Review: Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag

Happy 2017! How are those resolutions coming along? I myself neglected to come up with anything this year. I could say I'll post more to this blog, but, eh, I think we all know that's probably going to fizzle out somewhere in mid-March. Or, I suppose I could say I'm going to ride so many thousands of miles on my bike, but I just don't have the desire to kid myself this year. Right now I'm just hoping the planet survives the next 365 days. I did manage to clean my office a little and organize my backup drives into a more streamlined system this week, though. Anyway, good luck to all of you who are more ambitious than I am.

I'm about eye level deep in pictures from Venice and there's no telling when I will wade out of that. Procrastinating to clean the office probably wasn't the best idea. But, it's a lot of photos, like 4 cards worth and I've already dedicated all of next week to the task. In order to keep on procrastinating I decided to do another gear review. Yay!

First off, however, I have a confession to make. As you can see from the photo below I have a bit of a problem.

Yes, I have a more specific version of G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome)- C.B.A.S. (Camera Bag Acquisition Syndrome). The reason for this is that I don't like to use a neck strap most of the time. The camera swinging around drives me crazy. Also, I think a camera around your neck is a giant sign that screams "I'M A TOURIST!!!!!" A good bag keeps the camera out of the way when I'm not using it and it also keeps me from looking like an easy mark (the rest of how I look does well enough in that department, thank you very much). For the record, almost all of these bags in the photo have a purpose and they all get used. The wee Lowepro in the top right is for hiking on local trails when I'm just taking a macro setup or something else basic. The black leather one next to it is for dressier occasions (poor thing rarely gets used). The ThinkTank Retrospective on the top left gets used all the time when I'm carrying two bodies, filters, etc and I'm wearing earth tones. The ThinkTank Airport Essentials underneath is awesome. I use it when we fly or take the train because Brian the Tripod fits inside along with all my bodies, lenses, accessories, MacBook, iPad, and other travel essentials. It really is an awesome bag and I totally recommend it. That black bag in the middle of the pile is something I picked up in Germany to use for longer hikes and I need Brian to come along. Next to that one on the right is a Lowepro Slingshot that I dislike and never use. That generic German backpack replaced it and I haven't gotten around to getting rid of it yet. The brown leather in the front is my beloved Ona Brixton. I use that one most days. I love, love, love this bag. Finally, the one next to that is the latest addition to the bag collection, Peak Design's 15" Everyday Messenger. And, that is the bag that I'm going to review. Oh, that blue tube shaped one is Brian's. We use that if he has to come along with us all day.

We wanted the Everyday Messenger (ok, I wanted it), because my old black messenger bag was falling apart and needed to be replaced. Having bags that coordinate with what I'm wearing is important to me, yes, and I require various ones in earth tones, blacks, or grays. I had heard a lot of good things about the Everyday Messenger. It was kind of hard not to hear about this bag. If you're into photography you probably heard about it too since it was an incredibly successful Kickstarter project, was touted by Trey Ratcliff, and at one point was called the greatest messenger/camera bag of all time by a bunch of bloggers. So, when my old bag died the death, I didn't really need to shop around this time. As much as I appreciate the ThinkTank Retrospective, the size I have is a bit small for some projects, but at the same time can become oddly bulky. Plus, I can't carry Brian with it (hence, the use of the tripod bag on occasion). Also, it would be weird to have the same bag in two different colors. I was looking for a larger, black or grey messenger that was better quality than my old bag that I had stuff a padded camera pocket in. The Everyday Messenger fit the bill. It arrived just in time for our week in Venice and we used it everyday, as the name suggested we should. It was an intense test and I think I can confidently review the bag after that trip.

The new bag absolutely had to be a messenger bag. I prefer that style over a backpack because it's easier to get into on the go and that's important since I don't use straps. They also aren't another giant sign that screams "I'M A TOURIST!!!!!!" like a backpack is. Versatility was the next requirement. I wanted something that could carry my MacBook and iPad, could carry several bodies, could accommodate Brian if necessary, and still fit the other stuff one needs to carry around like sunglasses, filters, batteries, notebook, etc. And, if I didn't need to carry all the stuff then it would collapse down into a thinner form. Also, it couldn't be a bag that looked blatantly like a camera bag. It would be even better if it could function just as well as a regular messenger in case my husband needed a black bag. Yes, he has a thing about color coordination too, probably more than I do.

So here's my Everyday Messenger.

One of the first things I noticed was the construction of the bag. Unlike other traditional camera bags, this one doesn't come with a separate rain cover. The exterior fabric itself is water resistant. The exterior zippers are water resistant too, thus negating the need for a bulky and goofy looking rain cover. Also, the entire thing is padded, but it's not thick and awkward. The unique padding also stays rigid so the bag keeps its shape even when it's full and heavily loaded or nearly empty. This is a feature that really comes in handy when you're trying to get things out while on the move. Because of the construction, the bag expands when full, but collapses down tightly without any excess material getting in the way. The interior fabrics are sleek and protective as well. All the stitching is solid and tight, nothing catches on gear when it's being removed, and all the stitches survived a brutal week of heavy load carrying (probably around 20lbs at times) without a single fray.

Rear laptop/tablet pocket

Interior fabric and stitching

Felt lined tablet pocket

Interior fabric of the rear laptop/fabric pocket

Exterior fabric and stitching

Weather resistant zippers.

The next thing that makes this bag unique from others is the strap system. Normally bag straps are afterthoughts. Some of them are overly padded and bizarre looking, others are fashionable, but really uncomfortable. The strap system, yes system, of the Everyday Messenger stands out as being one of the things that was a priority for the designers.

Pivoting attachment point keeps the bag close to you, no matter how full it is or how
it is being carried. 

Flat and easy to adjust clasps

Folding strap handle so the bag can be adjusted on the go.

The strap is the same material as car seat belts. Since paramedics need a special knife to cut seat belts,
you know this strap isn't going to fail you.

The great thing about the strap system, besides the solid construction, it that it is easily adjustable. It gets tiring carrying a heavy bag around all day, no matter how it's made. It helps to be able to switch the positioning easily. There are two smaller straps stowed sneakily in the exterior of the bag that can be attached to the main strap to hug it closer to the body or to each other to create a waste belt. The folding adjustment handle makes it really easy to adjust the strap length while you're wearing it. This system would work great for those who cycle as it can place the bag higher on your back and keep it snug against you so there's none of that swinging that can happen with regular messenger bags. In addition to being able to do all of that, the system is designed so that there isn't any extra strapping flapping around. If you want to know more about the straps and how to use all the other features of the bag, you can watch this video (you may want to prepare some snacks beforehand, however).

Ok, now for the interior. The unique feature of Peak Design's bags are the main compartment dividers. Dividers in a camera bag are a necessary evil that serve a protective purpose, but can easily end up driving you mad. The ones in this bag are different than those chubby uncooperative ones. These are thin and rigid, and their construction makes it possible to fold them down to create inner pockets or to accommodate smaller items. They're pretty ingenious. Also in that main compartment there's a nifty little pocket at the top for essentials like passports, wallets, tickets, phones, what have you.

Foldable dividers make it easy and safe to stack other items on top of camera bodies
or lenses.

When the bag is closed the designers came up with the coolest solution for quickly grabbing items that doesn't involve opening the whole thing up. This feature is probably my favorite thing about this bag. When I'm in a crowded area like a full subway car or, as in Venice, a packed Vaporetto, I don't have the room to fully open these kinds of bags nor do I feel comfortable showing everyone around me all the equipment I'm carrying. Peak Design came up with a simple, yet genius solution- just put a zipper in the top flap! That's all you need to access the main compartment to grab your sunglasses or phone and even a camera!

Brilliant!

The smaller pocket on the front of the bag is also designed simply yet is perfectly functional. It features multiple inner small organizational pockets that sit flat when not being used, but can expand rather impressively. They're perfect for batteries, filters, change, and other items you may not need that often.

The pockets have red or green stitching so you can differentiate between full memory cards
and empty ones or between charged or used batteries. 

But, wait! There are other cool features about the Everyday Messenger that you should know about too! Let's head back to the outside of the bag to check out the clasp system. It's really quite lovely.

The clasp system is actually pretty remarkable. First of all, there's no buckles involved so you don't have to make any adjustments to it as your load volume expands or shrinks. Secondly, it uses a magnet (yes, digital safe), so even if you don't latch it, the clasp will find the hooks and with a little tension click into place. It's also easy to use one handed and without stopping. Plus, the hooks aren't sewn on, they're bolted on. Like everything else with this bag you don't have to worry about the clasp system falling apart.

There are also some nice, sly side pockets that are great for stowing small often needed items like lens caps. One of them also has a quick access key lanyard inside so you always know where your keys are. It features Peak Design's Anchor link system so you can detach your keys from the lanyard quickly, but they aren't going to become detached when you don't want them to.

Near these pockets are dedicated attachment straps for Peak Design's Capture Camera clip systems. I love the Capture Pro I got for hiking so much I now use it all the time. It works seamlessly with the Everyday Messenger. Using the Capture system makes my camera as accessible as it would be with a traditional neck strap, but it keeps the camera from getting knocked about or in my way while storing it out of general line of sight to others. Plus, its base plate works with Brian so I don't have to switch the plate out when using the tripod.

If we continue along the back side of the bag we come to the laptop/tablet pocket. It also has a weather sealed zipper and easily fits my MacBook and iPad. However, I never carry both at the same time in the same bag. That would just be heavy and redundant.

The last feature I want to highlight is the tripod carry system. This is another one of the main reasons I wanted to get this bag. Normally both my husband and myself carry a bag. Sometimes I need to take the tripod with me all day. It's not an ideal situation, but the schedule may not allow time to run back to the hotel to drop it off after an early morning shoot or pick it up in the evening. Our schedule in Venice made this the norm, especially with the short days of December. In the past, it was really irritating to have to carry Brian in his own bag in addition to a camera bag. If we didn't need Brian every day all day on a trip there isn't really a need for a backpack and neither of us likes to carry those anyway. So, a messenger that can accommodate a travel tripod without being ridiculous about it would be really helpful. The Everyday Messenger can do that. Inside the main flap is a sleeve (it also has a pocket in it) that you can slide a tripod leg into to affix the tripod to the bag. They also send along a silicon ring (Or fashion accessory. You decide.) to loop around the leg ends to keep the tripod from sliding out.

Tripod Storage system

Sleeve opens on either end to slide a tripod leg through.

It also includes a pocket that is perfect for storing cables.

Tripod ring...or BRACELET!

Brian hanging out on the Everyday Messenger, happy as a clam.

Ok, so how did this bag do in Venice? Well, to be honest, you'd probably have to ask my husband since he carried it most of the time (it matched his outfits better than mine that week). But, he made sure to give me some thoughts throughout the trip on how it was fairing so I will do my best to sum them up for you.

Bottom line, he said, "This is probably the greatest bag in the world." Yep. He basically raved about it for an entire week, even more so after we remembered the additional straps that could adjust the position of the bag as needed. His favorite thing about the bag was that it wasn't bulky. We had the X-T1 in it with the 55-200m lens, the 10-24mm lens, plus all sorts of miscellaneous items and sundry, not to mention Brian. It was pretty full, but didn't look full. His second favorite thing about the bag was how easy it is to use. The closure is a piece of cake to operate. Also, he could tighten and loosen the strap without taking the bag off, the keys never got misplaced, the laptop pocket was perfect for carrying documents, and the flap zip access made it easy to grab stuff quickly. Using the bag wasn't a production and it never slowed us down. If I asked for the X-T1 (I was carrying and mainly using the X-T2 with the 16-55mm in my Ona Bag ), he could pull it out quickly for me and I didn't miss the shot. His third favorite thing about the bag was its style. It is a great looking bag and he didn't feel like he stuck out at all like one would with a typical day bag. He also appreciated the solid construction and the protective material on the bottom that makes ok to set the bag down on the ground. The front pocket also received a good review since it can be opened wide therefore he never lost anything down in the bottom of it. Keep in mind, camera gear, let alone camera bags are not something he generally thinks about, but by the end of the week he was ready to write Peak Design to tell them how much he loved the bag. He may still.

There are only a couple of things that did't work out so well, but we only noticed them since we were carrying a lot more gear than usual. The zip access in the flap is totally awesome, but we found that it doesn't work well to get larger camera bodies in an out of the bag. For grabbing the X-E2 with a small lens or the X70 it works great, but it's a bit of a struggle to get the X-T1 or 2 with the 16-55mm. Another slight issue was discovered with the strap, but I think it mostly had to do with the weight of the load. Over time there was some creep, and it had to be adjusted a couple of times a day. Thankfully, doing so is incredibly easy so that wasn't a huge deal.

We were definitely carrying more than normal on that trip. I don't usually carry a tripod, cable release, and filters with me all day. We had to carry more batteries because of the cold weather. We also stuck gloves and hats in there. Then there were all the other non-photo related items that went in too. A souvenir got tucked in a couple of times as well. It was full and heavy. With that type of load, it would have been more comfortable to have a backpack. Definitely. The bag itself didn't have any trouble handling the weight (except for the strap creep), it was having all the weight on one shoulder that became uncomfortable. But, he said he still preferred this bag since it was easier to use and looked more stylish than a backpack. Fashion over comfort, right?

A sample of what can easily fit inside the Everyday Messenger.
I was using my MacBook and had Netflix running on my iPad so they aren't pictured here.

To sum it up, with all these features it really is an Everyday Messenger, meaning you can use it just about everyday for most shooting situations. The larger model is remarkably spacious, and could even function as a flight carry-on. The smaller model would definitely be the perfect everyday bag if you don't need as much room. I think street photographers would appreciate its quick functionality and unobtrusive looks. The bag is solidly constructed and clearly a great deal of thought was given to every detail. It can also work well for non-photographers! Remove the dividers or don't and it can become anything you need. It is beautifully made and looks fashionable, while being tough and versatile. So, yes, when it comes to camera bags, the buck may very well stop here. I'm so impressed with it, I'm considering picking up a tan one. And, since their messenger bag has changed the world a little, I might even consider their Everyday Backpack to replace that old German bag down the road...

The Year End Round Up or The Bits of 2016 That Weren't a Catastrophe

Oy vey, you guys. What a year, huh? What an incredibly horrific, festering open sore of a year. At this point, it seems like just opening the news is tempting fate. It's like the whole year has been this game of Whack-A-Mole and we're the moles.

But, I think all of us had some good times too. They probably weren't international events, but for each of us there were some really enjoyable moments of 2016 that, if we take a moment to remember, keep the year from being a complete disaster. For myself and my husband, the highlights of 2016 were the new places we had the opportunity to visit. Of the past 5 years, this one was the most enjoyable for travel. Every new place was beautiful, welcoming, and inspiring. They made us stop in our tracks and pull the car over. They introduced us to new flavors and music. They brought us great conversations and lots of laughs. And, of course, they inspired tonst of photography. They basically made this year bearable. Without them, it would have been a long slog through days of frustration, loneliness, and boredom punctuated by the worst news headlines we could imagine short of "Half of Planet Earth Fell Off Overnight and Spirals Off Towards Sun." As our fifth year of living in Europe comes to a close, once again it is the travel which makes everything better. So, without further ado, here are our favorites from this year:

1. The Jaw Dropper
I don't know if I will ever be able to put the magic of Iceland into words. Lots of places are overrated in travel guides, TV shows, and on blogs. Iceland is not. It is just as beautiful in real life as it is in the movies. Obviously, there was zero chance that Iceland was going to be a visual disappointment. From waterfalls to glaciers to ice covered beaches to lava fields to the incredible northern lights, every view was like nothing seen before. It was a visual feast. Even Reykjavik with its brightly painted buildings and eclectic scene was fascinating to explore. There is seriously no place like it on earth. Our trip there was no where near long enough and getting back to soak up some more is definitely on the itinerary. However, I am so grateful we had the chance to experience it at least once.

2. The Dark Horse
The large German cities in our part of the country aren't particularly interesting places, in my opinion. They were mostly all flattened during the war and rebuilt to either look the way they did before or just rebuilt without much of a plan at all (Frankfurt is the perfect example). They're ok, but honestly if you've seen one, you've pretty much seen them all. They all have the same restaurants- 305 German ones serving "local specialities"(which is basically pork, potatoes, or noodles prepared in a different shape and served with a slightly different sauce from the other regions'), döner shops, an Irish pub, various Asian places of varying quality, pizza shops, and then one or two outlier ethnic restaurants with a good TripAdvisor reputation. There's always an Altstadt with one or two cathedrals, Rathaus, and pedestrian area. There's always the same stores and probably a City Gallery mall. They're very interesting for maybe the first year of living here, but after a while a visit to, say, Stuttgart sounds about as thrilling as heading to Columbus, OH for the weekend. It's something to do, but you pretty much know what you're going to get. I expected nothing remarkable from Dresden. Nothing. It was chosen purely because we had passed through on trains headed elsewhere and the skyline looked unique. A unique skyline means a chance for some good shooting, and perhaps the promise that a trip there would feel more like taking a trip somewhere completely new.

However, Dresden was unique. And, you know what? It was a good different. Today, Dresden is probably most famous for the horrific bombing it suffered in 1945. By now most of the buildings of the Altstadt have been rebuilt, but there are still sections that are being excavated. Dresden's unique earlier history as a center for arts, learning, and wealth means that its buildings are akin to something you might see in Paris or Belgium. The architecture is truly magnificent and was a pleasure to photograph. Of course, it still had the malls and shops and restaurants you find all over the People's Republic, but there was plenty there which can't be found anywhere else and is worth taking a look at. It didn't just have a slightly interesting center, it had a stunning one. I'm so thankful we saw that skyline from the train and decided to stop.

3. The Show Stealer
One thing I learned this year was to stop underestimating the little guy. Lisbon had been on my list since we lived in Luxembourg. We lived near a working class neighborhood with a large Portuguese population.  They were the only folks on the block who didn't treat us with contempt. Because of that, I decided that we should visit Lisbon.

It was a very good decision. All I knew about it was that it was beautiful, the people were nice, and the food was supposed to be good. It was all true, and then some. The people of Lisbon were by far the kindest, most generous people we encountered on our travels. For a city that has been enduring an ongoing financial crisis, we never felt unsafe. When I had to go to the hospital I was expecting to undergo one of the year's low points, but instead I was overwhelmed by the sympathetic, helpful, and most caring medical staff I've ever met. Ever.

Yes, the food was amazing too. We never ate better this year. To top it off, it was the most photogenic city we visited this year as well. But, it was the people that made Lisbon our favorite city of 2016. If Lisbon had just been a rubble heap, it would have still been worth visiting to get to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Portuguese. We were absolutely blown away and were genuinely sad to fly home.

4. The All Rounder
Oh, Ireland. It had been a long time since I'd been there, but while specific memories of that first trip had faded, I knew that Ireland had everything we could possibly want in a destination- stunning landscapes, a plethora of interesting sights, great food, and fabulous people. On returning this year, I was happy to know that I was right on all counts. There are few places in the world that are as enjoyable to visit as Ireland. It has that magnificent landscape of natural wonder, dotted with captivating ruins and castles. Even on a rainy day, it is gorgeous. This trip was probably my most satisfying photographically this year. With our own car, we could explore and get a little lost. No matter where we ended up I came across something to photograph.

Of course, we never went hungry. There was fresh seafood on the coast and hearty meals inland. Pints were always on hand, and with it came conversation. We're a bit starved of that here in Germany, so that week in Ireland made up for the whole year. We talked with tavern owners, cabbies, AirBnB hosts, bar keeps, distillery workers, waitresses, and whoever was next to us at the bar. We talked about everything from cars, to Cleveland basketball (which was the big sports news at the time), their cousins in California, my Irish great-grandpa, the ins and outs of Irish Whiskey, history, exploration, and then, inevitably, politics (Brexit occurred halfway through the trip). It was fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. Ok, Brexit was definitely not fantastic, sorry.  I meant the conversations. I don't think I've ever been so appreciative of a people who are known for their gift of gab.

The scenery is meant to be photographed and there was great food and conversation. I really don't need much more from a place.  If that's all you really need too, then get yourself to Ireland.

And with that, I'm signing off for the rest of the year! We're headed to Venice for the week for some rest, good eating, and hopefully some good shooting too. Then, we'll be all set for what 2017 can chuck at us. If this was the last year we had to see some more of this beautiful world, I won't complain. It was a true gift.

I hope all of you had something to be thankful for from 2016 too. We have no idea what is around the corner, but my wish is that the end of this year brings you some peace and a little joy too.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
CG

For the Love of the X70

I don't usually talk about gear on this blog. Once I got over my initial case of gear fixation, I've mostly tried to focus on the process instead of the tools. But, as my father always says, "To do the job right, your need the proper tools." Today I wanted to talk about one of my favorite tools, the Fujifilm X70.

I've been working exclusively with the Fujifilm X Series cameras for about 2 years now (my gear list can be found on the right of blog page). It only took about 6 months after picking up my X-E2 to decide I wanted to switch entirely over that system from Canon. Everyone is different on what they want in a system, just like everyone is different in what they want in a car (or no car at all!). For me, there were a few factors in deciding to switch to the X-Series. First of all, there was the size. Being mirrorless, most of the set ups pack down way smaller than what I had going on with my mid-size DSLR. Secondly, there was the glass quality. Every single lens Fujifilm puts out is professional grade, there's none of this entry level junk. Fuji's lenses are top of the line, solid, sharp, and fast. Thirdly, and this is probably the biggest selling point for me, the X Series is made for those who love shooting manual. The designs hearken back to analog. Instead of menus, there are dials, beautiful, wonderful dials. I wasn't a photographer in the film age, but I have a deep appreciation for the medium. And, the X Series cameras honor that, not only in the design and functionality, but also with the Fujifilm film simulations you can apply in camera or in post. Bottom line, using the X Series system is a blast.

Last September, while we were in Akron, my husband surprised me one morning with a box from B&H Photo Video. Nestled inside the packing material and assorted free oddments, sat one of those lovely black boxes Fujifilm packages their X Series in. I have to admit, I was quite taken aback. I had just two days prior, picked up the long anticipated X-T2 (fabulous, fabulous camera, by the way). I certainly wasn't planning on adding another camera to the fleet already. But, inside that black box was the wee X70 and that was kind of a big deal.

You see, I had been searching for a pocketable camera on and off for a couple of years. I had toyed with the idea of the beautiful X100T, but it measures a bit too large for a pocket camera (at least for the diminutive pockets they put in most women's clothing). One of my main desires was to find something that would fit in a cycling jersey pocket. My old iPhone is all well and good for messaging funny pet pictures to the fam or snapping the local bus schedule for later reference, but it can't hold up to a real lens for any serious photography (I'm sorry, it can't). I looked at other brands like Sony and Nikon, but I really wasn't keen on either's design and functionality in this range. Plus, after using my X-E2 alongside a Canon, I really, really didn't want to add a different system into the mix again. The amount of shots lost due to system switch confusion was a little ridiculous in those days. Anyway, when Fujifilm released the X70, the idea of adding a small pocket camera to the collection didn't seem like a lost cause anymore. 

And so, out of the blue, I now had one! I named it Baby. All the cameras have names, yes. With all the X this and X that it's easier to keep them straight. Before long, what was intended to be a cycling camera became my everyday carry camera. It comes out on dog walks with me, to the grocery store, and all the other times when I want to have a camera, but don't need or want to carry a bag.

Captured with my X70 while out walking The Dog.

I honestly didn't expect to love this camera as much as I do. Here's why it's stolen my heart.

1. Size- while a bit larger than some other models in that market, it fits nicely in my jacket pockets and jersey pockets. It is small and light enough to fit in the bag with other bodies if I want a backup.

2. Design- most cameras of this sort keep the dials and knobs to a minimum, with setting customization being limited and only found in menus. The X70 sticks with the X Series honor of manual control. Your basic functions can all be controlled quickly and easily on the body like the majority of the other X Series cameras. Aperture is found on the lens, exposure and exposure compensation are controlled on the dials, and ISO can be assigned to one of the buttons.

3. That flip screen- Arguably, Fujifilm has always been weak on this feature. All of the early model X series had fixed LCD screens. I generally shoot with a viewfinder, but I found the lack of an articulated LCD very trying when I wanted a more unique perspective or when I was shooting from a tripod. That problem is why I went with the X-T line for my workhorses over the X-Pros. Anyway, the X70 has a pretty advanced screen. It can flip into selfie position, which means we now have a couple pictures together for a change. It is also a touch screen. It can be set to select a focus point or to take the shot. I usually have it set for focus since that's a heck of a lot faster than the select buttons. Since the X70 doesn't have a viewfinder, the advanced LCD makes up for it.

4. Full functionality- It has the same capabilities as the X-E2 like bracketing, burst, time lapse, WiFi, video, detailed display, etc. There is no reason why it can't be the only camera on you. Plus, if I want to pass it over to my husband or someone else, I can just flip it into Auto and they don't have to worry about anything. The JPEGs come out top notch, just as you would expect from Fujifilm.

5. Fixed lens- This may be a deal breaker for a lot of people, but I love the fixed focal length. It's a nice wide 18.5mm f/2.8 meaning it's a great all rounder. It is bright and unobtrusive, making it perfect for street photographers. It is wide and sharp for scenery. It gets out of the way, and let's you craft the image.

Because it's the size of my iPhone the X70 is the only camera The Dog allows me to get close to him with. 

Now for the downside. Rumor has it that Sony quit making the 16mps sensor and that means Fujifilm will be discontinuing a lot of their cameras that used that sensor. That includes the X70. That's pretty sad since it hasn't been on the market for even a year yet. I love this little camera and I'm really disappointed that Fujifilm may not be continuing with it. Hopefully, it doesn't mean they will be scrapping the 16mps models completely by ending firmware updates too. Only time will tell. Of course, there's always the small chance those lines will be rebooted with a new sensor. Who knows at this point since the discontinuation is still just a rumor (although stock is disappearing from some stores in Europe and Japan). While certainly not a flagship, the X70 definitely filled a need for a lot of photographers and its performance has given it top marks from reviewers. I for one will always be a fan and will continue to use Baby until it dies. 

Of course, the one bright side of this is that the price will significantly drop on the X70 if it is discontinued. For now, Amazon.com and B&H still have them fully in stock so if an official announcement is made, they will probably be discounted significantly. Amazon DE and Amazon UK are low on stock (UK is out of silver), so there may very well be something to the rumor. However, I've found Amazon DE sellers generally don't keep a large stock of photo equipment anyway. Be that as it may, this may be the opportunity to take advantage of a great deal caused by a series of unfortunate events. For those who love manual shooting or want to learn it or whole love fixed lens bodies or who want to broaden their photography by using one, the X70 is a fantastic little camera and would make a great gift this season.

Captured Glimpses Black Friday Sale

For those not interested in braving the stores or the mall today, but are still open to taking advantage of a sale, I have good news for you!

If you would like to purchase a print, canvas print, metal print, postcard, photo panel, or cards from capturedglimpses.com, use the code BLACKFRI2016 at check out to receive free standard shipping from today until Sunday!

There are tons of things on sale in the Zazzle Shop today and today only! Use the code BLACKFRISAVE to receive:

65% off Luggage Tags & Ornaments

50% off Fleece Blankets, Gift Tags, Greeting Cards, & Post-It Notes

40% off Calendars, Mugs (including the Magical Northern Lights Mug), 

Pillows, Serving Trays, Tote Bags, & Wrapping Paper

30% off Cases & Playing Cards

20% off EVERYTHING else in the shop!

Have a great weekend! 

Happy Thanksgiving and Such

I just wanted to wish everyone back home in the United States a good Thanksgiving holiday. I know it has been a really tough year and these continue to be uncertain times. But, hopefully today can be peaceful and differences can be set aside. The important thing is to remember that we are bound by our ties as Americans. It is when we come together that we are at our greatest- no matter our beliefs, our education, our salaries, the way we dress, or how we live. Today is an opportunity to begin healing as everyone meets over a meal with family and friends. It is an opportunity to discuss, not to argue. It is an opportunity to listen, not to chastise. It is an opportunity to begin building bridges with those across the table that can be extended across divides. This is not the day to avoid our differences and pretend everything is just fine while harboring resentment, today is the day to right this ship. So talk it out, hug each other, then go have a second piece of pie for me.

The holiday season gets its official kickoff today. If after the holiday (or during) you're feeling like you need a little retail therapy, I have many new items available in my Zazzle Shop. There are eight new tote bags with landscape photographs, a bunch of new puzzles, greeting cards, a whole new collection of Eiger products, some new waterfall items, and a whole bunch of stuff for the holidays!

Of course, I also have new wall calendars available for 2017. They were my most popular item last year and I want to say thank you to all who purchased one! We were able to send on a nice donation to Americas Fund with the proceeds.

This year there are once again two calendars available. There is the 11"x14.25" full color calendar for $28.00 featuring photographs from Austria, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, and Portugal. A portion of my proceeds from this calendar will be donated to PetsMart Charities this year. This charity is the most successful in facilitating animal adoptions and spay & neuter programs in the United States.

Scenic Europe 2017 Calendar

 The second calendar is 5.5"x7" and features black and white photographs. I will be donating 80% of my proceeds from this calendar to the International Refugee Assistance Project. Because of everything that has been going on both in Europe and the United States, I've become very concerned about this issue. Refugees need our support more than ever and the IRAP is the leading organization in fighting for refugee rights and providing services for them. This calendar is $25.00 and features photographs from Germany, France, Iceland, Norway, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, Italy, Luxembourg, Ohio (yup!), Slovakia, and Switzerland.

2017 Monochrome Calendar

Both calendars can be customized by language and country holidays. They also, like all my other Zazzle products, ship internationally. So, if you are in need of a new calendar or a gift for the upcoming season, here you go! ALSO, today only both calendars are 40% off! Use the code BLACKFRILOVE at check out. Many other items in the Shop are also on sale with the same code.

Ok, get outside this weekend, relax, eat a little too much, and enjoy your holiday! We wish we were there!

A Backyard Park

Blue Hen Falls

Northeast Ohio is blessed to have a magnificent National Park.  Sure, it doesn't have geysers, mountains, grizzlies, and canyons, but it's unlike any other National Park in the country.  Why? Because it's accessible and lived in.  People are just as important to this park as its spaces.  Bald eagles fly over farms and people who live in the cities like Akron and Cleveland can hop onto a trail near their neighborhood and walk or ride into forests.  This is a park for people.

Virginia Kendall Overlook

I was blessed to grown up on its border in the Cuyahoga Valley.  I grew up cycling and hiking there and considered the CVNP and the MetroParks to be an extension of my backyard.  While most young people in the suburbs spend their time in the gridded world of housing developments, I had Hampton Hills, the Towpath trail, Virginia Kendall, and Brandywine.

A lot has changed since I was growing up.  Back then, there wasn't a scenic railroad, Szalay's Farm barely sold more than corn, the Towpath only ran from the old Indian Mound Trailhead to Hillside road, and Hale Farm was barely hanging on.  Peninsula wasn't particularly popular except for those doing the World Tour of Beers at the Lizard.

Today, of course, the Park is the place to be.  The railroad is so popular on the weekends that you need to book in advance, you can ride your bike from Harvard road all the way down to Route 172 without ever leaving the towpath trail, Hale Farm has been revived, Szalay's is has become a popular attraction, and little Peninsula is absolutely packed on Saturdays and Sundays.  It's something to see.

The Beaver Marsh

Of course, this phenomenon of National Park popularity isn't unique to the Cuyahoga Valley.  All the National Parks have seen a massive spike in visitation since the Great Recession.  All of a sudden people realized that the simple natural spaces of their own country were worth seeing more than (and were cheaper than) theme parks and cruise ships.  The National Parks are cool now. A little too cool when you look at the implications.  Unlike the more famous parks, the Cuyahoga Valley is unique in that most of its visitors are local.  It's a park that is a part of the local lifestyle.  It's not just a place to spend a weekend.  In many ways it doesn't feel like a National Park, it still feels like a backyard (with a whole lot more people in it).

It was another one of the special things about home that I was reminded of in September.  First thing in the morning, when only deer and those training for the Akron Marathon were out, I could drive 5 minutes down the road and in be in a magnificent landscape.  That isn't normal, folks.  Shots like this one aren't within 5 minutes of most people's homes.  But, they are for people who live in Northeast Ohio.  And, it's another reason why home shouldn't take it for granted.

The Turnpike viaduct.

More photographs from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the MetroParks Serving Summit County can be seen and purchased on the website in the Ohio Countryside gallery.