D. Brent Miller - A Personal Journal

March 31, 2026

Old is new again: B&W Film Photography

It seems I forgot how to operate a film camera. I don’t remember the last time I used my Canon FTb. And, operating it required moments of serious focus. Frankly, it has been sitting for a very long time. I hoped it would still work.

55-year-old Canon FTb with my favorite art film, Ilford Pan F.

I stopped using and developing my own Black & White film probably 16 or 17 years ago. Some time after that I sold all my film and digital SLR equipment, and embracing my Canon mirrorless camera, the M6 Mkii. Nifty little cameras. Full EOS operation and Canon no longer makes them. I did keep the one film camera pictured above. I bought that camera in Vietnam in 1971, just before I left for home.

Embracing the thought of returning to film photography, I bought a few rolls of film loaded the camera and commenced to trying to remember how this particular camera works! Oh, yeah. I have to focus it. I needed a new battery for the light meter, and that seems to work, but I need to remember not only how to use it, but setting the ISO, shutter and aperture in order to make a proper exposure.

Slowly, my memory returned to how to use the camera. Next was finding subjects that were worthy of this fine camera and film. Obviously, my motorcycles became subjects, and then I took a ride to find suitable locations.

I had to remember the film does not automatically advance. You have to push the film advance lever to get the film to the next frame. On just the one roll of film, I must have pressed the shutter button a dozen times to take another picture, forgetting to advance the film. I guess I have been using my auto-focus, automatic everything on the digital cameras, that I forgot how much work goes into film. But, it will be worth it.

I’ll let you know when the film gets back from the processor.

Are you shooting B&W film? Developing it yourself or sending off to a processor? Let me know in the comments.

See you on the highway.

Brent

March 27, 2026

Film is coming back

Lately, I have been reading that film is coming back. Mostly, the return to film is with artists. Digital is nice and quick, but even the best digital filters cannot replicate what film produces–that is the grain. Old-school film is all about sharpness and grain. And, manufacturers like Kodak, are returning to produce film. Who doesn’t remember the popularity of Kodak Tri-X, the photo journalist’s go-to B&W film.

My Canon FTb purchased in Vietnam in 1971. It’s built like a tank, and the only film camera I currently own.

Why am I writing about this? Because today, talking with a friend, I was asked about selling off camera equipment that is no longer used. Turns out I did not know he was an amateur photographer with lots of gear. Nor did he realize my professional photography background. Turns out, he is sitting on his father-in-laws medium format equipment. My ears perked up.

I have often thought about returning to film for artistic efforts. My Canon FTb is still in good condition, even though I bought it in 1971 in Vietnam before I left that county. That makes it 55 years old, and it’s still viable. Load it up with some Tri-X or Ilford film, and it’s ready to go. But my real desire is medium format film cameras. The camera I regret letting go was my Hasselblad. Loved that camera, but I had long quit developing film. So, I let it go, and sold it to a friend who had access to darkrooms.

As film returns to the art community, there are companies that will develop and scan B&W film for customers, thus bypassing the need for a darkroom.

All this makes me think about returning to film. To resume art with B&W film. Time will tell what my future photographic efforts will hold.

Are you shooting film?

See you on the highway.

Brent

March 24, 2026

I have registered for DGR

Last year, I wanted to. In the past, I have supported others. But this year, I am committed to riding with DGR, the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride to raise money for men’s health.

Primarily, the Movember movement supports men’s health, specifically prostate cancer. Last year, the ride was scheduled just five days after my prostate surgery. I was not in any kind of condition to ride a motorcycle. This year, I am ready and registered to ride in this import fundraiser.

Lin is creating my attire for the ride. After all, I need to look like a distinguished gentleman with proper attire. I’ll be riding my Moto Guzzi in Cincinnati.

You can help. Just take a pic of that QR code and make your donation. Then stay tuned for May 17. I’ll be posting pics of the ride.

See you on the highway.

Brent

March 23, 2026

Bath time

The badge of honor for an adventure bike is dirt. Just a dirty bike. One that has been playing in the dirt. But that is not the case for a roadster like the Moto Guzzi. So, it was bath time.

I think it has been about a year when the Guzzi had its last bath. It was in need of a good soap and rinse. Afterwards, it was time to take it for a ride.

It seems to me that a motorcycle performs better after a good bath? Do you have the same experience?

See you on the highway.

Brent

March 18, 2026

Who wants pizza?

Who doesn’t like a good piece of pizza. In fact, who really turns down a slice of pizza even if it’s not your favorite. Nobody. But there are differences.

I was at our local grocery store today. This store opened about a year ago, and it is bigger than before and well stocked. In fact, it has one whole freezer section dedicated to the almighty pizza.

Wow! That is a lot of pizza! Every product from one end to the other is a frozen pizza. I didn’t take the time to count the different brands or even offerings. I just took the photo. My basket was devoid of any. I just walked on by humming that tune by Dionne Warwick, “… just walk on by.”

I suppose some of those pizzas are good, some better than others. The same applies to pizza eateries. The franchise pizza places are pretty predictable. Some are better than others. The locally owned pizza parlor that has one or two storefronts usually outshines the franchises. But, there’s nothing like the pizza that you make at home. They are always the best.

My standard pizza, whether ordering or making at home is sausage, mushrooms and pepperoni. Sometimes, I add onions and black olives. Always loaded with extra mozzarella cheese. Sometimes it’s a flat crust, sometimes the skillet. It’s always good.

What’s your favorite pizza toppings? Do you have a favorite pizza eatery?

Brent