[Leica] Use of leica camera

[imx <imxputs@knoware.nl>]

Tina, 


you wrote in part: "however, I do not
agree that what I see can only be accurately portrayed with the highest
resolution lens and slowest film on a tripod.  I do use Leicas because they
are quiet, unobtrusive, mechanical, and reliable."

I am in full agreement with your view and choice and use of the Leica. Let
me set a vast misconception straight. I have never said that the record of
what you see (or more correct: what you think you see), MUST be done with a
tripod mounted, slowfilmfed and bestlensfitted Leica M. (That would be a new
acronym: a TMSFBLF-Leica photograph.)
My only statement has been and is this: IF (a big IF for some users) you
wish to exploit the optical performance of current Leica lenses, THEN a
tripod, a slowspeed film and a careful technique are indispensible, nay
necessary. If you are not interested or able, giving the circumstances,to
exploit the optical performance, because you need a shot at 1/8 of a second
in dim light with strong backlighting, you still have the Leica potential
that may give you an edge.
As a corrolary to the main point, I may add that it is a very legitimate
type of photography to try to record reality as accurate as you can and use
by purpose specifically leica lenses (wich are leaders in the field of wide
aperture high contrast-high resolution 35mm optics) to accomplish this.
The use of the leica camera in situations where reliability, unobtrusiveness
etc are needed to document or interpret the human condition is not in
discussion and never was.
I am unhappy however with the narrowmindedness of some contributors on the
list, who state that a Leica may not be used on a tripod and who will use
the most pejorative descriptions on anyone who strives to exploit the actual
image quality of current Leica lenses.
My project is a simple one: to finetune the photographic technique to ensure
that Leica image quality becomes visible to the limit. I report on my
findings and some members of the list will like my results as it helps them.
For some others my project is worthless as they do not work in that area.
Fine. LIve well and prosper.
I am not the one on this list who has ever said or argued against the use of
the Leica as exemplified in HCB's work. On the contrary.
My goal is simply to employ photographic technique to exploit Leica image
quality to and to try to make pictures where this image quality is effective
and enjoyable. 
Some individuals on this list may feel that this is a betrayal to the true
spirit of the Leica Odyssee. So be it.
BTW: if you use Kodachrome 64 and the Summicron 2/28 asph at full aperture
and 1/1000 and handheld, ypu are reasonably close to the ultimate level of
image quality. Here you have a handheld situation where optical performance
is just a bonus without distracting from the original goal.
Leica photography is too nice to be confined to one technique or one view of
what and how to photograph your subjects/objects of interest.


Erwin