Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/04/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi Andre, > --> 2/ I'd like to throw my little stone in your pond: > -- why not a 35mm right now as standard lens ? No good reason, really. The 50 Summicron is affordable while very highly rated, and so seemed the best value for a first lens. I'm also comfortable with the focal length, having shot it as my standard lens on an SLR for many years (though that was nearly a lifetime ago). Finally, I have an Olympus Stylus Epic with a fixed 35/2.8, so I already have that focal length covered (in a pinch). Since I love to shoot portraits, I find myself wanting that 35 on the Epic to be longer (and my subjects aren't always thrilled with their long noses from the 35 close-ups!). Hence my plan to start with the 50 and move up to the 90 before heading south. > -- why not consider the Tri-Elmar ? Speed, primarily. I'd welcome the convenience of the three focal lengths, but not to the extent I'd give up the stops. I feel the f/4 max. aperture would be too restrictive for my purposes. > I also tend to think 35mm (and 28mm) photo shoots > yield higher rates of interesting images, relative to > 50mm shots. This is undoubtedly true for street photography, and I'm sure I'll end up getting wide lenses for that reason. But for now, I want to shoot faces. I find it almost impossible to get _too_ close. For this kind of work, 50 and northwards works better (IMO). > --> 3/ If you don't like flash photography (I'm resistant > to it too), > it may be, as for me, that you haven't had the opportunity > to try out fully a really good flash with bounce and TTL > capabilities. Yes, I agree, there is something magical about > natural available light photography when done with taste, > but don't corner yourself: newer electronic flash systems > have reached a point that they command some respect and > consideration. > My point being: go for the TTL model as it is VERY likely > that the next generation Leica flash, perhaps simply a more > intricate model, will be more than a "mom & pop" birthday > party "family flash" and deliver more flexibility, > more "creative" potential and fully justify the TTL decision > down the road. You're right: I haven't done much with flash at all, and never off the camera. I know there is a tremendous amount one can do with lighting that I have yet to explore. But the TTL's synch speed of 1/50 seems awfully limiting for fill flash. And the current Leica unit, as you know, offers little flexibility (I'd want to at least stick a StoFen Omni-bounce on it). So I'll stick with fast lenses, fast film, and available light for now. > --> I'll always leave a final decision with you, but I'd like > to emphasize the beauty of chrome-on-chrome Leica stuff, > even if I prefer black for a more "low-key" impression, > especially in street photography. The weight difference > really is negligible. BUT it's your party ! All right, another chrome fan! Yes, I agree completely. I had originally planned on getting the silver 50, but have reconsidered. For one thing, the chrome lenses don't look so hot (IMO, of course) on all black bodies, and I may just find myself wanting a second body in all black some day. Second, they really are more conspicuous (so's the chrome body, but hey, I gotta have some silver somewhere!). Third, if the Tri-Elmar is any indication (the only Leica lens I've been able to see in person), the current chrome models are too...I don't know..._shiny_. They don't have the appeal of the old chrome lenses you see at trade shows. Maybe that's just because they're new and with time they will get that certain look. Anybody else out there share an opinion? > --> Oh NO-o-o-o ! Another Black and White freak ! ;+)~ > > I hope you decide to check out yourself what you Leica lens(es) > can do with films like Kodachrome 64 or Fuji Reala ... > or high speed color (ISO 800+ like Fuji Super G, NHG II > or Kodak PMZ, Royal 1000, and such). You may get to use color > more often and enjoy your new camera system even more. > Or go wild and go Ektachrome 100 VS or treat yourself > to a few rolls of "classic" Ektachrome 64 Pro (still available > overseas and as import). It's springtime, you know... Yes, spring has sprung, and color along with it. I do plan to shoot color as well. But at some point I want to process my own prints, and that likely means b&w. Besides, who among us isn't swayed by all those beautiful HCB prints we've had burned indelibly into our minds? Warm regards, as the tulips are blooming, Dan