Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/11/22

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Subject: Re: [Leica] JB, filters, flames, and technique
From: Alan Ball <AlanBall@csi.com>
Date: Sun, 22 Nov 1998 21:06:35 +0100

Greg,

I agree completely with your statements hereunder about slow speed
shooting. It does require training and concentration though: when I
started out with the M, I kinda hoped that the absence of mirror would
free me almost completely from any trouble at those speeds. Not true:
the nerves and muscles are the main sources of vibration. But 1/8 sec
handheld can be reached with good consistency, and is easier to reach
with a M system than with any other I've tried.

Also, the M adds to that capacity with its offer of very high quality
ultrafast lenses (which I do not own yet): wide open summilux/noctilux
+  slow handhled speeds enable pictures that would be impossible
otherwise. That is one of the REAL Leica advantages. Plus all the other
characteristics of the M line (compactness, silence,
subject-friendliness, ease of use, smoothness of operation, etc).

These are the reasons the M line remains a daily tool for loads of PJs
around the world, even if it is often carried as an alternative tool,
with other equipments providing most of the production. It provides real
added value to its users. And its functionalities are unique on the
market today. This last statement is not true for the Leica R line,
which was the Leica line being discussed in this thread.


Friendly regards,

Alan.

Greg Locke wrote:
> 
> At 06:34 PM 21/11/98 +0100, you wrote:
> 
> >>         For me, low light performance is why I chose Leica.  I can work in
> >> low light environments,  unobtrusively, no flash and still get sharp
> >> pictures at wide open apertures.  I have even been known to handhold (GASP!)
> >> at 1/8 of a second and, yes it was a usable image.
> >>...<CUT>...
> >
> >Greg,
> >
> >out of curiosity: are you talking R or M hereabove ?
> >
> >Alan
> 
>         With M cameras. Easier with 35mm and below.  The best I can get with
> my Nikons is a 15th consistantly.
>         Of course, when you start to get up over 80mm it gets
> harder....although it can be done.
> 
>         This is the kind of thing you learn (or have) to do working in daily
> photojournalism.  Sometimes it make the difference between getting a picture
> or not.