Re: [Leica] LTM Lens Roundup

[Doug Cooper <visigoth@echonyc.com>]

Thanks, Larry, for the Canon bestiary.  That was tremendously helpful (as
I'm currently trying to build an arsenal of LTM lenses).

I'd love it if someone could do the same for the Leica LTM lenses.

For instance, despite hearing occasional disparaging remarks about the
Summitar, I just shot my first roll with this lens, and it is *gorgeous.*
For the first time I understand the semi-mystical language you guys
use to discuss Leica imagery -- the "3-d effect," the "Leica
glow," etc. -- all suddenly very palpable.

It was an interesting shoot, this roll.  I was walking down Prince Street,
in Soho, and suddenly a gaggle of disreputable-looking photogs appeared,
bearing huge Canon lenses.  And there was Roberto Benini, trying to look
amused.  (I take it these were actual paparazzi, from Italy.)

I was carrying the new IIIf, with Summitar, but I had *no film*, so I
quickly bought a roll of slide film from an Australian tourist:  ASA 200,
branded by Black's in Canada.  By the time I'd purchased it and cut the
leader, my quarry had disappeared.

A huge chunk of West Broadway was cordoned off for a television shoot,
however, so I stood around and photographed extras and techies, who were
standing on the pavement trying to look important.  

I'm astonished at what this lens and camera produced.  (And I don't know
what kind of ASA 200 film Black's puts their marque on, but it's extremely
good.)

One extra in particular, a low-rent Sophia Loren, was hilarious.  Preening
in the sun, with full makeup.  I managed to get within a few feet of her
to shoot surreptitiously, and these are the best shots on the roll.

I was feeling very much like Cartier-Bresson (but was behaving, I guess,
more like those guys who murdered Princess Di).


cheers,


Douglas Cooper