One of the results of my Sony F717's CCD dying was I that I started shooting film again.  This led me to look for gear on Ebay that I could use to augment my camera.  Not suprisingly, there is a brisk business online of folks selling compatible equipment.  There are many lenses, flashes, and power winders available.

I bought a little power winder a couple of weeks ago.  I haven't had much of a chance to dicker with it, but today I'm heading to Mount Rushmore National Park.  I'll bring both my digital and my film camera and set down to take shots in the park.  Hopefully the winder ends up being a valuable/useful tool.

My Sony camera arrived back from the Sony repair center in Laredo today.  I have only good things to say.

Just as a reminder, my camera starting acting strangely and it turned out to be a failed sensor.  I thought for sure I was in for either an expensive repair job--the camera was bought years ago--or I was going to need to purchase a brand new camera.

I rather liked the idea of purchasing a new camera, but not the expense that goes along with that eventuality.

My camera arrived back at the house today and I am pleased with the service.

Yesterday I was notified by email that the Sony repair shop in Laredo Texas had my camera.  I got on line and entered the work order number in the Sony site and it indicated that my camera was with a repair technician and the repair could take between 5 and 10 days. 

Today I got a second message indicating that my camera was shipping back to me.  This is either great news--they fixed it fast, or it is terrible news--they didn't fix it at all.

Unfortunately the message does not indicate WHAT the resolution to my CCD issue was.  It would be simple enough for them to drop me a quick email letting me know if the news is good or bad. 

My Sony digital camera went on the blink today. I had a Kodak that did the same thing a number of years ago. I sighed and resigned myself to the fact it was time for a new digital camera. I have a fair number of accessories for this camera, so it had me pretty bummed out.

This camera has been a real workhorse for me. I've taken well over 5000 pictures with it. It has great optics. It has been a pretty steady friend.