Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/07/24
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> The guy behind the counter and I stared at each other for a moment, and then > he explained that the camera was not working in the PROGRAM mode, and that > the customer had no idea how to use a camera manually, or in any other mode. > > This episode served to reinforce my opinion that new photographers "pro" or > otherwise are better served learning how to use their BRAIN to adjust their > little camera knobs and not let the camera think for them. > > Automation is dandy, but it can leave you in a state of mental atrophy. > Precisely my reason for using a Leica. My F5 has allowed me to produce some satisfying images while simultaneously developing muscles along with major skeletal deformities, but I have learned more about **photography** since using an M6. For "street shooting," people seem more at ease when I'm using the M6...all I have to do is smile and they relax and ignore the camera (or they figure I'm just fiddling with it since they don't see a flash and can't hear the shutter firing). Aside from the fact that I appreciate the Leica craftsmanship and the fabulous glass, I also find that I'm more likely to take my Leica with me (and consequently shoot more) as opposed to schlepping a tripod and twenty pounds of SLR equipment for low light shots. Sandy