Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/08/09

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Subject: Re: 35mm vs. MF
From: omegaman@shentel.net
Date: Sat, 09 Aug 1997 21:14:08 -0400

Joe Berenbaum wrote:
> 
> At 15:02 09/08/97 -0700, you wrote:
> >     Ted,
> >     Thanks for your honest view on the matter of 35mm vs MF format in the
> >     art world.  I had orginally asked the question after being told by a
> >     gallery director that they had not exhibited any 35mm work over the
> >     last year they could remember.  It had all been MF or larger.  Their
> >     comment was a little disappointing to me when I wanted to pursue 35mm
> >     work.  I find that MF on a tripod in urban scenes even without people
> >     in the frame is frustrating with the added weight, cumbersome setup
> >     and more time required to capture images.  I am just trying to figure
> >     out what is the best combination of equipment to achieve "quality"
> >     prints without the hassle factor of MF or large format gear.  It
> >     appears Leica is the answer with the great performance, especially at
> >     low light conditions but some loss of film latitude when images are
> >     enlarged for gallery hanging.
> >     Any other thoughts out there on my ramblings?
> >     Ken
> 
> Just one observation; there are folding MF cameras to be found that give
> negatives of 6 x 4.5, 6 x 6, or 6 x 9 sizes; these can have coupled
> rangefinders and coated Tessar or Tessar clone lenses. Some later square
> format Super Ikontas and the Agfa Super Isolette even have interlock so you
> can wind on without looking in a red window at the back to see the frame
> number. I have a couple of such cameras and intend to try some urban scenes
> with them at some point. These cameras will slip into a coat pocket so they
> are quite convenenient especially when compared to other larger and heavier
> MF options. Using one of these is much the same as using an early classic
> 35mm camera- it's just bigger, and you have to cock the shutter. For someone
> who doesn't mind a standard lens, such a camera might be worth considering.
> The film could all go in the same pocket as the Sekonic L308B.
> 
> Joe Berenbaum
Joe:
I remember that you posted to LUG that you had found an Ensign Autorange
820.  Have you used it yet?  If so, what results?
Randolph Carlisle