Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/02/28

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Real M7 discussion of lag time
From: "Don Dory" <dorysrus@mindspring.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2002 09:59:29 -0500
References: <NABBLIJOIFAICKBIEPJJAEDEONAA.darkroom@ix.netcom.com>

First, I basically agree with your assessment that the images will not be
materially affected for most images.  I have very mixed success attempting
the fleeting moment shot which is attributed to lack of skill..  Most
ascribe success to many attempts and luck.  A few would disagree, if you
recall the HCB image of the man jumping over the puddle,  I think the time
lag would make a different image.  The $$$ question is would anybody notice.

Over the years the speed with which an M releases has been praised so this
is an issue that some value and thus is worth mentioning.  Timing is
important, witness the discussion over the PAW with the man running across
the walkway and his positioning.  The M shooters go for lag time, a lot of
pros go for a 6 to 8 fps motor.  The really successful pros just know when
to release the shutter and use a motor to be ready for the next shot.

If I seem on the fence about this issue it is because I don't have the
talent for consistently getting the fleeting images so can not reliably
ascribe equipment for success or failure.  I do have a higher success rate
with the M's than any SLR.  Yet, there are photographers out there who
consistently present images that wouldn't work as well taken 1/40 before or
after.  It could be talent, it could be talent and equipment, it could be
luck by practice and being there with film in a camera.

Last, it probably isn't a conscious decision.  It is more like a gymnast or
an ice skater deciding in mid-jump whether to attempt three or four
rotations.  With practice and effort some human machines can do things that
none of us would believe was possible.  So, it probably comes down to some
of us have that ability to parse milli-seconds and can indeed utilize
equipment that can support that ability.  Most of us probably can't.

It would make an interesting doctoral thesis to set up an experimental
approach to see how common that ability is.

Don Dory
dorysrus@mindspring.com

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In reply to: Message from "Austin Franklin" <darkroom@ix.netcom.com> (RE: [Leica] Real M7 hands on touchy-feely stuff)