Re: [Leica] Leica technology, creative control

[Jim Brick <jim@brick.org>]

Using the M6 meter/f-stop/shutter dial is really really easy. Basically a
no-brainer. And I personally have never had an ounce of trouble turning the
shutter dial while having the camera to my eye. Having a soft release and a
TA winder on my M6 since the first instant that I had it has helped
greatly. You can do everything with the camera to your eye. Basically, my
index finger *always* rests on the shutter dial while holding the M6
horizontally. I squeeze the shutter with the second joint on that finger. I
never have to move my finger and hunt for the shutter dial. While metering,
it is a no brainer to remember that the f/stop ring and shutter turn in
opposite directions to accomplish the same thing. The f/stop turns in the
direction of the arrows, in order to get the reading correct. The shutter
dial turns in the opposite direction of the arrows to do the same. The
shutter dial on my M6 can be turned with one finger on one side. I don't
have to grip it. My thumb does exactly the same thing when holding the
camera vertically. For the way I photograph with the M6, I personally think
the ergonomics are just fine. Perhaps a soft release would make this easier
for most folks.

If you have to photograph fast happenings in changing light, you soon
become very adept at manipulating your camera quickly and without
deliberate actions. Practice makes perfect.

Even though all of my R cameras have had the little window in on the back
door, I cannot ever remember actually looking in it to see what kind of
film is there. It has never been a thought of mine ??? I guess that is just
something I automatically remember. And please... none of this was meant to
be a smart remark. Just simple facts and opinions. Basically, my $.02
worth. ?-)

Jim


At 06:36 AM 7/3/98 +0100, you wrote:
>mark wrote:
>
>>if we are getting pernickity, and for the price i think we are entitled to,
>>i think they could alter the design of the shutter speed dial such that
>>it is easier to adjust with your eye to the view finder (for the M7
>>obviously). the dial is very "short" and getting (my) fingers around it
>>is kind of awkward unless i look at what i am doing.>>>>>>
>
>Hi Mark,
>
>I pretty well know what the shutter speed is once I start a shoot when
>using my M cameras and when I look through the viewfinder if I have to make
>an adjustment for the two little "red" arrowheads, I just reach over and
>push my finger along the side of the dial and make adjustments.
>
>The key to making this work without looking at the speed dial is to
>memorize which way turning the dial is higher speeds and lower. With that
>locked in the memory bank it's easy adjusting without looking. :)
>
>ted
>