Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/06/26

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Subject: [Leica] Responding to BD's venting about the Noct
From: bdcolen at earthlink.net (B. D. Colen)
Date: Sat Jun 26 10:42:37 2004

First, Mitch, why should I "get over" my personal taste and opinion? Is
that now a requirement for Leica ownership or Lug membership? :-)

Forgive me for not realizing that the snake photos were yours - as I
noted, that was an "otherwise appealing" snake sequence;

Third, I didn't comment on the Father's Day photos because I hadn't seen
them. Now that I have, I'll note that I still find the bokeh
displeasing, although it is not as bad with the lens stopped down as it
is with the lens wide open; other than that the images are perfectly
pleasant snap shots of family members;

Fourth, and finally, you posted your images, and in doing so, are
inviting comments on them - just as I invite comments when I post
images. If you want nothing but "huzzas!" and "Brilliant image,
gorgeously rendered by that fabulous Noctilux," you should say so when
you post them. Otherwise, you should learn to recognize a comment about
equipment for what it is - a comment about equipment, not about the
photographer or his or her personality or ability.

If you don't like the images I post, if you'd like to criticize them, do
so. If you believe the equipment I'm using appears to be inferior, feel
free to say so - I am not emotionally invested in my equipment - not in
my Ms, my Nikons, or in my Olympus equipment.

To conclude - rather than tell you to "get over it," I'll suggest that
if you're going to post images for criticism, you learn that criticism
need not be taken personally. 

Best

B. D.


-----Original Message-----
From: lug-bounces+bdcolen=earthlink.net@leica-users.org
[mailto:lug-bounces+bdcolen=earthlink.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of
Mitch Zeissler
Sent: Saturday, June 26, 2004 9:34 AM
To: 'Leica Users Group'
Subject: RE: [Leica] Responding to BD's venting about the Noct


+++++++++++++++++++++++
<BD> Look at these images, and Joe's otherwise appealing snake
sequence... == <Mitch> Umm, the snake sequence is mine, BD.


+++++++++++++++++++++++
<BD> ...I want to throw-up; the bokeh is really, really disturbing, a
bit like looking through a bottle bottom on acid. I'm someone who
normally doesn't 'see' bokeh, and doesn't consider it particularly
importance. But this lens is the exception to that rule. == <Mitch> Then
go puke and get it out of your system.  I realize it's an acquired
taste, but we already know from your continual postings on the subject
that you hate Noct imagery when shot wide open.  So get over it already.
I used the Noct stopped down on these images
(http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1ssgc/Noct/FathersDay/index.htm), and you
didn't have any negative comments to offer.


+++++++++++++++++++++++
<BD> I can see using the Nocti when there's no other way to get the shot
- which means capturing images in near darkness, when even 1.4 at 1/15th
won't do the trick, or when you need a faster shutter speed, and the
Noct. Will allow you to go up to 1/30th or 1/60th. But under those
circumstances, most of the image will be in deep shadow anyway, so the
bokeh isn't jarring. == <Mitch> If you examine my settings a little more
closely, you'll see the light was pretty dim:
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze1ssgc/Noct/Snake/index.htm
MP; Noct; Portra 160NC @ EV 100; F/1.0@1/30th

I actually used a Canon PowerShot G3 for some other images of the snake
that I haven't posted yet, but had to use a tripod to get the shots I
wanted because the light was so dim.  With the snake on the move, even
the digicam was pretty much useless.


+++++++++++++++++++++++
<BD> But I just don't get the idea of using this lens in relatively
normal to normal light, when any number of other film and lens
combinations will do the trick. In both these posted cases, Mitch and
Joe were using relatively slow film. And Mitch had to shoot at 1/1000th
to be able to shoot at f1. Yes, it's nice to isolate the subject, but
another lens at f 1.4 or even f 2 would provide good isolation - without
the smeary, swirly, blurs. == <Mitch> After hearing you drone on and on
about it over the years, I don't expect you to *ever* get it.  I have
just three M lenses; the Noct, the goggled 135 and a pre-ASPH 21mm
Elmarit.  Only the Noct was useable without a tripod in the snake
scenario, and I always use the widest aperture and fastest shutter speed
to isolate the subject in all my other shots.

Regards,

Mitch
_______________________________
   E-mail: mitch.zeissler@verizon.net


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Replies: Reply from mitch.zeissler at verizon.net (Mitch Zeissler) ([Leica] Responding to BD's venting about the Noct)
In reply to: Message from mitch.zeissler at verizon.net (Mitch Zeissler) ([Leica] Responding to BD's venting about the Noct)