Do you have friends who are also photographers? I do.

 

Last evening my friend, Paul sent me a text asking if he could borrow my Fuji 50Sii to take along with him on a commercial shoot in a different city. He felt the need for a back-up camera on a bigger project.  Of course I said "Yes" and asked if he needed extra batteries, lenses, etc. Nope. I was happy to lend out the camera. I have plenty. 

He dropped by my house today, timing his arrival with my own arrival back from swim practice. I handed off the camera to him and he handed me a small, black leather bag in exchange. "This is for you." He said. 

I came into the office and opened the bag and pulled out a pristine Carl Zeiss, Milvus, 35mm f2.0 ZF.2 lens. Just the right focal length for a project I'm thinking about. He intended the lens as a gift for loaning out gear. But he needn't make such a large gesture. I'll insist on paying for the lens...

So, today, while everyone else is rushing to get to the park for the Austin City Limits music festival I'll be heading out to one of my usual downtown walks to get my brain wrapped around the capabilities and potential of the new (to me) lens. What a lovely surprise on a Sunday morning!

It's so nice to have good friends who are in the same business and, more importantly, have the same passion for the work and the tools. We've traded stuff back and forth for the better part of 30 years. I always know that if I get stuck for an extra light, camera, lens or other piece of gear he'll have my back. It makes working as a photographer more comfortable. More stable. And, it's great to have someone you can talk "hot pixels" or "L mount compatible lenses" with. Better to have a friend with which to discuss such things than to bore one's spouse....