Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/08/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> > The notion thet the 'normal' angle of view of the view is equal to that > of the socalled standard lens, is believed by almost everyone. It is > however false. Look at any physics or science book and you will find > the true scientific figure: the eye has an angle of view of 120 degrees! > As anyone who looks straight ahead can ascertain for him/herself. > A 90mm lens indeed gives a perspective that is pleasing for the eye, but > the real focal length of the eye is 17mm. > Erwin > > I assume this is 17mm refered to a 35mm standard format. Now, this may be what the EYE is capable of, but the brain is involved in 'seeing'. I had heard that the 'standard' focal length that corresponds to what the eye/brain/humanoid sees is closer to 75mm (on 24x36mm). My own experience shows that lenses in the neighborhood of this FL (55-90mm) do tend to give shots which seem to me to have normal perspective. All this talk of standard lenses, MF (medium format) vs MF (manual focus) vs AF, vs SLR I take as anecdotal. Although I still have a long way to go with my photography -- both with technical as well as artistic mastery -- I have learned that there are tools to help with creating an image. These are film, cameras, lenses, accesories certainly, but also I try to use my environment (lighting, perspective, angle) and my own mind (mood, vision, idea, etc.). Certain tools help in certain situations, but not necessarily for all photographers in the same way. True, we have differing goals from photography. I too enjoy the process, but also the results. I find many situations where Leica M cameras are the best tools. Others can see the difference in my Leica photos too. It might be some imaginary magic of the marque, the feel in my hands that inspires me to be more creative, or the genuine optical and mechanical characterisitcs of the equipment. I don't know, and I have given up analyzing it to death. I just want to shoot more film and work on my photography. And I am thrilled to be back into Leicas. For whatever reason. Paul.