User comments btil June 2003

[Guest]

I hope your back feels better.

 

[Guest]

Thank you, Cathy.

 

[Guest]

You are most welcome.

 

[Guest]

Dear Derek Stanton:

It's cynics like you who take the fun and learning from any discussion. If you have done any reading at all on the Leica M7, you would realize that the camera has two mechanical shutter speeds, with the remainder - electronic.

It was the intent of the manufacturer to have developed the M7 to replace the M6, to make picture taking faster and more convenient to the user.

For those who don't require auto-exposure, they would be better off with the used, less expensive M6. If this is so hard for you to digest and talk about, then may I suggest some E-LAX for you, to relieve that back pain that you have.

 

[Guest]

Eugene,
Perhaps you didn't understand my post. I do realize that the M7 has (only?) two mechanical shutterspeeds. Please re-read my comment. My point is that, for 98% of users, being forced to use only those two mechanical speeds would be due only to 'negligence.' For those who can't deal with the ordeal, hassle, and drama that surely accompanies the topic of spare batteries, of course, an entirely mechanical camera would be a better choice.

But, in case you're again missing the content of my message: i don't think any photographer should be condemned or disparaged with this foundation of egomaniacal elitism. If you think it's fun and educational to be critical of a photographer because he/she is desirous of the so-called 'mod-cons' in their equipment.... Well, you're welcome to your own brand of thrills, i guess.

Just wish the Leica High Horse weren't so high. If you're not one of those spouting lofty platitudes, then you should have ignored my post. Your response seems to indicate some manner of guilt, no? What's so wrong with treating the camera as a camera, and judging the resultant images on their own virtues? Mystique and legend aside, it's a tool we're talking about. A means to an end. If it builds you up in some way to worship your ownership of some well-crafted metal and glass, i hope you'll forgive the minority who might choose to use those materials toward a more grounded, earthly purpose.

I've just purchased some "BackAid," but i dislike using pills to cover-up physical symptoms, so i'm not currently using the stuff. But, thanks for your concern.

 

[Guest]

I'm with Derek on this, in wishing that the Leica High Horse wasn't so high. As he says, a Leica is just a camera.

But here's some of my philosopy about my Leica (LeicaS now with the recent acquisition of beat-up ol' M4-P):

I really believe an un-metered mechanical no-bells and whistles camera has made me a more thoughtful, careful and observant photographer. I take far fewer pictures with my Leicas than I have done with other cameras with auto this auto that - from OM2's to F4's, but the pictures I do take (maybe only 8 or 9 a day sometimes) are much better considered, ultimately much more satisfying and mean more to me in the end. The act of producing the hand meter where necessary and doing the mental maths that might be required all adds to the intensity of the result for me. That would be where the M7, on auto, would detract for me (but read on).
Leicas have allowed me to photograph in places where I wouldn't have been able to photograph with, say, a big Nikon, where people would have run a mile at the sight of the camera, never mind the sound of it going off. But these are times where occasionally I've felt the need to pull out the meter to convince myself that a guess is right, and have missed an opportunity because of that rigmarole. Not many, but enough. The M7, on auto, would be a great help there. It's not enough of an argument for ME to want to go out and trade up to one, but it might well be for somebody else.
There have been times though when I have taken Leicas on assignments abroad, for portability reasons, that I have wished for auto exposure. Just every now and then. It's fine to say years of experience makes one a pretty good guesser - but sometimes when the action and light are changing quickly..................
In the end it's what you really need isn't it? And if you want an auto that has the build quality and physical and handling attributes of our High Horse M's then the M7 is the way to go. If you want something even more hi tech then Konica can help you out for less money. If you don't then stick with what you know and love already.

Musing over. More breakfast required, and my back hurts too. I'm with you, Derek: no pills please - for me, walking is the cure.

 

[Guest]

Andy,
Thank you.
I wonder, now, if you (or anyone else) wouldn't mind giving me some advice. I have been using all manner of 'modern' equipment (EOS1n/3/D60, Mamiya 645AF, etc.), but i also appreciate some of the more esoteric, sensual qualities of more 'retro' gear (Rolleiflex TLR, etc.). In fact, not more than two months ago, i bought a Mamiya 6 rangefinder, as my love of Tri-X has reared up to squash my fondness for the digital responsiveness/interactivity.

I will be photographing people, mainly, with the M7, i'm about to purchase. The 7, because i "rely" on aperture priority in order to concentrate on what i feel is the most important element of the image - subject. Any many times, my subjects are children, speaking other languages. I hate trying to tell them to remain still. But, i do have questions about lens choice and viewfinders.

The 50 summicron is the most widely recommended of the 'normal' lenses, yet in my 'research' my perception is that the summilux gives much more beautiful bokeh effects. I don't much care for the out of focus rendition from the 'cron, as it seems to be "pebbly" in much the same way as the Contax G's 45mm. Am i wrong here? The 50 lux seems to be responsible for what i consider to be "classic Leica bokeh," which really is the only reason i'm buying into the system.

Conversely, i do like the bokeh from both the 35 cron and lux, but i'm wondering if the perspective is too similar to the 50, which i really believe i need.

Regarding frame lines. I read once (only once) that one cannot simply use the outer limits of the viewfinder edges to approximate a 28mm frameline when using a .85 viewfinder or .72 with magnifier. Is that correct? I do like using maximum apertures, and would appreciate the 'focusing assistance' of a magnified viewfinder, but i'd prefer not to use a separate viewfinder if i were to get a 28mm. I guess, though, that that lens would not be used so much, and the external eye wouldn't be such an inconvenience....

Thanks in advance for any (constructive) replies.

 

[Guest]

Dear Derek,
I have M6 TTL 0.72 with 35/1.4 and 90/2 initally. Then I bought the Elmar 50/2.8. It was a beaitiful lens and I enjoy using it. After selling some seldomly used equiment, I brough a M6TTL 0.58 and 50/1.4 because I used the 35/1.4 frequently ad I wear galsses, so I thought that the combination of 35/1.4 with M6 0.58 will be handy. The combination was excellent, the problem is that after putting the 50/1.4 on the 0.72 I use it much more frequently and the 0.58/35 was used much less now.

Concerning the bokeh of the 50/1.4, it is beautiful compared to the previously nikkon 55/1.2 and Contax 45mm for G2 I have used before. I think that the 50/2 would be an excellent lens too, but can you expect the lux at 1.4 to be better than the f/2 of the cron? Are we asking for too much out of optical physics?

At wild open in close range, I was able to focus at my grilfriend's eyes with her nose and ear getting mild blur with good background bokeh. It is a very good lens for people photography where too much sharpness may not be welcomed.

It is very shrpe when stop down.

I also agree with you that using a viewfinder for wide angles lenses is tedious, and I mainly use Leica for street and people photography, the 35/1.4 would be wild enough. I also have that feeling that by using one single lens ( now, the mostly used lens is 50/1.4), you could concentrate more on the subject, and in long run, you understand the lens much better. When I go out to take picutre in the street now, I only take one lens with me.

From my English you know that it is my 2nd language. I also hope that what I have mentioned above is constructive.

Thanks

 

[Guest]

Dear Derek Stanton:

Thank you for addressing my comment. I agree with your critique on collectors and purists of Leica equipment who seem to take away the essence of what the equipment was meant to do in the first place.

My apologies to you if I have misunderstood what you had to say.

 

[Guest]

Vincent:
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my query. Not to worry - your English is fine, and, unfortunately, better than that of too many Americans....

Eugene:
Thank YOU. I feel so warm and fuzzy inside. I love you, man.