[Leica] More than 1 Ms?

[tedgrant at shaw.ca (Ted Grant)]

Richard F. Man  asked
Subject: [Leica] More than 1 Ms?


> OK, for the few remaining LUGers that are actually still using the M
> cameras :-), how many use more than 1 Ms consistently? If so, is it
because
> you want to have more than 1 lens handy, or more than 1 type of film
handy,
> or just generally want a backup?
>
> Inquiring mind wants to know :-)<<<<

Hi Richard,
It's a very simple answer for me, as multi cameras is the way I've worked
for many years most of the time. The assignment and subject dictate how many
are used at any one time due to the amount of activity and area working in.
I hate missing anything while I'm shooting and given most of my work entails
people doing their thing, as industry, political, sports, documentaries in
many many venues where lots of action is happening. Quite often quickly. And
I absolutely refuse to ask someone to ..." please do that again!"

So to be working with one camera and a 50 Noctilux on the body to find a
21mm lens is required, by the time I dig the 21 out of my pocket, remove the
50 and attach the 21 the moment is lost. Possibly never to be repeated.
Picture missed. :-(

It's an action and my re-action to that which counts most in capturing the
moment. And for me to get a camera to my eye fast enough there must be a
camera hanging some place for that re-action to be successful. And as I've
said on more than one occasion, I've worked many times with 3 M type cameras
hanging from my neck, 2 motor driven R's off my left shoulder and another
motor driven R on the right shoulder and all with different lenses.

In the photo vest pockets maybe 40 rolls of film or more at times. And with
all of this have I missed a shot?  Yep! :-)

By the same token when an assignment sets the parameters of gear, it'll be
one lens and an M7! A couple of rolls in the pocket while wearing a tux at
an event where discreet is the mode of operation. :-) And that's why one
always uses "Black body" M Leica camera's. ;-)

You don't just carry a pile of equipment around for something to do as it
gets damn heavy no matter how long you've done it. Besides under some
conditions it will impede your shooting.. And you don't carry it to show off
as that's absolutely stupid and makes for a big chance of completely
screwing up.

My cameras are cameras just like everyone else's. However, they're nothing
more than tools to do my work as is a hammer for a carpenter and that's how
I relate to them. It's the assignment that dictates what equipment is
necessary to use and if you do not have the right selection of lenses the
chances are you'll only do a half assed job. Or worse, miss the high-light
picture of the moment.

ted