[MF3D.FORUM:149] Don Lopp (was MF Expo ends)

[Paul Talbot <ptww@xxxxxxxxx>]

Les Gehman wrote:
> 
> The MF Expo has finally finished.  Today I mailed out all of your
> stereo slides and copies of the comment sheets.  (Except for Don's
> slides.  Joel is negotiating with Don for further use of his slides.)

As those of you who saw the MF Expo (or have participated
in Greg's folio), know, Don Lopp takes some really great MF
stereo slides!  I wonder what Joel is up to...someone else
on the Expo routing list contacted me inquiring whether it
would be possible to purchase some slides from Don!

I spoke with Don by phone last week and am very sad to report
that his physical symptons are worsening again.  As many of
you know, Don spent something like 18 months confined to
bed and heavily drugged (including morphine) due to severe
back problems.  I was surprised to find him back on his feet
enough to be able to attend NSA '99 in Green Bay.  (That
was my first direct contact with Don, his photos, and his
homemade equipment, all of which was very impressive!)  As
of late last week he was scheduled to undergo new testing
Monday (2/14) for his worsening condition.  Apparently he
is back on high doses of medication, consideres himself a
terrible burden to his wife, has been unable to do any
shooting, and harbors doubts as to whether he'll still be
"kicking" come NSA 2000 (which he hopes to attend if he
can find a way to get there).

(Don also mentioned that his condition has been largely
undiagnosable, and made a reference to someone wondering
about a psychosomatic cause.  I don't know what to make
of that information.)

Don has such a wealth of information (and opinions) about
stereo and medium format that it's a terrible shame he's
not computer-enabled to share them with us.  But he sure
enjoys talking stereo, so if anyone can spare some time to
give him a phone call and shoot the breeze for a little
while, I encourage you to do so!  It think it will prove
beneficial to all parties.  Contact me off-list if you
need his phone number.

BTW, many thanks to Les for his work on the Expo!  I promise
to have something more than "test shots" to include next
time.  :-)

Paul Talbot