Re: [Leica] supposed to be a Leica M group

["Bill Larsen" <ohlen@lightspeed.net>]

On January 25, Ted writes:

|It isn't my call, I'm just a major devotee to Leica and the LUG. And =
when
|we have a new comer sign on and within 24 hours we are into the "I =
thought
|this was a dedicated M group and etc etc about R cameras!" and it =
obviously
|has made some effect as to who and what should be discussed here, I =
think
|maybe we should hold our own and just roll along the way we have been

On a personal level, I think that the best evaluation of whether the =
list meets my needs or not is "has it changed my photographic life?"  I =
have only been subscribed since early October 1997.  As a result of the =
list, I have:

1.  Began taking Leica M photographs with the lens wide open.  This was =
a result of the discussion regarding Bokeh.  I have always been trained =
to never shoot with the lens wide open unless I absolutely had to and to =
not expect great results if I did so.  This is the first time I have =
somewhat systematically and purposely shot with the lens at maximum =
aperture.

2.  Bought a Bellows II as a result of advice from Marc and Marvin.  I =
am still exploring this accessory.  But it sure gives a different view =
of the world.

3.  Refurbished (CLA camera and lens) an Olympus Pen F as my point and =
shoot camera as a result of the discussion regarding point and shoot =
cameras.  (realize this camera does not fit a typical definition of =
point and shoot, but I am very comfortable with it and it is small and =
not worth a great deal of money, the single frame format will give =
decent enlargements with modern films...so....).

4.  Bought the Leica pocket books and price guide from the Leica Gallery =
using the advice of Alf, and off net Jim at Tamarkin, who referred me to =
the Leica Gallery.  I can now understand accessories, the approximate =
price and as a bonus, I received the promo pixs from the Leica Gallery =
which enabled me to show my wife what I was trying to do and why.

5.  Have put together a plan to shoot agriculture in the area that I =
live and a resultant portfolio with the encouragement of Donal.

6.  Realized that being left-eye dominant, I am a pervert...hell the =
U.S. Army let me shoot left handed, even though I am right handed.

7.  Realized that I lust for an M-6 with Tom's winder and a shot of =
Ted's Scotch (not necessarily in that order).

8.  Realized that while I don't understand half of what Eric says, I can =
still feed on his enthusiasm.

What more can one ask for in four months?  My particular kudos to the =
listowner  This is a really great forum.

Regards,

Bill Larsen
ohlen@lightspeed.net