Another Person Who Appreciates the Zeiss ZM Sonnar 50mm f1.5 Lens

 

by Reed A. George

 

The Zeiss Sonnar 50mm f1.5 lens engenders a lot of debate in the photo community. Acknowledged by Carl Zeiss as an updated build of a classic Sonnar design, it does not have all the technical performance of say a modern Leica Summilux. It does have character. I own both lenses, and love them both. But, the Sonnar has more character than the Summilux. If I want near perfection, I use the Summilux. If I'm willing to take a chance and maybe make something more unique, I use the Sonnar.

 

(Click Here) to read an account of using the Sonnar on the blog DearSusan. I think it's nicely done.

 

Thanks to my friend Bill for alerting me to the DearSusan blog!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Entertaining Coverage of Leica Noctilux f0.95 Lens

Video Source: http://youtu.be/tFJ96onYmu0

 

Well, I don't own a Leica Noctilux 50mm f0.95 lens. So, I can only share someone else's experience with you.

 

If you haven't seen Kai's videos on DigitalRev before, they're quite entertaining. Many times, they're as much about humor as about photography. He sometimes goes overboard, like when he destroys a DSLR by catching it in elevator doors, etc. But, in the case of this video, Kai treats the Leica Noctilux with the respect that it deserves. It's a great review of the lens.

 

I'll just have to do with my Summilux 50mm f1.4 for now. It's actually hard to imagine a lens with well over an additional stop of light gathering capability over the Summilux. It's also hard to image being able to focus it well enough, with the super-thin depth of field that that wide aperture produces.

 

If clicking the image above doesn't take you to the movie, (Click Here).

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Leica Brings Out a New FILM M! Yes! The M-A.

 

Image Source: http://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/Leica-M-A/Details

 

I think this is really good news for us film shooters. Leica has announced the new M-A, an analog M camera body, with absolutely no electronics. None. Yes, there are lots of great historic Leicas out there that fit this bill, but it's exciting to see Leica still paying attention to film.

 

They even highlight Kodak TriX as a great match for the camera.

 

I hope this keeps the film companies interested in making film for us hardcore users!

 

(Click Here) for lots of information on the Leica website.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

How Often Do You See This? A Customer Asks For More of an Older Approach

Margot MacDonald, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, 50mm f1.4

iso 800, f1.4, 1/125 sec

 

No, this isn't a plea for Nikon to make a digital SLR like the great old film SLRs of the past (ala Df). It's an open letter, started on the blog "Photographs By Peter," to convince Leica to continue making new rangefinder cameras with CCD sensors.

 

(Click Here) to read the post on Photographs By Peter. The author makes the statement that image quality from Leica's latest rangefinder, the M240 (with the first CMOS sensor in the M line of rangefinders) is inferior to the CCD sensor-equipped M9.

 

I won't enter that argument directly. However, I will say that I'm quite pleased with my M9 (which came out before the M240), and I'm not looking to upgrade at this point. There's a lot more than image quality considered in that statement, however. I can't go around making multi-thousand dollar camera investments every year or so. And, I am not in need of some of the really strong features of the M240, including live view and the ability to adapt many different lenses, including the now mostly-orphaned Leica R lenses.

 

So, for now, the M9 remains my most expensive camera, and one of my favorites.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

The New Leica? - Steve Huff Compares Leica M, Fuji X-M1 and Panasonice DMC-GX7

So Who Needs A "New Leica?" I Like the Old One

by Reed A. George

 

Steve Huff has a habit of making "crazy comparisons," many of which turn out to be very interesting.

 

This time, he compares the new Leica M and 50mm f1.4 Summilux Aspheric lens ($11,000 value) to the Fujifilm XM-1 and Zeiss 32mm Touit lens ($1,600 value) and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7 and Voigtlander 25mm f0.95 lens ($1,900 value).

 

People seem to be always looking for a "new Leica." The fact is, there isn't one. Steve acknowledges this, while challenging Leica's apparent disproportionate image quality:price ratio. It's true. Leica's images aren't 5X better than Fuji or Panasonic's. However, the fun of using the Leica may approach it. At least that's my opinion.

 

Huff says the Fuji feels like a toy made for a child, while the Lumix feels like a toy made for a photographer. I like the way he puts that into terms I can understand. I sure like my photography toys.

 

So, if there's a "new Leica," Mr. Huff thinks Panasonic is closer than Fuji. Interesting to know.

 

(Click Here) to read this entertaining comparison (this is just the first installment of it), on Steve Huff's site.

 

I am rather attached to the old Leica. In fact, the older the better in some ways.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Nick DeMarco Interprets the Preparation for the Fight With His Leica Cameras

One of the blogs I regularly follow is Nick DeMarco's Rangefinder Chronicles. Today I'll share one of his recent posts, which I think really shows how a photographer can interpret an event, any event, into something new, sharing how he or she sees it.

Image Source: http://rangefinderchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/07/fight-night-with-leica-m-1-before-fight.html

 

Nick shot his Leica M (240) and M7 with fast Cosina Voigtlander lenses at a Thai kickboxing event. This post is specifically about the preparation of the fighters, before battle.

 

(Click Here) to see Nick's entire post with several pictures.

 

I am always interested in how good photographers go beyond simple documentation to put their own thoughts and feelings into their pictures. I particularly like what Nick says about this next image:

 

"...even though it was dark, low contrast and the back of a few heads. The coaches were taking one of the boxers down the fire exit steps for his fight, but somehow it makes me think of taking a prisoner to be hung, or Jesus to his crucifixion."

Image Source: http://rangefinderchronicles.blogspot.com/2013/07/fight-night-with-leica-m-1-before-fight.html

 

I look forward to seeing more images from Nick as he covers the later action.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

 

LHSA's Raffle - Unbelievable Prizes!

The International Leica Society is running its annual raffle right now. This year's prizes are unprecedented. True, last year's grand prize was a Leica M9-P. I had the pleasure of meeting the lucky guy who won it. But this year, wow!

APO Summicron M Aspheric 50mm f2 Lens

Image Source: http://www.overgaard.dk/leica-50mm-APO-Summicron-M-ASPH-f-20.html

 

The current grand prize is the winner's choice of either the $7,000 Leica M (240), the newest Leica M rangefinder body, or the 50mm APO Summicron, valued at $7,300 or so. Second prize, the X2! Third? Dlux 6. All of these are excellent prizes.

 

So, how does one take part in the raffle? First, you must be an LHSA member. For $55 per year (electronic membership), you're in. Pay a little more and you get the paper version of the excellent Viewfinder magazine.

 

(Click Here) to join LHSA.

 

Once you're a member, (Click Here) to get your raffle tickets. Raffle ticket prices are $10 per ticket, $60 for a book of ten, or $100 for a book of twenty. Not bad for prizes worth several thousand dollars.

 

Hurry, as your tickets must be purchased by July 12, 2013!

 

So, what makes a $7,300 50mm lens? Well, the APO M Aspheric 50mm is probably the most well-corrected, high tech 50mm lens ever made. APO stands for apochromatic correction, which ensures that all colors in the image focus at exactly the same point. An aspheric element, which requires exotic manufacturing techniqe, corrects for other aberrations.

 

(Click Here) to read more about the lens on Thorsten Overgaard's site.

 

Personally, I'm going for the APO Summicron when I win. I'll be happy with any of the prizes, however.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

First Regional Meeting of The International Leica Society (LHSA), Washington, DC, June 22, 2013

I am a member of the International Leica Society (LHSA). LHSA members are pursuing regional gatherings, with the purpose of building on the benefits that have already attracted us to LHSA which include the Viewfinder magazine, national meetings, raffles, and other opportunities to interact, teach, and learn about Leica and Leica photography.

 

(Click Here) to learn more about the LHSA. If you're a Leica enthusiast, you really should consider joining the society.

 

 

Our first Mid-Atlantic regional meeting was held on June 22, 2013 at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. The following people attended: Gary Irons, Charlie Arnhold, Bill Barton, Oleg Stepanov, Kevin Hase, Gerry Dreo, and myself (Reed A. George). The courtyard of the National Portrait Gallery turned out to be a nice place to meet, as there is plenty of space, great lighting and climate control. It is also a short walk from the new Leica Store DC. The only drawbacks were parking availability and cost of refreshments.

Through the course of introducing ourselves, we learned how each of us began photography, and came to use Leica equipment. Of course, we also got to see, handle, and sometimes even shoot equipment that others had brought, with bodies ranging from an early Leica C Standard to a new M. Other notable pieces included Charlie's Hektor 135mm screwmount lens with black lens head and chrome body, Gerry's lovely M3, and Bill's Ricoh GXR with Leica M mount module.

 

We took the opportunity to decide and agree upon some guidelines for future meetings. First,we came up with a few alternative locations in Vienna, Virginia, with better parking and coffee (which, of course, is critical!). Meetings will be held approximately quarterly, and we all agreed that the next meeting will be in the latter half of September. I will take responsibility for planning that one. More details coming soon. We are not particularly interested in group shooting, but may do special sessions, such as renting studio space for a future meeting, so that Mr. Arnhold can teach us about lighting. On the subject of photographic themes or contests, we agreed to a very simple approach: each member will bring one print to every meeting. The only requirement is that the image is shot with a Leica camera or lens. We will be relatively flexible, accepting any Leica lens or body, and even Leica branded Panasonic lenses.

One question that never got fully addressed was whether participants must be members of LHSA. As stated at the outset, the purpose of these meetings is to add value to LHSA membership. However, we would also like the meetings to attract new members. My personal feeling is that participants should at least be prospective LHSA members, but we'll continue that discussion at a future meeting.

We all walked over to the Leica Store DC to finish up the afternoon. Eric Oberg, General Manager,and his staff welcomed us to the lovely new store complete with equipment showroom, gallery, and teaching space. We also got a look at the new Leica Vario.

I'm quite encouraged by the turnout and the engaging discussions that we were able to start at this initial meeting. Thanks to everyone who came out. I look forward to the next one in September.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Some People Just Don't Need Color - Bo Photography Report on Leica M Monochrom and M9-P

Image Source: http://bophotography.net/2013/04/05/my-journey-with-a-color-camera/

 

After initially thinking "Boy, that's a crazy idea. A Leica rangefinder that only shoots black and white?" I'm now beginning to be a little more open-minded.

 

While I am more than pleased with my Leica M9, which can shoot color but also produces lovely black and white conversions, in my own opinion, it appears that some people just don't need color at all. Bo Photography has a new post where Bo, after using a Monochrom for quite some time, borrowed an M9-P. Concerned about how/if to use color, his results show that even when it was there, his style of photography just doesn't need color. The shot above is mesmerizing to me. I really like it.

 

I have not played with any images from a Monochrom to see if I can find enough improvement over the M9 to be intrigued. I owe it to myself to NOT do that... I have seen some gorgeous images, including some very large prints at the Washington, DC Leica store. However, I'm not convinced that the M9 couldn't have come very close.

 

In any case, (Click Here) to read Bo's post and see several more great monochrome (shot with M9-P) images.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Has the new "M" Lost the Leica Magic? Not Bloody Likely

 

The M9 Does Do Special Things With Light, by Reed A. George

 

 

I read an amusing post on Steve Huff's site this morning. Steve is sharing the range of opinions that he's getting from readers about the Leica "M," the newest Leica digital rangefinder and successor to the M9.

 

(Click Here) to read the full story on stevehuffphoto.com

 

While the feedback he's receiving is literally all over the place, there is a cyclic theme that Steve has observed each time a new Leica M body has been introduced. It goes something like this:

 

The new M sucks compared to the last M - it has lost the "magic," and is like any other camera - the old M (M-1) was so much better - well, now that people are using it, the new M is okay - actually, the new M is great - that old M (M-1) really sucked, and we can't see how we ever used it, let alone loved it - the new M is the last camera we'll ever need - introducing, the new M+1!

 

I can admit that I've been through this myself. As Steve describes the cycle going from the M8 to M9, I went from loving my M8 to not understanding how I ever put up with the manual coding, UV/IR filters, crop factor, etc. The M9 is really so much better.

 

But, guess what?

The M8 Also Did Special Things With Light, by Reed A. George

 

I am personally not driven toward the new M yet for very specific reasons. First reason, I'm still recovering from the cost of the M9. But, far more importantly, I haven't used the M9 enough yet. I'm going to work on that point, and use it as much as I can. While the M9 will never be my only camera, it is one of my very favorites. I'm going to spend a quality week with it in Japan, along with my new Lumix DMC-LX7. I'm looking forward to that with great expectations.

 

I actually feel that while the upgrade from the M8 to the M9 was the right decision, I didn't shoot the M8 enough, either. Here's to fully exploring the M9 before I even consider what the new M may offer!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

What About That Ricoh APS-C With Leica M Mount?

The Leica GXR, announced in 2011, offers a module to mount Leica M lenses on a 12 megapixel APS-C sensor. I have not seen many results from this combination, or read many user reviews.

 

(Click Here) to read dpreview's preview of the camera. It sure looks nice.

 

Why am I thinking about this? Well, I saw this picture:

 

Image Source: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129442

 

(Click Here) to read the original post on rangefinderforum.

 

This camera requires an add-on electronic viewfinder, if you don't want to shoot from the LCD.

 

I've always been a fan of Ricoh cameras. I haven't tried any of their digital offerings. Since I have the Leica M9, this isn't too attractive to me. If I wasn't lucky enough to have the M9, this may be a serious contender, in the running with one of the new Fuji X series, to which you can adapt Leica lenses. However, the Fuji has the added feature of an optical finder, a major plus in my opinion.

 

In any case, it's nice to see such a high quality image produced with the Ricoh. I really like this shot.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

My New Zeiss Sonnar 50cm f1.5 - A Highly Debated Lens

Brave New World, by Reed A. George

Zeiss ZM Limited Edition Camera, Zeiss Sonnar C 50mm f1.5 Lens

iso 200 color print film, f2.8, speed unrecorded

 
I traded my Leica M8 for a like-new Zeiss ZM (Limited Edition) film body and Zeiss Sonnar 50mm f1.5 lens. The Sonnar is loved and hated, in equal strength, amongst photographers. I've written before about this lens, and how it's a modern implementation (latest lens coatings, materials, manufacturing) of a historic lens design. People who like to measure lens performance are not impressed. Many people who like to take pictures are impressed. Very impressed.
 
This is an example from the first roll of film I shot with this combination. I love the way it images. The color it provides is quite nice, but I think this is going to be a black and white lens for me. I can't wait to try some street photography with it.
 
I'm also looking forward to using the Sonnar on my M9.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Luminous Landscape Publishes Final Report on Photokina 2012

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3

Image Source: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-GH3KBODY

 
Luminous Landscape has published a nice report on many incredible new cameras and lenses introduced at this year's Photokina show in Germany.
 
(Click Here) to read the full report on Luminous Landscape
 
Rather than attempt to paraphrase the report, I refer you to it for your reading pleasure.
 
What strikes me? Well, of course, I'm tuned in to Leica and Panasonic.
 
Leica has announced the new Leica M, the first CMOS sensor-based digital rangefinder in the M line, and the M-E, which is a slightly stripped-down M9, priced significantly lower, but still >$5,000.
 
Panasonic brought out the long-awaited 35-100mm f2.8 X-Series zoom. This is sure to be a big seller. I recently reminded myself that I am a prime shooter by ordering the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8. Certainly a very nice lens, mine went back. In its place came a gorgeous Olympus 75mm f1.8, which I have yet to report on.
 
More interesting to me is the Lumix DMC-GH3. The GH3 is the largest Micro 4/3 body to date. While I really like the small size of the DMC-G3 that I use, I think a little more space will be welcome. However, if it gets as big as my Nikon D700 or thereabouts, I'm going to question why I'm shooting Micro 4/3s. Really though, the smaller size and weight of the lenses still answers that question successfully.
 
The GH3 has a new LiveMOS sensor that is reportedly better at high iso, and has better dynamic range than previous sensors. The body is weather sealed, and has five custom function buttons. The external buttons are very useful on the G3, even though it's limited to two - five would be nice. The GH3 shoot 6 frames per second. It also incorporates wifi capability, but that is yet to be supported by software that Panasonic is developing. I like the idea of triggering the shutter via wifi, and automatically uploading by same. This would make my iPad a nice remote controller and image reviewer.
 
Of course, the GH3 is targeted at video shooters as well, just as the GH1 and GH2 did. I'm not personally interested in video so much, but the ability to record high fidelity audio (including a plug in for external microphones) is attractive, especially for recording the music events that I regularly attend.
 
There are really some great offerings by other companies, perhaps most notably Sony, Fujifilm, and Nikon. So, check out Luminous Landscape's report to see all the news.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

New Leica Rangefinders - What Do You Think?

 

The Leica M

Image Source: http://the.me/voila-the-new-leica-m-and-leica-m-e-leica-creates-cmos-and-minimalist-ccd-digital-ms/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+themephoto+%28theme%29

 
Leica has announced two new entries into the digital rangefinder world. First, the new "M." Instead of continuing the numbering system, they've decided to go with less is more in naming. This new camera sports the first CMOS sensor in the M line. CMOS is known to give better noise performance at high iso, as compared to the CCD. However, the CCD produces sharper images, at least according to Leica's previous literature, and the opinion of many other experts. CCD is limited not only by high iso performance, but by the inability to provide live view, video, etc.
 
The new M uses a sensor that is reported to give the best of both worlds. The M remains a manual focus rangefinder, like the rest of the line. Probably the two most important upgrades for me are high iso and "focus peaking." Focus peaking uses the camera sensor to indicate when you've reached correct focus with a manual focusing lens. Some Nikon DSLRs with focus peaking have been around for years. I find it useful, especially as my eyes age with the rest of my body. I'm still avoiding going to auto focus exclusively, and focus peaking may give me a few more years. The new M lists for the same price as the previous M9, approximately.
 
Next, the Leica M-E. This is essentially a repackaged M9 (wonderful camera), with no external frame selector. It lists for ~$5,500, less than the M9. This is a step in the right direction for Leica attracting new customers - awesome camera (I have the M9), better price. But, at $5,500, it's still not for the light-hearted.
 
I recently bought a used M9, and could not be happier. If I were looking to resell the M9, I may not be happy. I plan to use mine for a very long time. And for now, I'm quite happy with the CCD performance. I'll have to be convinced that the new M's CMOS sensor can really do what the M9 does. That said, sensor technology changes so quickly, I should not doubt progress, ever.
 
For another post on the new Leica products, check this one out:
 
(Click Here) to read more on THEME.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Leica M9 Class - Interesting Twist With the New Leica M Monochrom

I took a nice Leica M9 user's class at the new Leica retail store in Washington, DC. It was a good chance to meet some fellow Leica photographers, and talk shop. Our instructor, Justin Stailey, Product Specialist for Leica M Products, North America, was a real source of great information.
 
I learned a few key things about setting up the M9 that I didn't know before, and also picked up some pointers on how to recognize great lighting opportunities for street photography.
 
I also got clued into something that wasn't obvious to me, relating to the new Leica M Monochrom. This is an M9-like camera which is designed specifically for monochrome (black and white) imaging.
 

Leica M Monochrome

Image Source: http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m_monochrom/

 
Normal camera sensors, designed for color photography, accomplish their job by using filters of Red, Green, and Blue over a set of four sensors, in something known as the Bayer pattern. This means that in order to get all of the color information for a location in the image, the chip must blend information from four sensors on the chip. The new Monochrom does away with the Bayer filters, and uses all of those sensor locations to gather light level information in only black and white. This results in exquisite detail in monochrome images.
 
Well, here's the twist. Until now, digital imaging has sort of rendered those old red, green, and yellow filters we used for black and white film photography obsolete. When converting an image from color to monochrome, we can use our post-processing software to balance the color channels, effectively allowing us to apply filters digitally, after the fact. Since the Monochrom doesn't even gather any color information, that's impossible. So guess what? Dig out those old filters - they're useful again. I think that's kind of cool.
 
By the way - if you're in the area, there's a spectacular exhibition of images by Magnum photographer Jacob Aue Sobol, all taken with the M Monochrom. They are awesome. They really show how this camera can make black and white images that look like the classics, but with detail and tones that are just beyond belief.
 
I can't imagine paying that kind of money for a camera that only does black and white. But, if that's your thing, this is the camera.
 
The regular Leica M digital cameras are no slouches at black and white, either.
 
All in all, an interesting day at the Leica shop.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 

Guilty as Charged - Leica M9 Is a Luxury Item

 

 

Leica M9

Image Source: http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m9/

 

I read a very interesting article on THEME by Ming Thein recently. The thesis of the piece is that expensive cameras have some similarities to luxury watches - and some differences.

 

(Click Here) to read Ming's story on THEME.

 

In terms of similarities, Ming makes the point that expensive watches (tens or even hundreds of times more expensive than fully functional modern watches in the lower end) not only lack any technical advantage in terms of accuracy or allowing the user to tell time better, they are worse. A mechanical Rolex is much less accurate than a Casio.

 

The similarities end when you consider that cameras really are tools for creative work. Ming makes the case that there are a lot of poor pictures made with Leicas and Hasselblads. In fact, he believes that the photographers responsible believe their crappy pictures are good, simply because of the tool they were taken with. I can see his point, but don't fully agree. I think this behavior reflects more about the person than the camera they're using.

 

I have recently bought a used Leica M9. Yes, it is a luxury. But you know what? I work really hard for my money, and am very happy to be able to enjoy the luxury of using what I consider to be a great tool. My Leica pictures are no better than those taken with a $350 Lumix DMC-G3. But, they are more fun to take!

 

I also believe that the Leica is capable of producing unique (not better) photographic feel - if I can connect with it better than other cameras. I certainly believe it takes more to make a good picture with the Leica. The same goes for shooting film in my opinion. I am more likely to develop that skill, and move into new creative ground, if I absolutely love the camera I'm using.

 

When I consider what Ming presents, I tend to think of cars rather than watches. For example, a Chevy Corvette will outperform a Porsche Carrera in almost every measure. I like both cars. However, early on, before I transformed into a family station wagon driver, I had a 1986 Porsche. I actually made the decision between the 1986 Porsche and a 1989 Corvette. The Corvette was awesome - fast, tight, like a jet fighter. The Porsche was something altogether different. I just plain fell in love with it. It also took me a while to learn how to drive the Porsche. But boy, was that a fun experience.

 

And back to Ming's point, I never felt that driving a Porsche made me a good driver. It did challenge me in different ways. Ways that added to my life, not the quality of my driving.

 

So, I will be sharing my experiences in using the M9 with you dear readers, as well as my continued use of the excellent products available and coming from Panasonic. Thanks for indulging my need for a little luxury in my favorite hobby.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

Perfection Lost

 

Near Perfection, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, 135mm Hektor f4.5

iso 200, f8, 1/125 sec

 
I've written before, recently, about the challenges of photographing often-photographed subjects. Yesterday, I decided to re-familiarize myself with an old lens, now that I have a Leica M9 that accepts older lenses without demanding a lens code and UV/IR filter, or cropping the image by a factor of 1.33x, as the M8 did.
 
All images in this post were made with the Leica Hektor 135mm f4.5 (ca. 1955). I think it's front-focusing by a small amount, but by f8 it looks pretty good. It certainly has character.
 
I went to my local Buddhist temple, which has a gorgeous set of small ponds with lotus flowers. The image above is the one that I think anyone would take. The amazing shape of the blossoms, along with the incredible colors and the repetition of the shape three times make for a nice, standard composition.
 
I wanted something more, something that may not appeal to everyone, but required a different perspective from me as an artist. The following images are what emerged - I call them "Perfection Lost."
 

Perfection Lost Number One, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, 135mm Hektor f4.5

iso 200, f8, 1/250 sec

 
You see, as Buddhism would teach us, all things are temporary. The blossoms achieve perfection only to be destroyed, to "go to seed," as some would say. They maintain beauty, just not perfection. And going to seed just starts the cycle over again.
 

Perfection Lost Number Two, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, 135mm Hektor f4.5

iso 200, f9.5, 1/90 sec

 
 

Perfection Lost Number Three, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, 135mm Hektor f4.5

iso 200, f8, 1/125 sec

 
 

 

Perfection Lost Number Four, by Reed A. George

Leica M9, 135mm Hektor f4.5

iso 200, f6.7, 1/180 sec

 
You see, life is not linear, going from start to finish. It is circular. It goes in cycles. That's comforting to a person a little past mid-life.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 
 
 

Speculation on the Leica M10 - to be Announced in September?

 

Leica M9

Image Source: http://us.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m9/

 
Steve Huff has posted his information and speculations on what the much-expected Leica M10 will be like.
 
(Click Here) to read Steve's post.
 
There is also a poll at the bottom of the page. I'll admit that I voted "No," I wouldn't buy the camera described in the text.
 
Why is that? Well, a Leica M with electronic viewfinder (EVF), video capability, and speculated $9k-$10k price won't work for me. I have a great EVF camera in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, getting even better with the DMC-G5 or soon-to-be-announced DMC-GH3. I expect my Leica M to be a rangefinder, as much a part of Leica's once-innovative, now-established design history as possible.
 
One thing I really like about Steve's post - he thinks this will drive the price of used M9s up. Like the smug new homeowner, I have just purchased an M9 at a steal of a price. I am waiting for the Paypal eCheck to clear (another story on its own), and the mail.
 
So, I hope my faithful readers won't mind a new spike of Leica images and stories. I have decided that since Panasonic doesn't have a long history in still photography (or any film camera history), I'll follow their (still existing?) collaboration with Leica for that part of my photography. I have had M9 on the brain for a couple of years now. I'm very excited to get started with it.
 
But don't worry, I am still very engaged in Panasonic cameras. This may just change my timing a little, driven by cost. For example, I did decide to hold off on the Olympus 75mm f1.8 Micro 4/3 lens, even though I know it's going to be great. While my bank account recovers from the M9 purchase, I'll see if Panasonic has an analogous lens to introduce. I would like the 75mm lens even more if it were from Panasonic, and included OIS, for example.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

I Need To Do More Black and White Photography

 
Door Latch, Antietam Battlefield, by Reed A. George
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, Lumix 20mm f1.7
iso 100, f3.5, 1/200 sec
 
No, I'm not ready to sign up for an $8,000 camera that ONLY does black and white.
 
(Click Here) if you're interested in that.
 
But, I do want to do more monochrome photography.
 
I found an interesting video program on getting the most from your black and white imaging. It is normally $79, but currently available fore $59.
 
(Click Here) to get info on the program.
 
DISCLAIMER: I know nothing about the producer of this program, and have not tried it myself. If I decide to, I'll let you know. If you decide to, please comment here on your experience!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 

Luminous Landscape Article on Emotion in Photography - by William Neill

 

Goodbye Sunset, by Reed A. George

Leica M8, Voigtlander 28mm f1.9

iso 320, f stop not recorded, 1/250 sec

 
I just read this great piece on Luminous Landscape about how emotion can, does, and should affect every artist's work. Bill Neill describes how he fell into a 5' deep water hole with all of his camera gear at Zion National Park. The next day, he took a beautiful shot of water's effect on the desert floor, with the gear he was able to salvage.
 
(Click Here) to read his article on Luminous Landscape.
 
In my own experience, when emotion does affect me, it results in my most meaningful photographs. Of course, since I associate the emotion with the image, it is probably most meaningful to me. I have no real way of saying if that emotion translates to others.
 
In the shot above, I was driving around rural Maryland on my own, looking for something to photograph. I knew that my Grandma was quite ill, and it wouldn't last long. That said, we'd had a few false alarms already, so it was hard to tell just how serious it was. I heard later that night that she had passed on. This was Grandma's final sunset, even though she didn't get to see it. I literally caught it out of the corner of my eye, quickly pulled over, and shot it. It is not an ideal shot - a nice barn in the foreground would have helped. However, it was a vanishing instant, and was gone before I could relocate or recompose. For me, the shot has incredible meaning. I don't expect others to feel it. Actually, I'm quite happy experiencing that on my own.
 
This is why photography means something to me. I have no other way to communicate, or even remember the true feel of emotion at times like that.
 
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