Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/03/29

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Subject: [Leica] I missed it.
From: "Paul Klingaman" <pklingaman@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 29 Mar 1999 12:48:40 PST

Dear LUG,

It's been a beautiful day here in Boston.  I was walking down the 
sidewalk of a busy street when I saw the shot: A young woman sitting on 
a cream colored, obviously old and battered moped; against the 18% 
grey-colored street(seriously).  She had a radiant pale-tan complexion, 
a silver nose ring, and the glow from her smile made me wince.  For an 
instant, the portion of the street in my frame was free of autos.  This 
would have been the PERFECT Black and white shot(to me).  I swear the 
instant that I was bringing the camera to my face, I invisioned myself 
toning this beautiful print.  Selenium, no, sepia!  Anyway, I had the 
exposure preset for the shadows of the buildings on the street(which she 
happened to be in).  Okay, exposure was on.  Click.....ahh....$*&%&#!  I 
was focused at about 32", and she was at least 10 ft. away.  By the time 
I realized the focus was off, the magic was gone.  Did I get the shot?  
I'll only be able to tell after tonight when I develop and print.  Maybe 
I got it.  I was using a summicron 50, and the DOF at f11 might have 
been adequite.  Then again, maybe I missed it.  So please, how might I 
avoid this in the future?  This is only my 6th roll using the 
rangefinder, and my focusing is gradually getting better, but could you 
all impart some of your wisdom as to how I can achieve quicker focus for 
street shooting?  I LOVE this camera, and considering the great shots 
I've gotten with it so far, I'm not going to let "the one that got 
away(maybe)" discourage me.  Although, it would be a shame.  Thanks in 
advance for your kind input.

Sincerely,
Paul Klingaman
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