Re: [Leica] A few comments:

[ternahan <ternahan@sonic.net>]

Hey, Alistair...how do you make those nifty apples?

> From: firkin@netconnect.com.au
> Reply-To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> Date: Fri, 14 Dec 2001 04:11:35 GMT
> To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> Subject: [Leica] A few comments:
> 
> Hi all, 
> 
> I know I'm chiming in late on many of these discussions, but here goes:
> 
> • the Noctilux may be a specialist piece of glass, but it performs quite
> well as an all rounder. I've given it the gurnsey as my "standard" lens on
> trips, and not regretted its weight or performance. Stopped down the
> vignetting goes and the resolution looks fine to me. Its a bit slower to
> focus, but it has the same DOF as any 50 at higher f numbers. If you are
> looking for a non-conspicuous lens, the 35 series is probably easier to use,
> so I'd travel with a light 35 and the Nocti as good combination.
> 
> • The rangefinder camera, and the M6 of course, are difficult to use  ----
> well. Unlike the better photographers on this list, I don't get the chance
> to use mine all the time, and I've learnt that when I know I'm about to use
> it "seriously", that I need about 2 weeks hard work. During that time, I
> carry it around the house, estimating distance, pre-focusing, guessing light
> levels, aiming checking and generally getting a feel for the camera and its
> controls again. After this 'training', the camera usually feels like an old
> friend, and I'm happy that I can use it as quickly as I can use any camera.
> 
> • I also find the M6 a bit big to carry in my "briefcase" -- in part this is
> due to the 35 asph and its hood, which is my favourite all round lens, so I
> tried using a IIIg with an older elmar. It folded almost flat, and would fit
> in a small carry case on my belt, but really I think the Rollei 35S is
> better -- having said that, the light meter on the Rollei is a funny piece
> of work, and using it often slows down my picture taking, so I find I'm
> better off, estimating light and pre-setting it. In contrast, the light
> meter on the M6 is fast intuitive and accurate. By 1980's standards (and
> before) the M6 was small, but everything changes, and by 2000's standards,
> its quite big compared to some digital and Elf thingo's which do take
> "pretty" good images, but when you get those images side by side with the
> 35mm M6 35 asph ones, they look pretty "sick"  ----- then I wish I'd put up
> with the "inconvenience" of my M.
> 
> • a few have said --- get out there and take pictures, and the good images
> will follow -- but I'm here to tell you, at least for me, it ain't that
> easy. The more you take the better you might get, as long as you review your
> work, take critisism wisely, experiment, practice the good, and minimize the
> bad, but as FOM2 shows, the talent and experience of some will outdo the
> hard work and simple volume of others. This is where PAW and FOM2 projects
> are so good for those of us who really want to work hard on our photography,
> and become "better" -- what ever that means. I've been delighted by the
> number of comments from the group on how much they have learnt by reviewing
> the submissions made in year one. If you haven't seen all 775, you only have
> a few more weeks before we pull them off the server, and I'd suggest you
> spend some time going through them and perhaps trying to make up your own
> mind on which 100 you would have included. Most who have done this find that
> they agree with about 50% of the final selections, and everyone seems to
> have enjoyed the challenge, and many seem to have learnt more about their
> own work and bias. I see these projects as the 3rd great benefit of the LUG:
> 
> 1. General information
> 2. Fantastic opportunity to make new friends all over the world
> 3. Actual practical hands on workshops for all of us to enjoy
> 
> So put your Leica where your money is, if you can afford the time (and I'd
> love to) get a PAW site, see what comments your images bring, select your
> favourites, and get them onto the FOM2 project and see if you can compete
> with the big boys/gals. The feed back I'm getting, is that you won't regret
> it. 
> 
> Cheers and here's luck
> --
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> 

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