Many thoughtful anecdotes here. I note that digtial photography continues to get 'better', and cheaper. But I'm still a disgruntled employee when I reflect on the times I had to re-lern how to do something because the sfotware has a new version, the money I've spent replacing a system that worked just fine, but was no longer compatible, etc.

I really like things that are well-designed to begin with, and have longevity. My newest camera is a Canon AE1 Program, my oldest is a massive 4x5 that you look down into like the 6x7 cameras, but the name escapes me. The Speed Graphics are really durable beauties, too.

Right now, I'm fabricating a stainless steel rack and dip tank system to meet my needs so I can process 4x5 negs the way I want to.

All the 620 and other 'weird size' negs I've inherited have done real well in their glassine envelopes for the past 70 years. Key for me is using Schneider and Nikkor lenses in the enlarger, and good chemistry. Plus, getting lost in a darkroom is relaxing.

Yet, I will also use my Besseler dichroic duplicator to "scan" all these negatives and transparencies into a digital medium that can be broadly shared.