[Leica] The Negative

[michiel.fokkema at wanadoo.nl (Michiel Fokkema)]

afterswift@aol.com wrote:
>  Hi Everyone,
>  
>  There's been a lot of handwringing -- or exultation -- over the retreat 
> of film format cameras on the list. I think we're overlooking one of the 
> foundational aspects of photography since the negative was invented. That 
> is, the negative itself. For all practical purposes not even a digital FF 
> ultimate Leica M-TK can produce a true negative.
>  
>  Why is the negative so important? Because it's the permanent die of a 
> photographic image. Sure, I love to use my two fine digital cameras, but 
> when the subject assumes the importance of a historical document -- in 
> whatever field -- I switch to film. That's a personal decision. 
>  
>  Related to the negative is its access by direct optical means. Since the 
> advent of digital I must admit that I produce very few prints. But I do 
> print my new negatives either the darkroom way or via my good old HP 720 
> printer from a Kodak CD. That's a double backup, ladies and gentlemen. 
>  
>  I hope we won't be singing dirges about the passing of Leica M-7s 
> Rolleiflexes, Hassels, etc. I don't think they're headed toward the 
> Eastman Museum in Rochester.
>  Many of us will march behind the Silver flag into the future. Just one 
> man's opinion.
>  

Hear hear.

Get the best for every purpose.

Cheers,

Michiel