Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/10/09

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Subject: Re: [Leica] strobe vs. naturtal light
From: jimbrick@photoaccess.com (Jim Brick)
Date: Fri, 09 Oct 1998 13:33:24 -0700

I don't recollect anyone writing that you should not use flash. They also
did not say that you should not use color film. The flash systems of today
are very very sophisticated. Unfortunately, for those who so desire, the M6
is on the opposite end with respect to flash sophistication. The M6 is
flash unfriendly. But an f/1 or f/1.4 lens works very well with ISO 100/200
transparency film in low (or very low) natural light. At least for me. I
think the discussion centered around the M6TTL In the description below,
(CC filtration, wireless TTL, etc,) certainly seem like a job for an R8. I
have never wanted to use flash with my M camera. I have used flash with my
R cameras a lot. I have a Metz 60 CT-4 and a 3 head Dyna-lite studio
system. And they really work great with my R cameras.

Jim

At 12:54 PM 10/9/98 -0400, you wrote:
>I am rather getting the impression that this entire discussion centres
>about B&W photography.  Being one who shoots colour transparencies a
>great deal, I would be quite put out were it not for flash. 
>Existing-light with B&W @ ISO 400 and up is one thing; ISO 25-100 chrome
>(that ofttimes requires additional various light-robbing CC filtration in
>different lighting) is quite another.  I would certainly agree that a
>straight on blast from a shoe-mounted flash is going to produce a
>specific effect that usually isn't what we're after.  However, there is
>little resemblance between than and the skillful arrangement of multiple
>small flashes (something aided immensely by wireless TTL) with or without
>existing light in addition.  Photography, after all, literally means
>writing(painting) with light, *any* light.
>
>Regards,
>Nigel
>
>On Thu, 08 Oct 1998 19:43:29 -0500 Eric Welch <ewelch@ponyexpress.net>
>writes:
>>At 02:36 PM 10/8/98 -0700, you wrote:
>>
>>>Bottom line?  Do you need flash? Yep on some assignments.  Do you 
>>need it
>>>as much as you think you do?   Nope!  Just learn how to make what is
>>>motivating you in the first place work and you'll be cool!  And 
>>you'll have
>>>great images.
>>
>>Ted is right. I use flash sometimes because the "content" of some 
>>pictures
>>I take (news conferences, or whatever) is more important than any 
>>esthetic
>>appeal. And newspaper reproduction sometimes in those situations needs
>>help. A portrait against light is great with high quality magazine 
>>repro,
>>or when my paper's press room is on, but there are times when getting
>>detail in the face is more important. I don't like those kinds of 
>>pictures,
>>and will never have one in my portfolio.
>>
>>A professional knows the difference and when to make the compromises. 
>>I use
>>flash maybe once every two or three weeks (except for food in the 
>>studio or
>>whatever). It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know how to use it. 
>>Just
>>some experience.
>>
>>-- 
>>
>>Eric Welch
>>St. Joseph, MO
>>http://www.ponyexpress.net/~ewelch
>>
>>Better to understand a little than to misunderstand a lot
>>
>
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http://www.photoaccess.com
Jim Brick, ASMP, BIAA
Photo Access
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