Re: Thanks for the Ed on 'M's and 'R's!

[Jack Gottlob <sam@injersey.com>]

MyersPete@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Dear LUG:
> 
> Thank you all that responded to my post on M and R cameras. It was helpful.
> Thank you Ted, Tina and Alph, et al.
> 
> Ted's suggestion on technique and changing out the screens is of great help.
> I have screens on order - so I will be giving it a try.
> 
> I am afraid to take up Tina's suggestion of giving an M a try, as I will be
> in the poor house I am sure! hee hee hee
> 
> I also gather that the 35mm f2 M non-aspheric might be worth grabing before
> there are none around.
> 
> The size of the M seems very helpful as well as the range finder focusing.
> But, I am not sure how great my light meter skills are after years and years
> and years of matrix metering with various camera systems. I am also a bit
> scared about going to a mechanical shutter (dont laugh too hard you guys!).
> 
> The worst part of coming to Leica is that I have become a fellow "glass
> addict". hee hee hee
> 
> I greatly appreciate you all sharing with me your experience. The learning
> curve is rather steep in getting the most out of the Leica world.
> 
> PetePete:  The only reason that I opt for the M system is because I earn my 
living with slr's.  I love photography but have forgotten how to enjoy 
it and have fun with it.  The M has given me a whole new perspective.  I 
don't feel like I'm working when I use it, and I have no intentions of 
using it for anything except to play with.  I don't think that there is 
any difference in the images between the M and R.  In fact, aget using 
the 90s, the M has many limitations.  Inability to use a zoom is probably 
the biggest to me.  When I'm working I love the autofocus as well ... 
shoot practically wide open and be in focus every time is importantt to 
me.  I can't even see the telephone dial without glasses. (by the way, I 
find the M much easier to focus.  I hold the camera at an angle and it 
all pops right in, but it would take me alot longer with manual focus.)
The M is also gives me a totally different way of looking at a subject. I 
seem to be looking at them rather than through a lens to them.  (A little 
hard for me to explain)  At retirement time I plan to get rid of all of 
the cameras with the excepetion of the M and the speed graphic, (another 
one of my toys). If you're looking for an intellectual approach to 
photography, I suggest that you get hold of a 4x5 for awhile, go out with 
a dozen holders knowing that you have to shoot two of everything to hold 
one back from developing, knowing that you have just a dozen shots for 
the day.  Gets you away from the shot gun approach and makes you think 
about every shot.  Lousey for street and candids though.  I once set up 
on the boardwalk at Atlantic City to take photos of the Steel Pier and 
was approched by half a dozen people who wanted to have me take their 
photo .. "how much do you charge mister?"
If I had just one camera, wasn't concerned about the size of the system, 
I would go for the R. (more versatile)   If I wanted a camera that brings 
as much joy just owning and looking at as it does in it's performance, 
I'd go with the M.
jack gottlob