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I'm still absorbing all that occurred at Saturday's
meeting. Even
though we didn't have as large a turnout as we had hoped (nine persons
attended), I think that everyone who was there enjoyed the event and
learned a lot about our beloved Exaktas. Those who attended were (left to right):
Stephen Foyle from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(Stephen drove straight through to the meeting, a 17 hour drive. I am
quite impressed by that accomplishment); myself from Overland Park, Kansas; Michael Higgins
from Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; Lowell Anderson from Cody, Wyoming; Bill Emery from Tulsa, Oklahoma; Jim Focht
from Inverness, California; Miles Upton from Independence,
Missouri; Michael Spencer, from Pittenweem,
Fife, Scotland (Michael and his wife also had quite a trip: they drove
to Weston from Boston over a four day period); and last, but not least, Ken Locke
from Topeka, Kansas.
As our opening speaker, Michael Spencer provided a splendid overview of
the Exakta Circle and his colossal effort to translate the Ihagee
portions of the Hummel book (It took him 2½ years). Michael Higgins
followed up in the afternoon with an excellent overview of his Exakta
lens test project. Finally, Miles wowed us with detailed explanations
of his very rare Exakta items and the chance for us to actually hold
them in our hands to get a close-up look at those exotic items. Miles
also discussed Exakta and lens repair, and displayed a command of all
aspects of Exakta details.
In addition to the presentations, we had several displays of
Exakta/Ihagee equipment and material. Miles and I brought the most
stuff, since we live only about 40 miles from Weston, a very charming
(and tiny) river town northwest of Kansas City. I brought an assortment
of Exaktas, Exas, and pre-Exakta Ihagee products, plus some individual
lenses and my collection of Ihagee and Exakta literature. Miles came
with an incredible assortment of items that ranged from some of the
original proof photos from the Hummel book to his ultra rare
Kriegsmarine pre-war Exakta 66 (I believe actually produced during the
war, considering the Nazi markings). Jim Focht brought along several
interesting items that he located in his Exakta searches on the west
coast, including numerous pieces of Exakta promotional literature. He
was kind enough to provide everyone with a complimentary scan of his
most unusual printed items. Jim lamented the fact that Exakta
collectors are a rare breed in that part of the country. Stephen Foyle
brought along several unusual items and impressed us with his
wide-ranging knowledge of all types of camera systems. The other
members who were there also came with their equipment for us to admire
and discuss. I took several photos at the meeting and will work on
getting them posted on a website.
The part of the meeting that I treasured the most was the opportunity to
meet so many Exakta enthusiasts in person and learn about their
experiences collecting and using Exaktas. Those one-on-one
conversations were the best part of meeting. It is interesting to see
that we all approach the Exakta world from somewhat different angles,
but still have a lot in common.
Miles and I would like to thank everyone who made the excursion to
Weston.
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