Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/02/23
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>I was thinking of all of the little tricks I've picked up from older, more >experienced, or just plain smarter photogs and wondered if, like me, others >could benefit from them. The M Leica has it's quirky pluses that, once >understood, can become useful in making remarkable pictures. > >I read about a guy who sets all of his lenses to infinity when he puts the >lens cap back on. This allows him to always know which way to focus the >lens. I've been doing this and it's become a habit for me. It makes grab >shots faster and I end up with more of those that are printable. > >We had a good thread once about breathing out and relaxing just before the >exposure when using real slow shutter speeds. This is technique that I >learned a long time ago and find to be useful. I've made some nice pictures >at 1/4 sec. handheld using this trick. > >The point to this thread is to coax some of the LUG members to give up their >secret arsenal of tricks. So, let's hear it. Give us some ideas that can >make us all better users. > > >Regards, > >Ben W. Holmes > >Boulder, CO >USA > >bholmes@frii.com In addition to breath control, I've had pretty good success down to 1/2 w/ a 50mm and to 1s w/ a 35mm by locking my elbows close & tight to the body, turning the M so that the shutter-button is downward, and using the thumb to release it. Pull the camera back into the forehead firmly with the off hand and release the shot gently. It also helps to lean into a wall or solid support if available. For interiors, if a tripod is needed and not available, try sitting in a solid chair with the elbows tucked firmly into your ribs. - -Robert