[Leica] Leica Gallery Opening

[jcoleman@interport.net]

All:

On Thursday, May 25, I attended the Lisl Steiner opening at the Leica Gallery
in New York.  In addition to the photographer, various photographic luminaries
were in attendance including Cornell Capa and Leonard Freed.   Also present
were Luggers John Lee and Sal Di Marco (also a photographic luminary) and a
number of Leica USA personnel including the very personable Nils Thorsen.

The show consisted of black and white images mainly from the late 1950s and
1960s many of notable personalities and photographers (including HCB,
Eisenstadt, Kertesz).  The pictures of HCB were particularly interesting
showing him with an black paint M, chrome lens with large lens shade and
separate finder.  He seemed to try to keep the camera somewhat hidden.  His
clothing was also interesting -- open neck shirt with ascot (!), dark
double-breasted blazer, light slacks and raincoat -- very natty.  Also on
display were pen and ink drawings by the photographer of famous musicians and a
multi-media display with photographs, sculpture, mobiles, etc.

In addition to the Lisl Steiner exhibit, there was a small exhibit of
photographs by David Seymour ("Chim").  You would recognize most of them.

An unexpected highlight of the show was the presence of Teremitsu Takahashi
whose father refinishes cameras in Japan.  His presence was arranged, I
believe, by Lugger John Lee.  Mr. Takahashi  brought along a black paint M2,
blue paint M2 and black paint Nikon S2.  They were beautiful, with the black
paint finish being at least as beautiful as that on the LHSA black paint M6.
Sal brought out his very brassy MP for comparison.  : )  One sends in a chrome
or other camera body and it can be completely refinished for approximately
$1400, in red or pink if you like (there were photos of both).  I have contact
information if anyone is interested.

All in all it was good to see some Luggers face to face and to enjoy the
exhibit.

Jay Coleman