Re: [Leica] it DOESN'T work well for leica!

["Joe Codispoti" <joecodi@thegrid.net>]

Duane and Pascal,

Speaking for myself, I am simply saying that  the amateur photos taken by
amateur LUG photographers could have been taken with any camera with any
lens. I am not being critical of the snapshots , merely of the amount of
money spent to take those snapshots.
Obviously if those individuals can afford the high speed lenses, more power
to them, but the fact remains that they are not being used in a way that
would justify the expense.

And while we are on the subject I would like to mention that when we see
these photos, we are too liberal in our praise. Instead some useful, needed,
and constructive criticism should be given.
Are we here to brag about our newest toy or do we want to learn to take
better photos? Are we here to pat people on the head for showing their
photos or can we help them sharpen their skills?
There are many specialists on this list. We would profit greatly from
listening to their criticism rather than their supportive but sometimes ill
deserved praise.

I would love to see the work of Jim Brick and other pros on this list. But
most of all I think that we would all profit from more frank discussions of
techniques and approaches to photography that would improve our use of the
Leicas and lenses at our disposal.

On June 3rd I attended a Contax seminar in Palo Alto where an instructor
from Brooks Institute showed slides taken around the world. His subject was
"light". Supposedly no fill flash was used nor meter or tripod.
I was so stunned by the delicate use of existing light, the design, the
seized moment, and sensible use of DOF and selective exposure that I felt
ashamed of owning Leica and  Contax and not have much to show beyond very
sharp snapshots with "fine micro-contrast" and "the finest possible detail".

Joseph Codispoti



From: "Birkey, Duane" <dbirkey@hcjb.org.ec>

> No offense Kyle and Joe, but what do you hope to accomplish by posting
these
> messages to the LUG.  Are you telling some people on the LUG they are not
> worthy of owning a Leica nor a Noctilux?  Or do you hope to insult
everyone
> who is not using Leicas to earn a living on this list or those who you
think
> are being outshot by 12 year olds with toy cameras.  Or do you want to
> discourage people on the LUG from sharing photographs in the future for
fear
> they will ridiculed?
>
> For many people on this list, Photography is a hobby and or a second
passion
> and to them Leica is the best way to enjoy it as well as record personal
and
> family memories. If the photography of people on the LUG doesn't meet your
> standards and you feel hindered by it enough to announce it publically on
> the LUG, perhaps you should find a group of people who share your feelings
> elsewhere.
>
> Either way, Let's be nice on the Lug.
>
> Duane Birkey



From: "Pascal" <cyberdog@attglobal.net>
> That may be so, Joe, but you forget one crucial aspect: hobby
> photographers take picture for pleasure. There is something more involved
> in this than just getting pictures. It is also the process of actually
> taking a picture which is an experience in itself. And the use of Leica
> gear with all that this implies is, for many users, a substantial element
> in this.
> Pascal