Several new family members were delivered today by the UPS driver.  Earlier in the week ordered from B&H Photo a Nikon F100 camera, a Nikon SB-50DX flash unit, and a Domke Photog Vest.  Am very excited about these new additions to my gear; will post comments and reviews on all three over the next few weeks.

While buying an F100 at this moment in history might be viewed as going against the grain given the market shift from film to digital, it seemed to me the perfect time to acquire one of the finest 35mm cameras ever produced at a rebate induced bargain price.  Although there will be a time in the future when film will have run its course, am sure it and quick, reliable processing will be readily available for the foreseeable future and beyond.  Perhaps in two or three years will make a complete transition to digital photography with the acquisition of a Nikon DSLR, but believe there is still considerable shakeout yet to occur with this emerging technology.  Am hoping this two to three year delay will allow industry standards on both cameras and lenses to be well established and pricing to come down from the stratosphere.

The Nikon SB-50DX flash was actually a "freebie" in my total purchase this week.  Nikon is currently offering (through June 30, 2004 in the US) a rebate almost equal to the purchase price of this flash unit in conjunction with the purchase of a qualifying camera or lens.  Couldn't pass up this opportunity, therefore, which allows me to finally have a flash unit which can automatically synchronize with the focus distance of the lens.

Lastly, purchased the Domke Photog Vest in that never ending quest for the ultimate arrangement for comfortably lugging around one's multitude of photo gear.  Suppose acquisition of this vest helps qualify me for membership in the "bag of the month club".  But it's all part of the fun of trying out new approaches to taking the tools of the craft out into the field.