Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/03/17

[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]

Subject: Re: [Leica] Re: On Excessive Sharpness
From: "Bruce Feldman" <brucef@waw.pdi.net>
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 1999 08:44:12 +0100

From: Jim Brick <jimbrick@photoaccess.com>

IMHO, this is simply an opinion of and by HCB. Neither correct, nor
>incorrect. Simply "his" opinion.
>
>As far as saying it all... in reality it says nothing. It is simply an
opinion.


1. Of course it's an opinion, Jim.  And as we know, the truth value of a
statement is independent of the source; ie, it doesn't matter who says
something (including you or me), the question is whether it can be shown to
be correct or not.  Opinion -- anyone's opinion -- can be supported by such
things as reason, data, experimental research, historical fact, testimonial
from experts, etc.  Since my scientific staff is off this week, and at
12:30am my reasoning ability was not at its peak, I presented that quote
from, I'm sure you'd agree, an expert -- someone who whose body of work
suggests that it just might be worthwhile to seriously consider his
statements on his area of expertise.

2.  Eric, IMHO, HCB was right-on when he trashed Weston and Adams for trying
to separate form from substance, but that's another issue; I'm game if you
are :-)

3.  Dan, likewise, I wasn't quoting HCB as an expert in organizational
management.  I, too, have heard that Magnum does not run like a Swiss clock,
and that his personality leaves a lot to be desired.  I only quote him in
relation to photography.

Regards all,
Bruce Feldman
Warsaw, Poland


 12:39 AM 3/18/99 +0100, Bruce Feldman wrote:
>
>>Just came across this quote, which says it all:
>>
>>"I'm always amused by the ideas that certain people have about technique,
>>which translates into an immoderate taste for the sharpness of the image.
>>Is it a passion for detail?  For perfection?  Or do they hope to get
closer
>>to reality with this trompe l'oeil?  They are, by the way, as far away
from
>>the real issues as other generations of photographers were when they
>>obscured their subjects in soft-focus effects."
>>
>>    -- HCB, quoted in American Photo, Sept/Oct '97, p. 76.
>>
>>
>>
>