Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/07/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi Tom, > On my AF cameras I set it so the middle sensor is the only active one. I > focus over that sensor, then recompose. Same thing with the M6 - focus > the subject, recompose. > Is this the normal way of doing things, or am I missing something? you're making a big, big mistake here. The correct way to focus an M is to see the subject without seeing, compose without composing, close your eyes and chant 'Om ri kahti ay bress Om' over and over. Then some Zen stuff happens and, just as snow slides from a bamboo leaf the picture will take itself. And it will almost be in focus. Before you even hold an M6 again you must photograph without photographing for at least 20 years, naked, in the crystal waters of Lake Manasarovar. This is the way.- --- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Seriously, Bob is almost right, get rid of that 90 lens -- its not M like. You need a nice 35 or 50 with a tab on the focus ring. Now sit in front of the TV and begin to practice judging distance. Note with your fingers where the tab comes to lie, check it against your rangefinder and then keep trying. Soon you will be right on the money for the most important "leica" distances, and will be ready to seriously use the M camera. Now load some film 400 asa to start with to give you the "benefit" of some DOF -- you will lose that later, now onto the street (fully clad thanks) and mingle with the crowds. Set an exposure for brighter areas, and be ready to drop one f stop for shade. Slide your fingers around the tab to focus on your prey, keeping your eyes on the target. You are now fully ready for the decisive moment. When it arrives, move quickly and deftly fire off a shot, recompose if there is still time and fire another, check the exposure and distance if there is "still" time -- if there is you are probably shooting someone asleep or near death ;-) and shoot again. If you are to err, err on focusing slightly closer than the target. Print the entire negative, display them to the LUG -- ALL of them and be prepared for a pleasant surprise --- Cheers Alastair