Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/10/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I'll add my voice to the "Its the photographer not the equipment" sentiment. I agree wholeheartedly. But I can also say that when I got seriously into photography early this year and swapped my well worn Ricoh and Tamron f/3.6 zoom for an FM2 and a Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 AF my life *did* change - for the better. And when I picked up my trusty Nettar at a market for $15 and discovered the glorious symmetry of the square and that there is more to life than image sharpness - again a surge in creative opportunity. If something similar doesn't happen when I get my M6, 90 Elmarit and 50/2 DR I will be disappointed. I don't expect it to do the work for me, but I do expect the performance of my equipment to complement my creative urges. Photography is a creative pursuit but it is also a percentage game. If I can increase my odds of a nice image, I'll consider parting with some serious cash. I was at a wedding on Saturday, clunking away with my FM2 and 85/1.8, and was thinking how much less self-conscious I am as a photographer with my Nettar because it is so quiet and is a camera on a human scale (as opposed to an anti-tank weapon). Unfortunately the light was too low to use the Nettar successfully. Maybe if I had an M6 there, I would have taken more opportunities without annoying the hell out of people, and so still feeling one of the crowd. I have some nice images (especially with TMZ - no flash also helps blend with the crowd) so I'm not complaining. But if you forced me to go back to the Tamron zoom I'd complain like a wounded bull. Regards, Rob. PS - Is it because of dimensional stability problems that Kodak doesn't make TMZ in 120 format? ---------- > From: ted grant > Stephan Gandy wrote: > > <<<Its the photog, not the camera.>>>>>> > > hi Stephen, > <snip> > As you say, "Its the photog, not the camera!" But so many photographers, > pros and amateurs, still believe the camera and gear is the answer to great > photos. > > There is a bit of truth to that, in that a particular lens allows the > photographer to capture certain images, but the content of the image, the > light and all those other factors that come from within the photographer is > still the most importatnt factor in putting it correctly on film. > > But then there was I time in most of our careers that we also believed that > "if I only owned" etc, etc etc.", I'd be the greatest also. :) > > ted