits really
dried up. In fact, they all but evaporated. Many writers left. Me? I
kept plugging away at it for awhile, especially when a big
astronomical event was coming or when a hot new camera was first
announced. Eventually, on the Cleveland edition at least, I would
often occupy multiple slots on the most popular article list but have
only a few bucks to show for it when, in the past, I could have been
earning tenfold. Eventually, the effort wasn’t worth the reward and
I gave up on it, too. Come 2016, so did examiner.com itself. The site
went offline and all content, at least in published form, was lost.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Or was it? Enter the Wayback Machine.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Started in 2001, the Wayback Machine
is a web archive of cached web sites/pages that looks to serve as a
digital repository for as much of the Internet as is possible.
Getting curious upon learning of it, I started plugging in websites
that I knew were long gone and, as if by magic, there they were
again, often complete with working links. This is when I decided to
search myself and my long thought lost 4 columns on examiner.com.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Guess what? There they were, albeit
in pieces.<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/2019*/http://www.examiner.com/astronomy-in-cleveland/dennis-bodzash"><br />Astronomy
in Cleveland</a><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/2019*/http://www.examiner.com/space-news-in-national/dennis-bodzash"><br />Space
News in National</a><br />
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/2019*/http://www.examiner.com/photography-in-national/dennis-bodzash">Photography
in National</a><br />
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/2019*/http://www.examiner.com/photography-in-cleveland/dennis-bodzash">Photography
in Cleveland</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Did you write for Examiner and want
to find your old stuff in its published context? Well, to do that,
simply <a href="https://archive.org/web/">go to the Wayback Machine</a>
and plug in your old Examiner URL into the search bar at the top.
Don’t remember your URL? No problem. The start of all the Examiner
URLs will be <a href="http://www.examiner.com/">http://www.examiner.com/</a>.
After the slash, simply plug in your title in all lowercase letters
with hyphens between the words, then another slash followed by your
name with a hyphen between first and last. Example:
“photography-in-cleveland/dennis-bodzash” for my Cleveland
Photography column. That done, hit the “Browse History” button.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
This is where things will get
different for everyone as the amount of saved links will vary. If
your column was popular, expect a lot of links. If you weren’t
popular or came in late by which point Examiner’s traffic was next
to nothing, don’t expect a lot.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Your site archived, start clicking on
things. If you were like me and listed recent articles at the bottom
of every article you wrote and/or linked to previous articles or ones
in your other columns if you wrote under multiple titles, there could
be a lot of clicking involved. Not all links will lead to an old
article but, hopefully, many will take you to an archived web page
where you can see your work in its original context rather than as a
Word file.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Like What You Read?</b></span><br />
<br />
Why
not check out other great stuff about <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/photography_28.html">photography</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">present
a</a><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">stronomy</a>,
<a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/ancient-astronomy.html">historical
astronomy</a>, <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">reviews
of associated gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
to use it</a>.<br />
<br />
Think someone else would find this
informative (or at least entertaining)? Use the buttons below to
share!
</div>
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-54639799238724930302020-01-07T18:16:00.000-05:002020-01-07T18:16:20.070-05:00Nikon Announces D780 With Stunning Long Exposure Capabilities <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxf4BDjmiRRVwgnD5h1lkix04WLYk2sKbofcQVb9UjtjqMRYYB6bw7qjKx-1Hdgl2tFshq1kVAjqUPXzZI_yW-tNMPXGTQKruUMh83Uq8HHigqTW3_w22-xCUQPYeycEfHm7WL8AlvQcPR/s1600/Nikon+D780+900+second+15+minute+long+exposure.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Nikon D780 astrophotography 900 seconds 15 minutes" border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="700" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxf4BDjmiRRVwgnD5h1lkix04WLYk2sKbofcQVb9UjtjqMRYYB6bw7qjKx-1Hdgl2tFshq1kVAjqUPXzZI_yW-tNMPXGTQKruUMh83Uq8HHigqTW3_w22-xCUQPYeycEfHm7WL8AlvQcPR/s320/Nikon+D780+900+second+15+minute+long+exposure.png" title="Nikon D780 long exposure 900 second 15 minutes" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nikon D780: It can go up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) and may just be the best new camera for astrophotography.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Nikon
just announced its <a href="https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/dslr-cameras/d780.html">new
D780</a>, which can do up to a 900 second (15 minute) long exposure
via the manual mode in pre-programmed settings without the hassle of
having to use an external remote timer. For astrophotographers who
also like to take terrestrial photos, this may just have become the
ideal astro cam as it offers the best of both worlds.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
There have been digital cameras in
the past targeted toward astrophotographers that offered shutter
speeds as slow as 15 minutes, but there was a cost. The issue: these
cameras were designed specifically for shooting deep sky objects,
which often emit long-wavelength red light. In order to allow these
cameras to capture the deep reds emitted by many deep sky objects,
these cameras’ infrared filters (IR) were modified or removed
entirely in order to allow the sensors to record at the 656 nm
wavelength that a standard camera’s filter would block. Result: the
camera would capture all of the deep reds emitted by deep sky objects
but would be just about useless for regular photography because they
were so red sensitive.<br />
<br />
Let’s face it:
photography/astrophotography is not a cheap hobby and a camera that
can do everything is very desirable. To look at the dollars, take
Canon’s EOS R and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2019/11/its-official-canon-announces-eos-ra.html">EOS
Ra (for astronomy)</a> variant. Both cameras are essentially the same
thing except for the fact that the EOS Ra has exposure settings that
can go up to 15 minutes (just like the D780) and that it can record
those 656 nm wavelengths, which the EOS R can’t. Unfortunately,
thanks to its modified IR filter, the EOS Ra is essentially useless
as a traditional camera, which would necessitate having to buy
another camera (let’s assume the EOS R) for traditional purposes.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Right now, the EOS R sells for around
$1800 as a body. The EOS Ra? Well, Canon thinks that the cost to
remove that pesky IR filter requires a $700 price premium as the EOS
Ra is priced at $2500, a 30+% price premium over its standard cousin.
Not to bash Canon, Nikon did the same exact thing a few years back
when it launched its D810 variant: the D810A (for astronomy,
naturally). Bottom line: for anyone wanting to do astro and
traditional photography with Canon, you’re looking at $4300.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Cue the D780.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
The D780 is not marketed as an astro
cam as it has the standard infrared filter found on every other
Nikon, which means that things that are truly deep red in the night
sky will appear more pink/purple when shot with the D780 than they
would with a dedicated astro cam (like the EOS Ra or D810A) because
the D780 will not record the deep reds that a dedicated astro cam
would. On the other hand, this means that the D780 can do double duty
as a traditional camera!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Yes, the D780 will not hold a candle
to the D810A or EOS Ra when it comes to recording those deep reds
but, on the other hand, it will save you a lot of money at the cost
of having to spend more time in Photoshop in order to fully bring out
the reds that it will capture. For people who aren’t swimming in
money and actually have to worry about this pesky thing called a
budget, the Nikon D780 may just be your thing if you like to equally
use your camera under both Sun and star light.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Like What You Read?</b></u></span><br />
<br />
Why
not check out other great stuff about <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/photography_28.html">photography</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">present
a</a><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">stronomy</a>,
<a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/ancient-astronomy.html">historical
astronomy</a>, <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">associated
gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
to use it</a>.<br />
<br />
Think someone else would find this
informative (or at least entertaining)? Use the buttons below to
share!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br />
<br />
</div>
Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-55816916199291069532020-01-01T02:44:00.000-05:002020-01-01T06:28:42.470-05:00New Year, New Updates to Old Articles<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhi0ced_nM0IxA-J8xegVVucdGB0VIsOEZUwSD2-lMjiFop5sgw42sQP4rxX4fObciUD5OWE-LlO1xKwluBr50aAEJc1V5lXQnni4bEicJmbnY-FNuh457x38wSIRFlKBHqelpwhDN-O5/s1600/lens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="263" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhi0ced_nM0IxA-J8xegVVucdGB0VIsOEZUwSD2-lMjiFop5sgw42sQP4rxX4fObciUD5OWE-LlO1xKwluBr50aAEJc1V5lXQnni4bEicJmbnY-FNuh457x38wSIRFlKBHqelpwhDN-O5/s320/lens.JPG" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tokina 28-70 f2.6-2.8 ATX-PRO got an update . .. . </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBFx73crncLcaTH9XyyS8extGD-TC9jtNalhg9N_rRGG6uM4fvinoWf37pTyedqjA6zNet4Gk6TqIZdnyBhiLDe1pQ1tu303sODS3HIxxPTLLV1mae5N5l2VqOqUWBhlVuDJ8B4AeoCmN/s1600/PA270219c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVBFx73crncLcaTH9XyyS8extGD-TC9jtNalhg9N_rRGG6uM4fvinoWf37pTyedqjA6zNet4Gk6TqIZdnyBhiLDe1pQ1tu303sODS3HIxxPTLLV1mae5N5l2VqOqUWBhlVuDJ8B4AeoCmN/s1600/PA270219c.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">. . . As did the Sigma 100-300 f4 DG HSM APO</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">It's a new year, a new decade, and
time to update some old stuff!</span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">First of all, two lens
reviews have been updated to include full-frame tests. Back in
2010-11, I reviewed both the Tokina 28-70 f2.6-2.8 ATX-PRO and Sigma
100-300 f4 DG HSM Apo when paired with my APS-C format Canon EOS 30D.
In fact, the Tokina review was the first one that I did in an
in-depth manner that has now become standard. Well, I liked these
lenses so much that I tracked them down in Nikon mount and have
updated these reviews to cover the full frame format offered by my
Nikon D700. So, why not check them out to see how both lenses perform
in a format that is becoming more affordable by the year (Nikon’s
D750 is now selling for under $1000).</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />In Depth Reviews:</span></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/09/tokina-28-70-f26-28-atx-pro-in-depth.html"><br />Tokina
28-70 f2.6-2.8 ATX PRO</a></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2011/02/in-depth-review-sigma-100-300-f4-hsm-dg.html"><br />Sigma
100-300 f4 DG HSM Apo</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"> </span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx31jn_nyq_5KHzgp943yp2XmH4Wy9wccQ0v2byJwix8jxNgLIxtoaadqdGBpNd9qSVdbA6G1Lo2vUh3Mkq8ElfT5HPY0APcYa34RdZnha6jyZgmWNY8zK3to7fMXY6wGqp8AIF-xr8PUu/s1600/complete+list+weather+sealed+nikon+lenses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx31jn_nyq_5KHzgp943yp2XmH4Wy9wccQ0v2byJwix8jxNgLIxtoaadqdGBpNd9qSVdbA6G1Lo2vUh3Mkq8ElfT5HPY0APcYa34RdZnha6jyZgmWNY8zK3to7fMXY6wGqp8AIF-xr8PUu/s1600/complete+list+weather+sealed+nikon+lenses.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">The list of weather-resistant Nikkors (never mind the picture) got a much-needed update, too.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Another page long in need
of updating was my complete list of weather-resistant Nikkor lenses.
Originally written shortly after buying the D700, this initially
started as a personal quest to find out what lenses were
weather-resistant and liable to make a good partner for my
weather-resistant dSLR should I get into shooting in adverse
conditions. Seeing that there was no concise list of the sort out
there on the Internet (back in 2011), I decided to post the results
of my research myself. Being the only one for quite some time, I
racked up over 60,000 hits (as of this writing) on this article
alone, no thanks to its high ranking on Google. Well, after a 2016
update (add 10,000 views for this article), I decided to update again
to reflect Nikon’s 2020 lens lineup while adding clarifications
over the past version. </span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /><br />
So check it out . . . </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span><a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2016/02/updated-for-2016-complete-list-of.html">Updated for 2020 List Complete List of Weather Resistant Nikon Lenses</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
if you don't have such an optic . . . <br />
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-avoid-getting-caught-with-dirty.html">How
to clean your camera's sensor yourself<br /></a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh
yes, and this spawned a list of weather-resistant Sigma lenses, too .
. . <br />
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2019/10/a-complete-list-of-weather-resistant.html">A
Complete List of Weather-Resistant Sigma Lenses</a></span></span><br /><br />
<br />As a last note, I decided to
clean up my pages a bit, too. My <a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">astronomy
page</a> was getting really cluttered as a catch-all for all things,
well, astronomy. Seeing a lot of articles that could be further
categorized into their own pages owing to the large amount of
articles on a broad topic, I created two new pages: so why not check
them out?</span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /><br />
New Pages</span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"></span></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/ancient-astronomy.html"><br />Historical
astronomy</a> <a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html"><br />
How-tos
on using your gear</a>,<br /><br /><u><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
Like What You Read?</span></b></u></span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br />
Why
not check out other great stuff about <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/photography_28.html">photography</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">present
a</a><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">stronomy</a>,
<a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/ancient-astronomy.html">historical
astronomy</a>, <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">associated
gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
to use it</a>.</span>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /> </span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Think someone else would find this
informative (or at least entertaining)? Use the buttons below to
share!
</span></div>
Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-57425503816988587062019-12-16T10:24:00.001-05:002019-12-18T15:22:38.694-05:00The World's Best Camera Lens Focal Length Comparison Tool<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMluBYWiLiKbVvdxERYsYMoL1FRMExffADFqV93DrPhhmNe3wXHhNff2xnBeFfJ5vR6xT9j-cejIltemNU2WPQGB9a2CX0L_JQncdblIiMuDM6AF3gj85iEnNadEn_yxQAs5qhHUeitlmF/s1600/17-600+focal+length+simulator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="camera lens focal length composite" border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMluBYWiLiKbVvdxERYsYMoL1FRMExffADFqV93DrPhhmNe3wXHhNff2xnBeFfJ5vR6xT9j-cejIltemNU2WPQGB9a2CX0L_JQncdblIiMuDM6AF3gj85iEnNadEn_yxQAs5qhHUeitlmF/s320/17-600+focal+length+simulator.jpg" title="17 to 600 camera lens focal length simulator" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">17 to 600mm all in one shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
There are tons of camera lens focal
length simulator tools out there online today. They use varying
degrees of sophistication in order to simulate the views offered by
various lenses' focal lengths. Unfortunately, one important bit of
information is often missing: scale. Sure, it's nice to play around
with the fancy interactive simulators, zooming in and out in order to
see what various focal lengths will look like but, without knowing
scale, there is always a question of what a lens will do in a given
situation, especially when shooting at long distances. <br />
<br />
Recently,
I was questioning how much I would gain by going over the 300mm in
focal length offered by my <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2011/02/in-depth-review-sigma-100-300-f4-hsm-dg.html">Sigma
100-300 f4</a>, which is, coincidentally, where most camera lenses
commonly available at non-specialty retailers (think Best Buy or any
other big box store that sells camera stuff) max out. In most basic
form, lenses that go to 300mm (and typically start at 70/75mm) are a
dime a dozen and can often be bought new for less than $200. Second
hand, they can be had much cheaper. Want to go longer? Well, the
price goes up a lot, which begs the question: are those extra
millimeters worth the money?<br />
<br />
As an example, let's look at
Nikon and Canon, the world's largest interchangeable lens camera
manufacturers. <br />
<br />
Currently (December, 2019) Nikon's cheapest
zoom lens maxing out at 300mm and usable on both sub and full frame
models is the 70-300 f4-5.6G, which is selling for $170. Canon's
closest comparable offering is the 75-300 f4-5.6 III model that sells
for $180. Both lenses are easily in reach for someone who's willing
to drop $500 for an entry-level camera kit. <br />
<br />
Want more reach?
Well, for an extra 100mm the price goes up-a lot!<br />
<br />
Moving up to
a zoom lens that maxes out at 400mm, there are a pair of 100-400mm
lenses from third-party manufacturers Sigma and Tamron that have
MSRPs of $800. Is that extra 100mm worth the extra $600? Well,
ignoring the other factors that should go into making a lens purchase
(optical performance, AF capabilities, build quality,
weather-resistance, warranty), the jump in reach from 300 to 400mm
really isn't all that much. How about 600mm? Both Sigma and Tamron
make such optics, which provide a noticeable jump in reach, but which
cost $1300 and $1400, respectively.<br />
<br />
Think that's expensive?
Keep reading.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Want to stick to name brand but keep
roughly the same focal range? Well, you're looking at $2100 for
Nikon's 80-400mm and $2200 for Canon's 100-400mm model.
Paradoxically, Nikon makes a 200-500mm lens and sells it for a 'mere'
$1400, which is perhaps the cost of losing 120mm of range (and a lot
of flexibility) on the short end.<br />
<br />
As for me, not seeing a
focal length simulator anywhere that had known scales for both size
and distance, I decided to create one for myself.
<br />
<br />
To start with, I knew that I had a
way to get up to an equivalent 600mm focal length. To start, I would
begin with my Sigma 100-300f4, the longest AF lens I currently own.
On top of that, I also own a <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2014/06/in-depth-review-200-f4-ai-micro-nikkor.html">200
f4 Ai Micro Nikkor</a>, an old MF gem produced from the late 70s to
early 80s before being updated to an Ai-s version. Having a native
magnification ratio of 1:2, I bought a 2x teleconverter in order to
boost my magnification to full 1:1 life size and the current standard
for macro optics. 200mm doubled with the teleconverter becomes 400mm,
which I could then take to 600mm by using the 1.5x crop DX mode
available on my D700. <br />
<br />
Focal lengths figured, I needed
something to shoot. Walking down my driveway, I realized the answer
was in front of me in both my street and the stop sign at the end of
it. The standard American stop sign is 750mm (roughly 29 ½ inches)
across, and there was one staring right back at me. As for finding
distance, I was lucky in that my street is concrete with expansion
joints cut at regular intervals. Measuring one section of street in
feet and multiplying that times the number of sections all the way to
the end resulted in a length of approximately 950 feet (290 meters),
give or take a few feet. <br />
<br />
Everything figured, I shot at 300,
400, and 600mm and then looked at everything on the camera. Realizing
this was a good sequence, I decided to fill in the rest of the focal
lengths offered by<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">
the rest of my other optics</a>, which go all the way back to 17mm.
<br />
<br />
To use the gallery below, simply click on any of the pictures
to open the gallery in a filmstrip view, then use the wheel on your
mouse to scroll through the pictures, all of which have the focal
length displayed in the upper left. Yes, this is nowhere near as
sophisticated as most of the other lens focal length simulators out
there but, on the other hand, it may be the only one on the web with
known size and distance scales. <br />
<br />
Oh yes, back to the 'are the
extra millimeters worth the money' question. 300 vs 400mm? If you
need to go long, skip the 400mm rip-offs as there's clearly not
enough gain to justify the $600 premium over a 300mm optic for anyone
on anything resembling a budget. Spend a little time and save a ton
of cash by cropping your photos in the camera or on the computer as
today's 20+Mp cameras have more than enough resolution to do so. If
you really need reach via optics, go big or go home as there's
nothing that can touch those zooms maxing out at 600mm from Sigma and
Tamron and, as the pictures show, there is a ton of gain from 300 to
600mm. Yes, $1300-1400 is not cheap but it's a lot cheaper than
buying a $800 lens that goes to 400mm, realizing that it's not
enough, going back and dropping another $1400 on a lens that goes to
600mm, and then hoping to recoup as much as possible from your 400mm
mistake. <br />
<br />
Still not long enough for you? Well, it looks like
you'll have to <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-does-he-use-to-take-those-pictures.html">attach
an astronomical telescope</a> to your camera and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/10/using-astronomical-telescope-as-camera.html">use
it an a lens</a>.<br />
<br />
In the end, though, only you can decide
what's right for your specific needs.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnr1k29xSsEf8jHug2dIX9sANqd2j8lxfYrAN9ceNwtk6nu7vMoBIW5VR7YNbocgFKXldb2hRpw1wPsf-lkuLozZt_7kIUwjXK1LjMtrG9bXaUy-sNOks4uedIKX3ZbIcoG-erLNj-U2J/s1600/17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKnr1k29xSsEf8jHug2dIX9sANqd2j8lxfYrAN9ceNwtk6nu7vMoBIW5VR7YNbocgFKXldb2hRpw1wPsf-lkuLozZt_7kIUwjXK1LjMtrG9bXaUy-sNOks4uedIKX3ZbIcoG-erLNj-U2J/s320/17.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW2rX7cqxcWuOl5W7OzRCVyJGntKStIruc6r9u_GolCWLuq9U_9P-VxC7Rk2bn1Kk8m6VxLSlH7mhoej9evkpy9nO96rreLIifUUNXJK8pW9hpTQmR-80PcAv0U-jpSEDC27n6zoIhyx1/s1600/24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJW2rX7cqxcWuOl5W7OzRCVyJGntKStIruc6r9u_GolCWLuq9U_9P-VxC7Rk2bn1Kk8m6VxLSlH7mhoej9evkpy9nO96rreLIifUUNXJK8pW9hpTQmR-80PcAv0U-jpSEDC27n6zoIhyx1/s320/24.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-f-fXd-u41F2rPmltcGE0LIOlJOOObww74-xKc38N1q_GOyXKRbr30zcXnfDDb4H4uzlkMcgBSZ7-pP_UrsO72YeOmnYZlERXiVKiOXdGmg32QpcM0BlmiKPj2hkZK2E4tKJFKV5bkfc/s1600/28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-f-fXd-u41F2rPmltcGE0LIOlJOOObww74-xKc38N1q_GOyXKRbr30zcXnfDDb4H4uzlkMcgBSZ7-pP_UrsO72YeOmnYZlERXiVKiOXdGmg32QpcM0BlmiKPj2hkZK2E4tKJFKV5bkfc/s320/28.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gIrukPVt3TZ98C-Aiejz7ePbO6GkDUwN8MYPN1_aqXfJHqZDcCn1f3PVA1ONAzx3PuIwGTrG1AKeXeakc08rBipVKuaUDG9swjyq6oTE7BCg6R1d6ueVIVF1ucoYPJ5bh_vNV1pz7SCZ/s1600/35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gIrukPVt3TZ98C-Aiejz7ePbO6GkDUwN8MYPN1_aqXfJHqZDcCn1f3PVA1ONAzx3PuIwGTrG1AKeXeakc08rBipVKuaUDG9swjyq6oTE7BCg6R1d6ueVIVF1ucoYPJ5bh_vNV1pz7SCZ/s320/35.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZDwy_xsRtj-QwgoOgJDpGQ4zn4p3hjWz4GO5GcS45PRoyoPB6cSIRuhh1VcEi3kFIM3WSER-Eg0Us1V7-d5OJVkV-4EZ6cPx-qq-vCeAJ62zH4w908kqkFXx9TSIuz0GTVhISDXQTiKM/s1600/50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZDwy_xsRtj-QwgoOgJDpGQ4zn4p3hjWz4GO5GcS45PRoyoPB6cSIRuhh1VcEi3kFIM3WSER-Eg0Us1V7-d5OJVkV-4EZ6cPx-qq-vCeAJ62zH4w908kqkFXx9TSIuz0GTVhISDXQTiKM/s320/50.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Believe it or not, this 50mm shot is close to the field of view for most humans.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciPfVtzP7zVoWHz0YFHHd-kbwr5X9kr6g3aOEti4qsXSAZJngSE87ihJRClpO_pHbc_d4somLwYTHnOjEcX8WAXc-IkdTBceU85Kh2XKv-hh9evb4qDdvUxbwjlHn54nRnvhaBcnKfv8B/s1600/70.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciPfVtzP7zVoWHz0YFHHd-kbwr5X9kr6g3aOEti4qsXSAZJngSE87ihJRClpO_pHbc_d4somLwYTHnOjEcX8WAXc-IkdTBceU85Kh2XKv-hh9evb4qDdvUxbwjlHn54nRnvhaBcnKfv8B/s320/70.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Like What You Read?</span></b></u><br />
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<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">associated
gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-9528091596163412632019-11-26T08:49:00.000-05:002019-11-27T16:48:41.263-05:00Ohio University Professor Believes Bugs Are on Mars, is a Conspiracy Trying to Silence Him?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9mfkksF_ZN9xn5XFGaTvambHnwakpPt3M0sYz3QPKI8m0EhYpQWYt1ciqySayXHM-e4lP8lLAJ1sMeMok3HWNVamR59FiJ5fCReh21afEvcQXKasYxI1CThcQGAHzz60Wo2P5gwSVe8V/s1600/insects+on+mars+2019+romoser.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="conspiracy to silence bugs on mars theory" border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1036" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9mfkksF_ZN9xn5XFGaTvambHnwakpPt3M0sYz3QPKI8m0EhYpQWYt1ciqySayXHM-e4lP8lLAJ1sMeMok3HWNVamR59FiJ5fCReh21afEvcQXKasYxI1CThcQGAHzz60Wo2P5gwSVe8V/s320/insects+on+mars+2019+romoser.png" title="Insects on Mars Ohio Professor Romoser" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this a tiny Martian?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Could
there be life on Mars in the form of insects and could a government conspiracy be afoot to suppress it? At a November 19 meeting of the Entomological
Society of America, William Romoser, emeritus professor of medical entomology at Ohio University, went so far to say that, based upon </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://esa.confex.com/esa/2019/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/147473" target="_blank">his
findings</a>,
“there has been and still is life on Mars”
based on pictures snapped from NASA's Mars rovers that seemed to show
insect-like forms.<br /><br />The overwhelming response, not
surprisingly, was harsh and the official retraction quick, perhaps too quick. First, though, some background.</span><br /><br />In science, reputation is no
protection against criticism. <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/William_Romoser2">Romoser's
credentials</a> are impressive. Having earned his doctorate in 1964,
Romoser served at Ohio State University along with the Universities
of Florida and Georgia for short stints before joining the Army's
Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases, where he worked
for 20 years before joining Ohio University as an emeritus professor
of medical entomology. In that time, he published dozens of
peer-reviewed papers and even <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Science-Entomology-William-S-Romoser/dp/0697228487/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1574508303&refinements=p_27:William+Romoser&s=books&sr=1-1&text=William+Romoser">wrote
a textbook</a> (since updated several times) on the subject.<br /><br />As
for the criticism from his peers, there is a common thread:
pareidolia. What is pareidolia? It is the act of perceiving things
that don't really exist. Common examples include seeing a face in the
Moon and shapes in clouds. Yes, we all know that there is no Man in
the Moon and that there really isn't a tree (or whatever else) in the
clouds but, as we all know, we sure do perceive these things as being
there. The most famous case of Martian pareidolia (among many) is the
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cydonia_(Mars)#/media/File:Martian_face_viking.jpg">'Face'
on Mars</a>, which was first seen during the Viking missions in the
mid 1970s but that was later shown via higher resolution photographs
to be nothing more than just the average hill hit with a convenient
angle of sunlight. As for Romoser, many critics think that what he is
seeing on Mars is nothing more than bits of rock that look like
insects, which would be easy for him to notice after 50+ years spent
looking at insects here on Earth.</span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
for NASA, the space agency has issued </span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/science/nasa-denies-living-insect-reptile-like-creatures-on-mars">its
own rebuttal</a>
to Rosomer's claims but says that <a href="https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/">its
upcoming rover</a>, set to land in February, 2021, will be equipped
to look for evidence of ancient Martian life. Others even went so far
to say that Romoser's idea <a href="https://www.space.com/mars-bug-claim-not-aliens-search-for-life.html">could
damage</a> the search for alien life.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />While the criticism was to be expected, an
unexpected development (according to some) has also followed: many
references to the story have disappeared from the Internet.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many web pages about this story are now gone. The web
page on Ohio University's website detailing Romoser's presentation
<a href="https://www.ohio.edu/news/2019/11/ohio-entomologist-photos-show-evidence-life-mars">has
been removed</a>, with the University later adding through its media
relations department that Romoser no longer wishes to engage with the
press. Additionally,
<a href="https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-11/ou-oue111919.php">an
announcement on Eureka Alert</a>, a press release platform operated
by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, was also
deleted “at the request of the submitter.” Phys Org also <a href="https://phys.org/news/2019-11-photos-evidence-life-mars-ohio.html">removed
a web page</a> dealing with the topic. Now for the kicker: Romoser's
own website <a href="http://www.scienceofentomology.com/">is
now offline</a>
and listed as private. <br /><br />So, could a conspiracy be afoot to
suppress the idea that there are insects on Mars?
Hardly.<br /><br />Retractions in the scientific community are nothing
new. There is now even <a href="https://retractionwatch.com/retraction-watch-database-user-guide/">an
online database</a> of retracted scientific papers. So far, there are
over 18,000 unpublished papers now online and counting. When
considering this whole series of events, one must remember that, at
its core, science is a process of asking questions and drawing
conclusions, which may or may not be correct. This is how science
has operated since Ancient Greece and is how it will continue to
(hopefully) operate centuries into the future. The real difference
now is the advent of the Internet and now social media, which has
allowed anyone to post anything without review, instantaneously.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />Romoser's
claim was sensational, no doubt. As a result, once it was initially
picked up online, it spread like wildfire around online media, where
both career scientists and the general public read about it. The
observation of 'insects' on Mars being almost certainly wrong but
explainable by other means (pareidolia), criticism was sure to come,
which it did from both. In years past, the criticism would have come
as a trickle as (mostly) scientists would have written personally to
Romoser, Ohio University, or even the Entomological Society of
America in order to question the findings in a professional manner.
<br /><br />Come 2019, things couldn't be more different. Now, instead of
picking up a paper and pen, hand-writing a letter at a table/desk,
and then putting it in a stamped (the horror of having to buy a
stamp!) envelope, anyone can pick up their phone, tap out a message,
and send it to its intended target electronically and
instantaneously. These messages can come by way of email, social
media, and even the comments sections of news outlets that have the
function. Not having access to associated parties' email accounts and
wanting to stay out of the sewer that is social media, I can only
view the public comments sections on online news sites, many of which
were pretty ugly and often of personal, not professional, nature when
it came to Romoser himself. <br /><br />In the end, it probably wasn't
some conspiracy by NASA/the government that caused Romoser and Ohio
University to backtrack in surprising haste. In all probability it
was the social media lynch mob, which in itself can be dangerous to
the very concept of a free society, that probably caused the quick
retraction as Romoser and Ohio University were probably deluged with
a tsunami of hate mail that neither wanted to deal with. This is
ironic because the internet was supposed to encourage, not suppress,
the willingness to speak openly.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT">
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Like What You Read?</span></b></u><br /><br />Why not
check out other great stuff about <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/photography_28.html">photography</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">astronomy</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">associated
gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
to use it</a>.<br /><br />Think someone else would find this informative
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-30052658153652603642019-11-24T17:11:00.003-05:002019-11-24T17:20:16.742-05:00Black Friday Shopping Advice: Stay Home<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">In less than a week it will be</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Black Friday and millions upon millions of shoppers
will be hitting the stores before dawn in order to try and score
deep discounts offered only once per year on all sorts of
merchandise. For many people, waiting in long lines and fighting
crowds seems smart because of the massive price cuts. Well, not
really. <br /></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.07in; margin-top: 0.07in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For people in the market for cameras (or any other
expensive electronic gear), going out so far ahead of time may not be
the best idea. Why? Return policies. A single store may have
different return policies for different types of merchandise. When it
comes to restrictive policies, electronics (photo gear included) lead
the pack. </span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.07in; margin-top: 0.07in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">No
matter where you shop, there is a good chance that any electronic
gear will be subject to a restocking fee if it has been opened
(unless the item is broken and the store employee determines that the
device broke on its own due to manufacturer defect). That in itself
can work against you when it comes to getting your money back or
exchanging the item.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.07in; margin-top: 0.07in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Next
is the return window itself. While many stores will allow up to 90
days between the date of purchase and return of most items, when it
comes to electronics, the time frame is often much tighter, sometimes as short as 14 days. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Now it doesn't take a mathematician to figure this out: Black Friday
is the last Friday of November and Christmas is December 25, that's a month. So if the
return policy states that items can only be returned for 14 days from
the time of purchase, by the time Christmas rolls around, it's too
late to return a defective gift bought on Black Friday. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.07in; margin-top: 0.07in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">That
stinks because people buy on Black Friday and store things away for
Christmas. High tech gear with all its complexities has a lot of room
for bugs. Personally, I bought a </span></span></span><a href="http://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2009/11/quick-review-canon-85mm-f18-usm.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Canon
85mm f1.8 USM lens </u></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, it only worked right on my
then-current Canon 30D camera and not my older 300D/Digital Rebel. I had a similar experience with a mis-focusing but otherwise excellent <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2011/02/in-depth-review-sigma-100-300-f4-hsm-dg.html">Sigma 100-300 f4 DG HSM Apo</a>. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Fortunately, as
I bought the lenses for myself, I caught the problem right away and returned them without
trouble. </span></span></span> Now, if this had been a gift someone else bought and stored away, problem unknown,
and then given to me for Christmas, I (or the gifter) could have been out of luck thanks to the short return window. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.07in; margin-top: 0.07in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So
if you're going to go out on Black Friday or in the next two weeks to
buy someone a high tech toy, read the return policy. Can't find the answers you're looking for? Then call and ask for specifics. In some cases, it may just be
better to wait until later, especially if you're planning to give a gift to yourself. After all, there is the Internet. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee;"><u>See Also</u>: </span><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2015/11/shop-till-you-drop-week-smart-buying.html">More Smart Shopping Tips</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Like What You Read?</span></u></b><br />
<br />
Why not
check out other great stuff about <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/photography_28.html">photography</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">astronomy</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">associated
gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
to use it</a>.<br />
<br />
Think someone else would find this informative
(or at least entertaining)? Use the buttons below to share!
<br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2015/11/shop-till-you-drop-week-smart-buying.html"><br /></a></span></div>
Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-55511061073104610022019-11-09T16:45:00.000-05:002019-11-28T06:36:50.142-05:00The Many Tokina 28-70 Lenses and How to Identify Them (With Pictures)<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wuM9n1PXjeBAbobozyZEKqytfjR_VBysqgI4vzxkYq3wm5L7nnPL6Ce4ch3wpOJnfpG0QgHgbIKYHqmr6tVP9fUuleRO24lFkDg7ZSOpLyt5AQdWxF7UuqmB4hpo2S7O1fQ12gR_0-rW/s1600/what+version+Tokina+28-70+is+this.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="different versions of the Tokina 28-70 lens" border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wuM9n1PXjeBAbobozyZEKqytfjR_VBysqgI4vzxkYq3wm5L7nnPL6Ce4ch3wpOJnfpG0QgHgbIKYHqmr6tVP9fUuleRO24lFkDg7ZSOpLyt5AQdWxF7UuqmB4hpo2S7O1fQ12gR_0-rW/s320/what+version+Tokina+28-70+is+this.jpg" title="How to identify different Tokina 28-70 lenses" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What version of the Tokina 28-70 is this? Read on to find out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From the late 1980s to
the mid 2000s, Tokina made a total of 4 constant f2.8 lenses with the
28-70mm focal range. Unfortunately, it can be hard for a would-be
buyer to identify each version because many original sources were on
paper (think photography magazines before the Internet) and are long
gone and, being out of production for roughly 15 years, most
contemporary online documentation has also disappeared. <br />
<br />
That,
plus adding online buy/sell websites like Ebay and Craigslist and now
social media platforms, only adds to the confusion as many people do
not know the variations of these lenses and will merely sell the lens
along the lines of something like 'Tokina 28-70 f2.8.'<br />
<br />
So,
what are the variations and how to identify them?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIqn2bnR1toTjy0nF435wcNBGJnnbUhVTVYA-4g44sTyuR0XsUl74ej3L238shgefjSxJE1NpyBVAt_kRWzMZxmGTUxojF_D4VEwP5H8omORB4di_gnZ7-Rnr4t_kih7NX3f3dcrZzHIA/s1600/1st+tokina+numbered.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="518" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIqn2bnR1toTjy0nF435wcNBGJnnbUhVTVYA-4g44sTyuR0XsUl74ej3L238shgefjSxJE1NpyBVAt_kRWzMZxmGTUxojF_D4VEwP5H8omORB4di_gnZ7-Rnr4t_kih7NX3f3dcrZzHIA/s320/1st+tokina+numbered.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Smooth finish. 2. Distance scale window. 3. Zoom ring wider than focus ring.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>1</b></u><sup><u><b>st</b></u></sup><u><b>
Generation: Tokina 28-70 f2.8 AT-X (1988-1994)</b></u><br />
The first
generation of Tokina 28-70 f2.8 is the easiest to identify as it is
the only one that features a recessed distance scale window rather
than painted on markings. Another easy identifier is that this is
also the only version that does not feature the now-standard Tokina
AF/MF clutch mechanism that involves moving the focus ring back and
forth, so there will be no AF/MF markings anywhere on the barrel. To switch mode, flip a switch on the lens (for versions with built-in motors) or flip the switch on your camera (versions with a mechanical drive linkage). On
top of that, this is the only version that features a zoom ring that
is wider than the focus ring and the
only version that accepts a 72mm filter. Finish is smooth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6E0TiMqAqnWJcKNBkfn1QJMV27QM0qw2Zh5hGzHW9IsNNl6LTXKvVdZs4v_kuwkvdmVk7Lxuvj7xLjDgIhGUQCxQJ5LzzT8Yt85lJX75L6zOX5I3uBiQH5sV55rSw5xSjDumcipDM0mp/s1600/tokina+2+numbered.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="980" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6E0TiMqAqnWJcKNBkfn1QJMV27QM0qw2Zh5hGzHW9IsNNl6LTXKvVdZs4v_kuwkvdmVk7Lxuvj7xLjDgIhGUQCxQJ5LzzT8Yt85lJX75L6zOX5I3uBiQH5sV55rSw5xSjDumcipDM0mp/s320/tokina+2+numbered.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Zoom ring now wider than focus ring. 2. AF/MF on barrel. 3. Smooth finish.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<u><b>2</b></u><sup><u><b>nd</b></u></sup><u><b>
Generation: Tokina 28-70 f2.6-2.8 ATX-PRO (1994-1997)</b></u><br />
The
second generation was the first based off the optical design Tokina
bought from the French company Angenieux that would serve as the
basis for the rest of the 28-70 line. This was the first 28-70
version to feature the AF/MF clutch, so look for AF/MF markings on
the barrel. Unfortunately, in its early incarnation, switching focus
mode meant rotating the ring while pulling/pushing on it in order to
find the window where the clutch engaged and the ring moved. On top
of that, one needed to flip the AF/MF switch on either the camera or
the lens itself (depending on whether the lens has a built-in motor or is focused via mechanical linkage powered by the camera), depending on your manufacturer. Also new was the
flip in width of the focus/zoom ring as the focus ring is now the
larger of the two as it would remain through the remainder of the
run. This version (as do the later ones) uses 77mm filters. On the
front of the lens by the filter threads, there also appears the word
'Tokina.' Finish is smooth. To make things difficult, thank Tokina's
marketing department. This lens was marketed in some places as being
f2.6-2.8 (even though no camera will recognize f2.6) and others as a
constant f2.8. No matter, the lenses are the same no matter what the
markings say.<br />
<br />
See also: <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/09/tokina-28-70-f26-28-atx-pro-in-depth.html">My Tokina 28-70 f2.6-2.8 ATX-PRO I Review</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf03qRO5ucxJl8aGGzmJf_Xa_jtgELyJeSba_fNqZcsZUdPRaz6-HH5t23aGwh5KxF5vGMIfCKCD8qMvt67-JenDuH2cZZ8y1S0hbE2X46yHUmnTyszZnaGi29lG1WGH5cutVrXNVVXyo/s1600/tokina+2vs3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="766" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixf03qRO5ucxJl8aGGzmJf_Xa_jtgELyJeSba_fNqZcsZUdPRaz6-HH5t23aGwh5KxF5vGMIfCKCD8qMvt67-JenDuH2cZZ8y1S0hbE2X46yHUmnTyszZnaGi29lG1WGH5cutVrXNVVXyo/s320/tokina+2vs3.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quickest way to tell a Tokina ATX-PRO "II" (left) from a PRO "I" (right) is the newer "II" lens' crinkle finish. The aperture ring is exclusive to Nikon versions.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tRTuqRf2nRe6_C_Mhb37P81gTvZjnXicthPm5XFizqUqjwH1uTXDkTrllnT0NuyyoDiD9CtgSgdam_n9guND4C2ZnM3IO5Acf7LL-6UtB76HmgBO6Oing4EDORSxrCKkmsT6H2awep-7/s1600/tokina+2+and+3+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="1146" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tRTuqRf2nRe6_C_Mhb37P81gTvZjnXicthPm5XFizqUqjwH1uTXDkTrllnT0NuyyoDiD9CtgSgdam_n9guND4C2ZnM3IO5Acf7LL-6UtB76HmgBO6Oing4EDORSxrCKkmsT6H2awep-7/s320/tokina+2+and+3+front.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another way to tell the difference: the "II" (left) doesn't say 'Tokina' while the "I" (right) does.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>3</b></u><sup><u><b>rd</b></u></sup><u><b>
Generation: Tokina 28-70 f2.6-2.8 ATX-PRO II (1997-1999)</b></u><br />
The
third generation is optically unchanged from the previous 'PRO'
version except for that the “II” got a 'high refraction low
dispersion' (HLD) element designed to combat chromatic aberration.
All other changes were cosmetic. The easiest way to spot the “II”
from a “I” version is that the “II” now has a crinkle finish
instead of the smooth one seen on the previous version. Another easy
way to distinguish a “I” from a “II” is that that “II”
version now features a bayonet mount for the hood (versus the
screw-on versions for earlier lenses). As for markings, 'Tokina' has
now disappeared from by where the filter threads on but,
irritatingly, there is no mention of “II” anywhere on the lens
even though it was marketed as such. Like the “I” version, the
“II” was marketed in some places as being f2.6-2.8 and in others
as a constant f2.8. No matter, the lenses are the same no matter what
the markings say. The clunky 2-step mode to change AF/MF was, unfortunately, also unchanged.<br />
<br />
Oh yes, the lens at the top of the page is the ATX-PRO II thanks to the crinkle finish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRid7qsa1BYP5kdrqxQjEczxI9DDQ3-ihY-Np7YkE2VnDJRP8w20w8tail9ZdLeGnF2MgRY4VhDPoJwMhh8UQup1-E19d4kMuweC1Gig6yd4tccH1SEXa0Mmqws-h_uF0m9KGyScqciZNH/s1600/Tokina+28-80+f2.8+ATX-PRO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="500" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRid7qsa1BYP5kdrqxQjEczxI9DDQ3-ihY-Np7YkE2VnDJRP8w20w8tail9ZdLeGnF2MgRY4VhDPoJwMhh8UQup1-E19d4kMuweC1Gig6yd4tccH1SEXa0Mmqws-h_uF0m9KGyScqciZNH/s320/Tokina+28-80+f2.8+ATX-PRO.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tokina 28-80 f2.8 ATX-PRO.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMI8lGSxUQFR9y9AY4vr68itlVLrHn6xzMM9wCIbwh9W0tLg3HxcxaOfP0UoCeEQNHEefMG_k4z5AYOb4rtZQgN4aa-o9mW_YfP8vVlWYCdXpxgQYu8i691HdS3ZHrEIL3wPMpJt_zsYX/s1600/28-80+tech.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoMI8lGSxUQFR9y9AY4vr68itlVLrHn6xzMM9wCIbwh9W0tLg3HxcxaOfP0UoCeEQNHEefMG_k4z5AYOb4rtZQgN4aa-o9mW_YfP8vVlWYCdXpxgQYu8i691HdS3ZHrEIL3wPMpJt_zsYX/s1600/28-80+tech.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 28-80's internal configuration.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<u><b>End of the Line</b></u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In 2000,
Tokina launched its direct successor to the “II” version above in
the form of a 28-80 f2.8 ATX-PRO. Keeping the low dispersion element,
which it now marketed as a 'super low dispersion' (SD) element,
Tokina now added a pair of aspherical elements to the new design,
which remained in production into 2006. This lens also saw the return
of a distance scale window rather than the cheap looking painted
markings. As an innovation sure to be appreciated by many, Tokina
reworked its system for switching focus mode. This lens now features
the “One Touch” focus clutch, which allows for switching from
AF/MF simply by pulling/pushing the ring anywhere while eliminating
the need to flip any switches on the camera. It is for this ease of
focus mode transition that this lens typically sells for more than
the 28-70s on the used market.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJ95BAqLwhJa7KHthmizQZQiKMIgrT83REDMvMzfkHSkg8LH1BR7nlpE7e4Jfe3jdKIMqq2KRTZE1g7BGYDs1arnOkWWiEPfpSwpSmf5JZhfbmyYNeIirftW0YF8BP78uRV9FKHl7c3Ix/s1600/tokina+2+vs+SV+lens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="628" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJ95BAqLwhJa7KHthmizQZQiKMIgrT83REDMvMzfkHSkg8LH1BR7nlpE7e4Jfe3jdKIMqq2KRTZE1g7BGYDs1arnOkWWiEPfpSwpSmf5JZhfbmyYNeIirftW0YF8BP78uRV9FKHl7c3Ix/s320/tokina+2+vs+SV+lens.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aperture ring (Nikon models only) aside, the Tokina 28-70 f2.8 ATX-PRO SV (left) is virtually identical to the 28-70 f2.6-2.8 ATX-PRO "I" (right).</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l3yd5dGzT2zr3zJRKLPdfUkqkoBohIs9lIhkQUYVMzwP4FjIvovSWk6FowiVoUoqPaa4ago3p8d568E74KoCZkwo7D2dTewt12dbNpb6_K7GFtUz79jMsQYxKIvUfbW0cwbPFnyzYiRW/s1600/29-70+SV+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="638" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_l3yd5dGzT2zr3zJRKLPdfUkqkoBohIs9lIhkQUYVMzwP4FjIvovSWk6FowiVoUoqPaa4ago3p8d568E74KoCZkwo7D2dTewt12dbNpb6_K7GFtUz79jMsQYxKIvUfbW0cwbPFnyzYiRW/s320/29-70+SV+front.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visually, the only way to tell these two lenses apart is to look at the lettering by the filter threads as the SV version will always identify itself as such.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b></u><br />
<u><b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMOQLNkmwjwug_xHRctaOOviRy7CuQhAWTwCgL8-w5EUmnYmcQ3xaO0RPp10h8RGFGHvmY0p_qk1iePFGPgO4Dak-pjCemfvj_RJ5NGP4yv7-wMKKhYfo5v1nuSJtSy3xqouTqTnlbsqd/s1600/28-70+SV+tech.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMOQLNkmwjwug_xHRctaOOviRy7CuQhAWTwCgL8-w5EUmnYmcQ3xaO0RPp10h8RGFGHvmY0p_qk1iePFGPgO4Dak-pjCemfvj_RJ5NGP4yv7-wMKKhYfo5v1nuSJtSy3xqouTqTnlbsqd/s1600/28-70+SV+tech.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 28-70 f2.8 ATX-PRO internal configuration.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</b></u><br />
<u><b>4</b></u><sup><u><b>th</b></u></sup><u><b>
Generation: Tokina 28-70 f2.8 PRO SV (2002-2006)</b></u><br />
Looking
to tap into a lower price-point market, Tokina resurrected its 28-70
offering in 2002 as the Tokina 28-70 f2.8 ATX-PRO SV, with the 'SV'
designating 'Special/Super Value' (I've seen it referred to as both).
In appearance, this is most like the ATX-PRO “I” version as it
abandons the crinkle finish of the “II” (and 28-80 f2.8 for that
matter) in favor of the smooth used from 1988-1997. The easiest way
to identify this one? The lettering by the filter threads will note
the “SV” designation. As for what constituted a “special
value,” it involved cost cutting. The SD and aspherical elements
seen on the contemporary 28-80 f2.8 version were gone as was the “one
touch” clutch as Tokina opted to resurrect its clunky 2-step
version seen on the older 28-70 “I” and “II” PRO versions.
Build quality also took a hit, with Tokina incorporating more
composites (a fancy word for plastic) into the lens. Hey, you usually
get what you pay for! Of the 4 versions of the 28-70, this is the
least desirable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Well, there you have it: how to identify the 4 versions of Tokina's 28-70 f2.8 lenses. Hopefully, this article can help guide potential buyers through the often muddled waters of the second hand market that have now been made even muddier thanks to online classified ads that can often be anything but clear in exactly what's for sale. <br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />Tokina Fan? Check Out These Reviews!</b></span></u><br />
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/12/in-depth-review-tokina-100-f28-at-x-pro.html">Tokina 100 f2.8 ATX-PRO Macro</a><br />
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/11/in-depth-review-tokina-80-200-f28-at-x.html">Tokina 80-200 f2.8 AT-X</a><br />
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2011/08/in-depth-review-tokina-80-400-f45-56-at.html">Tokina 80-400 f4-5.6 AT-X</a><br />
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2019/04/in-depth-review-tokina-17-f35-atx-pro.html">Tokina 17 f3.5 ATX-PRO</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-23253101726973798562019-11-05T15:25:00.000-05:002019-11-06T15:42:52.655-05:00It's Official: Canon Announces EOS Ra Astrophotography Camera<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OaNdQqZO0OI2xXZhzHSO6sehLLTyKo43i5FRA9xpR5MOiE2jOPBLUWhhHlt57q2mLHEfpzOIijb1k2PJHeU0Kt5HlVhxsFtXSToAuuWC1qybkYaiDt_PNTW-MD9UeMW2_5xGo5csYyGF/s1600/Canon+EOS+Ra+official+announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Canon announces EOS Ra Adorama DPreview Canonrumors" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OaNdQqZO0OI2xXZhzHSO6sehLLTyKo43i5FRA9xpR5MOiE2jOPBLUWhhHlt57q2mLHEfpzOIijb1k2PJHeU0Kt5HlVhxsFtXSToAuuWC1qybkYaiDt_PNTW-MD9UeMW2_5xGo5csYyGF/s320/Canon+EOS+Ra+official+announcement.jpg" title="Canon EOS Ra official announcement" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The EOS Ra.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Canon has just officially unveiled the new EOS Ra, its first
mirrorless interchangeable lens camera designed specifically for
astrophotography. This news comes on the heels of a flurry of rumors
coming from various tech websites, including Canonrumors, Tech Radar,
and Digital Camera World. <br />
<br />
Like its previous dSLR models made
specifically for astrophotography, the EOS 20Da and EOS 60Da (along
with Nikon's D810A), the EOS Ra is largely the same as the model upon
which it is based: the full-frame EOS R. However, Canon was very
careful to include some tweaks that will be sure to make any serious
astrophotographer very, very happy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
First up: there's the sensor or, more
specifically, the infrared (IR) cut filter that is in front of it.
According to Canon, the EOS Ra’s IR cutting filter is modified to
permit approximately 4x as much transmission of hydrogen alpha rays
at the 656nm wavelength as compared to a standard EOS R. This will
allow for deep red infrared rays emitted by nebulae to be recorded on
the camera's sensor. Without this modification, reds from deep sky
objects would appear as various shades of pink or even light purple.
<br />
<br />
Another modification sure to get people excited is the live
view mode of the EOS Ra, which allows the user to zoom in up to 30x
magnification on the LCD or in the viewfinder in order to ensure easy
focusing on stars. This is a dramatic boost of the 10x magnification
offered with the standard EOS R, which may not always be sufficient
to ensure perfectly focused stars. Needless to say, the days of
dragging a laptop out to the telescope and using focus assist
software are numbered for anyone using the EOS Ra.<br />
<br />
Other than
these two changes, the EOS Ra is essentially the same as its standard
cousin.<br />
<br />
Want one? Well, they're available for preorder at
<a href="https://www.adorama.com/caran.html">Adorama</a>, as a
body-only kit priced at $2,499 (a $700 price premium over the
standard EOS R). Unfortunately, no availability has yet been
announced but my advice is to preorder yours now as the line is sure to be a long one and the Ebay profiteers are sure to be ordering already so they can gouge you when the camera sells out at reputable dealers. <br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Like What You Read?</b></span></u><br />
<br />
Why not
check out other great stuff about <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/photography_28.html">photography</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">astronomy</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">associated
gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
to use it</a>.<br />
<br />
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-56222727344298075492019-10-28T16:59:00.000-04:002019-10-28T16:59:08.036-04:00New Page AddedI just added a new page of how-to advice relating to things astronomical and photographic under 'Main Contents' in the right hand toolbar. There's even some smart shopping advice there, too. Why not<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html"> check it out</a>?<br /><br />Oh yes, this is also post #500.<br /><br />My, my, how far my little online photo backup experiment <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2009/10/this-is-only-beginning.html">has come in 10 years</a>!Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-42443530204572378272019-10-27T17:22:00.000-04:002019-10-30T16:03:18.971-04:00How to Read a Woollybear Caterpillar (And What Does it Turn Into, Anyway?)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNukLbXIID0tPnFi7j97I5tSW3SI34EhZUv-uyw3jIVvpS6amOya4xW1TL1FsihziWcgdzc-jf8pOOCXJjHGgu8j6KRGx90Y-6LkRLmKBih2yliYFq0ffLgN3jCeoKPU_SrTLLbOP9WuE/s1600/how+to+read+a+woollybear+and+what+do+they+turn+into.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="4 ways to read a woollybear caterpillar what does a woollybear turn into? " border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="832" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNukLbXIID0tPnFi7j97I5tSW3SI34EhZUv-uyw3jIVvpS6amOya4xW1TL1FsihziWcgdzc-jf8pOOCXJjHGgu8j6KRGx90Y-6LkRLmKBih2yliYFq0ffLgN3jCeoKPU_SrTLLbOP9WuE/s320/how+to+read+a+woollybear+and+what+do+they+turn+into.jpg" title="how to read a woollybear caterpillar" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is this Woollybear trying to 'tell' you? Taken with a phone.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br />
The Woollybear
(sometimes called 'woolly worm') caterpillar has a long history of
being used as a way to predict the severity of the upcoming winter,
but how does one go about 'reading' the caterpillar? Well, there are
actually<i> four</i> ways to read the future depending on which
folklore you subscribe to. First, a little history.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>History</b></span></u><br />
It's
no secret that the weather is difficult to predict with any certainty
for more than a few days in advance. Unless you are content with the
George Carlin forecast, you'll want as many specifics as possible.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/D1uaw3WIOlc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D1uaw3WIOlc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> For the ultimate forecast, skip to about 2:20.</span></div>
<br />
While for most of us today, bad weather is usually, at worst,
an annoyance, for our ancestors, it could be a matter of life and
death, especially over the course of a season. North America was
first settled by the British on the Atlantic Coast from Virginia all
the way through New England. These areas were all subject to
changeable weather, ranging from hot summers to brutally cold
winters. It was the last season, winter, that could make or break a
fledgling colony. Knowing this, early pioneers started looking for
<i>any</i> way, no matter if it was scientific or not, to predict the
weather. <br />
<br />
Being in the outdoors a lot (and having no
smartphones, Internet, or TV), early settlers noticed things in
nature that people today never would. Sometime a long time ago, and
probably after an unusually harsh or mild winter, someone (no name is
ever mentioned) recalled seeing caterpillars with unusually wide or
narrow bands the previous fall and got the idea that the width of the
caterpillar's orange band had something to do with the (then)
upcoming weather. This person then probably told his (or her) idea to
some friends, who also remembered unusual patterns on the
caterpillars the previous fall, and who then talked about this
'discovery' to others.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Sometime after that, caterpillars of
the same pattern were seen again in the locality and the following
winter's weather was observed to be similar as to the year's when the
coincidence was first noticed. Following the repeat event, locals
probably became convinced that the caterpillar was a winter weather
forecaster and word of this 'discovery' spread from its origin. In
the time before science became accessible to the masses, it's no
wonder that this belief became deeply rooted in the culture of the
early colonies. <br />
<br />
Over time, people passed down this folk
belief to succeeding generations, who took it with them as they moved
West of the Appalachians. This is how things would stay for 300 or so
years.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><u><b>Science Gets Involved</b></u></span><br />
It was in 1948 that Dr.
Howard C. Curran, an entomologist and curator of insects at the
American Museum of Natural History heard about this folklore and
decided to put it up to scientific scrutiny. That fall, Curran headed
to Bear Mountain in New York in order to observe the caterpillars'
orange bands. The finding: over half of the caterpillars he measured
had wider than average (he studied insects for a living, so he should
know) orange bands. According to folklore, this meant a milder than
average winter. As history would have it, the winter of 1948-49 was
mild for the region. The story was later picked up by the New York
<i>Herald Tribune</i><i><span style="font-style: normal;"> and the
Woollybear and its associated folklore was made famous</span></i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
As an afterward, Curran was apparently intrigued by his finding to
the point that he spent the better part of a decade repeating his
caterpillar study. Result: no definitive conclusion, but the folklore
was quickly becoming entrenched with a wider audience thanks to the
<i>Tribune's </i>original story.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><u><b>So How Do You Read a
Woollybear?</b></u></span><br />
If you haven't already noticed, the
prognosticating 'powers' of the Woollybear are all in its orange
stripe's width. In the most general terms, a wide stripe means a mild
winter while a narrow one foretells a severe one. <br />
<br />
Not content
with this general forecast, some people have gone even further in
specifics by playing a caterpillar numbers game. Coincidentally, the
Woollybear has 13 body segments, which coincides with the 13 weeks of
winter (at least according how the self-constructed calendar we
developed arbitrarily divides the year). That aside, this expanded
lore goes as follows. Each segment of the caterpillar's body,
starting at its head, marks a week of winter. Like with its more
generalist forerunner, orange body segments represent mild weather
and black ones cold weather. According to this belief, one can now
forecast the winter weather down to the week. In brief, the location
of the caterpillar's orange band represents when the warm weather
will occur and the number of segments that are orange will tell how
long it will last.<br />
<br />
Last but not least, there are two other
ways to predict the weather via Woollybear that have nothing to do
with stripes. According to one belief, the bushier the caterpillar,
the harsher the upcoming winter. The final folklore states that the
caterpillar's direction of travel forecasts the winter, with a
North-bound caterpillar signifying a mild winter and a South-bound
caterpillar meaning that the insect is fleeing to a warmer region to
avoid a harsh winter.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And What do They Turn Into,
Anyway?</b></span></u><br />
While many people in the American Northeast and into
the Midwest have heard of the Woollybear, very few of these people
know what it turns into. Short answer: an Isabella Tiger Moth.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHfwHxYMJsOKQSpJ43C53qk6vk_XVGgqUfHaTlOiU_buHoIvoN13ejBlUEh5LHe5xRBBlqemucCO6SCGLCnesN51TzYsLLAKc_SY0KhXi9p5OwiAyT1HgLY8HddKbRaXhpO9qFXkcsXg9/s1600/Isabella+Tiger+Moth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="494" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHfwHxYMJsOKQSpJ43C53qk6vk_XVGgqUfHaTlOiU_buHoIvoN13ejBlUEh5LHe5xRBBlqemucCO6SCGLCnesN51TzYsLLAKc_SY0KhXi9p5OwiAyT1HgLY8HddKbRaXhpO9qFXkcsXg9/s320/Isabella+Tiger+Moth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Science Says?</b></span></u><br />
And what of science? Well, as Dr.
Curran found out first hand, there's no real correlation between
Woollybears' stripes and the upcoming winter weather. If one wants to get really technical, this is a prime example of the fallacy<i> post hoc ergo propter hoc</i>, translated to English, "after this, therefore because of this" or, in layman's terms, a false causal reasoning wherein one connects two events that have nothing to do with each other. <br />
<br />
On the other
hand, there is now a very certain correlation between Woollybear
folklore and fun, whether it be the famous annual <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woollybear_Festival">Woollybear Festival in Vermilion, Ohio</a>, a way to introduce kids to and
get them out in nature, or as a way to <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2011/05/macro-photography-how-do-i-do-that.html">hone one's macro photography skills</a>.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6lsIxpyMj8FtN9ikyPrFQ9TgDxtZrGvxMe64G3QCk2XsZ-vuHriiH_pzEzY6VxusMYthsOf143ReSHfkauyfCsKO4GsHVHKqmoxbRUHp3LgcvR8oq32uqvC8FgVtI23Wgu4lRU-f8GS4/s1600/good+2s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1064" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz6lsIxpyMj8FtN9ikyPrFQ9TgDxtZrGvxMe64G3QCk2XsZ-vuHriiH_pzEzY6VxusMYthsOf143ReSHfkauyfCsKO4GsHVHKqmoxbRUHp3LgcvR8oq32uqvC8FgVtI23Wgu4lRU-f8GS4/s320/good+2s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwJvP_cV2LCdrA_NXgoDUFyk6Vrv3N1U8qhplZAEzcgZo7Hh-aMeT91HC-cpQ5kR38ZETP9e3Td36Ie_BIbpsr_Xht5eMvBuHt5dkTZ8Qg2wSLtTHy6ulV8YZiC0VZidT4sFDn87SiQgZ/s1600/good+3s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1064" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCwJvP_cV2LCdrA_NXgoDUFyk6Vrv3N1U8qhplZAEzcgZo7Hh-aMeT91HC-cpQ5kR38ZETP9e3Td36Ie_BIbpsr_Xht5eMvBuHt5dkTZ8Qg2wSLtTHy6ulV8YZiC0VZidT4sFDn87SiQgZ/s320/good+3s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXidOua10Q8SYOLkebotPHi44GC_f3-2Gt_M7T1Z64ZHuXde1AivdrDMd16Wa5qqszAfMZj3sm_4Ea_7GCyvJDRbn-ptZEd8_ICkhR8XH1y1k24ThssKdKbRfNkUmxB1OyM-vrGcPtnYOC/s1600/good+4s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1064" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXidOua10Q8SYOLkebotPHi44GC_f3-2Gt_M7T1Z64ZHuXde1AivdrDMd16Wa5qqszAfMZj3sm_4Ea_7GCyvJDRbn-ptZEd8_ICkhR8XH1y1k24ThssKdKbRfNkUmxB1OyM-vrGcPtnYOC/s320/good+4s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8rp6j7gbUeSVFOzntOLJU8d-P5M1yvOqPWlrMicojUOpayhLkeu6DesPCnJslwdRK-6hQJ-m40MNv4_VulBJHros4NAiU20yGgQpMVro4YGzeDcx3DJPGrE8Zq7AliNBu3Xf_XDZFO0g/s1600/good+s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1064" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8rp6j7gbUeSVFOzntOLJU8d-P5M1yvOqPWlrMicojUOpayhLkeu6DesPCnJslwdRK-6hQJ-m40MNv4_VulBJHros4NAiU20yGgQpMVro4YGzeDcx3DJPGrE8Zq7AliNBu3Xf_XDZFO0g/s320/good+s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Above photos taken with a Nikon D700
coupled with a<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2014/06/in-depth-review-200-f4-ai-micro-nikkor.html"> 200f4 AI Micro Nikkor</a> and 2x teleconverter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Like What You Just Read?</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Why not check out other great stuff
about <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/photography_28.html">photography</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">astronomy</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">associated
gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
to use it</a>.<br /><br />Think someone else would find this informative
(or at least entertaining)? Use the buttons below to share! </div>
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-10508602897677696792019-10-21T09:08:00.000-04:002019-11-29T10:47:59.647-05:00A Complete List of Weather Resistant Sigma Lenses <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGu6k5Ah17Jj_tcAWEOQgdo8IxgQQfSYFdmXcDtaeYRyTSaFRmpmOEjmTRu0BHgT3rRJcdc4JDU15gO2bmuwM_evg4xqpNrGJtCf0BH2ClbcfEmuyCBSMpmSCpW-liNG-r_1rOLjnYc0w/s1600/complete+list+of+weather+resistant+Sigma+lenses.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="List of weather sealed lenses Sigma markets as splash and dust proof" border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="353" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGu6k5Ah17Jj_tcAWEOQgdo8IxgQQfSYFdmXcDtaeYRyTSaFRmpmOEjmTRu0BHgT3rRJcdc4JDU15gO2bmuwM_evg4xqpNrGJtCf0BH2ClbcfEmuyCBSMpmSCpW-liNG-r_1rOLjnYc0w/s320/complete+list+of+weather+resistant+Sigma+lenses.png" title="List of weather resistant Sigma lenses" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sigma markets its weather sealed lenses as "dust and splash proof."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
Being someone
who values both high quality and saving money, I was looking for a list of weather sealed
Sigma lenses. Unfortunately, I haven't succeeded
in finding a concise list of such lenses anywhere. So, seeing a
solution rather than a problem, I decided to compile one myself. So,
if you're in the same boat I was in, here you go: a concise list of
weather resistant Sigma lenses, which can not only stand up to the
harshest environments, but can also save the buyer a lot of money
over manufacturer optics. Know someone else you think would find this
useful? Why not pass it on?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
Companies are
quick to tout cameras for weather-resistance. Unfortunately, what
most beginning dSLR users don't know is this: there might as well be
no weather sealing in the camera if it doesn't have a weather-sealed
lens to go with it. Why is this? Simple: the lens/camera connection
is the best avenue for unwanted junk, whether it be moisture, dust,
or something else, to get into your camera. With a lens that has a
rubber gasket at the mount, this problem is eliminated. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
In terms of
lenses, weather-sealing is one of the newer innovations for the
simple reason that film cameras were nowhere near a susceptible to
the elements as are today's “superior” digital versions. So, to
keep their pros happy, camera makers started building additional rubber gaskets
into their lenses at their most vulnerable points. Below is a
complete list of Sigma lenses that are marketed as 'dust and splash proof.'
<br />
<br />
Hopefully, Sigma will have more on the way!<br />
<br />
<br />
14 f1.8 DG HSM Art<br />
16 f1.4 DC DN Contemporary<br />
28 f1.4
DG HSM Art<br />
35 f1.2 DG DN HSM Art<br />
40 f1.4 DG HSM Art<br />
56 f1.4
DG DN Contemporary<br />
105 f1.4 DG HSM Art<br />
135 f1.8 DG HSM Art
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
500 f4 DG OS HSM
Sport<br />
<br />
<br />
14-24 f2.8 DG HSM Art<br />
14-24 f2.8 DG DN Art<br />
24-70
f2.8 DG OS HSM Art<br />
60-600 f4.5-6.3 DG OS Sport<br />
70-200 f2.8 DG
OS HSM Sport<br />
120-300 f2.8 DG OS HSM Sport<br />
150-600 f5-6.3 DG OS
HSM Sport<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>A fan of Sigma Products? Well, check out the following reviews!</b></u></span><br />
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2014/10/in-depth-review-sigma-24-104-f4-dg-os.html">Sigma 24-105 f4 DG OS HSM Art</a><br />
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2013/07/in-depth-review-sigma-35-f14-dg-hsm-art.html">Sigma 35 f1.4 DG HSM Art</a><br />
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2011/02/in-depth-review-sigma-100-300-f4-hsm-dg.html">Sigma 100-300 f4 DG HSM Apo</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Don't own one of these lenses yet?</b></u></span> <br />Well, no worry, here's how to <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/11/how-to-avoid-getting-caught-with-dirty.html">avoid getting caught with dirty pictures</a>!<br /><br /><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Want to Stay Name Brand?</b></u></span><br />Check out a <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2016/02/updated-for-2016-complete-list-of.html">complete list of weather-resistant Nikkors</a>, too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Like What You Just Read?</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Why not check out other great stuff
about <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/photography_28.html">photography</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/astronomy_28.html">astronomy</a>,
<a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/reviews.html">associated
gear</a>, and <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html">how
to use it</a>.<br />
<br />
Think someone else would find this informative
(or at least entertaining)? <br />
<br />
Use the buttons below to share!
</div>
</div>
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-67413209407944991522019-09-18T15:59:00.001-04:002019-10-30T16:03:39.636-04:00A Complete List of Astronomy and Space Themed Cars<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8UMRGcbBwlUiE1z-ATC65WqgN-ySWb2mEf8u9B1iVH2fRRa7hWJhEV6ZCRxADz4NnT8k-0017nBxLLQh_7PpyInkqKuqP7nPs16O6knCn9AoTdV3KzA5Fgh9jI6McVrg7WMjGvtrZszv/s1600/astronomy+themed+cars+ford+galaxie+space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="List of cars named after things in astronomy and space" border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="912" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8UMRGcbBwlUiE1z-ATC65WqgN-ySWb2mEf8u9B1iVH2fRRa7hWJhEV6ZCRxADz4NnT8k-0017nBxLLQh_7PpyInkqKuqP7nPs16O6knCn9AoTdV3KzA5Fgh9jI6McVrg7WMjGvtrZszv/s320/astronomy+themed+cars+ford+galaxie+space.jpg" title="List of astronomy and space themed cars" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">For
Americans, the car is a part of culture itself in that, more so than
any other personal possession, the car has truly shaped how we live,
work, and play.<br /><br />In a way, 20<sup>th</sup> century America can
be broken down into BF/AF, as in Before/After Ford. While the
assembly line and standardized parts concepts had been around for
decades, Henry Ford was the first automaker in the world to apply it
to the production of cars. Before Ford, cars were expensive,
hand-built playthings of the rich. After Ford, the car was a
mass-produced commodity that, with some saving, could be afforded by
most Americans. Seeing what Ford was doing, the other major American
automakers were quick to copy and car sales skyrocketed.<br /><br />Before
the car, there were essentially two ways of life for Americans:
farming in the country or factory work in crowded, often filthy
cities. The pace of life was dictated by the speed and stamina of
your horse or your own two feet. It was during the 1920s and the
economic boom that made this decade 'the Roaring 20s' that the
American landscape began to change. People with modest money bought
cars and many moved to the outskirts of the big cities, giving birth
to suburbia, which was a blend of city/country life that made many
people happy. Clean and with enough room to roam and no hard work of
the farm but close enough to city markets to supply one's needs and
wants. What made this all possible? The car.<br /><br />Following WWII,
the growth of suburbia took off as Americans reveled in previously
unimagined prosperity as we literally rebuilt the world following
WWII and reaped the benefits in the form of plentiful, good-paying
jobs. Life without a car for suburbanites? Impossible! <br /><br />At the
same time, America began to go space-crazy. The German V2 rockets of
WWII were the first ballistic missiles and, for a short time, they
entered space. Scientists knew that, with bigger rockets, it would be
possible to launch payloads into orbit. Military planners on both
sides of the Cold War saw space as a key battleground in that whoever
controlled space first was at a decided advantage should war come.
Space became all the rage going into the late 1950s and especially
into the 1960s as President Kennedy famously declared that Americans
would go to the Moon and safely return to Earth by decade's end.
Space became a pop cultural phenomenon, appearing prominently in
movies, TV, music, radio, books, art and design, toys, and last but
not least, cars. It is no coincidence that most of the cars detailed
below were initially launched in the heat of the Space Race. </span></span>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">So
here we go, a complete (as I can think of) list of all the
astromomy/space-themed American cars.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Buick</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Apollo
(1973-76)</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">When
the American demand for fuel to fulfill its thirst for its large,
powerful vehicles ran head-onto into the energy shortages of the
early 1970s, manufacturers were sent scrambling to quickly come up
with smaller, more fuel efficient cars. Named after the Greek sky god
and lunar missions that landed on the Moon, the Apollo was Buick's
first effort in the compact market. The modest 250ci I6 engine
certainly was fuel efficient and came paired with either a 3-speed
automatic or manual transmission. For those still wanting some get up
and go under the hood, the Apollo offered a 350ci V8 as an option.
The car could be had as a 2 door coupe, 2 door hatchback, or 4 door
sedan. The Apollo was rebadged as the Skylark for 1976 and is largely
forgotten today</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chevrolet</b></span><br /><b>Vega
(1970-77)</b></span><br />Even before the energy crisis hit in the early 70s,
there was a market for subcompact cars in the United States as
evidenced by the success of the Volkswagen Beetle. Wanting to cash
in on this market and improve on its disastrous Corvair, General
Motors launched a program in the mid 60s to design a conventional
subcompact (front engine, rear wheel drive) that would compete head
on with the popular German import. The Vega beat out proposals by
Pontiac and others within Chevrolet that focused on low weight and
high fuel economy. The Vega was green-lighted in 1968 and, upon
release in 1970, was much lauded, even winning Motor Trend's coveted
Car of the Year Award in 1971.<br /><br />That was about as good as it
got.<br /><br />Despite its initial good impressions, the Vega soon
became known as a lemon. The car quickly gained a reputation for bad
engineering, tendency to rust, poor safety, and reliability. The
engine was especially troublesome. Poorly designed, oil would often
seep into the combustion chambers, producing clouds of blue smoke. A
popular joke of the period stated that the only time that you would
see a Vega going down the road not blowing smoke was when it was on
the back of a wrecker. Throughout its run, the car's reputation was
tarnished by several recalls and it became an embarrassment for
General Motors. Fortunately for GM, the Vega's competition was
another quickly cobbled together 70s beauty: the Ford Pinto. Probably
for that reason alone, the Vega soldiered and smoked on through the
1977 model year.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Today,
the car is remembered not for its breaking new ground, but its
practical problems.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Facts
and Figures</b></span><br />*Styles: 2 door notchback, 2 door hatchback, 2
door station wagon, 2 door sedan delivery</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*Engine:
122ci I4, 140 ci I4</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*Transmission:
3, 4, and 5 speed manual, 2 and 3 speed auto</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*Dimensions:
169” l, 65” w, 51” h</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*Weight:
2181-2270 lbs</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*Production:
2,006,661</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Nova
(1962-79, 85-88)</span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />A
far brighter chapter in Chevy's astro car efforts was the Nova. Like
the Vega, the Nova was born of of a desire to capture the compact
market. Unlike the Vega, though, the Nova was born out of a troubled
economy. The United States slipped into a recession in the late 50s
and the huge gas guzzlers of that era lost appeal as car buyers
looked to economize on fuel. Ford launched its compact Falcon in
1960. Chevy countered with its quirky Corvair, which copied the rear
engine design of the just beginning to be noticed in America Beetle.
Result: the Falcon soared while the Corvair gained a reputation of
being both poorly built and dangerous, taking up a large part of
Ralph Nader's </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Unsafe
At Any Speed</span></span></i></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
Sensing their mistake, Chevy quickly </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">launched
a program to design a conventional compact (front engine, rear wheel
drive) that would compete head on with the popular Ford Falcon.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">First
Generation (1962-65)</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
Nova name first appeared as the top trim </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">package
on the compact Chevy II. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">In
the naming phase, 'Nova' was one of the </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">finalists
but lost to Chevy II because the manufacturer wanted a name that
started with a 'C.' </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">All
cars in the first 2 years stayed true to the desire for economy,
coming equipped with either </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">I4
or I6 engines, with the 283ci V8 first arriving for 1964 as a
performance option at the dawn of the muscle car era. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1965
saw a mild sheet metal redesign and the </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">327ci
V8, capable of producing 300hp. Even with a new emphasis on
performance, s</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">ales
still trailed the Falcon dramatically.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Second
Generation (1966-67)</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Going
into its second incarnation that saw a much more substantial restyle
that that of 1964 vs. 1965, 'Nova' was still a trim package on the
Chevy II. For 1966, the emphasis came increasingly on performance as
the 327 V8 was even more highly </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">tuned,
with power now rated at 350hp. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">At
the same time, the I4 was now only offered </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">on
the base Chevy II. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1967
saw only minor tweaks and new </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">government-mandated
safety features but t</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">he
new, mid-size, openly performance-focused Camaro cannibalized Nova
sales. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Third
Generation (1968-74)</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />1968
saw another dramatic restyle and an accompanying increase in </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">size,
with the Nova now nearly equaling the mid-size Chevelle. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">For
1969, 'Chevy II' was dropped and </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">the
Nova finally became a model in its own right. If one counts the
'Nova' years of the Chevy II, the Nova was the longest continually
produced astro themed car on this list. In addition to becoming a
nameplate in its own right, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1969
saw the addition of the 396ci V8, rated at 375hp, to the engine
lineup. 1970-71 saw little changes and the I4 was dropped as the new
economy car slot was now occupied by the Vega. 1972 saw the engine
detuned because of </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">government
pollution regulations, which effectively ended the reign of the
muscle car. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1974
featured a short-lived seat belt interlock feature that would not
allow the car to start unless the belt was buckled. The public loudly
complained and the feature was quickly dropped. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Fourth
Generation (1975-79)</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />1975
brought a major redesign, downsize, and a return of the </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">I4
engine as the energy crisis persisted and as the Vega had quickly
acquired the reputation of being a lemon. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
LN (Luxury Nova) package was introduced for </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1975
and was designed to rival European luxury compacts as American
manufacturers, struggling to meet emission and fuel economy
standards, looked for a new niche in which to market their products.
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
biggest engine offered was a 350ci V8, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">detuned
to a paltry 165hp, less than half of what it was just a few years
before. There were few changes from year to year with the Nova, but
the same could not be said for other GM products. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">With
the GM downsizing of 1977-8, the 'compact' </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Nova
was now essentially midsize. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Chevy
canned the Nova after 1979 as the newly </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">downsized,
more modern-looking Malibu far outsold it</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Fifth
Generation (1985-88)</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />An
unusual (and best forgotten) chapter in Chevrolet's history was a
brief resurrection of the Nova for the 1985-88 model years. Designed</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
as a </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">subcompact
joint venture between GM and Toyota, t</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">he
resurrected Nova was essentially a badge-engineered </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Toyota
Corolla. Unlike its predecessors, t</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">he
car was now front wheel drive. Changes during the years were minor
and the cars were only offered with I4 engines that topped out at
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">110hp.
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Chevy
mercifully dropped the now-sullied Nova name for 1989 and </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">essentially
rebranded it as the Geo Prizim.<br /><br />Sometimes memories of glories
past should be left at just that.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Facts
and figures</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />*
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Styles:
2 and 4 door sedan, 2 door hardtop, 2 </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">door
convertible, 3 and 5 door hatchback, 4 door wagon</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Engines: 97-153ci I4, 194-250ci I6, 283-402ci V8s. Top performer: 402
ci V8 at 375hp</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Transmissions: 2, 3, and 4 speed automatics, 3, 4, and 5 speed
manuals</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Production: peaked in 1974 at 390,517</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Equinox
(2005-present)</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />A
current Chevy offering i</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">ntroduced
in 2005 as a midsize SUV, the Equinox came about as the domestic
vehicle market was undergoing a change as customers became
increasingly interested in 4-door trucks, SUVs, and crossovers
instead of cars. The equinox came with front wheel drive as standard
with all wheel </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">drive
optional. Unlike </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">the
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Trailblazer
or Tahoe, the Equinox was lightly built and n</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">ot
designed for off-roading. With the return </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">of
the Blazer for 2018, the Equinox was downsized to a compact SUV.
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Engines
are I4 (some turbocharged) or V6 and all transmissions are
automatic.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Dodge</span></b></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Aries
(1981-89)</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Unlike
ford and GM, which reacted swiftly to the energy shortages of the
1970s, Chrysler was financially-strapped at the time and, as a
result, was nowhere near as nimble. Narrowly avoiding bankruptcy,
Chrysler was late to the game with adapting to the changing times.
The Aries (with the Plymouth Reliant) replaced </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">the
Plymouth Volare and Dodge Aspen. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Chrysler
marketed both as being the smallest </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">American
cars with a 6 passenger capacity. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Initial
sales were brisk, but soon thereafter </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">slowed
to around 100,000 cars/year through the remainder of the production
run, which concluded after the 1989 model year.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Facts
and Figures</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />*
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Styles:
4 door sedan, 4 door wagon, 2 door </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">coupe</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Engine: 135 ci I4, 158 ci I4</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Transmission: 4 and 5 speed manual, 3 speed auto</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Dimensions: 178” l, 68” w, 52” h</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Weight: 2300 lbs</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Production: 978,460</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Ford</span></b></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Skyliner
(1957-59)</span></b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />While
largely unknown to the general public today, the Ford Skyliner is
perhaps the coolest car ever produced for one reason alone: it was a
hardtop convertible. Despite being branded as the Fairlane Skyliner
for 1957-8 </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
the Galaxie Skyliner for 1959, the cars were essentially the same.
All cars vame with V8s ranging from 272-352ci. Transmission choices
were all 3-speed with one automatics and two manuals, one of which
sported another innovative feature: an overdrive gear. Despite being
v</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">ery
showy and innovative, sales were disappointing at just </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">48,394
cars over 3 years, with 1957 marking the peak in production at over
20,000 cars sold. By the end of the production run just two years
later, not even 13,000 Skyliners found buyers. High cost (for a Ford)
and limited storage space in the trunk with top down (thanks to the
fact that metal can't fold like canvas) undoubtedly contributed to
the lack of popularity at the time. Showing that greatness is not
always appreciated in its own time, the Skyliner is h</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">ighly
collectible today.<br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Galaxie
(1959-74)</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Ford's
full-size offering during its entire production run, the Ford Galaxie
is the longest continually produced astro-themed nameplate in its own
right (discounting the 'Nova' badge years of the Chevy II) on this
list. It is also perhaps the most variable in options as a Galaxie
could be had as anything from a stereotypical grandparents' car to a
raceway terror and anything in between. The first generation of the
Galaxie (1959) is effectively summarized under the Skyliner above.
Technically, the Skyliner was a Galaxie trim package as standard
Galaxies followed more conventional designs (fixed metal top or soft
top convertible). </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Second
Generation (1960-64)</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />The
Galaxie (and Ford's entire lineup) got a dramatic facelift for 1960.
Sheet metal was greatly simplified compared with the 1959 and gone
was the wrap-around windshield, common on American cars from the mid
to late 1950s. For its first two years (1960 and '61), the Galaxie
had two more sky/star-themed trim packages: the Starliner, a fastback
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">hardtop
(no central pillar) equipped with the new 390 ci V8, rated at 401 hp.
Convertibles known as 'Galaxie Sunliners.' </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1962
saw the “500” (for the big NASCAR races) </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">added
to the name to emphasize performance, which was now what Ford was
promoting. 1962 also saw Ford break the 400ci barrier with its new
406 V8, which added a few ponies to the 401 of the 390ci V8 already
in use. The 406 came partnered with a 4-speed manual transmission.
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Mid
year 1963 (branded 1963 ½-an industry first designation of a model
as a half year) saw the </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">fastback
return and the introduction of the 427 ci V8 (essentially a more
deeply bored 406) rated at 425 hp straight off the sales floor.
Under the sheet metal, which now featured </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">deeply
sculpted sides and grille, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">the
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1964
offerings were mechanically equal in every way.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Third
Generation (1965-68)</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />1965
saw a redesign in both body and chassis. The Galaxie now got stacked
quad headlights and slab sides. Underneath, the suspension was
updated with coil springs replacing the rear leaf springs. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Top-tier,
especially plush models were called the Galaxie LTD. As for engines
and transmissions, offerings remained largely the same, with the 427
retaining flagship position. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1966
saw the Galaxie and 'LTD' become </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">separate
models and Ford introduced its new 428 ci V8 that was only rated at
345hp, 80 less than its predecessor, the 427. The reason: cost. The
large bore of the 427 made it expensive to produce as the slightest
shift during casting could make the entire block unusable. The high
compression of the 427 (11.6:1) also required thicker castings. While
the 428 was not as potent as the 427, the emphasis on performance was
shifting to mid-size models, which meant that the 428 didn't need to
move as much weight as the 427s, which had to propel full-size cars
at the same blazing fast speeds. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1967
and 1968 saw only minor changes, often </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">dictated
by new government safety standards. The biggest changes in this time
span was the more rounded look that arrived for 1967 and</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
when the Galaxie switched back to more conventional horizontally
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">mounted
headlights in 1968, which had not been seen since 1964.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Fourth Generation (1969-74)</span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1969
saw yet another new platform, with the Galaxie adding a few inches to
its wheelbase. Also arriving in 1969 was the new </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">429
ci V8, rated at 360 hp, and government mandated headrests for the
front seats. Sheet metal remained similar in look to the 1968 model.
Another vestige of the muscle Galaxie was dropped i</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">n
1970, when the 4 speed manual transmission </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">previously
offered (but by no means standard, anymore) with the 429 was dropped.
1970 also saw the ignition move from the dash to the steering column.
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1971
saw new sheet metal and a new grille featuring a prominent center
section reminiscent of many contemporary Pontiacs. Underneath, the
cars remained unchanged. 1971 would also mark the end of the big
horsepower as new government regulations over emissions and fuel
standards were forced upon Ford and all of Detroit. 1971 was also the
final year Ford offered its 3-speed manual transmission with a column
shift (three on the tree) with its V8 engines. Restricted to the I6
engines for 1972, the three on the tree tranny would be dropped
altogether for 1973. 1973-74 Galaxies were essentially unchanged </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
the name was dropped for 1975, with Ford consolidating its full-size
models under the LTD nameplate. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Facts
and Figures</span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />*
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Styles:
2 and 4 door sedans, 2 and 4 door </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">hardtops,
2 door convertible, 2 door convertible</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Engine: 223-300ci I6s, V8s ranging from 272-429ci, the 427 with dual
4 barrel carburetors was the most powerful at 425hp </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Transmission: 2 and 3 speed auto, 3 and 4 speed manual</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Production: 6,543,138 with a peak of 648,010 in 1963, that's </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">over
40,000 more than the Mustang's peak year</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Galaxies
in NASCAR</span></span></span></span></b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Many
NASCAR teams ran Galaxies through the </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1966
season (the era of the biggest cars getting the biggest engines) when
Ford switched to the smaller, lighter Fairlane going into 1967.
Highlights include:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
1961 and 65 championships with Ned Jarrett</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
1963, 65 Daytona 500</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
1961-63, 65 Southern 500s</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
1961, 62, 65 World 600s</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
In 1963, Fred Lorenzen is first to top $100,000 in season earnings</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
Yellow Banana Galaxie</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />In
astronomy, galaxies are commonly known by illustrative names that
describe their appearance, such as the Sombrero, Whirlpool, Pinwheel,
etc. In 1966, the racing world would be graced, albeit once, by a
uniquely nicknamed Ford Galaxie, dubbed 'the Yellow Banana' by a
local sports reporter. <br /><br />The Yellow Banana Galaxie of 1966 has
its roots in 1964, which is when Chrysler launched its potent 426ci
Hemi V8 and went on to dominate at the big tracks (and thus the most
prestigious races). </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Ford
had no answer and was clobbered by Chrysler products for the 1964
NASCAR season. Going into 1965 and citing driver safety (4 drivers
died in 1964), </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">specifically
tire failure at high speed, Ford lobbyists convinced NASCAR to ban
the Hemi. Result: </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Chrysler
teams boycotted for 1965 and race </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">attendance
plummeted as many star drivers (most notably Richard Petty and David
Pearson) were absent from the fields. Race attendance and revenues
tumbling, NASCAR let the Hemi return late in the 1965 season.<br /><br />Ford
again wasn't happy and this time, they designed a tricked out version
of the 427 that featured a single overhead cam (SOHC) and
hemispherical cylinder heads-essentially copying the Chrysler Hemi
(stands for hemispherical) design. Additionally, the new engine
featured an idler (rather than a cam) shaft in the block, dual point
ignition, and oversize valves. With a single 4 barrel carburetor, the
engine was rated at 616hp. A pair of 4 barrels? A screaming 657hp.
Ford sold the engine via the parts department and the racing world
braced itself for a Ford SOHC vs. Chrysler Hemi war in 1966.
<br /><br />However, that wasn't to be. Chrysler protested, probably due
to the fact that, while Ford produced enough engines to qualify for
competition, they weren't in any cars that hit the sales floor for
purchase by the general public. Result: Ford's 427 SOHC became the
only 'production' engine ever banned by NASCAR and, as a result, the
factory Ford teams sat out the 1966 season as Chrysler had done the
year before. Seeing the writing on the wall for more lost attendance
and desperate to get Ford back into the sport to prevent another
financially bleak year, NASCAR became very selective in its
enforcement of rules governing the 'stockness' of its stock cars,
which led to the Yellow Banana.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />For
the 1966 Dixie 400 at Atlanta, Junior </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Johnson,
now retired as a driver, built Fred Lorenzen a decidedly non-stock
Galaxie that featured a</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
front end that was sloped down (and barely avoided scraping the
pavement) for </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">aerodynamics
and a back end that was swept up at a decidedly non-stock angle for
maximum rear downforce, and thus better handling in the turns. On top
of that, t</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">he
roof was chopped and slanted so much </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">that
Lorenzen had to be picked up and lowered into the car through where
the rear window would have been. The only thing more audacious than
the fact that a team showed up to a 'stock' car race with a car this
obviously non-stock was the fact that </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">NASCAR
let it race! If that weren't enough, Smokey Yunick, already
long-known for, in his own words, 'creative engineering,' showed up
with a one of its kind Chevelle for the same race. While it looked
perfectly normal in shape, Yunick's Chevelle was built to 7/8</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><sup><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">th</span></span></span></span></sup></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
scale of the production version. On top of that, it had an oversized
engine, yet NASCAR allowed it to race, too.<br /><br />As for the Yellow
Banana, Lorenzen blew a tire while leading and wrecked it, which
means that there are virtually no good photos of the actual car. The
car seen here is actually a picture of a model taken from Lorenzen's
website, which, apparently approved by Lorenzen himself, is probably
as good a visual of the 'Yellow Banana' as we will ever see.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Taurus
(1986-2007, 2010-19)</span></b></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />The
1970s and the s tart of the 80s weren't exactly banner years for the
American auto industry. Continually burdened with ever more
regulations in regards to emissions and fuel economy, automakers were
devoting all their engineering abilities to meet these new government
mandates. Result: style and performance suffered and, by the middle
80s, many cars still looked similar to (albeit downsized) their 70s
counterparts. However, the tide was starting to turn and automakers,
now getting their hands around the government's killjoy rules, could
finally start looking toward styling again. Ford was no exception, as
the mid-size LTD II was looking quite dated compared to the
competition. That all changed in 1986 when Ford introduced the
futuristic-looking Taurus. The Taurus w</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">as
Ford's first front wheel drive car (last of the “Big Three” to
launch one) and was designed to compete directly with more modern
</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Japanese
imports, which were really eating Detroit's lunch when it came to
customers looking for economy models. </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
car was a hit as over 200,000 were sold the </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">first
year. By 1991 and the end of the first generation, over 2,000,000
were sold and the car single handedly </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">pushed
Ford to #1 car maker status (though they had held this position with
trucks since the mid 70s). </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Taking
the cue to not fix what wasn't broken, the 1992-95 Taurus received
new sheetmetal </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">but
the car retained the basic look, albeit more smoothed over for better
aerodynamics. </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1996
saw the car's first (and really only) major redesign and mixed
reaction from the public. Still, the car sold well but 1996 </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
also marked the final year for the Taurus as America's top-selling
car. The manual transmission was also dropped for 1996. </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">In
1998, the Taurus replaced the Thunderbird </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">as
Ford's NASCAR model and would remain so for the better part of a
decade, winning the national championship in 1999 (Dale Jarrett),
2003 (Matt Kenseth), and 2004 (Kurt Busch) along with dozens of
races.</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
2000-2007 generation was a mild update of the previous generation and
eliminated the </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">controversial
emphasis on ovals (especially in regards to the rear window) that
characterized the 1996-99 generation. Overall, though, the car
retained the basic look and continued to sell well to the tune of
roughly 250,000 per year at worst through 2004. Unfortunately for the
Taurus, the market started to change come the mid 2000s as consumers
became increasingly interested in 4-door trucks, SUVs, and crossovers
to the detriment of the traditional car. By 2006, citing plummeting
sales (most USA sales were restricted to fleets by now), Ford canned
the Taurus to much public outcry.<br /><br />Result of the fuss: Ford
resurrected the Taurus as a full-size model in 2008 and positioned it
as a successor to the Crown Victoria, itself on an already-mapped
road to cancellation thanks to, you guessed it, more government fuel
economy standards. This new Taurus, like the old, initially came as
front wheel drive (in contrast to the rear drive of the Crown
Victoria) but was later offered with an 4 wheel drive option.
Unfortunately, concurrent with the new Taurus, Dodge launched its
707hp V8 Hellcat engine and dropped it into the new 4-door Charger.
In comparison, the Taurus' 365hp turbocharged V6 looked more than
tame and the car never had a chance with a resurgence of power-hungry
customers. In fact, the new Taurus never really took off at all,
period. In its best year (2013), a paltry 69,063 found buyers, which
was not even 1,000 better than the old mid-size version's worst (and
last) year. Adding insult to injury, the old Taurus' last year of
2007 was not even a full year's production. In spring, 2018, Ford
killed the new Taurus (in the USA), too, citing increasing demand for
trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. As of now, sales continue overseas.
</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /><span style="color: red;">Facts
and Figures</span></span></b></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />*
</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Styles:
Four door sedan, wagon</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Engines: 152ci I6, 183-231ci V6</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Transmissions: 3, 4, and 6 speed auto, 5 speed manual</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Production: 7,519,919 for the mid-size 1986-2007 (peaked at 463,104
in 1997), 2008-2018 production peaked at 69,063 in 2013 (the worst
year for the old Taurus was 68,178 in 2007)</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Mercury</span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Comet
(1960-69, 1971-77)</span></span></span></b></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Like
its more basic cousin, the Mercury Comet was launched in response to
the recession of the late 1950s, which saw people wanting smaller,
more fuel efficient cars. </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Designed
concurrently with Ford's compact </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Falcon,
the Comet was d</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">eveloped
to be a mid-grade economy car. Like the competing Chevy II/Nova,
starting in the mid 60s, the Comet grew to mid-size and </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">put
increased emphasis on performance only to return to its roots in its
final form. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">First
Generation (1960-63)</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />In
its first year, the Comet (not yet branded as a Mercury) o</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">nly
offered one engine: a 144ci I6 that produced, at best, 90hp.
Transmission choices were a 3-speed column shift manual or a 2-speed
automatic. While the car certainly was fuel efficient, many buyers
complained about lack of power, which resulted in a slightly more
potent 170ci I6. The Comet also got</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
an optional 4-speed manual floor shift transmission in addition to
the 3-speed. 1962 was status quo except for one major detail: the
Comet was finally branded as a Mercury. Still undoubtedly getting
complaints regarding a lack of power, </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1963
saw a the 260ci V8 offered as an option, which necessitated </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">a
redesign of the chassis although everything else remained basically
the same. This first generation of Comet shared much with the Ford
Falcon both in and out. The easiest way to distinguish a Comet from a
Falcon? The Comet had</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
quad </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">headlights
(vs. 2 for the Falcon)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Second
Generation (1964-65)</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />In
</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1964,
the Comet saw a major sheet metal redesign and a much more
squared-off look. However, the Ford Falcon received much the same
treatment and, again, the easiest way to distinguish between models
at a quick glance was by the headlights. Gone for 1964 was the
much-maligned 144ci I6 and new for '64 </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">were
a 200ci I6 and a 289ci V8, widely regarded as Ford's best small block
V8. Also dropped for 1964 were the 2-speed automatic transmission and
the 3-speed column shift, with the only choices now being a 3-speed
auto or a 4-speed manual on the floor. With the performance wars
heating up, 1964 saw</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
Mercury build about 50 lightweight Comets </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">specifically
for drag racing. Somehow, engineers managed to cram Ford's monster
427ci V8 with dual 4 bbl carbs into the compact Comet. 1964 also saw
the performance package Cyclone, eventually to briefly become a model
in its own right, offered for the first time. Aside from some new
side sculpting and a switch to stacked headlights, </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1965
was largely a repeat of 1964 but saw</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
the 170ci I6 and 260ci V8 dropped as engine options. </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">There
were no Comets fitted with 427 V8s in '65<br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Third
Generation (1966-67)</span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />The
Comet moved decidedly away from its roots (and its cousin, the
Falcon) for 1966 as the car moved from compact to midsize </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">and
was now Mercury's counterpart to the Ford Fairlane. In contrast, the
Falcon stayed small. </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Despite
the change in size, the chassis </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">remained
virtually unchanged but the mechanical options were decidedly
limited when compared to the year before. </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">All
Comets shared the 390ci V8 and the only </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">choice
was a 2 or 4 barrel carburetor. </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Buyers
could still choose an auto or manual </span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">transmission.
1967 was largely a repeat of 1966.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;">Fourth
Generation (1968-69)</span><br />For 1968, the Comet was redesigned again
to appear more like the rest of the Mercury lineup instead of a
Fairlane with Mercury badges. Perhaps sensing customer complaints
over lack of engine choice, the engine options were greatly expanded
for 1968 and included a new 250ci I6 as well as the 289, 302, 351,
and 428ci V8s. Ironically, the 390ci V8, the standard (and only)
engine for 1966-67 was dropped from the lineup. The performance
package Comet Cyclone, with its fastback design, made a name for
itself in NASCAR. 1969 was, like as in the previous generation, a
repeat of the previous year with the only exception being the Cyclone
adding Ford's new 429ci V8 as an option. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Interestingly,
1970 saw the 'Comet' dropped and the Comet Cyclone became just the
Cyclone, hence a 1-year gap wherein there was no official
'Comet.'<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Third Generation (1971-77)</span><br />Come 1971,
Mercury decided to relaunch the Comet as a compact counterpart to
Ford's new Maverick, the Falcon having been canceled after the 1970
model year. Like the first generation, there was little to
distinguish t he Mercury from the Ford, and this would remain so for
the entire remainder of the production run. The Comets were
distinguished by grille, headlights, and hood but were otherwise
Mercury-branded Fords. Engine choices now topped at the 302ci V8. The
only other engine offerings were 170 and 200ci I6s. The 4-speed
manual transmission was also gone, with the only choices being a
3-speed auto or manual. The 'Cyclone' was dropped for the 1972 model
year. This final run offered very few year-to-year changes as Mercury
scrapped plans for a extensive redesign for 1975. The aging Comet was
dropped after the 1977 model year in favor of the downsized Zephyr,
which was a clone of the more widely-known Ford Fairmont. <br /><span style="color: red;"><br /><b>Facts
and Figures</b></span><br />* Styles: 2 and 4 door sedan, 2 door hardtop and
convertible, 2 and 4 door wagons</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Engines: 144ci-250ci I6, 260-429ci V8s</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Transmissions: 2 and 3 speed automatics, 3 and 4 speed manuals</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Valuation: Not thought of as a maker of muscle cars, the Comet
Cyclone is surprisingly affordable when compared to Ford's Torino
Talladega and Mustangs and commonly sell for under $20,000 in
“excellent” condition, a true bargain when compared to many
equally-potent contemporaries<br /><span style="color: red;"><b><br />Mercury Meteor (1961-63)</b></span><br />Like
the Comet, the Meteor was initially marketed without the 'Mercury'
nameplate. Meteor was, in fact, a separate brand of cars owned by
Ford's Canada Division. In 1960, Ford USA bought the rights to use
the Meteor name in the States, with the hope of Meteor replacing the
disastrously-received Edsel and maintaining a 4-brand lineup. If
successful, the Ford brand family would have looked like this: Ford,
Meteor, Mercury, and Lincoln at the top. Clearly, the plan didn't
succeed and the Meteor got 'Mercury' branding for 1962</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;">First
Generation (1961)</span><br />In its first year, the Meteor was a
full-sized car replacing the poorly-received Edsel, as envisioned by
Ford's top brass. In appearance, the Meteor very closely resembled
the Mercury Monterey and was only distinguished by trim and lights.
Engines offered included the 223ci I6 as standard with 292, 352, and
390ci V8s as options. Transmissions included a 2 and 3 speed auto and
3 speed manual, which offered an optional overdrive ratio, which was
very rare in its day. Unfortunately, the Meteor was poorly received
in the States, due in large part to the nearly exact,
widely-recognized Monterey nameplate and the popularity of the big
Ford, the very popular Galaxie. <br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Second Generation
(1962-63)</span><br />The Meteor was now, like the Comet, branded as a
'Mercury' for 1962 and downsized to a midsize car to slot in between
the Comet and Monterey. This was a logical move as Mercury had no
mid-size model at the time. Like the Comet, which shared much with
the Falcon, the Meteor shared much with the mid-size Ford Fairlane.
Engines were, along with the car, downsized with a 170ci I6 as
standard equipment with 221 and 260ci V8s as options. Transmission
choices were increased, with buyers being able to choose between 2
and 3 speed autos and 3 and 4 speed manuals. 1963 was unchanged and
this, unfortunately, included disappointing sales and the nameplate
was dropped for 1964 and is largely forgotten
today.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Oldsmobile</span><br />Starfire
(1961-66, 1975-80)</b></span><br />Like the Nova, the 'Starfire' didn't begin
as a model in its own right, originally appearing as a trim package
on another model: the Oldsmobile 98 Series convertibles in 1954-57.
The 'Starfire' name was dropped for 1958 but would return as its own
model for 1961 but now based on the '88' Series. Though, while based
on another model, the Starfire would be decidedly unique and always
had its own unique trim and an especially luxurious interior. In
fact, for much of its run, the Starfire was the most expensive model
in the Oldsmobile lineup. Additionally, the Starfire was the first US
car to feature a floor-mounted automatic transmission and front
bucket seats as standard equipment. Try finding a current car without
this setup today-it won't be easy!<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">First Generation
(1961-66)</span><br />For its 1961 launch as a model in its own right, the
Starfire was only available as a convertible and came equipped with
Oldsmobile's most powerful engine, a 394ci V8, rated at 330hp. From
the start, the Starfire was the most expensive Oldsmobile. Seeking to
broaden its flagship model's appeal, 1962 saw the addition of a 2
door hardtop but 1963 and 64 only got minor changes in the form of
sheet metal and trim tweaks. 1965 saw a major restyle featuring a
much curvier body. With the demand for performance heating up, 1965
saw an upgraded engine: a 425ci V8 offering 375 hp as well as a
4-speed manual transmission as an option. Unfortunately for the
Starfire, 1966 saw the introduction of the radically-designed
Oldsmobile Toronado, which upstaged the Starfire atop the Oldsmobile
lineup. Luxury items previously offered as standard now became
options on the Starfire but standard on the Toronado and the
convertible was dropped for 1966 (how ironic for a model born as
convertible-only). With the new Toronado taking the flagship role
plus the performance market moving to midsize (think the Cutlass
4-4-2) models led Oldsmobile to can the Starfire for 1967.<br /><span style="color: red;"><br />Second
Generation (1975-80)</span><br />Oldsmobile would resurrect the Starfire
nameplate in 1975 but not as its flagship, but rather a base model
that was essentially a subcompact Chevy Monza (similar to the Vega)
wearing Oldsmobile badges. Standard engine was a 231ci Buick V6.
Transmission choices were a 3-speed auto or 4-speed manual. The only
change for 1976 was the addition of a 5-speed manual transmission
featuring an overdrive ratio as the 5<sup>th</sup> gear, no doubt to
boost fuel economy. 1977 saw the Buick V6 dropped as standard
equipment and replaced with a 140ci I4. The Buick V6 became an option
and, come mid year, Chevy's 305ci V8 was added as another option.
1978 saw the 140ci I4 dropped and replaced with Pontiac's “Iron
Duke” 151ci I4. 1979 saw minor sheet metal changes and a switch
from quad rectangular headlights to duals. 1980 was essentially
unchanged and the Starfire was dropped following the model year. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;"><b>Aurora
(1995-2003)</b></span><br />Going into the mid 1990s, Oldsmobile was in a bad
way as sales were not even half of what they had been a decade
before. Management knew that their brand needed a major boost to stay
competitive. Born out of a 1989 concept car, the Aurora was conceived
from the start to be a sports sedan. How desperate was Oldsmobile to
get a fresh start? So much so that the very word 'Oldsmobile' was
nowhere to be found on the car save the radio and engine cover.
Instead, a stylized 'A' adorned the new car.<br /><span style="color: red;"><br />First
Generation (1995-1999)</span><br />Launched in 1995, the Aurora took its
place as Oldsmobile's flagship model (though good luck finding
'Oldsmobile' anywhere on it), displacing the previously top-tier
Toronado coupe and 98 Sedan. Going all-out to blend luxury and
performance, the Aurora featured many luxury items as standard that
were options on similarly-priced cars. These included: dual-zone
climate control, dual front airbags, leather seats, walnut interior
accents that were actually<i> real</i> wood, a six-speaker sound
system, a dual cd/cassette player, and eight-way power front seats.
The Aurora also featured as standard equipment a real-time display of
gas consumption, a rarity in its day. Among the few options were a
power sunroof, a Bose sound system, and heated seats. Transmission
was a 4-speed automatic and the engine was a V8 cranking out 250hp.
The car received widespread praise for its style, power, handling,
and safety. Throughout its run through 1999, the Aurora received
basically only minor tweaks, which was not a bad thing considering
how widely well-regarded it already was. The full-size <br />Aurora would
serve as the styling foundation for new compact and mid-size models.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Curiously,
there were no Auroras for the 2000 model year as Oldsmobile was
banking on a new Buick platform on which to build a 88 Series
successor and then reintroduce the Aurora as an even more luxurious
model for 2001, giving its 88 successor, planned to be called the
Antares, a year in the Sun on its own. Unfortunately, that didn't
come to pass as Buick scrapped its new platform, which forced
Oldsmobile to re brand the planned Antares as the Aurora for a
stop-gap solution to fill its flagship slot.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></b><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Second
Generation (2001-03)</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Slightly
smaller than its predecessor and no longer sporting a unique look,
the new Aurora never got the praise or sales that the first
incarnation did, though it could more than hold its own in its market
segment against the competition. Perhaps the car never got a fair
chance as General Motors announced in late 2000 that it planned to
shut down Oldsmobile altogether in the next few years. Clearly, this
is not something to boost sales of a new generation of car just as it
hits showrooms for the first time. Also, the 2001 Aurora was the
first to offer a V6 as an option, though this would end early into
the 2002 model year, at which point V8s became standard again. Like
its predecessor incarnation, the list of luxury options as standard
was long and added new features, which included: keyless entry,
alarm, the OnStar system, steering wheel-mounted climate and radio
controls, power trunk release, automatic front head and fog lamps,
and side airbags. The few new options included a</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">
memory for radio presets and a voice-activated, CD-ROM based
navigation system. Production for 2001 was over 50,000 but fell to
just over 10,000 for 2002 and barely scraped above 7,000 for 2003,
which was to prove the final year for the Aurora as part of the
planned shut-down of Oldsmobile itself, which would be history
following the 2004 model year. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Plymouth</b></span><b><br />Satellite
(1965-74)</b></span><br />The Plymouth Satellite began its run as the top-tier
package of Plymouth's “B” Belvedere line. Plymouth had shrunk its
B cars for the 1962 season, which essentially made for a lineup
without a full-size model, which the B cars had been through 1961,
with the Fury serving as the intermediate. This continued until 1965,
which is when the Fury was switched to a full-size model, leaving the
B cars in the mid-size slot, which is where they would remain. In
1965, the new Satellite would be the flagship of the B line. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;">First
Generation (1965-67)</span><br />With the muscle car craze picking up, V8
engines were standard equipment for the Satellite in 1965, a rarity
for a mid-size car. Available engines included a standard 273ci V8
with the 318, 361, 383 and 426ci wedge (not hemi) as options. 1965
saw only 2 door hardtops and convertibles offered as body styles.
Inside, bucket seats and center consoles were standard. Transmission
choices included a 3-speed automatic or 3 and 4-speed manuals. 1966
was highlighted by one major addition under the hood: the
availability of the 426ci Hemi. While officially rated at 425hp,
insider leaks from people at work on the engine claimed power in
excess of 600hp. 1967 saw minor changes in trim and sheet metal, most
notably a switch from dual to quad headlights but mechanically, the
cars were the same with the exception of a new engine offering: the
440ci Magnum V8..</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;">Second
Generation (1968-70)</span><br />1968 saw the Satellite lineup expanded
from 2 models to four with the addition of a 4-door sedan and wagon.
The car also underwent a major stylistic revision, sporting a much
curvier body but one nowhere nearly as aerodynamic as Dodge's new
generation of Charger. 1968 also saw the addition of a new model to
the B line: the famous Roadrunner. Engine choices remained unchanged
but a new Sport Satellite was launched, with the base engine being
the 318ci V8 instead of the 273. Transmission choices remained the
same as did the cars themselves through the 1970 model year.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;">Third
Generation (1971-74)</span><br />1971 saw another huge redesign of the
sheet metal, resulting in an even curvier “fuselage” body. A new
2 door sedan was offered while the convertible was dropped, as was
the 440ci V8. As the gas shortages were beginning to happen, Plymouth
offered buyers looking for economy the 225ci Slant 6, the first time
a Satellite could be had with a 6-cylinder power plant. Buyers who
craved power could still order the 426 Hemi as an option for 1971,
though this would prove to be the final year for Chrysler's fire
breathing 'Elephant' engine as it was dropped for 1972 following new
emissions/fuel economy standards mandated for 1972. For buyers
looking for a touch of luxury, the wagon could be had with wood grain
paneling starting in 1971. Again, transmissions were a choice between
3-speed auto or 3 and 4-speed manuals. Again, the 1972-74 models
would remain little changed in the same vein as the previous
generation had done following the initial restyle. Plymouth moved the
Fury back to mid-size for 1975 and thus de-orbited the Satellite
following the 1974 model year.<br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>Fact sand Figures:</b></span><br />*
Styles: 2 door hardtop, coupe, sedan, 4 door sedan and wagon</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Engines: 225ci I6, 273-440ci conventional V8s, plus the 426ci hemi</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Transmissions: 3 speed auto, 3 and 4 speed manual</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
Valuation: anything with a hemi is worth a fortune today</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.16in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">*
A 1971 hemi Cuda convertible with a 4-speed sold for over $3 ½
million in 2014<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>The Car That Made 'The King'</b></span><br />One
can't help mentioning 'King' Richard Petty when discussing about
mid-size Plymouths of the 1960s and 70s. Richard Petty used
Plymouth's mid-size B cars starting in 1962 and continuing through
1972, with the exception of his only year at Ford in 1969. By the
time he switched to Dodge in 1973, Petty had already won over 120
races in Plymouths. Of all those years, the 1967 season was nothing
short of amazing and it was then that 'The Randleman Rocket' became
'The King.' Richard Petty's 1967 season was nothing short of an
all-out assault on the record books. The highlights include: won 27
of 46 races run (.586 win percent), won 10 consecutive races, had the
national championship won with 6 races left in season, and surpassed
his father, Lee, as NASCAR's all-time win leader. <br /><span style="color: red;"><b><br />Sundance
(1987-94)</b></span><br />Identical to the Dodge Shadow, the Plymouth Sundance
was launched as an economy model for the 1987 model year. All cars
had I4 engines (albeit many different ones) until a V6 became
available for 1992. To keep costs down, only 2 models were offered
during the entire production run: 3 and 5 door hatchbacks that were
designed to look as though they had conventional trunks. The extra
storage space created by the design was a major selling point
advertised by manufacturers. Transmissions were a 3-speed auto or a
5-speed manual through 1992, when a 4-speed auto was offered with the
new V6. Year to year changes were minor through the production run
until the Sundance was replaced by the all-new Neon for
1995.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pontiac</b></span><b><br />Star Chief
(1954-66)</b></span><br />Began in 1954 as a model in its own right and was
essentially an extra luxurious Pontiac Chieftain, previously
Pontiac's flagship large car. Throughout its dozen year run, all
years of the car are easily identified by its star emblems (shapes
and configurations do vary) along the sides. Unlike a lot of cars for
the time, there were few variations of the Star Chief during its run
and changes took place on an almost yearly basis. <br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>1954</b></span><br />Introduced
as a model in its own right as an upscale Pontiac Chieftain, the Star
Chief was the first Pontiac to use a non-Chevy wheelbase (123.5
inches). To emphasize luxury, the car offered an optional air
conditioner-a first in its price range and a rarity at any price in
its day. The only engine was the old-style 248ci I8, a holdover from
pre-WWII. As a bit of pop culture trivia, a Star Chief was featured
prominently in an episode of<i> I Love Lucy.</i></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;"><b>1955</b></span><br />The
Star Chief got new sheet metal and a modern 247ci V8 engine. A showy
feature, the plastic Indian head hood ornament lit up when the
headlights were turned on. 1955 also introduced a 2-door hardtop
Safari wagon similar to the Chevy Nomad. The basic sheet metal would
remain basically the same through 1957.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;"><b>1956</b></span>
got a 316ci V8</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;"><b>1957</b></span>
upgraded to a 347ci V8 and saw a Bonneville trim package added<br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>1958
</b></span>saw the Bonneville become a model in its own right and take
Pontiac's premier model slot. The Star Chief now was the maker's
second tier car. The Star Chief saw its 4-door models dropped and was
only offered as 2 door hardtops and convertibles. The Star Chief
(like all Pontiacs) got a noticeably longer, lower, wider body with
updated chassis. The engine was the previous year's 347ci V8, now
bored out to 370ci.<br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>1959</b></span> saw the Star Chief get even
wider in keeping with Pontiac's “wide track” design. The
convertible was dropped, limiting the Star Chief to sedans and
hardtops as the Bonneville and new Catalina got their maker's primary
attention.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;"><b>1960</b>
</span>saw the Star Chief revert to 4 doors only thanks to the advent of the
Ventura and the only new option was an electric clock.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">1961</span>.
</b>The Star Chief and the entire General Motors lineup got a
much-needed, modernized makeover for 1961. Gone were wrap around
windshields and tail fins as was the Star Chief's station wagon
option. Hardly a unique model anymore, the Star Chief was now
virtually identical to the Catalina except for Bonneville-style tail
lights and the star emblems.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: red;"><b>1962</b></span>
saw the addition of a 421ci V8 with a pair of 4barrel carburetors
rated at 405hp. Very few Star Chiefs got the potent power plant.
1963-64 were largely status quo.<br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><b>1965</b></span> saw a major
redesign featuring a much curvier body but under the metal, little
was changed this year or in 1966, which would prove to be the Star
Chief's final year. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Sunbird
(1976-94)</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Launched
in 1976 to meet the need for fuel efficiency in the era of worsening
fuel shortages that saw blocks-long lines to gas stations in some
places, the Pontiac Sunbird spent its entire life as a subcompact,
albeit in drastically-different forms.<br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">First
Generation (1976-“80”)</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />The
1976-80 Sunbirds were traditional rear-wheel </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">drive
cars and were badge-engineered Chevy Monzas. In its first year, only
a notchback coupe was offered and a 140ci I4 was the only engine,
though Buick's 231ci V6 was quickly added as an option. Transmissions
offered more choice as a 3-speed auto and 4 and 5-speed manuals were
offered. The 5-speed was rated at a then astounding 28mpg city and
34mpg highway. 1977 saw the 151ci I4 “Iron Duke” become the base
engine and a hatchback added to the lineup. 1978 saw the adding of a
station wagon to the body styles and the availability of Chevy's
305ci V8 as an engine option. 1979 was status quo but 1980 saw the
station wagon dropped along with the V8 option. Interestingly, 1980
saw an unusually-long production year as extra models were produced
to carry dealers through 1981 as General Motors was busy reworking
its compacts to front wheel drive, slated to debut in 1982.
Officially, there were no 1981 Sunbirds though new 1980s could be
bought as new through the 1981 calendar year.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Second
Generation (1982-1994)</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">1982
saw the Sunbird switch to front wheel drive. However, unlike other GM
brands, which canned the names of their mid 70s to 1980 compacts,
Pontiac kept the Sunbird nameplate around for the front wheel drive
platform's 1982 debut, which would also prove to be the final year
for the carburetor as Sunbirds became fuel injected for 1983. All
cars (coupes, sedans, wagons, hatchbacks) were equipped with various
I4s until 1991 when a </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">V6
was again offered</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
Transmission options remained the same as those offered on the
1976-80 models. 1983 saw the addition of a convertible. Starting in
1984, Pontiac began to tweak the I4 for performance via various
configurations, which often outperformed competing models' V6s. The
Sunbird underwent a major cosmetic facelift in mid 1988, hence the
1988 ½ year designation, but the mechanicals remained largely the
same. The convertible was dropped following the 1989 model year.
Following the 1988 ½ facelift, year to year changes were minor. As a
phase-out was planned for 1994, Sunbird trim packages were dropped
and the cars became increasingly alike. The 1994 models still in
production were essentially 1993s sold at a lower price. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Sunfire
(1995-2005)</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Launched
in 1995 to replace the Sunbird, the Sunfire received a dramatically
updated look compared to its predecessor. The Sunfire came in 2 door
convertibles/coupes or a 4 door </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">sedan
and s</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">hared
much with the Chevy Cavalier. Through its decade run, engines were
all I4s and transmissions were a 3 or 4 speed auto or 5 </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">speed
manual. C</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">onvertibles
were discontinued after 2002 and the car was dropped following 2005
and replaced by the Pontiac G5, which was essentially a Chevy Cobalt
in Pontiac trim.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">Solstice
(2006-2010)</span></b></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br />Based
off a 2002 concept car, the Solstice was Pontiac's first two-seater
since the quirky, mid-engine Fiero of the 1980s. Unlike the Fiero,
the Solstice offered a traditional front engine, rear-wheel drive
design and could be had as either a coupe or convertible. While a
performance enthusiast may initially brush off the Solstice's I4
engine as too weak for a sports car, the Solstice was no slouch under
the hood as the I4s were tricked out to produce 177hp </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">(over
1hp/cubic inch-the muscle car era's gold standard), thus giving the
car a lot of get up and go. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Transmission
options through the production run was either a 5 speed auto or 5
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">speed
manual. Bold styling, performance prowess, and a sub</span></span></span></span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
$30,000 price made the Solstice a hit with the public and the press.
Pontiac initially had only planned to produce 7,000 for the 2006
model year, but public demand eventually pushed Pontiac to crank out
over 10,000 units. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Come
2007, Pontiac upped its game and introduced a special GXP edition
that ran through 2009, the last full year of production. The GXP came
with a turbocharged I4 engine that could be tweaked via computer
programming to produce up to 290hp-a whopping 2.4 horsepower per
cubic inch-the best in the history of GM-even bettering Corvette's
most potent power plant in the horsepower to cubic inch ratio. The
advertised 260hp was no slouch, either and could propel the Solstice
from 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Unfortunately with the economic crash of
2008, it was announced late that year that Pontiac would be shut down
following the 2010 model year. 2009 would be the Solstice's final
full year and, Pontiac's shuttering announced, demand plummeted. Only
20 model year 2010 Solstices were produced in a 1-month span in
April-May, 2009. Pontiac was shut down as planned following the 2010
model year and all plans to sell rights to the Solstice to other
manufacturers fell through. While the jury is obviously still not
even a decade after production stopped, some consider the Solstice a
future classic.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>Saturn Motor Company
(1985/1991-2010)</b></span></span><br />Started as a GM project, codenamed
“Saturn,” that would focus on producing small, fuel-efficient,
high-quality cars to compete with Japanese imports, Saturn was never
meant to be a car manufacturer in its own right. When the project
began in June, 1982, Japanese imports were eating Detroit's lunch.
Burdened by mountains of ever increasing regulations regarding
emissions and fuel economy, the quality, reliability, and styling of
American cars suffered as manufacturers went all-out to meet
government dictated mandates.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
first concept car under Project Saturn was unveiled in 1983 and the
company was incorporated in 1985 and billed as a private,
employee-owned company. This was done in spite of GM initially
planning to launch the Saturn concept under an existing brand as
launching an all-new brand that shared no parts with other GM models
and creating a whole new dealership network would proive very costly.
However, come 1990, GM bought out Saturn and made it a brand in its
own right.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
first Saturn production car was built for the 1991 model year but
GM's earlier reservations of launching a whole new make of car that
shared virtually nothing with the 5 existing GM brands proved true as
this was a very costly endeavor come the 1990s. Setting up a whole
dealership network added even more financial strain to the effort.
The timing of the launch couldn't have been worse, either, as it
coincided with the early 1990s recession, which saw the auto industry
as a whole take a hit. However, for those who bought Saturns, the
feedback was positive as the cars quickly gained a reputation for
reliability and economy. The no haggle pricing policy put in place at
Saturn dealerships undoubtedly helped, too. On the bad side,,
Japanese automakers had begun to set up shop in the States, which
allowed them to undercut Saturn by way of eliminating the import
costs. Still, while they didn't sell to the (perhaps overly) high
expectations, Saturn sales held steady through the 1990s, reaching
500,000 cars by 1993, 1 million by 1995, and 2 million by 1999, which
translates to roughly 250,000 cars per year. Not bad for a new
start-up company.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">In
the early 2000s, Saturn expanded its focus from compact cars,
introducing its first crossover SUV in 2002 as the market started to
switch away from traditional cars and toward trucks, SUVs, and
crossovers. Saturn also started replacing some of its compact car
1990s models with new ones at this time. Saturn expanded its horizons
again in 2005 with the launch of its first minivan, which rocketed to
popularity in the mid 1990s. During this time, Saturns became
increasingly similar to other GM products as supporting a
manufacturer that had virtually nothing in common parts-wise with the
other 4 brands under the GM umbrella was proving costly. Evidence of
this came in 2007 as the Saturn Sky roadster, essentially a clone of
the Pontiac Solstice, was introduced. 2007 also saw a midsize sedan
and an even larger crossover and 2008 saw Saturn unveil a hybrid
concept. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 92%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Just
as things seemed to be looking up in regards to GM reining in the
costs of supporting an upstart make, the American auto industry ran
head-on into the 2008 financial meltdown. With the under/unemployment
numbers skyrocketing and people struggling to avoid foreclosures on
their homes, not many people were looking to buy new cars and GM was
put in dire straights. Once the world's largest automaker, GM was
eventually forced to take a government bailout to avoid bankruptcy.
The joke then went that 'GM' now stood for 'Government Motors.' With
the bailout and mandates to trim budgets, GM announced it would focus
on its best selling brands: Chevy, Buick, Cadillac, and the
truck/SUV-based GMC. No lifeline was extended to Saturn (or Pontiac)
and all attempts to sell the brand failed. The company officially
ceased to exist on Halloween, 2010<br /><br /></span></span></span></span><br />
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-33742803389714934232019-09-02T18:32:00.000-04:002019-10-30T16:03:50.923-04:00160 Years Ago Today: The Carrington Event <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW5gvFZVbBxPnCXg6dnedvKWCb0NgMyL_UZHGViIzksrK5aTNcwjzrMmG34IstHANBfNBLIJLITkYlGAjnEAEILOa3L7tLcmR7evh0TUxBNdzE5HQOxQsVpGihBK4-6nGp1yov4fUG-3E/s1600/richard-carrington-sunspot-1859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="628" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW5gvFZVbBxPnCXg6dnedvKWCb0NgMyL_UZHGViIzksrK5aTNcwjzrMmG34IstHANBfNBLIJLITkYlGAjnEAEILOa3L7tLcmR7evh0TUxBNdzE5HQOxQsVpGihBK4-6nGp1yov4fUG-3E/s320/richard-carrington-sunspot-1859.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Richard Carrington and his drawing of sunspots that unleashed 1859's solar superstorm.</span></span><br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.2in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
was exactly 160 years ago today that Earth's magnetic field was left
shuddering like it had never done before in all of recorded history.
Why? It was 160 years ago today that Earth was in the waning phases
of the mother of all solar superstorms, known as the Carrington Event
after the astronomer who witnessed the initial solar outburst as it
happened, Richard Carrington.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Sun was soon to hit maximum for the 10</span></span></span></span></span><sup><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">th</span></span></span></span></span></sup><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
solar cycle come early 1860. However, in late August, 1859, the Sun
suddenly filled up with dark sunspots and aurora started to be
sighted at unusually low latitudes. On August 29, aurora were sighted
in Queensland, Australia, a rarity. Then, just before noon on
September 1, another flare was observed simultaneously by two
astronomers named Richard: Carrington, whose name is now immortalized
in history, and Hogsdon, whose name is lost to obscurity.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Reaching
Earth in an amazingly fast 17 hours (the widely agreed upon consensus
was that the flare of August 29 cleared the path of solar wind and
plasma for the flare of September 1), the coronal mass ejection
slammed into the Earth's upper atmosphere as no storm had ever done
in all of recorded history.</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
problem with solar superstorms is that they do not harm a living and
no one would have even known that they had existed in the age before
electronics. There could have been hundreds of storms of Carrington
magnitude or even stronger throughout Earth's history but, until we
developed electronic technology, we had no way of knowing that they
even existed. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">However,
come 1859 and the dawn of the electronic age, there would be
consequences.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">How
strong was the Carrington Event? The solar storm was so strong that
telegraph lines, the only electronics of the time, started smoking
and/or caught fire. Receivers shocked operators and even emitted
sparks. Receivers not destroyed and hooked up to telegraph lines that
were not destroyed were able to, for a brief time, transmit without
batteries. The first transatlantic cable, laid from the United States
to England only a year before, was destroyed. Aurora were sighted as
far South as Hawaii, Central America, and sub-Saharan Africa. The
aurora were so bright that newspapers could easily be read by their
light and, at onset, many people got up thinking that dawn was near.
Many witnesses described the light of the aurora as being brighter
than the Full Moon.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">While
it was alone in strength, the Carrington Event is not an isolated
event as several strong solar storms have hit Earth since then. </span></span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
1921, Earth was impacted by another large solar storm. Like during
the Carrington event, telegraph service suffered as fuses blew and
equipment was damaged, resulting in a total near-cessation of
telegraph service, including that carried by undersea cables. </span></span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
1989, the strongest solar storm of the Space Age (and the strongest
anyone reading this can remember) took place over Canada and resulted
in a total blackout for much of the Quebec province for nearly 12
hours. As strong as that storm was at a rating of X15, it was
estimated (solar flares couldn't be measured at the time) to be far
weaker than the storm of 1921 and nowhere near as strong as the
Carrington Event, which has been estimated to be anywhere between X45
and X60).<br /><br />Fortunately for us, the Carrington Event arrived
before our development of nationwide power grids, which could have
been completely wiped out by such an event today, which could very
well <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2018/10/solar-superstorms-emp-attacks-and.html">bring
about the collapse of modern civilization itself</a>.<br /><br />Feeling
like you can rest easy? Well, don't. In 2012, a solar flare with a
power estimated to be similar to that of the Carrington Event missed
Earth by about a week. The good news is that the government finally
looks to be taking <a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2019/04/president-trump-signs-emp-executive.html">some
meaningful action</a> towards mitigating the now well-known risk
posed by such solar superstorms.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Until
our power grid is finally hardened and our current way of life
(perhaps our very lives themselves) protected, we can only hope that
our 160 year run of good luck continues.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-41368272257308689272019-07-21T15:56:00.000-04:002019-10-30T16:04:01.664-04:00Apollo 11 50th Anniversary is Golden, NASA's Future Uncertain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBCiMmCIRk6-k7b51cdH25yPMXTAez8kDPoFzhOr_GCi03lXQ5jf4B02LleJNSV27M6zkqVmyQ892ebwzcGPr0fpQBYelGhHWyPc_6d988sKH-b4JEtxO9xJtiiC7mjAXPZBMdXCzXbW_/s1600/buzz+aldrin+michael+collins+president+trump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="986" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYBCiMmCIRk6-k7b51cdH25yPMXTAez8kDPoFzhOr_GCi03lXQ5jf4B02LleJNSV27M6zkqVmyQ892ebwzcGPr0fpQBYelGhHWyPc_6d988sKH-b4JEtxO9xJtiiC7mjAXPZBMdXCzXbW_/s320/buzz+aldrin+michael+collins+president+trump.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Michael Collins (left) and Buzz Aldrin (right) with President Trump in the Oval Office. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today
or yesterday (depending on your location) marked the 50<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing. In the lead-up,
celebrations commemorating the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the
greatest feat of exploration in human history took place all over the
country. On Friday, surviving Apollo 11 astronauts Buzz Aldrin and
Michael Collins, along with Neil Armstrong's sons, were the guests of
honor at the White House celebration of the historic achievement.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While
the 50<sup>th</sup> anniversary of Apollo 11 is undoubtedly a great
source of pride for Americans (and should be for the whole world),
remembering past greatness has also prompted many to look toward
America's future in space, which is, unfortunately, not so clear.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">In
stark contrast to the singular focus NASA exhibited in the 1960s, the
NASA of the 21<sup>st</sup> century could be described as lost not in
space, but on the ground.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">With
mounting calls for the retirement of the Space Shuttle following the
2003 <i>Columbia</i> disaster, then President George W. Bush
announced the Constellation Program in 2005, which sought to return
Americans to the Moon by 2020 via heavy lift rockets similar to the
<span style="font-style: normal;">Saturn V</span>. There were to be
two versions of the new <i>Aries</i> rocket: one designed for manned
launches and another designed for heavy cargo payloads.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">By
2009, a study concluded that Constellation was grossly over budget.
As a result, in early 2010, then President Obama announced that
Constellation was going to be canceled and replaced with a single
rocket: the Space Launch System (SLS), which could be built in
multiple configurations while utilizing technology originally
developed for Constellation. </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Fast
forward 9 years and it's more of the same.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />The
first SLS launch, set to be an unmanned capsule around the Moon, was
set for December, 2017. The first manned flight was targeted for mid
2021. Obviously, December, 2017 is over a year in the rear view
mirror, which does not bode well for 2021. Official target dates for
the unmanned launch is now 2020 and the manned launch is now back to
2022. </span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />However,
manned American spaceflight has a new champion in President Trump,
who has made it very clear in the form of executive orders that he
intends to see to it that Americans will once again be able to not
only fly themselves into space, but to the Moon. Earlier this year,
NASA announced that its Project Artemis (the twin sister of Apollo
in Greek mythology) seeks to land astronauts on the Moon again by
2024 with the long-term goal being the creation of a permanently
manned lunar base that will serve as a stepping stone to Mars.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"></span><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"></span><br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Additionally,
there is a new player in space that wasn't even imaginable in the
1960s: the private sector.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While
there are now numerous private companies involved in spaceflight, the
far and away leader of the proverbial pack is SpaceX.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Looking
at SpaceX and what it has achieved since its 2002 founding is like
looking at a shopping list. SpaceX was the first private company to:
launch a rocket into orbit (2008), orbit and then recover a
spacecraft (2010), send a spacecraft to the International Space
Station (2012), complete a propulsive landing of a rocket (2015),
reuse a rocket (2017), and launch a payload into solar orbit (2018).
</span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
most intriguing possibility, however, is that offered by SpaceX's
Falcon Heavy rocket. First launched in February, 2018, according to
NASA, the Falcon Heavy is capable of launching astronauts to the
Moon, although the SLS is the preferred option. With the SLS falling
ever farther behind schedule, there is a very real possibility that
the Falcon Heavy could be NASA's ticket to the Moon by 2024 if the
SLS is not ready to go in time. </span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yes,
these are not the 1960s when manned spaceflight was a matter of
national priority and pride, but the possibilities offered by the
private sector are undoubtedly exciting, too. NASA astronauts riding
a privately-owned rocket to the Moon? The idea would have seemed
crazy in 1969 but, come 2019, this could be the future of America in
space.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
future of manned spaceflight may look different, but the
possibilities are truly limitless.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Like What You Just Read?</u></b></span><br />
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Dennis Bodzashhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13075581414775831287noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7524556424944478277.post-62594179191871006502019-04-21T16:15:00.000-04:002019-11-28T06:13:02.460-05:00In-Depth Review: Tokina 17 f3.5 ATX-PRO <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kDWPcs4uSCsg-RQSGIS208ZSXTjSbGNWRSaF2lIEOQcH8CmIeJKso6ELZKZpqUXzyDYK5SVzdzZeB07-BacernphEXLYZYHMyX7iV7QHe2ehVoWqGCyKlIjxXVFe7tS989CmIquyMkGQ/s1600/tokina+17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9kDWPcs4uSCsg-RQSGIS208ZSXTjSbGNWRSaF2lIEOQcH8CmIeJKso6ELZKZpqUXzyDYK5SVzdzZeB07-BacernphEXLYZYHMyX7iV7QHe2ehVoWqGCyKlIjxXVFe7tS989CmIquyMkGQ/s320/tokina+17.JPG" title="Tokina 17 f3.5 ATX-Pro in depth review" width="285" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Tokina 17 f3.5 ATX-PRO</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;"><b>Tech Specs</b></span></h2>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Focal
Length: 17mm<br />Dimensions: 2.2 x 3.3 in. <br />Weight: 15.3.<br />Maximum
Aperture: f3.5<br />Minimum Aperture: f<br />Diaphragm Blades: <br />Front
Element: non-rotating, extending<br />Optical arrangement: 11 elements
in 9 groups<br />Autofocus Mechanism: Mechanical drive<br />Closest
Focus: 9.8 inches<br />Maximum magnification: .11x <br />Filter Size:
77mm<br /><br /><b>Background</b><br />It seems that with every new generation of
camera lenses, opticians are able to push the extremes a little bit
wider. By the arrival of the 1980s, sub 20mm was now the new standard
for ultrawide SLR lenses. Of these, the Tokina 17 f3.5 was one of the
most affordable. With the arrival of the AF era, Tokina created a new
AF version of its 17mm f3.5 optic, the 17mm f3.5 AT-X, for 1993. The
only real fault of this lens: a built-on lens hood, a bit of overkill
for a lens without a protruding front element. Eventually, Tokina
redid its 17mm ultrawide in 1999, keeping the optical formula the
same, but redoing the cosmetics and dubbing the new model 'PRO.' AF
was now controlled by the famous Tokina clutch system and the idiotic
built-on hood became a thing of the past. To date, the Tokina 17mm
f3.5 ATX-PRO lens being reviewed here, discontinued as of 2005 is
Tokina's last ultrawide prime ever produced save for Sony.
<br /><br /><b>Build Quality 5/5</b><br />Tokina is a
company known for its high standards of construction and the Tokina
17 f3.5 ATX-PRO is built to the highest of standards, namely, out of
solid metal. Honestly, many manufacturer lenses of today aren't built
anywhere near as well as the third-party Tokina offering. Picking up
the lens, it is quite heavy but this heavy construction goes a long
way in inspiring confidence, showcasing that this lens is a true
photographic tool and not some dinky toy. Onto the mechanics, Tokina
was nice enough to include an aperture ring lock switch so that the
ring can be locked at minimum aperture for use on today's cameras. In
the act of focusing, the front element extends a tiny, tiny bit
(maybe 2mm) but does nor rotate. The focus ring is of the variety
where one must find the window to move it. To do this, simply rotate
the ring while pushing forward/pulling back on it and wait for it to
snap into the desired position.
</span></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGGLjXhIN52Q2kHv7g0VfgbkQ0mt1rXP5d2rh0EXTo_dffFBrSLejGUtv2y_ojhKe92egnY_uKSHEEod1xWqJECQH9y5Jru35jGFtcpMy5cVW3o9Q0zrL5c9AKCok2AvxBLqwH2Ii8XE1/s1600/af+mf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1600" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGGLjXhIN52Q2kHv7g0VfgbkQ0mt1rXP5d2rh0EXTo_dffFBrSLejGUtv2y_ojhKe92egnY_uKSHEEod1xWqJECQH9y5Jru35jGFtcpMy5cVW3o9Q0zrL5c9AKCok2AvxBLqwH2Ii8XE1/s320/af+mf.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note the AF/MF ring positions.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3rNVWSbN1grYhcxYucVhX71VV4gUX7cJ76lkVNVTNeb2vfxKsqWNcpf_YpBenuiocO8fY0-7xDBRKn_gsHEI821fiE3qa7564FUnO9AeEI-JZ7AlUg72R8DTqLevMLA9aXBIzHKM-QoD/s1600/tok+17+rear+quarter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="900" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE3rNVWSbN1grYhcxYucVhX71VV4gUX7cJ76lkVNVTNeb2vfxKsqWNcpf_YpBenuiocO8fY0-7xDBRKn_gsHEI821fiE3qa7564FUnO9AeEI-JZ7AlUg72R8DTqLevMLA9aXBIzHKM-QoD/s320/tok+17+rear+quarter.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Notice the Nikon-only AF slot screw at 5 o' clock</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><br /><b>AF Performance 4/5</b><br /><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">As with all
ultrawide lenses, AF speed on the Tokina 17 f3.5 ATX-PRO is, at least
on the D700, very fast and, for a mechanical drive
lens, very quiet. However, as with all mechanical drive lenses, there is no full time manual focus feature as is seen on newer optics, which means that you need to manually switch from AF to MF mode. At least with Nikon, AF
speed has a lot to do with the camera, so it may be slightly slower/faster on
yours depending on what you have. In regards to accuracy, focus is
dead-on every time. Additionally, thanks to the clutch mechanism, the
focus ring doesn't spin when the AF is operating, so hold it
anywhere.</span><br /><br /><br /><b>Optics: 4/5</b><br />A lot goes into
determining the optical quality of a lens, so let's look at them
separately.</span></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PvOi0WTNJFKaqG5mkG6f6Yr4lMU0R8oo5T9c62M4wUalBIXwk6q5151xYdqun18WJOYETsKC19HdLOKXtGCiNdBdQV7iK8wts1yIcbxBwcwW53gZtm4fEDgZofrx1JAOEbZO9uns6QYX/s1600/d+tokina+17+composite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1496" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PvOi0WTNJFKaqG5mkG6f6Yr4lMU0R8oo5T9c62M4wUalBIXwk6q5151xYdqun18WJOYETsKC19HdLOKXtGCiNdBdQV7iK8wts1yIcbxBwcwW53gZtm4fEDgZofrx1JAOEbZO9uns6QYX/s320/d+tokina+17+composite.jpg" width="299" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>Sharpness</b><br />For a lens of such an
extreme design, the Tokina 17f3.5 ATX-PRO performs very well.
Straight out of the gate at f3.5, the center is razor sharp, with
virtually nothing gained by stopping down. At f16, though, sharpness
falls off due to diffraction limiting. Mid Frame, f3.5 is a little
soft, but f5.6-f11 are all razor sharp, with diffraction again
creating a softening at f16. In the corners, the lens is pretty mushy
wide open but sharpens up nicely at f8, save for the extreme
(emphasis on extreme) corners of the frame. F11 is also very good
and, yet again, diffraction limiting sets in at f16. Overall, the
best overall image quality across the frame is at f8, with nothing
gained by closing up a stop to f11. Overall, not bad for such an
extreme optic of mid 1990s design. On crop frame cameras, it should
be pretty much razor sharp across the frame.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvwVErfWo3b1zIT2ks090Wmx2cuV6uRcYYEaZwKBrr1Owg9vjqFeYHPqYGpD_s0acbamYM98IEfxMvN9Vqev8steoITkFS-QIfEyDpjj-RqwyA09QRBNhpiuZyYzD1DQL_PfvyjqGvhcu/s1600/tokina+17+vignette.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="966" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvwVErfWo3b1zIT2ks090Wmx2cuV6uRcYYEaZwKBrr1Owg9vjqFeYHPqYGpD_s0acbamYM98IEfxMvN9Vqev8steoITkFS-QIfEyDpjj-RqwyA09QRBNhpiuZyYzD1DQL_PfvyjqGvhcu/s320/tokina+17+vignette.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /><b>Vignetting</b><br />This lens
vignettes noticeably when shot wide open. Stopping down to f5.6
greatly reduces the corner darkening and closing up to f8 reduces it
a little more, with nothing gained past that point. If shooting on a
crop camera, vignetting should be a non-issue.<br />.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDS5sG1Pan-SRKOtCDybcocZfpaOAz5k75zQXQDaHwzyzliut-xpJh_GjVnvS_aU-WHhJMI4z7Pl_PHfLPzonA5QfdrTw6mmDVa9y_uDAjSNdqn0IL6mmEjjrD5laUso4aRj73i4mcGRs/s1600/distortion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikDS5sG1Pan-SRKOtCDybcocZfpaOAz5k75zQXQDaHwzyzliut-xpJh_GjVnvS_aU-WHhJMI4z7Pl_PHfLPzonA5QfdrTw6mmDVa9y_uDAjSNdqn0IL6mmEjjrD5laUso4aRj73i4mcGRs/s320/distortion.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>Distortion</b><br />For a 17mm optic,
distortion is very well controlled even when shooting brick walls. In
real life shooting, it should go unnoticed.</span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOFWjLbcGwyW5C42gVytGSwF797RVHg2Vn0boGNBUEM8EsSkLd6ekkTh_wRkryMQ_FsO0YHeAe1O-LvPithjrQtPIeIoyQwVW7gWMZrly3GtUj0VHAoS_aRVD8JZ4ZoqdDFlzZFPsC7ba/s1600/ca+composite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOFWjLbcGwyW5C42gVytGSwF797RVHg2Vn0boGNBUEM8EsSkLd6ekkTh_wRkryMQ_FsO0YHeAe1O-LvPithjrQtPIeIoyQwVW7gWMZrly3GtUj0VHAoS_aRVD8JZ4ZoqdDFlzZFPsC7ba/s320/ca+composite.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXYvHye-Vo-VNcTJAI2a9De6UUbYHmAHSaAFviEM4YYywHGPcCqD4ppo9OBkr280o7Mb513cat4gEb_eqOhCFYSddp4-yzulNMwNnMmPZcNDvFQKiUIVNC-r_um0Fua8uaoqwEkJNpC1_/s1600/ca+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1064" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXYvHye-Vo-VNcTJAI2a9De6UUbYHmAHSaAFviEM4YYywHGPcCqD4ppo9OBkr280o7Mb513cat4gEb_eqOhCFYSddp4-yzulNMwNnMmPZcNDvFQKiUIVNC-r_um0Fua8uaoqwEkJNpC1_/s320/ca+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>Chromatic
Aberration</b><br />For a company known for lenses that had false color
(purple) chromatic aberrations during the time this optic was
produced, the Tokina 17 f3.5 ATX-PRO does very well here. Only the
biggest pixel peepers will notice anything at all at f3.5. Seriously,
you have to actively look for it to see it at all even at 100%. The
composite is 100% and the other image is the full uncropped shot.</span>
</div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgud1z_AGVKPsGCXFZoLB3NoMgZOAhl4NB2KCBzsRtgOxUwaiuHA3qJUqbpwYfmzzlD7YBk7IbvBKmtiUHBhSZUMFM6tkRIbYhje_Ab0AaoLXdvYeYnIR_fzVLrjXHp3Uk0r8IltmbsoanC/s1600/flare.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1064" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgud1z_AGVKPsGCXFZoLB3NoMgZOAhl4NB2KCBzsRtgOxUwaiuHA3qJUqbpwYfmzzlD7YBk7IbvBKmtiUHBhSZUMFM6tkRIbYhje_Ab0AaoLXdvYeYnIR_fzVLrjXHp3Uk0r8IltmbsoanC/s320/flare.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>Flare/Ghosting</b><br />Avoid bright lights
just outside the frame as the lens will flare, thought obnoxiously.
The hood doesn't help much if at all. </span>
</div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>Value: 5/5</b><br />Simply put, this is a
lens that anyone with a FX format Nikon camera should take a serious
look at. Priced at around $350 on the used market, this lens is the
way to go for anyone wanting a portable, ultrawide optic that won't
break the bank. Simply put, nothing else comes close to the Tokina 17
f3.5 ATX-PRO in regards to price. The best part: no protruding,
vulnerable front element<br /><br /><b>Competition</b><br />Simply put, there are
no direct competitors for the Tokina 17 f3.5 ATX-PRO. Yes, there are
wider optics out there, namely the 14mm f2.8s everyone is making, but
these are comparatively large, unwieldy lenses that can never fit
into a pocket and that have bulbous, flare/scratch-susceptible front
elements. On top of that, all the manufacturer optics are all are
priced much, much higher. Tamron used to make a 14 f2.8 but, like the
manufacturer optics, it has a bulbous front element and is the build
quality is greatly inferior. If one doesn't mind adding a few
millimeters of focal length, there are some interesting 20mm options,
Nikon's 20 f2.8 and Sigma's 20mm f1.8. Neither are built to the
standards of the Tokina but the Nikon is much smaller and 2/3 stop
faster and the Sigma is 2 stops faster but much larger and, according
to some reviews, quite soft wide open across the frame, unlike the
Tokina. In all, there are a lot of interesting ultrawide primes on
the market but no single lens that can go toe-to-toe with Tokina's
masterpiece.
</span></div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>The Ultrawide Myth</b><br />Many beginners
believe (incorrectly) that an ultrawide lens like this will be just
the thing for “getting it all in” the frame. Well, there's yes
and no to that. Yes, you'll sweep up everything around you but, on
the other hand, your point of focus will be appear to be pushed way
into the distance. Long story short, this is not a landscape lens. On
the other hand, if you find yourself shooting in tight quarters and
constantly wishing that you could only back up more to fully capture
a scene, this is the lens for you. Who is this lens for? Indoor
architectural photographers and even realtors come to mind.
Astrophotographers (like me) will also love this lens for its ability
to capture nearly all-sky views, especially during meteor showers,
without distortion. Paparazzi? Yes, even you scumbags of the
photography world will benefit from this lens as its ultrawide field
will allow you to just about shove your camera up a celebrity's nose
and still get a full headshot. Crop frame shooters? Don't waste your
money here as 17mm on your camera isn't ultrawide by any means. Get
something in the 8-12mm range instead.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgb0z0cRNGfgbBfNuGiFDAUeDjYM-YvmAlGYkTJ85Ylec3Zv3iJWgWFUnRxsnTByIExWpvliC9ef_gCkudSRySdLJl5jg1qo-Otux0GfXJzrbLY5MIrK2aDr6Dd_XHjrtUuSUn6jVfWJvh/s1600/tok+17+front+quarter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgb0z0cRNGfgbBfNuGiFDAUeDjYM-YvmAlGYkTJ85Ylec3Zv3iJWgWFUnRxsnTByIExWpvliC9ef_gCkudSRySdLJl5jg1qo-Otux0GfXJzrbLY5MIrK2aDr6Dd_XHjrtUuSUn6jVfWJvh/s320/tok+17+front+quarter.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.21in; margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><b>Conclusion:
4.5/5</b><br />The Tokina 17mm f3.5 ATX-PRO is quite a lens even before
one considers its rock-bottom price point. Build quality and AF
capabilities are top-notch and the optics, though not perfect, are
very respectable for a lens in this class. The real shame about this
lens is that it is out of production and so difficult to find. To
start with, Tokina is the smallest of the major third party lens
manufacturers, which means that there were less of these lenses
produced than its Sigma, Tamron, and not to mention Nikon
near-equivalents. Perhaps the true barometer of how good a lens is is
to look for the frequency with which it appears on the used market.
In the case of the Tokina 17mm, one hardly ever sees it show up, even
at the big places like Adorama, B&H, and even the world's largest
used photo gear dealer, KEH. Simply put, people know a good product
when they get one and are reluctant to let go of it. Such is the case
with this Tokina gem. Bottom line, if you have a FF camera, this is
the best $300ish you can ever spend, that is if you're lucky enough
to find this lens at all. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Tokina Fan? Check Out These Reviews</b></span><br /><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/12/in-depth-review-tokina-100-f28-at-x-pro.html">Tokina 100 f2.8 ATX-PRO Macro</a><br /><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/11/in-depth-review-tokina-80-200-f28-at-x.html">Tokina 80-200 f2.8 AT-X</a><br /><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2011/08/in-depth-review-tokina-80-400-f45-56-at.html">Tokina 80-400 f4-5.6 AT-X</a><br /><a href="https://bodzashphotoastro.blogspot.com/2010/09/tokina-28-70-f26-28-atx-pro-in-depth.html">Tokina 28-70 f2.6-2.8 ATX-PRO</a></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
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