[Leica] LUG (re)introduction

[Matt Kollasch]

Dear LUG,

My name is Matt Kollasch and I participated on this list early in this
century. I don't know exactly when I drifted from LUG, but last week or so
I signed up again and have been enjoying the photos and discussion so I
decided to return and participate.

I know Sandy and Ted and I recognize many of your names. Ted was  kind to
me in the early 2000s when he critiqued my photos. I would post photos to
Ted and then call him and he'd tell me what he thought. I learned so much
from those sessions. It was a great experience and has stayed with me ever
since. Thanks again, Ted! Sandy and I worked on a project together
photographing the Roma in the east of Slovakia. We called it the Roma Foto
Project; it enjoyed a few exhibits.

Since last on the list I  moved from Cedar Falls, Iowa to live in Warsaw
(love that city) for seven years. We are now in Baku for 1 1/2 years (not
as much love). My wife, Beatrice, is Swiss and works at the Swiss Embassy
here. We met and were married in Warsaw.

​I shoot a M240 with a Summicron 50/2 almost exclusively. I have a sweet
little circa 1993 35/2 Summicron but for the life of me I can not get it to
focus sharply on the M. Even after having it repaired at Leica in Germany.
I miss the 35 focal length, but am learning to enjoy life with the 50. When
I next get to a Leica store I will try one of their 35s to see if it is
indeed my lens.

Here are three of my recent photos: http://bit.ly/LUGkollasch
The construction site is across from our apartment. We are on the 10th
floor; this shot is from our balcony at 4 this morning. Comments and
criticism welcome.

Thank you for an interesting and lively LUG.

All best,
/matt kollasch