Leica Schmeica

[Jaf-Photo]

Right you are. And those things can be "solved" by buying new lenses, using a different or new film or developers! Great excuse! Can't buy a new vision or quickly implant compositional or artistic skill into your brain.

I think that most photographers need to feel confident that their gear will deliver the photos they seek. That the perfect photo won't be ruined by shoddy equipment.

That's probably part of the lure of the Leica. With it, the photographer can feel confident that his gear is as good as it gets. That confidence can then be projected into the images.

When I started photographing again after a long hiatus, I was taking the photos I wanted but the images didn't have the photographic qualities that I wanted. So, I've spent a few years testing various pieces of equipment and improving my technique. Now I know roughly what gear and techniques to use to take those shots that I envisioned but couldn't realise. A big part of that has been discussing equipment with other photographers to home in on the gear that I should try. There's too much gear out there to test it blindly.

The cost in money has been quite modest, as I avoid the over-priced stuff, but the cost in time has been quite considerable.

To me that is the right priority.


P.S. I'm not saying I'm a Master Photographer now, just that I have been able to overcome my initial frustrations over my lack of ability and equipment.

 

[Rick A]

Geez Thomas, I always thought you already had a good handle on what you were saying, both articulated and photographically. God speed brother, return to us when you feel you are ready.

 

[Pioneer]

I think that most photographers need to feel confident that their gear will deliver the photos they seek. That the perfect photo won't be ruined by shoddy equipment.

That's probably part of the lure of the Leica. With it, the photographer can feel confident that his gear is as good as it gets. That confidence can then be projected into the images...

I can agree with this. I do think that you need to be able to trust your equipment. Quality is always important. But what appears to happen with some is that they equate Leica with quality...and not much else. This, of course, is a myth. Leica produces quality equipment, but so have many other manufacturers over the years. In fact most gear from the major manufacturers is pretty good stuff. Certainly some of it is getting a bit long in the tooth by now and may need some service, but that holds true for a lot of Leica gear as well.

When all is said and done, most people will gain much more by finding a vision for their work and improving their technique than by trading their Canikon or whatever for a Leica. And a new lens will not make your images clearer if your vision remains muddy.

 

[Jaf-Photo]

When all is said and done, most people will gain much more by finding a vision for their work and improving their technique than by trading their Canikon or whatever for a Leica. And a new lens will not make your images clearer if your vision remains muddy.

Yeah, but I think anyone who engages in photography has a vision. Otherwise, they'd get bored and stop doing it. There also are some people who take bad pictures with good equipment and vice versa. But most photographers' work is a blend of their vision and their equipment. You can't have one without the other.

That's the reason why so many accomplished photographers tend to be obsessive about which camera, lens and film they are using.

 

[pentaxuser]

Good for you. Come back in 6 months or so and let us know how it's going.

Of course you will be welcome sooner, if you deem it appropriate . Not a dig at Richard whose real sentiments of welcome back whenever you feel it right, express mine.

pentaxuser

 

[PKM-25]

Apug Schmeypug

This will be my last post on APUG for a while, as I'm trying to work on said vision and try to work on making more interesting photographs.

Thomas, as you know I went through kind of the same thing a few months ago and for the most part, will stick with it. I just wanted to sign on and throw some positive vibes in the mix while we are stopped in California helping out our in laws with an emergency home repair.

I figure I can put up a dozen or so posts a year on here and not fee like I am distracting my self too much. But man, what a great thing getting off of here can do for real photography. I've been on the road for about a month now with my Blads and one Leica and have been totally on fire creatively speaking. It's funny you know....we all talk about not liking digital as much as film and yet with every post and every read of a forum post, we are *every* bit as "digital" as if we were using a DSLR. Only when I completely unplug from the internet and digital gear am I free to be the very best photographer I can be.

APUG is a great source for information and I still do searches for much needed info often. But the whole community part of it...not only do you not need it to be a photographer, I think you might be like me and be better off without it.

We get back on the road tomorrow, maybe I will come back on here in the Fall to throw some words into the mix....maybe not.

Kudos on being true to your self, believe me sir, it pays off beyond your wildest dreams...