[Leica] Advertures with the R8

["Richard W. Hemingway" <rheming@attglobal.net>]

A strange thing happened.  I had just returned to the R8, having received
it and a 35/1.4 and 80/1.4.  the pastor of our church called and asked if I
would take pictures of the ground breaking for our new education building
and also during the church service.  Since the camera was just sitting on
the desk and had no film in it - I agreed (although somewhat reluctantly -
as I  don't care to do this).  I usually shoot only slide film, but I
bought a couple of rolls of Kodak Gold, 400.  

I told the pastor that I would not use flash inside during the service.
Really too bad I hadn't waited a week to trade in my M6TTL and 35/1.4 ASPH
and 90/2.8 all silver chrome.  I was wondering how much of a KURPLUNK the
R8 was going to make during the service. As far as I know the pastor didn't
mention my taking pictures during the service.

I had not gotten a universal ground glass screen for it yet and had some
problem focusing.  I took about 60 shots, inside and out. I got the
pictures back the next Monday and took them over to the pastor.  Since I
hadn't heard from him for a few days I figured he didn't care much for them.

I then got a not from him saying, in part:  "I just took a look at your
pictures.  they are wonderful.  thank you for capturing the spirit of the
day and our thankfulness to God for all His blessings."

Darn Leica glass anyway!! Actually I was very pleased with the shots.
Focus was fine, although I messed up the DOF in the pictures of the bell
choir where i took the shot from the end down the line.  I had worked out
the DOF and focus point and then took some other shots.  When I went back
to shoot the choir apparently I had focused on the nearest ringer and focus
went out about half way down the line.  I shot most at f/2.8 and f/2.0  at
about 1/60 and outside at f/8 at 1/000.  My wife said that the noise wasn't
too noticeable.  (Not like an M6 though!)

Why did I sell the M go back to R again.  I focus better with the M and
exposure is better with the R.  However, after looking at a lot of my
pictures I came to the conclusion I just take better pictures with the R..
I seem to see better with the R than with the M - strange.

I guess I need to keep the camera filled with slide film (it is now -
Kodachrome 64)

Have a great Memorial Day weekend - with thanks to all who have served our
countries.

Dick Hemingway
Plano, Texas