Category: Nikon

Photo by Joe WilcoxMar 22, 202510:05 pm

Medical Office Oasis

I (rightly) complain a lot about the insane amount of residential building going on in San Diego—much of it obliterating charming cottages or Craftsman-like homes and greenery galore. (What’s the use of having a backyard for the kids to play when you can build an Accessory Dwelling Unit and rent it, eh?)

That said, the city also is lush, with well-manicured properties packing yard spaces full of flowers, plants, trees, and other natural paraphernalia that add charm and character. Consider the Featured Image, captured two days ago using Nikon Zf and NIKKOR 40mm f/2 (SE) lens, to be representative.

Photo by Joe WilcoxMar 18, 20259:43 pm

Flocking Friends

What do I know about collectibles? Nothing! For months, I have passed by these three, looking out a window onto Monroe Avenue in North Park—and a few blocks beyond my neighborhood of University Heights.

If Google image search has it right, these creatures are part of the Featherly Friends Christmas Collection sold by Target. At least one is from the 2024 edition. I can’t speak to the others.

Photo by Joe WilcoxMar 10, 202510:02 pm

Mighty Mural

There is something strange about the things you pass by often, maybe every day, to which you are blind. You don’t see them. The Featured Image and companion capture portion of a mural that I walked by dozens and dozens of times—simply ignored, until today.

The artwork spans a cement block wall along the alley-side of a home here in my San Diego neighborhood of University Heights. The motif features kids at play mixed with Eastern religious symbology; pardon my ignorance but perhaps Hindu.

Photo by Joe WilcoxMar 8, 20256:32 pm

Tell Us What You Really Think

Some people wear their heart on their sleave, as the adage goes. I still see Harris-Walz signs around my San Diego neighborhood of University Heights. I know lots of folks who are downright distraught that Kamala lost the election. Honestly, they should be relieved that she did. The former vice president wasn’t ready, if she ever will be, to become Commander in Chief.

As for Donald Trump, he gets a pass from me through the first 100 days. Peace in the Middle East and between Russia and Ukraine would be major milestones, if his administration can facilitate such outcomes.

Photo by Joe WilcoxMar 2, 20259:50 pm

Well, It Looks Cool

There is something strangely out of place about this sign. The style is very 1950’s or 60’s. Then there is need for air conditioning. San Diego coastal area is quite temperate. This lounge’s location, in the North Park sliver between Normal Heights and University Heights, is somewhat breezy. Wind blows from the West across an overlook and up Adams Avenue. Cooler is more common than hotter.

The classic sign styling couldn’t be ignored. I pulled around Nikon Zf with attached NIKKOR 40mm f/2 (SE) lens and captured the Featured Image. Vitals: f/11, ISO 320, 1/125 sec, 40mm; 9:11 a.m. PST, today.

Photo by Joe WilcoxFeb 8, 20257:28 pm

Nikon Zf and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra at Sunset Cliffs

While walking about our neighborhood of University Heights, today, my wife and I spontaneously decided to get in the car and drive to Ocean Beach; an errand beckoned us. Once completed, we continued onwards to Sunset Cliffs.

I already carried Nikon Zf with NIKKOR 40mm f/2 (SE) lens attached. However, what was needed: NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR. So Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra pinch-hit for the long shots.

Photo by Joe WilcoxFeb 7, 202510:21 pm

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Oh, Yeah

I am nowhere ready to officially review the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, even though my preorder arrived on Jan. 30, 2025—way early. The smartphone started selling in stores and online today. If you are considering moving from, say, either the S23 Ultra or S24 Ultra, don’t delay. The new model is surprisingly affordable, for a limited time.

Samsung typically offers magnanimously generous launch deals, particularly the value given for trade-in of older devices. To my surprise, Samsung hasn’t yet replaced the fantastic opportunity presented during the preorder period. Free storage upgrade is still available, and your S23 Ultra or S24 Ultra is worth $750 or $900, respectively, against purchase of the newer smartphone.

Photo by Joe WilcoxFeb 6, 20257:11 pm

Closed for Business

The Barber of Seville is responsible for most of my haircuts during our more than 17 years living in San Diego. His shop is, or was, located along Park Blvd in my neighborhood of University Heights. He trimmed my thinning locks one final time on Dec. 5, 2024, about a week before his last scheduled customer—appropriately a priest (George is a good Catholic).

He cut hair for about 45 years, 30 of them in the same location. He owns the building, and at our last meeting he was unsure what business would take over the space. Recently, somebody put up brown paper, covering the windows from inside. Something is going on inside as preparation for whatever will be the next occupant.

Living by Joe WilcoxJan 20, 202510:09 pm

One Crazy Inauguration Day

A little after Noon, today, Donald Trump became President for the second time—47th and previously 45th. During his acceptance speech he promised to immediately secure the Southern Border, asserted there are two genders—male and female (and I agree)—pledged to reduce inflation and create jobs, and thanked God.

As he stopped by different venues during the day’s events, he signed a rash of executive actions (e.g. orders), which include: ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across the Federal government; recognizing biological sex, not gender identity; designating international cartels (think Mexican) as terrorist organizations; and withdrawing the United States from the Paris (Climate) Agreement and World Health Organization, among a slew of others.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJan 19, 20257:06 pm

Gritty Graffiti

Let me preface this post by strongly saying that the Featured Image isn’t an expression about my attitude with respect to the current crisis in the Middle East. Rather, I observe surprising graffiti and use it to illustrate current events.

A tenuous ceasefire is underway between Israel and adversaries in Gaza and Lebanon. Earlier today, Hamas released the first three of 33 hostages in exchange for 90 by the Israelis. The conflict started on Oct. 7, 2003 when terrorists breached Israeli defenses from Gaza, killed more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and grabbed 254 hostages. Nearly 100 remain in captivity.

Photo by Joe WilcoxJan 18, 20258:13 pm

Classic Cars Meetup

This afternoon, I walked over to unbeloved Hillcrest to mail a package at the United States Post Office. The postal workers were friendly and helpful, but the place was surprisingly not crowded. Plausible explanation: This is a holiday weekend for some people, particularly leading into Monday events.

Jan. 20, 2025 celebrates Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday, and the day will also be the inauguration of Donald Trump as 47th president of the United States. If Microsoft Copilot can be trusted for accuracy, Trump will only be the second President to serve non-consecutive terms (Grover Cleveland is the other).

Photo by Joe WilcoxJan 16, 20254:17 pm

Why Nikon Zf?

I am a longstanding fan of the Leica Q series of cameras. I owned the original, Q2, and Q2 Monochrom. The 28mm f/1.7 Summilux lens is fantastically sharp, the body is compact, and the overall ergonomics are exceptional. I was particularly intrigued when Leica released a 43mm Q3—enough to consider trading both Q2 models against the purchase price.

But the newer Q3 is perennially out of stock, being a fairly recent release, and it’s quite expensive. I instead sold both cameras locally and used the funds to buy the Nikon Zf and 40mm lens kit and two additional lenses: NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S (for focal length, low-light capability, macro shooting, and portraits) and NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR.