Re: [Leica] was:Ted Grant's Ravings, Ted responds :)

[Jeffcoat Photography <jeffcoatphoto@sumter.net>]

Well Ted you said just about what I was thinking (some of it anyway ) Very nicely
put, thank you
. I really think there is a place and in a lot of cases a need for both the
manual and the automated. Learning to use one of those auto everything computers
with a lens can be a challenge, but knowing when and how to use it can be an even
bigger challenge. They often require as much pre thought ( or more ) than some of
the manual units. There is nothing more frustrating than missing a shot because
the da-n thing wouldn't lock the focus as it didn't see enough contrast in the
subject to lock on.  That's not the cameras fault, it was mine as I didn't
realize how the focus worked (dumb me). Bottom line ( as I see it ) is that
neither of the systems is ( in this time ) an answer in and of it's self. Would I
like to see an "M" (what ever) that had aperture and shutter priority modes
allowing me to concentrate on comp and focus ""***YES***"". Maybe it's age, I
don't know- but I don't feel we should turn away from advancements because of the
romantic notion that the old way is the only way. Wood working is a hobby I
pursue and in that vain I ( along with a lot of others-this is another can of
worms)  feel those wonderful Shakers would have used power tools had they been
available in their day.
Cheers Wilber GFE
BTW over the years I've noticed that for the most part the client (for those of
you who do this for a living) could really care less what you shoot with as long
as the image is as needed and the price is right.

Ted Grant wrote:

> Bob Bedwell wrote:
>
> >Yes, Peter we must accept the fact that there is a new generation of
> >photographers that aren't the least bit impressed that the Leicas today are
> >made the way they were when we were kids.  They relate to Playstations,
> >computers and digital cameras.  There is not much that you, Ted or I can do
> >to stop it and I am not sure that I would stop it if I could.  The next "M"
> >camera must address these issues or it's life is definitely in question.
> >
> >Bob
> >
> >P.S.  Ted, although I referenced you in this note you don't have to respond.
> >You never do and it doesn't make any difference anyway.
>
> Hi Bob mon ami,
>
> Actually I was going to on this one.:) I had figured everyone was doing
> such a good effort of "ranting" on previous posts it didn't need me to
> screw it up.;)
>
> However!
>
> You're right about the younger generations, as they've grown up in the
> magical changes electronics have given to their world, ours.
>
> However, they really don't care with "fiddling things" when they turn on
> switch "A", everything lights up, apeture automatically to right size,
> shutter speed flashes it's ready to shoot. And click! How about "eye
> sensitive focus?" It's like, "Who needs to fiddle those little wheels and
> ringie thingies?"
>
> So why would any of them be immpressed with a "model T" Leica, when the
> bells and whistles make it happen faster than they think? Their images are
> in focus, correctly exposed and they get satisfaction with: "Gee my
> pictures look neat!" "or cool!" results,
>
> So in reality it is us "old folks and in betweener's" who have the joys of
> the old days in smooth handling, doing it a little slower, time consumming.
> Yet we appreciate in a different manner, the joys of automation probably
> more so than the young ones, as we've had the fun of living and working in
> the "good old days." Like it, buy it, set it, shoot it, all by hand.
>
> The bottom end is twofold:
>
> One. We should accept the changing times of automation in our camera's
> "M88?" and be prepared to accept that it's the tone of the times.
>
> Two. Make an effort to pass on our experience with fine manual equipment,
> so the auto-generation will appreciate what manual is, that it gives one
> great satisfaction to do "something for ones self." Rather than a computer
> chip blinking in the viewfinder...."press button now!"
>
> Did you like the response? :)
>
> ted
>
> Ted Grant
> This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
> http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant