This is somewhere to share my experiences with photography, computers and other technology. I am no expert but have years of experience. One thing I have learnt is how much I still have to learn. This blog gives me a chance to share what I have learnt, hopefully it will help others.
Photography Gear
I have owned both film and digital cameras, but shoot with digital these days. I have a couple of Canon dslrs, a 400D and a 77D. Even though the 400D is a few years old now, it is a fine camera that I feel comfortable using. That is an important element that is often overlooked. If you don’t feel comfortable with whatever tools you are using you won’t get the best out of them or yourself. My favourite camera was the Nikon F601M which is the best camera I have ever owned. I have a mix of Canon and Sigma lens. The Canon lens are fine, if you keep clear of the ones that come in kits, but their best lens can be expensive. The Sigma range provides a good balance of price and quality.
I also have a FujiFilm X10 which sees regular use as it is always there and ready to go. However I don’t feel I get the best out of it. It is in the car most of the time and takes good photos and video.
My most common subjects are plants, railways, vintage cars and old buildings.
Computers
Tired of the cost and bloat of Windows I have been using Linux, specifically Fedora as my primary OS for sometime now. Most, but not all, of the software I use daily is free and open source. I can’t see myself using any other operating system now.
I use KDE as my main desktop environment and have done so off and on since KDE 3 days.
I have been an Android user for a few years now. I’m on my sixth Android phone, a Pixel 9. It’s a great phone. I was using the Nova Launcher which has many features the standard launcher doesn’t. However as it is no longer supported I’ve switched to Octopi. I tried a few different ones but Octopi felt comfortable when I tried so it stays. At least for now.
I’ve also got a Lenovo Tab P11 tablet. It is a useful addition especially when travelling. I’ve rounded out my Android collection with a Google smartwatch which has been a better than expected experience.
Location
One of the advantages of retirement is that you aren’t tied to living where you can find employment. At the moment I’m living in the Hawkesbury Valley on the northwestern outskirts of Sydney Australia, at the base of the beautiful Blue Mountains. Not country but not quite city, the best and worst of both.
My Christian faith is an important part of who I am. But this isn’t an appropriate place to discuss that. Other interests include baking and fountain pens.
I would like to travel around this great country a little more. My car, a 1994 Subaru Liberty Rallye that I’ve had from new, is the perfect vehicle for such travels as past experience has shown. I’ve added a second vehicle, a Renault Koleos, as an option especially when travelling with more gear.
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Techodyssey 