[Leica] Re: away photographing

[Jim Brick <jim@brick.org>]

At 08:24 PM 3/21/99 -0800, you wrote:
>
>> 2 R7's, 15/3.5, 28/2.8 PC, 35/2, 50/2, 100/2.8 APO and ELPRO, 70-180/2.8
>> APO, 350/4.8, 2x APO extender.
>>
>> 1 M6, 24/2.8 ASPH, 35/1.4 ASPH, 50/2 DR and eyes, 75/1.4
>
>.......limit yourself to one R with one lens, and the M with one lens
>............. which would they be?
>
>jh
> 

Between you and me, I would not ever do that, unless under extremely
extenuating circumstances. However, rephrased into "what is your "most
used" M and R lenses?", I would answer:

M - 35/1.4 ASPH

R - 70-180 APO

I know the following is more than you asked... but...

There is no such thing as a favorite as each and every lens is unique.
Uniquely suited for doing an exquisite job at it's appointed focal length.
Lenses have different visions, different perspectives, each has its own
look and feel.

The color and sharpness of the 70-180 APO is unmistakable. There is no
other lens like it. The razor edge of 100 APO is jarring, the rectilinear
wide view of the 15 is just awesome, the DOF and alignment control, not to
mention the contrast and sharpness of the 28PC is superbly creative. The 35
and 50 Summicrons are simply unmatched in their field. The 350 Telyt is a
real sleeper. A long, extremely sharp, versatile, easy to carry and use,
lens. And shows no degradation with the 2x APO extender.

The 24 ASPH is probably the most mind boggling awesome wide angle lens I've
ever owned, followed directly by the 35/1.4 ASPH. The 75 Summilux is a
unique piece of glass. It's rendition wide open is unmatched by anything,
anywhere, anytime. And the DR Summicron, is, a Summicron with beautiful
Bokeh, especially when used in the close range.

What can I say. All of these lenses do a different job, with the same or
different subjects. I cannot conceive of a photographic sojourn without a
collection of lenses that will allow me to photograph a variety of
subjects, under a variety of conditions.

I do not wish my vision to be limited. When walking around the streets, an
M camera and 35/1.4 may be all that I want. But on the beach, or in a field
of wildflowers. Along a stream, at the base of giant Redwoods, at the edge
of the desert. I want to be able to put my vision onto film, in the manner
that I envision it. Not try to fit the vision to only a single medium
through a single focal length.

Taking a day or two, to explore a particular lens, its perspective, its
vision, is a good exercise. But over the long haul, it like the difference
between conducting Beethoven's 5th as a solo, or conducting it with a full
philharmonic orchestra. You can hear, see, and feel the entire experience.
Rather than only a single element.

We all know what you are going to say, Walt, so you don't need to say it!

I'm still packing,

Jim