Inside the Abandoned National Silk Dyeing Co.: Paterson's Forgotten Textile Mill (Photos)

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  The text message from my friend J was simple: a list of addresses in Newark and Paterson. An invitation. An urban treasure map with Xs marking forgotten places. I picked the one on Piercy Street. Pulling up, I saw the building wasn’t exactly hiding. It was a behemoth of brick and colorful lettered graffiti, a whole city block of decay. A door gaped open next to an old loading dock, but the scene gave me pause. Mounds of illegally dumped trash lay along the floor of the loading bay. This part of Paterson has a tough reputation, and the open doors felt less like an invitation and more like a dare. I took a deep breath and stepped inside. The air was thick with the smell of dust and damp. I found myself in a vast, open space littered with plastic containers and skeletal metal shelving. I moved deeper, drawn toward the old boiler house section. Before I reached it, I walked into a room that stopped me cold. Everything was stained a deep, blood red. A fine crimson powder coated the fl...
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Camera Repair by Rick Oleson






Rick Oleson is recognized in the photography and vintage camera enthusiast communities for his extensive knowledge and skill in repairing and refurbishing classic cameras. With a deep understanding of both the mechanical and optical components of a wide range of camera models, Rick has become a go-to source for those seeking to restore their cherished photographic equipment to working order. His work often involves intricate processes, such as disassembling, cleaning, recalibrating, and sometimes machining replacement parts for cameras that are no longer supported by their original manufacturers.

On his Flickr page, Rick Oleson shares detailed photographs that document the meticulous steps involved in each repair job. These images not only serve as a visual record of his restorative work but also as educational material for hobbyists looking to learn more about camera mechanics. From common fixes like replacing light seals and mirror dampers to more complex tasks like rangefinder alignment and lens cleaning, Rick's albums provide insight into the patience and precision required to breathe new life into vintage cameras.

Moreover, Rick's passion for photography and camera technology extends beyond mere repair. He frequently offers tips and tricks to the DIY community, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. His contributions have fostered a sense of camaraderie among analog photography aficionados and have helped preserve the legacy of film photography. Through his dedicated work, Rick Oleson not only restores the functionality of cameras but also ensures that the art of film photography continues to be accessible and enjoyed by future generations.




Via Flickr:
You can also find more repair stuff at rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-27.html

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