This is topic My thoughts on growing old. in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.


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Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 05-14-2007, 05:23 AM:
 
Half a century ago this very day I entered this world. I know it's silly, as it's only a few hours ago, but I really do feel physically older today than I did yesterday.

They say you're as old as you feel, and I feel about 150. My health has detiorated significantly in the last ten years, and I hate the thought of growing old. The worst thing about it is that there's absolutely nothing that I can do about it.
 
Posted by Claude S. Ayakawa (Member # 1401) on 05-14-2007, 06:05 AM:
 
Stephen,

I felt exactly the same way you did when I became fifty years old and it was very depressing but you will get over it very quickly. Some of the best things that has happened to me occurred during the last sixteen years after I had past that milestone in my life. Although my body is that of a sixty seven year old man, my mind is that of a thirty year 'young' man. Except for the usual aches and pain, I am in relatively good health and I am very happy. Although I am a semi retired professional photographer, the quality of the work I am producing now is the best that I ever did and it is refreshing when other photographers such as those in your country would invite me to London and want me to share my knowledge with them early next year. The only thing I fear about getting old is to find myself in a nursing home like my eighty eight year old mother and be totally dependant on others to take care of me.

-Claude
 
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-14-2007, 08:24 AM:
 
quote: Stephen Furley
The worst thing about it is that there's absolutely nothing that I can do about it.
Not to shoot you down Stephen but I'm 51... 52 in Sept. and people say that I don't look it. While my health is far from perfect... I am a little overweight, get some aches and pains from too much hiking, and need reading glasses but overall I'm just about as active as when I was 25. I'm always outside doing stuff be it in the desert or mountains and I lug my tools up and down many booth stairs weekly and drive long distances all the time. I think how old you feel is directionally porportional to how well you have taken care of your self over the years. Some of how badly you feel IS reversable if you strive to go that route both physically and mentally.

Cheers!
Mark
 
Posted by Mike Heenan (Member # 392) on 05-14-2007, 04:21 PM:
 
Although I'm only 29 (sorry), losing 100 pounds definitely made a difference in the quality of life. I dont sweat anymore just walking up stairs and can fit into a normal wardrobe. If that pic of you is recent, I'd say that dropping some weight would definitely make a difference for you, as a big stomach puts pressure on the lower back, etc.
 
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 05-14-2007, 07:37 PM:
 
Mike is right. Even losing just 20-30 pounds will make a marked improvement in every aspect of your health (physically and mentally). More is even better.
 
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 05-15-2007, 01:57 AM:
 
.and I was at my highest peak when I hit 50..summer of 2001-really enjoying where I worked at and was being appreciated on what I was doing to form them.

..then the bottom fell out the following year....and had to take a few steps backwards to continue to move forward..

..I'll be 56 next month - I still love fast sports cars..(just have to watch for out of state police though..they're pretty nasty at times..).

I really admire seen senior citizens driving their Harleys, Goldwings, Corvettes, Camaros, BMW Z-4's, homemade roadsters..anything sporty for you know that they're not ready to call it quits..It's the ones who drives their Caddys and Escalades that doesn't impress me any..

I can still haul 2-four reel cans upstairs with no hitch (damned FOX BOXES are the pits though-have to carry them like carrying a heavy box and not by the handle that kills the hands...), yet it's funny watching kids puff and puff hauling them upstairs..and they have to stop in the middle to catch their breath.

My doc is proud of my heart rate - 112/76 on my last checkup, blood looks great, cholestrol level at a good level, lungs show no cancerous signs from x-rays from my bout with cancer 20 yrs ago...

...it's basically all in the attitude of the individual if they want to live or call it quits when they reach this golden age in our lives..

(only thing on growing in years like this and have been in this industry as long as I've been, only thing that is depressing is that it's sure not the way it used to be...but, we have to live with it and go on ....that's what keeps your job secure due to the owners know that you are taking care of their businesses..)

...not ready for the rocking chair yet..
 
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 05-15-2007, 07:55 AM:
 
quote: Stephen Furley
I hate the thought of growing old. The worst thing about it is that there's absolutely nothing that I can do about it.
Stephen, I'm 45 and I've been having those feelings for at least 3 years now. [Frown]

Losing weight does improve that outlook, and helped significantly with the aches and pains (though, I need to better get back on that wagon - frequent falling-off is too damned discouraging).
 
Posted by Jim Bedford (Member # 4) on 05-15-2007, 08:30 AM:
 
Yeah, it's a bitch getting old. I'm turning 63 this year and could only muster 75 days skiing the bumps this year. Aches and pains? You betchum, but not enough to stop me from playing golf on Wednesday or buying next year's season ski pass in July.

It does take a while and produces some groans when getting off the floor after changing out a lower spindle or rack amp, but it sure beats the alternative.
 
Posted by Bob Maar (Member # 763) on 05-15-2007, 08:50 AM:
 
I will be 68 next month but I feel like I am in great shape.I work out in the Gym at least 5 days a week and sometimes seven I also walk a minimum of 5 miles a day in and around New York City. My wife is 65 and works out with me.

My greatest joy is having my grandchilden visit and spend time with us in the city.I enjoy being retired but I still stay in touch with my friends in the industry.

I feel healthy and strong and I look forward to many more years.

Semper Fi!
 
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 05-15-2007, 05:25 PM:
 
I'm 33 (I think... I forget sometimes), but I feel like a 27-year-old young'un due to my crazy-strict diet and the fact that I work out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I haven't even had my first face lift yet!
 
Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 05-15-2007, 06:46 PM:
 
I'm 50 but I don't really think I feel much different than I did in my late 20s. My eyes ain't what they used to be and the hair is starting to turn, but not much else has changed. The best part is, several of the women I used to date (who dumped me) have told me I keep looking better as I get older. I think some of them now regret dumping me, which gives me great satisfaction.

I would suggest, to feel and look good, in addition to all the stuff mentioned above, STAY THE HELL OUT OF THE SUN or use a good sunscreen. I know people my age (sun worshippers) who look 60 or more, and my brother in law (my age) has just had his first bout with skin cancer.
 
Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 05-15-2007, 07:16 PM:
 
Mike; thanks for sharing! I have noticed this also with the women I know from long ago.

I'm 58 and feel better now than I have since I was 17. Louis
 
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 05-15-2007, 07:21 PM:
 
Old proverb you are as old as who you feel [Big Grin]
 
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 05-16-2007, 07:00 AM:
 
Gordon, LOL! [Big Grin]

Louis and Mike: I've had early "payoffs" in this respect. It might've taken a year or two, but every girl who ever dumped me (except one) tried to come back.

Of course, once bitten, twice shy. [Wink]
 
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-16-2007, 01:33 PM:
 
Well, I used to have a gal in every town that I serviced.... till I got married.

Mark
 
Posted by Louis Bornwasser (Member # 3063) on 05-16-2007, 10:31 PM:
 
Mark; that makes you a retired.............wolf! Louis
 
Posted by Dennis Udovich (Member # 1066) on 05-17-2007, 12:22 AM:
 
HIT THE BIG SIX-O last August. Still can't believe I'm sixty! Most people say I look much younger. I've never had a weight problem. Been in good health and feel well. Must be the movie life. Been around the business all my life. My dad was a projectionist for over 50 years and I continued in his footsteps. Love the business and have no reason to even think of retirement. [Smile]
 
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 05-17-2007, 12:32 AM:
 
Dennis must work for a good company, or has his own theatre - where his great attitude comes from...

Sadly, some of us had great atmospheres like that in the past, but in this day and age, it has its moments to keep our attitudes in the up and coming side.
 
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 05-17-2007, 04:02 AM:
 
Dennis, how old are you in your avatar?
 
Posted by Wayne Keyser (Member # 2420) on 05-17-2007, 09:21 PM:
 
Stephen - have you considered the possibility that you're clinically depressed?

It's no shame - every now and then, we're depressed because we find our circumstances - uh - well - DEPRESSING. But something can be done to address that. It just doesn't look like that to someone "inside" the condition. You don't always need a psychiatrist - speak to your physician.

Everyone gets old (find me someone who doesn't). But people say that Americans (and, who knows, maybe Brits too) seem to think they can live forever if they only exercise enough and eat enough yogurt (or whatever the fad of the month is). We can't have that - but we CAN improve our vitality and well-being in older age with healthy habits. And adopting suchg habits doesn't mean you have to be miserable, eat twigs off the ground (rice cakes ... ugh!) or listen to every health-fad salesman.

Best of luck! Enjoy the rest of your life!

Alternatively, remember the banner above the casket in ELIZABETHTOWN: "If it wasn't this, it would be something else."
 
Posted by Robert E. Allen (Member # 1351) on 05-18-2007, 01:09 AM:
 
O.K. kids. I celebrated three-quarters of a century last month (and yes that's a fairly recent picture) and can't believe the time has flown by so fast. I have no major health problems and the VA medical team is "maintaining" me for the few minor ailments I do have. There are times when I notice my age. Like when my mind says "Do this" and my body say "You've got to be kidding". I agree with the guys about losing weight. I'm at 280 now and on my way down. But I'm not done living. I currently am employed with a major circuit as an assistant manager (where I'm surrounded by kids) and just finished a talk today with the owner of a dark 1250 seat, single screener about the possibility of leasing, restoring and re-opening it. So take care of yourselves guys and look forward not back.
 
Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 05-18-2007, 01:24 PM:
 
quote: Wayne Keyser
Stephen - have you considered the possibility that you're clinically depressed?
Wayne, No, I've had depression, so I know what it's like, and it's not like I feel about this; it's far worse. For a couple of years a long time ago now I somehow dragged myself into work, then went home, sat on the floor just inside the front door and stared at the wall for the other fifteen hours or so before going back to work. Every few days I got so tired that I fell over and slept for an hour or so. The problems that I had then weren't all that serious, I've probably got worse ones to deal with now, but that's why depression's so difficult to get out of; you just can't bring yourself to do anything about what's causing it.

This is quite different; growing old is something I genuinely can't do anything about. The sort of problems that I do have are the same sort of boring everyday things that everyone has, long boring tax return form to fill in, stupid software that doesn't work the way it's supposed to, people who are never in the office when I 'phone them, that sort of thing, and I can deal with those.

quote: Wayne Keyser
Everyone gets old (find me someone who doesn't). But people say that Americans (and, who knows, maybe Brits too) seem to think they can live forever if they only exercise enough and eat enough yogurt (or whatever the fad of the month is).
What a terrible thought (living forever). The idea of being dead doesn't worry me at all; it's the process of getting to that state that I don't like the idea of. The idea that I might grow old and face years of slow, possibly painful, decay is something I don't want. I would want to stay in a good state of health until the end, and then die suddenly; that's a much better way to go.

quote: Wayne Keyser

Alternatively, remember the banner above the casket in ELIZABETHTOWN: "If it wasn't this, it would be something else."
That's a good one [Smile]
 
Posted by Wayne Keyser (Member # 2420) on 05-18-2007, 03:59 PM:
 
What's a fella to do?

I picture making it to 99 years, 364 days, and lying fully lucid with a long white beard in a big four-poster bed dispensing my life's wisdom to my loved ones, as the field hands (don't ask me where they came from) moan a spiritual outside the window, and a little curly-haired girl kneels at the foot of the bed praying "Please, Mister God, don't let great-grampa die!"

I know, WAY too many Shirley Temple movies in my youth.

That whole scene is so revolting that it should energize me to action, so I'd make certain that the real scene involves one or more strippers in the back alley of a bar in a bad part of town.

I'm sure reality lies somewhere in between. Over the years, I keep telling my wife that if I get to a certain point of decline, she's to strap me in behind the wheel of a fast car, jam a brick on the gas pedal, head for a bridge abutment and jump. Except I keep changing the target: "When I can't walk without a cane..." - "When I can't do without a walker..." - "When I..." (anything more would be too much information.)

I dunno. There's been no fast car bought, so far ... and I can't keep her away from home-decor stores, so there's probably a four-poster bed on order already. Now ... where to get field hands? Maybe the corner where the Mexican guys hang out looking for a day's work?

---------------

PS - Everyone always asks why do I make such silly statements.

Answer: Cause if I don't laugh, I'll cry. I'd rather laugh.

[ 05-18-2007, 05:24 PM: Message edited by: Wayne Keyser ]
 
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-18-2007, 05:52 PM:
 
quote: Stephen Furley
growing old is something I genuinely can't do anything about.
Yes thre is... Get rid of the old Speed Graphic and get a nice new Nikon or Canon Digital camera.... You'll feel alot younger then [thumbsup] .

Just kidding of course....

Mark
 
Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 05-18-2007, 06:31 PM:
 
I haven't used it for about three years now; I just don't have the time. Lack of darkroom facilities doesn't help either, though I can develop film without. It's sitting in its case under my desk at work. Thinking of the other thread, it will be something for me to play with when I retire.

Of course, given enough money, it would be perfectly possible to put a modern large format digital back on the Speed Graphic; it would fit, and it would work. Not bad for a camera that's about 58 years old.

I did lend it to one of our students last year, and she took several shots with it, including one taken with a couple of the large flashbulbs; I've never personally dared to fire anything bigger than a No.5.
 
Posted by Chris Hipp (Member # 1788) on 05-19-2007, 01:00 AM:
 
On occasion I like to take cemetery walks. One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how young most people died even as short as 50 years ago. While I do see people who lived 60-80 years before 1950, it is probably 10 to 1 for people who died before their 20th birthday. I have no idea where the common notion that our life spans are getting shorter.

Here is how I look at things; The chances of someone being concieved are almost non existant. Throughout the course of human history, just being born was a long shot, much less making it to puberty. So, if you live to be 30 you have probably lived a longer and more full life that 99% of your ancestors. Don't even get me started on retards who claim that trans fat and eating "non organic" foods shortens the human life span. We are living longer than ever before, even with all the proccessed foods. Yes cancer rates are growing, but that is because there are more people and they are growing older. Of course I have not researched any of this.

That doesn't say much about growing old, I obviously won't know about that for a while, but I think about life with that perspective a lot.
 
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-19-2007, 08:26 PM:
 
quote: Stephen Furley
it would be perfectly possible to put a modern large format digital back on the Speed Graphic
The digital backs are wayyyyy toooooo expensive at this point in time. About 12K+ U.S. for a barely decent one. The thing about large format is that is film and processing doesn't kil you lugging that thing around certainly will... Since I've gotten my Canon EOS Digital camera I am seriously thinking od selling off both my 4X5 and 6X9 view cameras. This thing makes really nice 16X20 enlargements and the $$ from the view camera stuff could be better spent on extra lenese for the Canon. While the EOS body may go obsolete I think this series of lenses will be around for some time to come to use on newer and higher resolution bodies.

Mark
 
Posted by Stephen Furley (Member # 1277) on 05-20-2007, 01:54 PM:
 
I know Mark, way beyond my price range, but in theory you could do it.

I've actually got holders/backs for:

Plates

Sheet film (5x4 and 9x12)

Pack film (film packs no longer available)

Grafmatic

Roll film (in two different formats)

Polaroid roll film (film no longer available)

Polaroid Pack film (in two different sizes)

Polaroid sheet film

Kodak Rapidload

Fuji Quickload

Fuji Quickchange (a sort of cross between film packs and a disposable, though you can re-load it, Grafmatic)

I didn't pay much for any of this stuff; It was all picked up secondhand.

Then there are several types of one-shot and scanning digital backs.

That's pretty versatile! Then on the other end you're not limited to lenses of one particular fitting; bore the right size hole in a lensboard, and you can fit anything you like.

Then there are the movements, and the thing I like best about large format, the fact that you have to slow down, and think about what you're doing.

I've actually just bought a new large format camera today; it comes in a kit, and is made of MDF board. It was only £100, special show price at 'Photographica', the largest camera collectors' event in London. It's this one: web page The only problem is I haven't taken a decent photograph for several years; I just don't have the time. That's something I want to do when I retire, thinking of the other thread; spend some time doing photography.
 
Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 05-20-2007, 05:27 PM:
 
After I moved out here to Utah I bought two view cameras to hike with. There are unlimited of photographic possibilities out here. One is a CAMBO 4X5... can't remember which model it is but it comes apart and fits into a large backpack I bought for it with its three Rodenstock lenses and many filters and adaptor rings and two light meters...one spot meter and one incident type. One person hikes with that... then another person hikes with the 12 film holders, and tripod. The changing tent stays at the motel or in the car.

The second camera is a 6X9 Galvin View camera. Its probably the smallest all metal view camera ever made at about 2 lbs. I have a 65mm 105mm Rodenstock for it and a 120 roll film back. If I take this camera I have the adaptor rings so I can use the filters from the Cambo and the light meters. All this fits neatly into a smaller backpack that I have just for it and the tripod attaches to the bottom of the back pack. This camera can all be toted by yourself on any hike and you hardly notice its there.... Weighs about 8 lbs total without tripod. The 4X5 is another thing though and is burdonsome to carry for very long although I have hiked for close to 15 miles round trip one time with it in Bruce Canyon.Other folks there thought I was form National Geographic or something and I had to convince them I'm just a crazy hobbyiest.

A while back I wanted to sellf off all this stuff anf buy a Fuji 6X17 panorama camera but have not gotten around to that yet and not sure if I will with film disappearing so fast from the market place. The digital stuff really spoils one big time.

The Better light Super10K HS is what I would call a decent digital back with a 10200 x 13600 pixel imager and 549mb image file size...TAKE NOTE IMAX! This makes my Canon EOS look child like in comparison. Its only 23K list price.... At the other end the Model 4000E-HS offers 3750 x 5000 pixels and costs 6.5K. I think at that point I'd rather consider the Hasselblad digital camera whose body is about $500.00 more. Not that they give their lenses away though [Eek!] .

P.S. The kit camera looks interesting... don't leave the parts in the box for ever!

Mark
 
Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 05-20-2007, 08:43 PM:
 
quote:
The Better light Super10K HS is what I would call a decent digital back with a 10200 x 13600 pixel imager and 549mb image file size...TAKE NOTE IMAX!
That's a 138,720,000 pixel image. Provided the lenses that go with the camera are sharp and fast enough it might give 15-perf 70mm some competition...on a single frame basis.

Translating that into full motion video is another matter entirely.

The imaging chip (probably CMOS-based) in that digital back is probably like a lot of others, not all that fast and probably not nearly fast enough to deliver 24, 30 or 60 frame per second rates.

And then you have the issue of data bandwidth. An uncompressed 24-bit image in that pixel size is 3.329 GB. Multiplied by 24 times for 24 frames that puts the bandwidth upwards of 80GB per second. That might be a bit beyond today's best computer technology to handle.
 
Posted by Dennis Udovich (Member # 1066) on 05-20-2007, 11:50 PM:
 
Actually my pic is 5 years old. I should update it. I have worked as a projectionist, asst. mgr., manager, and GM for Marcus Theatres for over 30 years.
 
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 05-21-2007, 03:22 AM:
 
I must commend Dennis for staying in a business like this for so long, esp with a company that Ben Marcus began in the mid 30's.

With this in mind, this is where working in the theatre business is actually fun and exciting: to work for a company that began as a theatre company by someone who started out working in a theatre as a regular employee, or wanted to begin his business as an "indie" and either remained as a "indie", or grew his business into what can come of today .. and MARCUS Theatres is one of those rare treats that remains with us today.

Also, with all of this, when a person begins a theatre business from scratch like Ben did, he's gonna treat his employees as one of his own - since he wants the quality to keep the business in the up and forward at all times. That owner wants to share his success with others that are in his business so that they can contain and experience the same success that Ben has worked hard for and have testimony of his accomplishments.

Sadly, we're all seeing companies and circuits being developed by either an individual or groups of investors who had a previous occupation of either bankers, realtors, lawyers,large store owners, et.al. and decides to venture out into this theatre market without having a notebook clue on what the theatre business is really like and just either take their previous business techniques and run their theatre company(ies) like that previous business that the individual or groups are familar with, or hire a team of previous theatre executives to run their business.

And what's even more sadder is when the small business owners try to play in the "big lion" game just to be a "big lion" themself, but unfortunately, get eaten up by the "big lions" in this industry.

The bottom lines is all they care about is the numbers ($$$$) that they can jiggle around and play with and the employees are just "tools in the toolbox" to help the owners play that numbers game to their advantage...and they wonder why their turnover rate is so high and especially lose a good amount of good people who really love this business...but had enough of being the "tool in the toolbox."

Yes, I've seen quite the lot in my time..... - Monte
 




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