Over the years, work has taken me to a variety of foreign lands, far from my home in Ohio. This was my second trip to Japan. In fact, I’m in the air over Canada as I write this during my return. The aim of this business trip was to attend the CP+ show in Yokohama and have some important meetings. Business-wise, everything went splendidly. Photographically speaking I found a few interesting shots while walking around Yokohama, although I freely admit I’m not much of a street photographer. I prefer to walk as much as possible when visiting and exploring places. Yokohama is a great city for it.

Culturally, Japan is so very enjoyable and approachable. People are modest, respectful, and kind. Each part of the country I’ve been to, from Nagano, to Tokyo, to Yokohama is incredibly clean and well kept. Everyone cares about their surroundings and each other. I felt a warm welcome, even in the company of strangers. There is much to be learned from this enlightened kindness. 

CP+ has long served as a launching pad for new products for various Japanese camera companies. This year’s show saw new products from Canon, Sigma, Sony, and others. The size of the show is actually on the small side, at least when compared to NAB, CES, or even PMA shows of a long-forgotten era. This year’s 2023 CP+ drew just under 10,000 people per day, for 4 days, or so I’m told. As an attendee, it is exciting to be surrounded by kindred spirits carrying real cameras (not phones) with a look of genuine enjoyment on their faces as gear is tested and prints are viewed. What a fantastic hobby, profession, and artform photography is! CP+ celebrates this. 

As I anticipate some time upon my return home, my thoughts drift to the approaching springtime. The vernal equinox is just weeks away. I’m excited to do some hiking and photography once my eyes clear from the tiredness and jet lag of the journey. A new lens is waiting for me, and I look forward to becoming familiar with it. This Mamiya G 50mm lens (for the Mamiya 6 system) was recently modified for use with my Actus. The handful of shots I’ve taken thus far are sharp and contrasty with a nice character. This lens provides a generous image circle for the movements a technical camera demands. It was a risky modification since the lens cannot be returned back to its original state. I’m glad I did it and I look forward to posting some shots in future posts.