Technology, isn’t it wonderful

Technology, isn’t it wonderful

It all seemed so much simpler in the good old days. Photojournalism was such a gentlemanly art. One got paid good money, (and one worked hard), but it was just so… well… different…

Detail Photography is going through an equipment crisis at the moment. Half my kit is off with various repairers, and service agents having bent bits unbent, and computer chips replaced, and I find myself scrabbling for camera bodies.

Before I went digital, I had a plethora of bodies of different vintages, all perfectly useable. Now a camera body seems to last less than four years, by which time its capabilities are deemed insufficient, and even if is still considered useable, the main insides have turned to computer mush and one either chucks it out, or is forced to fork out for replacement bits. My old EOS 1s lasted fifteen years before I sold them on to an enthusiastic amateur, and my F1s and A1s, are probably still going, that is if they haven’t been snaffled up by some enthusiastic museum. But todays EOS digitals, aren’t expected to last at all I am told.

As for computers…

Back in Congress, and the US Orphan Works Bill, we are still awaiting on the Senate and the House of Representatives. I am told that there are currently some shenanigans going on. In the House (of Representatives) the bill is still in the House Judiciary Committee. In the Senate the bill has already gone onto the floor ready for a vote. Apparently the bill was placed on the ‘suspensions calendar on the 5th June. This is a fast track systems designed for non-controversial legislation allowing a bill to bypass the formalities of reading, debate and subsequent voting. The ‘Hotlined’ legislation automatically passes unless a senator objects!

Holds last only three days so clearly there is more than one senator involved, but I am unable to find out any more at this time.

US creators tell me that amendments have been submitted to both bills. Those supporting the bill realise that opposition is growing as people begin to realise the flaws and potential harmful impact it could have, and are desperate to push this legislation through as quickly as possible.

© Pete Jenkins
www.petejenkins.co.uk
www.photographerspro.eu/pete_jenkins/