xavier_dalfort

Er?

<p>

Leica is very heavy, especially th R system I love and cherish.

Never mind my odd tastes.

<p>

Your question baffled me. But of course I have no idea of how "good"

it feels to have a ligher or heavier lens.

<p>

Let me be a dictator: go to a shop, ask for both, mount them on you M

Body, look at what seems better and sign off the check.

<p>

You will feel good and this is my hope.

<p>

Xavier from France with a taste for calf's head, R system and Provia

Fuji

The other day, I went to Serge's Shop, friend and corner photograph.

<p>

Asking for fast film (Tmax 3200 for instance) he asked back what was

my use.

<p>

Then he recommended Ilford HP5. 400 ASA, fine grain (just got a nice

contact sheet) esay to push and strong in Error and Try process.

<p>

The XP2 is very fragile with manipulation, the ilfort infra red

SFX200 is a bit strange to start with, the slides Scala 200 are

expensive.

<p>

Just my 0.02 Euro here but I think you will get nice marks using this

film. Or you can take the Ilford 100 ASA (less versatile and slower).

<p>

However, my favorite is the Agfa B+W agfapan, lovely. But I'm not too

sure it is easy to use and develop nor about the chemical prices. A

very bright and unique tone.

<p>

Use Ilford to start with, when your style develops, use something

else.

Cheers

Thanks Alex.

<p>

This Cosina should be great. I think.

<p>

For some obscure reason, I like already.

Cheers.

X.

My 0.02 Euros here:

<p>

The ergonomics of the Contax SLR are much better than the Leica's

<p>

But the R system is very traditional

<p>

If you liked all the manual Nikon/Minolta/Pentax of the 80's, you

will prefer the R Leica.

<p>

Both SLRs systems are of great manufacture.

<p>

I'm using a R7, love it to bits.

Cheers.

Thanks for sharing this scoop.

<p>

Well, That's a camera I'd like to see and maybe buy. Let's hope

that "metal" does not rime with heavy as lead....

<p>

Lovely.

Cheers.

If The R2 is a Bessa with the M bayonet mount which looks like on the

pix, I'd be among the first in the shops to look at it.

<p>

And.... Well, we'll see.

Xavier.

Alfie should be proud, this one and the followings are Dogme 95

Certified.

<p>

Well, at least...

Cheers.

X.

La Photo? C'est mon Dada (ism)

<p>

Great one. Perfect!

<p>

Thanks for sharing...

Yes, around Bastille and Boulevard Beaumarchais.

<p>

Let me recommend the Maisons du Leica on this Boulevard. Nice Chaps,

good service and reasonnable prices.

<p>

FNAC is not considered as "has been", most of the competent staff has

flown away.

<p>

Cheers

Alfie:

<p>

You are mostly describing what photo journalism is, in my view.

<p>

However, I agree with you for not using too many filters and not

using flashes or artificial lightings.

<p>

But I disagree about "refraining from personnal taste". The main

reason is that I take pictures for fun and to help my failing memory

(in the far future!). As soon I trip the shutter, it's too late, my

taste is in.

<p>

It reminds me of the "automatic writing" some authors claimed during

the "Dadaism Movement" (er, may be).

<p>

Once, I saw the work of a photographer who attached an Autofocus all

weather camera on his dog neck with a random picture taking. The

Family as seen by Fido, Wah! This gentleman photographer was indeed

in your movement....

<p>

As for me, I decline your offer, I prefer to watch the light rather

than photographing it. And for one second of real happiness, there

are 18 hours of gloominess. To record those hours would be an apology

to the Vogon Poetry.....

<p>

Keep up Alfie!

Xavier.

Er John:

<p>

Why does it seems that the focus point is past the girl's face?

<p>

This is because there is not enough details in the shadow of her eyes

and the lower part of her face. This was the most important item of

the photo. But the Ilford could not cope with the variation of light,

I know, been there, tried it.

<p>

We can barely see her hands, another important item.

<p>

Which brings another subject: how do you decode a photo? Take the

advertisements for the St Valentin in the magazine as an example.

<p>

Best ones.

Andy has contributed pretty well.

<p>

Now, I'll give some of my secrets: I use the DOF often in a case

where I have not time to properly adjust.

<p>

You will tell me that with a R7, it's rather easy, well, it depends.

<p>

As an example, you want to take pictures during the Chinese New Year

Dragon Show in the streets of Paris on Feb 16th.

<p>

You want to have portraits very sharp and blurry behind to enhance

the photo. Of course, you are on the first ranks (1 to 3 meters) and

you will pick your favorite 35mm (mine is 24 mm). To create the

picture, you will choose an aperture that gives the desired results

(with a 35mm, 4 or 5.6 may be, look at the scale).

At close range (1.5 m)the DOF should be enough to cover the depth of

a body/face. Farther, the main suject should show sharp in the

environment.

<p>

It's a matter of experimentation. I leave you with all those

dimensions to explore and find your own compromise, it will not work

at once, keep trying.

<p>

And... Have Fun.

Stewart:

<p>

Keep your 28mm, take photos, use 200 ASA instead of 100. For paper,

there is almost no difference.

<p>

Learn to use low speed, it's fun (even with a R7). Some of my best

pix are with a Minox 35 35/2.8 at a speed of 1 sec.

<p>

For the other lens, fix it if you want to use it, otherwise....

<p>

Just a French advice....

Gents:

<p>

As you know, the Hexar RF is a good second camera for Leica M lens. Or you can use the Hexanon, not too bad would say the 35mm ASPH owners...

FNAC (a large retailer) and Chasseur d'Images (monthly magazine, Leica biased, ahem) are producing a price list for second hand and an indication on if the equipment can be trade off against new stuff.

<p>

About the Leica R: Most of the lens cannot be traded off, R8 and R7 and R6/6.2 are accepted

About M, all M4 to M6 are accepted, all lenses are accepted but the M135 and the M280, the M400 and the M560

<p>

And for the the HEXAR RF they sell 2300 Euros in a Kit, you can trade it under condition at 1300 Euros. Condition is "mostly subjected to the market"

<p>

No mention of Cosina Voigtlander, I wonder why...

<p>

Nice flop, eh? Too bad, the Hexar is a nice camera, as good as the G1/G2 which is a trade off for FNAC.

<p>

Have a nice day.

Luke,

<p>

Before you start playing with withcraft, read what they say on

www.KBCamera.com

<p>

A scratch will only show in very peculiar situation like Front light

causing flare, etc.

<p>

My experience is that the film are too often scratched by the lab,

having a perfect lens feels like hammering down a fly.

<p>

So? Unless you want to spend some $$$$, keep that money and buy a few

packs of Provia.

<p>

I should not disclose that but I bought a battered Summicron R 35/2,

a little scratched and it delivers some of best pix I ever made. A

scratch is far less important a damage in the coating due to some

chemical action (such as acid rain) or overcleaning.

<p>

Enjoy life!

X.

Er, Paolo, don't spend the extra on the 1.4/50, nice but heavy.

<p>

Try to find a second hand 2/50, they are fine and usually in good

shape.

<p>

If you are accustomed to the Zoom, a fixed focal might feel strange.

<p>

It's nice for a challenge: I start off for a week end but I don't

want to take more than a lens.

Or: Let's work with a 50mm and see what comes out.

<p>

Have fun.

X.

Hi Reinier

<p>

Well, the SLR should have corrected by itself due to density of the

filter.

<p>

But the cells are not responding equally to all light source. It

might explain your observation.

<p>

Reading the R7 handbook by Arthur Landt, the writer reccomends to try

out although the TTL should work.

<p>

So? It may be absolutely normal, give it another try.

<p>

X.

Amazing!

<p>

I mean, the most elementary design of electronics implement a "Fool

Proof" (no arm or pun intended, just an expresssion, Capito?)

<p>

For BMW, the suppliers Like Siemens VDO or Blackpunt must design

Navigation and In Car Radio able to support a inverted polarity or a

24V (2X the battery).

<p>

Hello Mister Leica? Come here to France, at least when the M6 fries,

there will be a definite smell of Garlic.

<p>

Cheers.

X.

Hi Reinier:

<p>

If you have a use for those filters, it could be a nice offer.

<p>

If you don't have a clue of what to do with them, forget it and buy

80 Bucks of film.

<p>

Just a humble opinion from a French (it counts to almost nothing, I

know..)

<p>

Regards.

XB

Ronald, Give my Salamaleks to Osama when you meet him at home

there....

<p>

Well it's as dark as night with reflexions from the walls.

<p>

Indirect lighting? Flash meter?

Andy,

<p>

You should have better said from the hare's mouth....

<p>

Sorry, a only French could possibly said that.

<p>

We'll be chewing out our bit till the 23rd, then.

<p>

But Knowing Leica, it's better not to take the bit between our teeth,

let's be patient.

Xavier

It all depends on the destination of your photos.

<p>

For Internet use, low resolution (1200dpi) is the word. Try to look

at the Microtek or Jenoptik.

<p>

Although you can keep a M6 for 20 years, a Computer product ages a

lot quicker, that's today's saying.

<p>

Have a peep at the site www.zdnet.co.uk it will help.

<p>

Cheers

Xavier.

Lucien:

<p>

Let's hope it is replaced with a camera that takes the ROM contacts

in account.

<p>

Given the depression in Germany, I suppose it won't.

<p>

the R6.2 is of another world. I own a R7 and I'm proud of it but

I'm "living in the past" (Jethro Tull)

<p>

Thanks for the info.

Gents:

<p>

I spent two painstaking hours at a shop today, la Maison du Leica in Paris (http://www.maisonduleica.com). So Busy there.

<p>

I met a young photographer, Benedicte, she came in to Buy a R6.2 for a trip to South America.

<p>

Evoking the M serie she said, it would be great if the M darkens the area unused by the focal. In other word, a sort of mask to dimmer the unused part of the picture.

She said that often the camera operator at her work place ask that the movie camera are modified so they can concentrate better.

<p>

To me, it seems a good idea for the rumoured M7, using say liquid crystal properties.

<p>

So, I deliver here her idea.

Xavier.

Hello Dave:

<p>

Why not buying a leica R7 body? As effective as a EOS, add a winder

if you wish.

<p>

Mind you, some EOS lens are very peaky, so I was told by my

Photographer. So, why bother, just wave your credit card and claim ZE

best of Ze Best of Canon

For information, Yann Arthus Bertrand, famous for his landscape

sceneries taken from the sky has used a Fuji 6x7 and a Canon EOS

<p>

And those pix are breath taking....

<p>

Regards.

Xavier.