Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/06/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]What would you say to the possibility that the placement of the viewfinder on the RF body exposes more of the photographer's face to the subject, which helps to establish a more direct rapport in the gaze? I've often felt that in street situations (as opposed to the studio--in which I have comparatively little experience) that folk look at *me*, not the camera, when I use the Leica or the Contax. When I use the Canon, much of my face is obscure; the lenses tend to be larger and more intimidating; the camera itself intervenes between me and the subject. Just a thought. This is partially obviated with the use of a tripod, which allows one to move away from the camera, so I describe hand-held portraiture alone. Chandos >I've said it before and I'll repeat it now. The tunnelvision effect is a side effect of >viewfinder magnification and robs the photographer of a personal connection to the >subject. Anyone who's used an Olympus OM1, Pentax MX or even the lesser magnified, >though far better than R8, Leica R4: Larger view magnifications make better photos. > >Danny Gonzalez > Chandos Michael Brown Assoc. Prof., History and American Studies College of William and Mary http://www.resnet.wm.edu/~cmbrow/