Re: [Leica] Exploring Leica

["Steven Blutter" <sblutter@earthlink.net>]

since you were so used to larger format - tech-pan (asa 25) might be a good
place to start as the grain will be familiar... its very tight

easy to print - a bit of a pain to soup negs - odd agitations, messy chems
(liquid)

i've gone to 16 X 20 very acceptably... but i haven't found a paper i like
yet - the new ones all feel thin to me... am testing shortly

- --Steven Blutter--
sblutter@earthlink.net
http://home.earthlink.net/~sblutter/
- -----Original Message-----
From: Scott Busby <busby@illuminet.net>
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Date: Friday, May 01, 1998 7:55 AM
Subject: [Leica] Exploring Leica


>Greetings All,
>
>  I'm a new member to the group as well as a new Leica owner.  I have
>pursued the art of photography for the last 25 years.  Although
>previously a pro, I forsook pleasing others to please myself
>photographically.
>
>  I haven't used 35mm cameras in nearly 20 years focusing primarily on
>medium format and occasional large format photography.  Quality, image
>sharpness, big negatives, and superb equipment has always provided me
>with the technically fine photos I desire.  However, as I have gotten
>older, I've grown less inclined to drag out the heavy, cumbersome
>equipment.  As a result, my interest in photography as diminished.
>
>  With that said, I should tell you that because of this, I've sold all
>my Hasselblad equipment and purchased a couple of M6s.  I decided that I
>would simplify my photography and pursue the spontaneity the M6 allows.
> I am becoming familiar with the Leica line (I was always aware of
>Leica's incomparable reputation) and I'm starting to build upon
>accessories.
>
>  Herein lies my problem.  Simply, I've completely lost touch with the
>35mm world.  I want to maintain the quality of images I've come to know
>with larger negatives.  Since I've solved the camera issue, I want to
>move on to materials.  Here's where I lean toward your experiences.
>
>  I primarily shoot black and white.  With medium format, I use strictly
>Ilford FP4 and either D-76 or FG7 for my developer.  I use several
>different brands of fine printing papers (I like them all for different
>reasons) and process them in Dektol.  I never bracket exposures and a 12
>exposure roll will yield 12 unique and different images.
>
>  Now that you know a little of how I do things, the main questions:
>
>1.  In black and white work, what are the film preferences and developer
>combinations favored by the group? Why?
>
>2.  In color, what are the preferences?  Are chromes preferred over
>print film?
>
>3.  When enlarging images, what is the acceptable limit?  I've never
>enlarged a MF neg beyond 11X14. I know the answers to the above
>questions will determine this.
>
>  No need to reiterate the merits of the Leica or it's various lenses.
>I'm already convinced of them.  I just want to know how you as
>photographers capitalize on these merits to there final end.  I don't
>limit myself to any one type of photography.  Anything and everybody is
>fair game.  My techniques are habitual, but I want to explore.
>
>  Lastly, I don't depend on photography for my livelihood.  I'm strictly
>an amateur and I'm the only one I have to please.  I don't want to
>deviate from the main topic of Leica, but rather explore its use through
>your experiences.  Your comments will at least provide me with a point
>of departure.  Oh, and BTW, the list is a great tool.  I've already
>learned a great deal.
>
>Thanks
>Scott
>