Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/12/14

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Subject: Re: Re: [Leica] Approach to the 50mm
From: Afterswift@aol.com
Date: Mon, 15 Dec 1997 01:18:50 -0500 (EST)

Adi,

The 50mm lens isn't your problem in my experience. It's habit. You're
accustomed to the 35mm. Work for a like period of time with the 50mm and you
will find it normal.

The very fact that you have the impression that the 50mm is a telephoto
should tell you the same thing. You know objectively that the 50mm isn't a
telephoto, so the problem is based on a relative difference between it and
the 35mm. You are aware of the difference now because the 35mm has mandated
its own requirements; it has bent you to its will. By experiencing the new
demands of the 50mm, it seems strange to you. 

In a way the switch from 35mm to 50mm may be fortuitous because the 50mm can
call attention to detail in the background immediately near the subject. The
50mm concentrates your attention. It means a change in your thinking. That is
the hardest part of the departure from the 35mm. Composition is far more
exacting using the 50mm. You can not ignore so much of the image as you did
with the 35mm. So now you must develop a new consciousness -- and that can be
refreshing. 

If you really want to know which focal length you instinctively prefer,
switch to an SLR with a 35mm-70mm range. Then note where on the focal length
collar your choices hovered. In my case, it's always around 50mm. So I feel
very much at home with an M Leica with 50mm. When I must shoot with a 35mm, I
whip out my Minox 35 that I always have handy, even on business other than
photographic. 

I use my splendid 2.8 35mm Summaron for architecture. Qualitatively, it's the
best Leitz lens I own. But I consider it a special purpose objective.

Bob