[Leica] Re: M6 battery drain and unauthorized photography

[Jim Brick <jim@brick.org>]

At 10:18 AM 9/15/99 +1000, Horst wrote:
>
>I challenge anybody to find a power point to recharge the batteries
>somewhere in the Australian Bush or in the dessert.
>The reason, I don't have a M6 anymore , is the idiotic light metering and the
>even more idiotic off-on switch for the light meter. It is hard to believe,
>that a superb tool like a M6
>has the worst way of stopping the light meter battery from running down.
>
>It seems to me, when it comes to the mechanics, Leica is tops. When it
comes to
>the electronics, Leica is the pits.
>
>Horst,

Horst,

All appliances, mechanical, electrical, electronic, have design quirks.
What most people do is to learn these quirks, as quickly as possible, then
enjoy using the device. Like programming a VCR. Some are obtuse and
maddening. Others are user friendly. But whatever you have, you learn it
and you use it.

From the day I got my first M6, I recognized the potential of draining the
battery and producing endless photographs of the inside of my camera bag. I
immediately decided to implement a plan. I never put my M6 in my bag,
pocket, or anyplace that is not in my hand or around my neck, in a cocked
condition. Before putting the camera away, I always take one more
photograph. This prevents endless photographs of the inside of my bag or
pocket and/or battery drain. Realizing that "any" photograph is better than
a photograph of the inside of a bag. I sort out these photographs and
sometime, in the coming years, I'll publish a book, "Photographs Just
Before the Inside of my Bag." I use a soft release so the potential for
battery drain / unauthorized photographs is increased. By habit, when I
begin to put my M6 away, I look through it and if the LED's come on, I
frame something, meter, focus, and push the release. Then store the camera.

This has become such a habit, I don't think about it. It just happens. And
I really enjoy my M6(s), without battery or premature release worry.

Folks have devised all kinds of release blocking devices to prevent the
aforementioned problems. But most are hokey and in reality, none are
needed. Just take one more photograph, and the problem is completely solved.

Try it... you'll like it.

Now go get another M6!!! So you too can take "Just Before the Inside of
Your Bag Photographs."

:-)

Jim

PS... great story Horst...