Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/12/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 11/30/98 1:41:22 AM Central Standard Time, DFeldman@aol.com writes: << 3) Camera shake. Is there any way to practice holding the camera still? I usually follow the 1/focal length rule of thumb for hand holding, but I still have trouble, especially with the 90. A related question, when you hold the camera vertical, do you have your right hand on top or bottom? >> David: I used to not worry about camera shake, until I began to get more critical about my work, as you aparrently are. I began to really carefully examine slides and negatives for camera shake, and found that it is more of a problem that I realized. Much of what passes off as image softness (and that we blame on our lenses) is really camera shake!! I began to take extra measures to keep the camera still. Here are some things that I have implemented that help: 1. A great camera support is the Leica Mini-tripod. You can adjust it to press the legs into your chest, and this will gibe you great results. I do this all the time, unless just about impracticable situations, and especially with any lens longer than 50mm. Forget about the 1/focal length rule of thumb. Just use some support all the time. 2. If the exposure is going to be more than about 1/15 sec., I put the Leica tripod against another object, the ground, a car hood, etc. I have some great shots taken this past May with the Leica tripod where I balanced it against the colums of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC. They were taken at night, and about 1/4 sec. exposure, with the camera/tripod pressed against a column, and shooting at 1/4 sec. or slower. Great results. 3. Of course, always use a conventional tripod where possible.