Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/10/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>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