Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/11/22

[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]

Subject: RE: [Leica] Re: Re: 90 F2 Summicron: M vs. R for candids
From: "Dan Honemann" <danh@selectsa.com>
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2000 13:02:43 -0500

Roger,

I'll respectfully disagree here.  The M is great for candid shots of people
on the street--full body shots, maybe half body with enough DOF to
zone-focus--thus allowing context in the composition.  I like this sort of
shooting, and the M is perfect for it (my 50 is a little tough; 35 or wider
would be much easier).

But for closer shots (using 50mm or higher) of _candids_, the M focusing
makes it tough, as there is little DOF now and to focus the RF patch on an
eye and recompose takes a split second too long (not always, but often).  If
it is a studio shot, as Mark is talking about here, then the subject isn't
moving and this process is fine.

For tight candid shots, however, having the entire ground glass screen to
focus on would be easier than having to recompose.

Candid = M and R
Contemplative = Hassy or Sinar

Dan

> On 22 Nov 2000, Mark Rabiner wrote, at least in part:
>
> > The 90 m's covers an area  8.5x13 inches
> > That's a real tight head shot!
> > I feel of all my cameras my Leica m is the best for head shots or
> > tight portraits.
>
> <snip>
>
> Sure, it's a no brainer! The M for candid portraits for all the
> reasons mentioned. For more structured portraiture (which
> wasn't a part of the original question) the R on a pod with cable
> release will give the photographer the ultimate clear view of the
> subject without a worry in the world about blinks, expressions
> etc.
>
> Candid = M
> Contemplative = R
>
> --
> Roger, List-Owner
> The LEG (Leica Enthusiasts Mailing List)
> http://www.topica.com/lists/leica