Happy new year to one and all

[NStepien]

My name’s Norbert and I’m a Canadian, born in Reading but grew up in Toronto. I’ve resided in the UK since 97 when I was based here in Manchester as a 747 pilot with Cathay Pacific.

During my time in the UK I met my wife, Kate, and we have two children Nicole and Nathan. We have a residence in both Manchester and Toronto so I don’t feel as though I’ve severed ties with Canada.

I no longer fly for a living, but I keep myself busy as a Magistrate at the Manchester courts in the city centre.

I’ve been into photography since the late 60’s, but had a long hiatus as demands of career and family took precedence. I remember exactly when the interest was rekindled and it was when I was in Hong Kong and I accompanied a colleague from Cathay to a camera shop in Kowloon. The rest, as they say, is history.

I’ve converted the coal cellar in our Victorian house into a very functional and comfortable dark room with a Devere 504 with Illford 500 head and Leica V35 enlargers. I’ve ventured over to the dark side (digital) and do quite a bit of work in digital, but find it will never replace the craft and therapeutic process of producing a traditional print.

My film cameras consist of Leica M4P, M6, MP, Hasselblad 501, Bronica SQAi, Nikon F3, F4, F5, F6 and a Toyo 4x5.

I look forward to participating on the site and getting to know some of my fellow enthusiasts.

Best regards,

Norbert