Re: The Leica Thing

[dannyg1@IDT.NET]

Barney,

Though you're sure to find a friendly group with which you can assure yourself of Leica
superiority here, truth is that the CL does have meter cell, wire and accuracy
problems. I'll qualify that by saying that it's better in general reliability than some/most 
cameras.  On the Rokkor: I've never heard or read a bad word about it, even on Usenet.

I, like you, use and love the CL. Matter of fact, it's my favorte Leica body
and sees more daylight than my M6 ever will. Regardless, it is fragile and not well suited
to any use approaching 'rigorous'.

I suppose that I'm dancing around what I consider the central issue of your post because
I'm concerned at the mass reaction but...... Why were you checking what the other
photographer was shooting? Was it so important to you that you satisfy yourself that
what you had shot was better? Could you truly tell that what the guy was shooting was,
well, crap? I, for one, hate it when other photographers peer over my shoulder and when
I turn to see what's happening behind me, all I see is this all-knowing, shit eating grin.
Were you that insecure about your equipment and your talents?

 It seems to me that you were adding to this competitive dance yourself. Having said
that, it's very possible that the other photog. started the competitive vibe and you were
just having your own fun in response. For me, though, I would try hard not to give in to
the juvenile invitation.

Obviously you're happy with the choices you've made and so is the happy couple. Good
for you. But if you find yourself behind some other photographer, try to find within
yourself, the respect to allow the world to have more than one good photographer. There
are many out there and we've all had to deal with some pretty lame condescension 
(especially from paying clients). 

Nothing wrong with a good 'camera war', as long as it's all in fun.

Danny Gonzalez