Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/04/14

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Subject: Re: weekend assignment response
From: Lucian Chis <chis@ENGR.ORST.EDU>
Date: Mon, 14 Apr 1997 17:39:31 -0700 (PDT)

Hi Ted,

I think you have never used the Noctilux with 3200 speed film, otherwise
your choice would be either a slower lens or a slower film. 
How do you expect sharpness and maximum quality when using 3200speed film
in the daytime?  Let me know if you came up with a grain shrinking
process. I am sure he guys at Kodak will be happy to see it.
I can use the Noctilux indoors for available light, not fully open with
100 speed film at 1/50 or 1/30 on my M5. That also has a built-in meter, 
you know, and it is quite a bit more spot than your M6, albeit slower. If
you want additional depth of field you can use maybe 400, but you
compromise on grain.  I suspect you don't want to take a picture of them
sleeping in the moonlight, but even then you can use a table tripod.



Lucian

On 14 Apr 1997, Ted Grant wrote:

>  Ladies & Gentlemen of the LUG:
> 
> I realize you LUGNUTS lead an extremely busy life, however I thought there might
> have been a few intelligent responses for those of us who wished to learn how
> you might cover an assignment through your choice of Leica equipment and film.
> 
> In turn it might have enlightened some of us who consider shooting pictures is
> still a learning thing until the day we die. There are many amateur shooters in
> here who might have benefitted from your past experience or suggestions for the
> future.
> 
> Therefore I'll explain my choice of equipment, film and why:
> 
> As you know the hypothetical assignment was shooting a "day in the life of a
> group of seniors". Simple enough as there are a number of them in here or it
> seems there are. :)
> 
> 1/  Camera, M6 and 50mm f.1, Noctilux.
> 
> WHY: 
> The camera is the least distracting and has built in metering. The lens allows
> shooting from the ideal light to the most atrocious that would be encountered in
> the course of the day. And in the event one needed a slightly wider angle, one
> could make do by backing-up or a closer exposure, move in closer.  But for a
> general one purpose lens for this type of assignment, this is the ultimate for
> documentary projects. 
> (although I would agree there are occaisions when a 35mm f 1.4 Summilux would be
> more appropriate!) it would be my second choice if need be.
> 
> FILM:
> KODAK T-max 3200. This is on the assumption the majority of the shooting is
> indoors, as probably would be the case with a seniors group. It allows to make
> full use of ultimate film speed combined with the world's fastest available
> lens.
> 
> I would process the film myself to ensure maximum quality of negatives and
> exposures.
> 
> Besides, "people are illustarted more powerfully in B&W than colour!"
> Think about it in these terms: "To shoot people in colour is to photograph their
> clothes. But shoot them in B&W reveals their souls!"
> 
> Now that wasn't too difficult was it? So what happened to all you experienced
> folks out there who always appear to have all the right answers for everything
> Leica and picture taking?
> 
> ted
> Victoria, Canada
> http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant
> 
>