[Leica] optical quality and artistic expression

[imxputs <imxputs@knoware.nl>]

The topic of image quality versus artistic expression has been discussed on 
this list quite a few times. The pictures of HCB have a timeless quality with 
respect to human interest. His pictures also show a near superb mastery of one 
part of the essence of Leica photography: the art of the snapshot and the 
creation/selection of a (surrealist) composition of a slice oftime/space.
 Given his style of photography the ultimate in optical quality would not have 
any added artistic value. To conclude that optical quality in itself then does 
not constitute a valuable goal, is a bridge too far. If we look at the 
pictures of Jeanloup Sieff (as example or even Jeff Dunas)
 we will definitely find added value to the pictures because of the mastery of 
technique and the use of optical quality as a style element in the images. 
Helmut Newton (not a Leica user btw)again shows that his images thrive on 
contrast and crisp rendition of detail.
The general assumption that older Leica are as useful as newer ones, because 
the best optical quality is hardly needed in many photographic situations, 
must be refuted. Newer Leica lenses are always better and more useful than 
older ones. One may be very fond of and proud of an old Leica lens, in the 
same way as one can feel admiration for an older Harley motorcycle.
The superior optical quality of the new generations of Leica lenses since 
about 1988 can add  impact to the pictures. It gives the opportunity to show 
reality with curious and admiring eyes, because it can show image details and 
texture details and can capture the subtle working of light and shadows and 
colours in a way never recorded before. You may call it straight photography 
(in Adams and Westons style) but here we Leica users have a competitive 
advantage we should exploit. After all we buy Leica lenses because of its 
recording potential
and we use the M because of its possibility to capture reality in the most 
demanding and/or fleeting situations.
 In a week I will present my report of the 3.4/135, a lens, to give a clue, 
that redefines image quality with the Leica. The Leica people give lavish and 
some would say excessive care to ensure the best designs and optical quality 
available today. Should we not be willing to extract from this lens its 
optical capabilities, why buy Leica?

 Erwin