Bill Cook

Aged 67 in 2018. I've been an amateur photographer for many, many years. Used to have my own darkroom, mainly B&W but also tried prints from colour slides (why?? so difficult when I look back on it!)

I suppose I really got "serious amateur" when my first job was in Saudi Arabia in the early 70s. Bought a Minolta SRT 101 after much deliberation. If I'd waited a few months, Olympus launched the OM1. But, I still love those Minoltas! Dabbled with medium format - all I could afford was a Yashica 124g, but I got some super 2" slides out of it!
A few years ago, I decided that digital had finally "come of age" for me & bought an Olympus e-610, but didn't get the best out of it. Too much moving house, family problems.

I retired early, and tried to get into painting more than photography. Still might, but photography has now got me back in its spell! Dumped the Olympus and bought a new Nikon D5300, only because I don't yet see my future as mirrorless. Also bought a few (mainly second-hand) lenses to match. Not all DX by any means - I've no objection to using my own hands and brain!

So, who knows where this will go - but I'm sure I'll enjoy the ride!!