Before the Internet, record stores used to be the easiest place to buy music, and Sam the Record Man's downtown location was a destination and landmark for many including myself. I once even saw Sam, well into his seventies, walking around the store and greeting customers. Today, this is Sam's only location in Toronto, but its bright neon lights remain a landmark in this city.

I'm disappointed with the amount of distortion on this lens. It's not easily correctible and it shows in this shot.

comment by chantal on October 17, 2006, 12:24 PM

what lens did you use?
I love the hint of passers-by here...very atmospheric.
And I also remmeber as a teenager in the late 80's hanging out at the record store, trying to be on of the cool kids...there doesn't seem to be places like that left anymore. I hope Sam's business still does well enough.

comment by Ron on October 17, 2006, 2:13 PM

I too would like to know what lens.
I notice you are using some Nikon equipment. I am currently arguing with myself regarding the D200 vs the D80 in order to make use of an arsenal of Nikkor AF lenses. Your comments on this dilemma would be very welcome before I spend all that money.

comment by 24by36 on October 18, 2006, 8:53 AM

This was taken using a Nikkor AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 lens at 24mm. The problem with the lens is that I don't find the distortion to be "even" meaning that one side of the image distorts more than the other. It's fine for landscape photography provided the horizon isn't present, but is terrible for architecture. It all comes down to getting what you pay for. It's a mid-priced lens with good sharpness and poor distortion.

Ron: I had a chance to handle a D80 at a camera show on the weekend and I have to admit that it's a nice feeling camera. I haven't handled a D200, but in terms of value the D80 looks like a better deal. As an F80 user, the D80 feels familiar to me.

Thanks for the comments.

comment by Gavin on October 19, 2006, 6:12 PM

Awh, I was there over the summer of 2005, thank you for this shot, brings back memories.

comment by Kris [PiXistenZ] on October 24, 2006, 1:23 AM

Cool! I guess the owner of the store is a man called 'Sam' ?

Sorry, comments closed.