Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/30
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]CapsTeeth@aol.com wrote: > I have never heard of either Ted Grant or Miro Jurcevic, which is *not* to > imply that they're nobodies. But regardless of their qualifications these > two individuals have both temporarily lost their objectivity on what > consititutes a productive discussion and might consider taking a brief > time-out to regain perspective.<<<<<<<<<<<<< Cool! Don't feel bad, I haven't heard of you either, so that makes us even. ;-) I agree and if we didn't have an "idiot", not my term, Miro's on himself, who babbles ridiculous theory drivel without any real working and shooting time about hand holding etc. this conversation wouldn't be taking place. > I am not a well-published photographer, but I do belong to NANPA and I've met > a large number of big-name well-published wildlife and nature photographers > who use 35mm SLRs and long lenses and though they disagree about many things > they all cite from their combined years of experience that some form of > steady camera support is essential to obtaining the sharpest publishable > images. <<<<<<<<<<< That's true for nature/wildlife guys and gals as they sit in a blind for hours on end with the camera locked on their subject and I doubt there is a human being around who can do that. Nor foolish enough to even attempt it. However lets not write off nature shooters as only tripod/mono photographers, our own LUGGER Doug Herr for one, who hand holds 400 mm and 560 mm Leica lenses and photographs birds on the wing! Try that from a tripod! >>>>>>Judging by the number of monopods (and some tripods) I've seen on > the sidelines at sports events, it looks like those pros (the other group of > long-lens users) generally prefer some form of support for long lenses also.<<<<<< Been there done that. By the way at the Olympics and most international sport events, tripods are not allowed. Period! They take up too much space in relation to the number of photographers covering the events. "No tripods" has been in effect, certainly since '68, when I covered my first Olympics in Mexico. Today we see many using the monopod. However, if one is a Leica SLR user you can use a micro switch equipped pistol grip/shoulder brace tubular stock with connection to the motor drive which totally eliminates both monopod or tripod. It does unfortunately drive the Queen and Prime Minister's security guys around the bend when you point it in their direction, certainly with a 280 mm attached. :-) Oh and by the way, during a visit of the President of the USA to Canada a few years back, I was grabbed very quickly by his Secret service guys and wrestled to the ground. Fortunately I was saved from major damage by the Mounties who came to my rescue. :-) jeeeeesh your guys are touchy! ;-) After that VIP visit the shoulder brace, stock & pistol grip were put aside during Presidential visits. Or in war zones! >>>>>> It could be possible for some individual to have such a well-developed, well-balanced neuromusculoskeletal system that he could handhold a long lens with no disadvantage over an inanimate support.<<<<<<<<<< It is possible, as my number 2 son who is a sports photographer shoots his international figure skating while hand holding a 400 2.8 Canon manual focus lens. Even the SI shooters are surprised when he's shooting beside them. But he works out with weights regularly, so he has extreme upper body and arm strength. So it is possible if one is serious about their work technique. However, on occasion he does work with a monopod! If you'd like to see some of his photography try , http://www.cyberus.ca/~fsgrant/ >>>>>>>Perhaps Mr. Grant is one such individual. I do wonder if > he could maintain this supportive posture for an hour or two waiting for a > subject to strike just the right pose. That's what wildlife photographers > are often faced with.<<<<<<<<<<<<<< I responded to this above, thank you. Since some of you folks do not work in similar photo careers, I can accept why you don't understand how we work in our day to day photography and have done so for many years. We make it sound so easy, while you who have not experienced it, see only difficulties from what you read or see on the surface. And some think we BS the facts when in reality, it is reality! What I take umbrage with, are those without working experience or lengthy time as an advanced amateur, making light of information garnered through years of experience and passed along so others may learn from it, hopefully making their photographic lives easier and more rewarding with better photography. We who work at this wonderful medium of photography are very fortunate and I for one swore 48 years ago when learning, asked a pro of some stature about a small detail and I was brushed aside like some moron, (might have been then) that if I ever went anywhere in the field of photography, I would never ever deny anyone information about photography if I could possibly assist them in being a better photographer. So maybe some of you will understand why I get a little off the deep end, when some person comes along and makes ridiculous comments about tripods, mirrors slapping up and shutter curtains colliding, with breezes moving the camera creating ineffective images.. If you cannot see, that when I post something it is with the goodness of intention, then so be it. That's your problem and indicates you're much wiser than I in the ways of photography. Good on you and I wish you well. I've never at anytime indicated I'm perfect and I'd be a bloody fool to do so, hell I learn something new photographic every day from the LUG/LEG and I'm the first to admit I'm not perfect. But whatever I've done as a photographer during 50 years has always been with integrity towards the craft of photography. Thank you ted