Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/10/07
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Flash sync for the M? Gee guys did you ever consider this before worrying about changes to the sync speed? If these changes were made for the few who feel they require a higher flash sync speed...... we'd all have to pay more $$$$$$$$$$$ immediately for an already very expensive camera. And as you know, we all get twitchies on the M costs. May I make a humble suggestion before anything happens to create an ever increasing $ factor. Probably 99% of situations where people feel they have to use flash, they actually could still shoot by available light, with wider apertures and slightly slower shutter speeds. Or they could use slightly higher ASA film and still maintain high shutter speeds and smaller apertures. Unless one requires great depth of field, the wider apertures create a much nicer look to the photograph by getting rid of messy or distracting backgrounds. Or softening them to a mush of colour or greys. I realise the widest possible aperture and highest possible shutter speed isn't everyone's cup of tea, but if you haven't worked in this fashion, why not give it a shot and see how you like the effect. Obviously the effect doesn't work in some picture situations, scenics for example, where one wouldn't likely use flash anyway, Others enjoy the super slow speed film for the ...."no-grain" look and wouldn't consider going to higher ASA film. Again, if you haven't given a look at the new higher rated films these days, they look very nice and smooth for high speed. My main concern is the "cost" factor increase every time topics of "changes to the M" are broached, particularly the "flash factor!" It truly is amazing what one can do with an M and available "when you use what you see light, is what you put on film light." I only make this comment simply because we always have folks posting "cost item concerns" regarding our Leica bits and pieces. I mean they made this wonderful 35 1.4 aspherical lens, with improvement over the 35 1.4 Summilux, we've paid dearly for that. However, how many postings have you seen from new asph. owners who said, "Well I'm keeping my old Summilux" because I like the Summilux look that I don't get from my new asph!! Interesting. So higher flash sync without question will cost more for the camera folks , period. Lets not rush into this. thank you. "available light" ted. :) Ted Grant This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler. http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant