mc # 0362
The “half battery” indicator is flashing on my Timex watch so I’m thinking about replacing it. The watch, not the battery. I could have a jeweler replace the battery for $18 (US) or I could replace it myself if I had access to jewelers tools such as eyeglasses, screwdrivers, tweezers and $18 (US). But then I’d still have an old watch with a “genuine faux leather” band that Emo likes to chew on and is barely able to hold the weight of the watch with a new battery.
One of my “stupid ideas” was the invention of a solar powered watch. The prototype consisted of two separate pieces; the watch and a baseball cap with photovoltaic cells on the lid and wires that ran down the side, through the sleeve of your shirt and onto the watch to charge it. It worked fine but it wasn’t very practical because we only get 62 days of sunshine a year here in Webster (Where Life is Worth Living) and the cells couldn’t produce enough electricity to run the watch.
Photographers are obsessed with time. Some photographers want to keep track of the “premium” times for outdoor photography; the golden hour or the blue hour. Some may time long exposures of flowing water to get that creamy smooth look. Timing is critical in every phase of darkroom work, too. Every photograph is an instant in time so it can’t be underestimated.
mc # 0431
…to be continued.
2clicksaway 
Very cool thoughts and musings about time, Ken. Also, love the motorcycle pictures!
Thanks, Paul.
Mc#0431 – nice shot.
Time is becoming more important, as it passes. For a long time I was content with just going out and trying to make certain shots work even if it was the middle of the day. Sometimes this worked, if there were some dramatic clouds to use, but most often, the sun would be too brutal and the images too harsh. Now, I have the Photographer’s Ephemeris for the iPad and I’m always aware of when/where the sun will rise and set. Hopefully, it’ll pay off…
On those days where the sun is brutal I’ve found that HDR can really tame that harshness. My D600 only shoot 3 exposures automaticly in a series but there is a lot of control in the amount in the brackets and, so far, it’s been enough for most of the times I’ve had to resort to it.
Don, I sorry break the bad news but Citizen stole you solar watch idea with their Eco-Drive line of watches…except they removed the hat and wires and put it all in an attractive watch. At least I didn’t get a hat with mine…maybe I should call them about the hat??? 🙂
Nice photos. Beautiful detail on the HD 103ci motor. A lot of work to keep one that clean.
The Citizen watches are really cool. Certainly beats my prototype but at least that was way better than the one that came before it: the steam powered watch.
My watches always ‘die’ at the most inconvenient moment. My Grandma saved up for three years to buy me an Omega for my 21st birthday. Manual wind-up, still keeps time. Comes out on special occasions and still looks great. The old ones are the best ones.
Two handsome biking shots – is that a Harley?
Thanks, Andy. It could be a Harley, that’s what most of the bikers in the club have.
Your Omega could be worth a small fortune now. I’m told the older watches are in high demand. I have an old Rolex I never wear.
Time is the most valuable commodity we have, I think. Beautiful motorcycle images!
Thanks, Howard. I had a manager who used to say “Give me enough time and money and I can do anything”. But so can a bunch of monkeys.