Re: [Leica] Downloadable Erwin Puts Book

[David Mason <dcm@pobox.com>]

"Rob Appleby" <rob@robertappleby.com> writes:


> I think Erwin does well for a non-native language speaker. I couldn't write
> as well in Italian, for instance.

I think he does well too - but why be anglo-centric if perhaps one can
express themselves better in another language? In this case we are
talking about an article that was written as a piece of journalism -
that of the review. I have no problem with the grammar, the
punctuation, etc. I do have a problem (no matter what language it is)
to attempt a technical review and talk about the designers studying
the soul of the lens. That tells me absolutely *nothing* about what
exactly they did and why. It tells me nothing in regard to what they
used to do when designing lenses, and it tell me nothing about the
difference between the Summicron and the Summilux (which is why I read
it).

> I have to admit to being taken aback by the lack of common decency and
> bullying tactics on this list, although I should be inured to it by now. I
> can't think of any other list where such low standards of behaviour obtain.
>
> So far, none of his critics has done anything except fling mud at Erwin. I
> have to admit to finding lens reports meagre fare, and some of Erwin's
> statements about cameras and lenses are infused with a rather laughable
> fervour, but no-one can deny his achievement.

Actually I've seen far worse lists and it amuses me how much time is
spent on this list complaining about how bad it is. In fact, it amuses
me.

I was not flinging mud at Erwin, I was simply stating my negative
reaction to the article in regard to how it was 'sold' to me. I could
care less what language it is in.

Other than this article I really don't know anything about Erwin or
his writing. I don't spend all my time reading camera reviews - nor do
I want to. This article was sold to me (via the author, the website,
and this list) as one that would answer a question I am considering
myself - what do the new Leica lenses offer me over the old ones - and
how do the new lenses compare themselves. I find that Leica's own
information on this to be very poor. Erwin's article gave me little
information on whether I should spend money on new or save money on
old. I would say the same about the article if you had written it,
B.D. had written it, Marc had written it, or I had written it. I would
still say the same thing if it was written in French, Spanish, Hindi,
or "Southern". The fact remains, it didn't help me.

Luckily I have this list to help me - and the closer I get to spending
money on a new Leica system to replace my hodge-podge collection of
Leica and Voigtlander parts I will most likely ask this list - it
tends to be much more informative, even if everyone on it is a
complete assh^H^H^H^H... scratch that.


Dave
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