Month: March 2024 (Page 2 of 4)

–Finished and submitted 2023 taxes via TurboTax. They had a state underpayment penalty (Block did not). I think Block may have been accurate, but didn’t feel like getting into a showdown with the state.

–Walked to UPS to pick up Dremel polish. Surprised to see the order did not include buffs. Ordered the buffs (again?) from Widget Supply. Very strange. Stopped at Bel Air for dessert and cheese. Wanted milk, but you cannot buy one quart of milk at Bel Air. Second time I’ve seen this. Inexplicable and very annoying.

–Never satisfied with my Leicas, I looked again at eBay. Noticed (not for the first time) a used M10-P Hodinkee Ghost Edition for $19,000. Nice-looking camera. Searched the web to get a feel for it, found that Hodinkee is selling this new for $15,000. Bought it. Hoping that’s the end. Removable bottom cover, three buttons, 24 megapixels, cool ghost colors. Given its age (2019) and scarcity (250 units) I’m surprised to see it still available new. It better be new…

–Picked up Leica M-P 240 Safari at UPS. Not what I thought it was going to be. Was expecting a sort of M10 (like the one I have with rub marks), but instead it’s a 10-year old camera, just like an M9 with 24MB sensor. It has weird Classic or Advanced Exposure (with Live View), which seems more of a kluge than an advance. It’s flawless cosmetically, but really is just the most advanced M9 (Live View) in green. I can’t see a real niche for it. SL2 and M11 are the only real candidates for “master camera,” and M9 has a spot as a classic with CCD sensor. It’s possible the M10-R BP could be the master, but then M9 would be superfluous, I go back and forth on the BP as user vs. work of art. And then there’s the Reporter coming some day……

–Had a horrible night of diarrhea, after Motor City pizza and a Howard’s Donuts cinnamon roll.

–Slept much of the afternoon.

–Did Federal taxes; owe $828.

–Took the Beemer to Howard’s Donuts (no bagels) and UPS.

–Picked up the “softest” Dremel buff. Looked harsh to me, and shed like crazy for a long time. HOWEVER, with some Crystal Brite polish, it really did seem to get rid of very shallow scratches in the M10-R BP. It left a fair haze, but Meguiar’s Swirl Remover brought everything back to perfect. This might actually work; I’m holding my breath. Also conflicted now on which M to keep: the BP, or the incoming Safari. Tests are in order.

–Tried to finish taxes using the IRS online app. Too many limitations–they can’t do IRA distributions, for example. Bought H&R Block Tax Cut (cheaper than, and works with Turbo Tax) and we’re moving along.

–Took a shower and shave. Used a new Gillette Spoiler blade, after using one for 4-6 shaves. Really nice blade.

–Played with cameras. Will keep only (1) SL2–like the Sony before it, it will take any lens (with adapter) and focus it better than an M with Visoflex 2; (2) M10-P Safari–using the scratched one now, with an “unused” one coming soon. Nice color, last M with the bottom plate, will utilize the Visoflex 2 in a pinch; (3) TL–best design ever, takes fine pictures; (4) C-Lux–huge zoom with incredible sharpness at the far end.

No M9’s for now. Will decide how to use the CL Paul Smith (which kind of overlaps the TL) when it comes back from Leica.

–Took Grace shopping at Bel Air.

–Turned on sprinklers, after fixing issues front back and side.

–Pizza for dinner.

–Lumitime clock came in. Flawless, quiet, not as bright as the one from shermtyv on eBay. Don’t know how he did it.

–Black Leica TL came in. Mint condition, still feeling it out. Not sure it will replace a CL.

–Second Leica D-Lux 7 007 came in. Ultra new. Made the mistake of comparing it (again) to the C-Lux. The C, with its vastly longer zoom and smaller sensor, blew the D out of the water. Oh well…

–Got an appointment (via Firoz referral) at Sacramento Spine and Physical Therapy. For May 1. Oh well…

–Dr. Firoz’s office called with a referral to Sacramento Spine & Physical Therapy.

–Played with cameras and abrasives. Tiny bit of progress, maybe.