Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/10/02

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Erwin, photographic technique
From: Christer Almqvist <christer@almqvist.net>
Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2000 09:39:06 +0100
References: <3.0.32.20001001184630.006bd788@box4.tin.it>

>Robert,
>
>Magnificent question. I (obviously) can't answer for Erwin, but would
>offer the following suggestions to technically improve imagemaking. Of
>course, the aesthetics of photography would take an additional paragraph
>or two to explain.
>
>1) Camera movement is the leading cause of image degradation. Use a
>tripod and a cable or timer release. Absent a tripod, use a monopod, or
>brace against something. Also, master the vibrationless release of the
>shutter. HCB trained like a marathon runner to avoid camera movement
>from all sources. In general photography, the impact of this issue often
>is greater than all other factors combined.
>
>2) Use use film rated at ISO 100 or slower, with Kodachrome 25 the
>optimum choice. Films faster than 100 are not fully capable of recording
>lens performance at Leica's level.
>
>3) Focus very carefully. Mis-focusing is a serious cause of image
>degradation. If there are some in the picture, focus on the eyes.
>
>4) Use a high shutter speed as it minimizes camera and subject movement.
>Erwin recommended, if I remember correctly, using at least 1/1,500
>shutter speeds to squeeze the most out of the 70-180 to illustrate this
>point.
>
>5) If you are using a good SLR, use its mirror lock-up feature whenever
>possible.
>
>6) Find and use optimum lens apertures, which with Leica lenses is
>hardly ever above 5.6.
>
>7) All films are forgiving to a degree, but mis-exposing and
>mis-processing film and prints can seriously degrade image quality. Use
>an incident light meter most of the time.
>
>8) Drink single malt to calm your nerves (see 1, above).
>
>Oh, well, that's a start. Erwin will now correct me.
>
>David W. Almy
>Annapolis
>
In addition to point 7 : bracket your exposure (if circumstances let you)


- --
Christer Almqvist
D-20255 Hamburg, Germany and/or
F-50590 Regnéville-sur-Mer, France

In reply to: Message from Robert Appleby <robert.appleby@tin.it> ([Leica] Erwin, photographic technique)