Re: [Leica] was:Ted Grant's Ravings, Ted responds :)

["Robert Bedwell" <rlb@triad.rr.com>]

Ted:

Thank you for taking the time to respond.  I think that it is a very
positive thing for you to take the position that you have on the future of
the M camera and it's incorporation of technology.  I say this because of
the group respect that you have.

Point number two is particularly important in my opinion.   It is the eye
and timing that must be taught and this is something that is not easily
learned.  When the camera becomes so electronic that it makes the decision
when to press the button I am out of it.

Thanks again for your comments.

Bob
- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Ted Grant" <tedgrant@islandnet.com>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2000 10:53 AM
Subject: [Leica] was:Ted Grant's Ravings, Ted responds :)


> Bob Bedwell wrote:
>
> >Yes, Peter we must accept the fact that there is a new generation of
> >photographers that aren't the least bit impressed that the Leicas today
are
> >made the way they were when we were kids.  They relate to Playstations,
> >computers and digital cameras.  There is not much that you, Ted or I can
do
> >to stop it and I am not sure that I would stop it if I could.  The next
"M"
> >camera must address these issues or it's life is definitely in question.
> >
> >Bob
> >
> >P.S.  Ted, although I referenced you in this note you don't have to
respond.
> >You never do and it doesn't make any difference anyway.
>
> Hi Bob mon ami,
>
> Actually I was going to on this one.:) I had figured everyone was doing
> such a good effort of "ranting" on previous posts it didn't need me to
> screw it up.;)
>
> However!
>
> You're right about the younger generations, as they've grown up in the
> magical changes electronics have given to their world, ours.
>
> However, they really don't care with "fiddling things" when they turn on
> switch "A", everything lights up, apeture automatically to right size,
> shutter speed flashes it's ready to shoot. And click! How about "eye
> sensitive focus?" It's like, "Who needs to fiddle those little wheels and
> ringie thingies?"
>
> So why would any of them be immpressed with a "model T" Leica, when the
> bells and whistles make it happen faster than they think? Their images are
> in focus, correctly exposed and they get satisfaction with: "Gee my
> pictures look neat!" "or cool!" results,
>
> So in reality it is us "old folks and in betweener's" who have the joys of
> the old days in smooth handling, doing it a little slower, time
consumming.
> Yet we appreciate in a different manner, the joys of automation probably
> more so than the young ones, as we've had the fun of living and working in
> the "good old days." Like it, buy it, set it, shoot it, all by hand.
>
> The bottom end is twofold:
>
> One. We should accept the changing times of automation in our camera's
> "M88?" and be prepared to accept that it's the tone of the times.
>
> Two. Make an effort to pass on our experience with fine manual equipment,
> so the auto-generation will appreciate what manual is, that it gives one
> great satisfaction to do "something for ones self." Rather than a computer
> chip blinking in the viewfinder...."press button now!"
>
> Did you like the response? :)
>
> ted
>
> Ted Grant
> This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
> http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant
>
>