Keeping up with the Jones'

Well, today I finally stop searching and bought the tripod I've needed for a while. I almost ordered online, but realized there's still one camera store left in town, aptly named The Camera Shop, and thought for once I'd do right by my local economy and support them. Competitive prices and I didn't have to wait on the shipping! I got a Vanguard tripod with a PH-32 head. This will compliment my other toys nicely, particularly my glidetrack.

While I was at the store I realized something that online shopping is missing, true browsing. Yes I can click around in the store, but my monitor will never see as much as my eyes will in the store itself. And today I was glad I went in person.

As I was milling about waiting to speak with the proprietor, I found a bag of foam tripod leg covers. Basically they're supposed to make lugging your tripod around a more comfortable experience. However, when I read their measurements, I realized they were JUST what I was looking for with regards to my homemade steadycam. I made it from aluminum pipes and a barbell weight, and it was starting to get a bit rusty looking and dingy. These foamcore covers also came with black fitted sleeves that slid over them to cover up the foam. I'm thrilled...it feels like a brand new steadycam again!



So all of that to say, don't forget, small businesses do still exist, though there aren't as many as before...so swing by, you may find yourself wishing you'd gone sooner.