[Leica] Update

[Dan Khong]

Dear Friends

I am saddened by the all time low in participation in the Year Book. We
could all see the winds of change coming but did not expect it to take
place so sudden and so fast.

Let us be honest about the group. I am not sure what the demography is now
but I would not be wrong to say that it comprises mostly old dogs and
diehards, at least judging from those who write. There is no rejuvenation
and influx of young blood. But even if that is possible, the current
mindset is to shoot fast and furious, look and share some interesting
digital images and then flood over with more new images. For most now,
photography is no longer contemplative and deliberate.

Furthermore, not many make hard copies to hold, share and display. It is
said that when someone dies, all those photographs that he has taken will
die with him, unseen and undiscovered - purely because even a father will
not share his digital device password with his children. Because hard
copies are no longer desired, it might be one reason why there is a drop in
participation.

Perhaps this might be the final chapter in the LUG, although I hope not the
case. For the 17 who have contributed that 32 images, it is still a job
well done and we have finished well. There was a strong beginning and there
should be a strong ending. Strong not in terms of volume but in terms of
grit and endurance. For those 17 who have stuck through thick and thin and
hung in there, a Final Chapter book (which I still hope is not the case)
will bring together those who are committed to end well, like brothers in
arms who were put together by a brand name that made history.

It is better to end with a big bang than to drift slowly into nothingness.

Leically (we used to sign off that way when we sent off a post to the LUG
forum)

Dan Khong

On 7 Feb 2026, at 5:49 AM, Lluis Ripoll via LUG <lug at leica-users.org> wrote:

THnak you very much Don,

You are completely right and I agree with your words about the documentary
power of the photography, Barcelona has changed a lot after the Olympic
Games but mainly on the last 10 years, we are more population, more tourist
and unfortunately many old business etc… are changing or disapearing…..
like other big cities in the World.

Cheers
Lluis

El 5 feb 2026, a las 15:09, Don Dory via LUG <lug at leica-users.org> escribió:


Really well deserved for your decades of work in Spain.  As well, the

images are important for recording life of a certain period that is all too

rapidly changing with the world coming closer together and cultures merging

faster than most realize.


All the best


On Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 6:45 AM Lluis Ripoll via LUG <lug at leica-users.org>

wrote:


Dear friends,

Despite my absence, I am still following the issues that I consider

important, including Bill Clough's message commenting on the decline in

participation.


The LUG book is very important, and we miss Ted encouraging us to publish.

I did so in early January, if I remember correctly, but I would like to add

something else, and that is that the LUG is an unforgettable meeting place

for me. Thanks to the LUG and, of course, Brian, I have had the pleasure of

making many great new friends, many of whom have come to Barcelona, while

others I have met in Chicago. I just want to say that I hope this

continuity is maintained.


My absence due to my work has brought some good news that I would like to

share. For the second time (which is quite extraordinary), the Department

of Culture of the Government of Catalonia has purchased part of my

photographic collection for the Museums of Sitges. There have been 41

silver gelatin prints, and in addition, in April I will be exhibiting 32

silver gelatin prints, all made by me in my darkroom, under the title

‘Memories’ (of Barcelona). I have taken few new photographs and I want to

continue working on my photographic archive in my darkroom. I hope to

return soon to share my work with you. Thank you for your friendship and

understanding.


Saludos cordiales

Lluis





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-- 

Don

don.dory at gmail.com


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