In my write-up for Day 1 of my most recent visit to Colorado, I mentioned a mechanical problem I was having with an adapter for my camera and an after-market zoom lens. Basically, the adapter (made by the same company as the zoom lens: Ultimaxx) refused to be detached from the camera. I emailed the Ultimaxx support team; they were less than helpful, and just told me to do things I had already tried. So, I took the camera and adapter into a local camera repair shop called Cardinal Camera. I was immediately helped by their Master Technical Dude. After making a couple of attempts at disconnecting the adapter, he advised there was likely a small screw loose inside the adapter, and that screw was likely sticking out JUST far enough to jam the thing. He started jiggling the whole assembly, and within a few seconds, the adapter popped right off. Then we looked inside. Sure enough…I had a screw loose. Once he had re-screwed the screw in question, he re-connected and disconnected the adapter a couple times to ensure the problem was resolved. It was, and I was happily on my way. Best of all: no charge! So if you live in the Charlotte area and ever have a problem with a camera, I highly recommend Cardinal Camera!

Now I’m waiting for the great blue heron or snowy egret to make an appearance at my pond again, so’s I can get some extreme close-ups. But if that doesn’t happen within a few days, I might just take a day trip to the mountains and try to photograph a flying lemur. I think we have those here.