Hi All,

I just wanted to thank several members of APUG who have chipped in and bought me my first 8x10 lens for Christmas. A 240mm 5.6 Nikkor-W! I'm almost moved to tears over this gesture. This is easily one of the most special gifts I've ever received and I'll always treasure it. Thanks to those who organized this, collected funds, and shipped the lens all the way to New Zealand (even with a nice contact print taken by the lens included!). My journey into 8x10 can now begin thanks to you!

There's never a shortage of appreciation for this website and that makes it a joy to administer. Everyone has been very patient with the development and maintenance of APUG (after all I'm not a professional webmaster, so there has been a huge learning curve!). I ABSOLUELY love being a member of APUG, and am ecstatic to have found so many "like minded individuals" and good friends here. I look forward to being a part of this site for many years to come. Thanks again! Sean

Here is a picture of my Dorff with the lens. These are exciting times! She's Alive!!!

http://www.apug.org/dorff.jpg

Sean

You are most welcome and thanks again for the excellent site and support.

Phill

PS Now the pressure is on as we expect to see some results.:)

Nah, now all of Sean's available time will be used to play with his new toy...
:D

Jorge O

Sean,
there would be no APUG without your efforts. So we'd like to thank you!

Sean,
You are most welcome. I look forward to seeing your images. Have a happy and prosperous New Year.

This was our way of saying thank you!

Thank you Sean

The lens is just an outlet for your passion. The APUG list is an outlet for our passion. Your vision just a couple of years ago to build a forum for the dedicated analog photographer and the subsequent work involved is not only time consuming, labor intense and a financial burden, it is a passion.

Keep the passion burning.

Merry Christmas Sean, Thanks for your efforts this is the best site on the web.

"Now the pressure is on as we expect to see some results."

I wouldn't expect results just yet, but expect A LOT of new forum postings from me! Such a huge camera seems scary, but I think with all the support here I'll be able to hit the ground running. :)

Thanks guys!

Thank you, Sean.

I just hope you get as much enjoyment from the lens as we do from all your many, many hours of hard work.

Merry Christmas to you and yours,

Frank

Thank you Sean. This place is what you make it. You are wonderful to put up with all of us.

thank you!

Belated Merry Christmas and Best of the New Year to you Sean and thanks for all your work.

thank you :)

Just checking in from Stanley's Art Gallery (http://www.artmolokai.com), lunch counter and internet cafe in Kaunakakai, Moloka'i, Hawai'i. Thanks again Sean for all your fine work! It's a big relief to know that the lens made it all the way from New York! I was getting worried that it may have been held up by Customs.

Meanwhile, that extra box of Tri-X 4x5" that I ordered from B&H didn't make it out to Hawai'i in time, so I'm shooting a bit conservatively with the film I brought, but I think I'm getting a few good ones.

Happy New Year, All!