Re: [Leica] red dot blues

[Carl Socolow <csocolow@microserve.net>]

Joebikes@aol.com wrote:
> 
> I rather agree, Jim. I have taken many photos, portraits, etc., and I can't
> recall that many subject expressed much interest in the gadgets I was using to
> take the photo. Talk to the people, put them at their ease (as possible) and
> try not to let the equipment get in the way.
> Joe Stephenson

My worthless two cents (francs, pfenigs, krone, pounds, etc):

This only concerns the black body M6 (in whatever incarnation). When
using a black body camera for street photography one of the motives is
to remain discreet and not draw attention to the fact that you're
photographing. A deliberate, unobtrusive style is required. Black does
not draw attention. Red does. It seems counterproductive to use the
equipment as an advertising billboard when it interferes with the task
for which the body finish was intended.

Certainly, I can accept that no sitting, aware subject is going to
proclaim that the red dot distracts from the quality of the session or
the interaction with the photographer. Nor that on a chrome body it
draws more attention than the body finish itself. But really, it does
seem very self-serving for Leica to put it there for people to notice.
And it does seem like the heights of ostentation to defend its presence.

There is a Taoist saying to the effect that "Those who know do not
speak; those who speak do not know." If you are part of the cognoscenti
that knows Leica you'll be able to spot one a mile away regardless of
what clothing it wears. And if you don't know them, what does it matter?
When I used to do news photography one of the most unnerving questions
was what kind of camera I used as if professional usage gave something
validation, that that alone made for good photos. Whereas the facts, as
we all know, are a lot more complex and interactive between equipment,
experiences, heart and brain. Simply to have a red dot because some
opportunistic marketing geek decided it should be there is tantamount to
speaking but not knowing. Selah!!!

Enough already, RIP.

Carl S.