Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/01/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Peter K. wrote: >>> I would think one would buy the equipment that allows one to create the art of a photograph. A sharp lens will not produce a great image, only a photographer can do this regardless of what [tool] they use. Personally, I would rather see an HCB, Avedon, or other image taken by a Brownie that one by a artistic illiterate taken with a very expensive Leica. <<< I'll agree in principal with you, Peter. I also want to emphasize that my "artistic vision" if I may describe it as such usually does not include ghost images, flare, dull colors, lost highlight or shadow detail or other such artifacts of weak optical design. Many manufacturers offer some lenses that meet my requirements but rather than purchase and carry one or two lenses from each camera maker where that system has a particularly good lens, and a camera body (plus backup) for each lens line I'd rather standardize on a camera system where most if not all the lenses meet my needs. If I ever want any of these optical effects I can always add a UV filter. Many of my favorite photographs could have been made with a very inexpensive camera; these are the one made under ordinary, safe, sedate conditions. Others among my favorites wouldn't have worked out very well if the lens had played some optical tricks on me and added flare or washed out the colors, still others would have been impossible without the well thought-out ergonomic design of Leica cameras, and a few were possible only because the camera took a licking and kept on clicking. If nessesary I'll use a Ricoh P&S and I may even come up with a photo I like but for consistently reliable performance from my camera equipment I can't afford anything less than a Leica. I'm a weekend photographer who is passionate about photography and my time in the field is precious. I can't afford to have rare opportunities trashed by equipment that doesn't meet my needs. Doug Herr Sacramento http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/telyt