Digital SLR vs. Leica RF (Funny or Strange!!!)

[harmsr]

I have been photographing and enjoying the Nascar events here at Phoenix International Raceway the last two days. The big 500 race is tomorrow, and I'll be there again.

The funny or weird part was the different reactions that I have gotten to my cameras.

On Thursday, I shot the pits, pit road, and the garages exclusively with my M5 / 50 Lux ASPH & 35 Lux ASPH. The interesting point is that I was completely invisible to people and got some really great shots. (At least that is what I think as I have not developed the rolls yet). With everyone else walking around shooting HUGE digital SLRs (the majority being Canon), HUGE telephotos, and tripods, nobody even noticed when I was taking shots.

Today, I did the DSLR route as I wanted to shoot telephoto of the cars on the track. I took my D200 with 17-55/2.8 and the 70-200/2.8 VR lenses. Everyone NOTICED when I was shooting. Many people asked me about the camera, including the Canon guys. (When I had the M5 in hand yesterday, nobody paid ANY attention to me.) At the exit from the garage into the pits/pit road, the security guys kept everybody out of my way today so that I could shoot unimpeded.

I was completely surprised over the difference in not affecting the action happening with the use of my M5, but also the lack of respect for it as a true photographic tool by the masses.

My DSLR commanded the respect, but was constantly noticed and I'm sure changed the environment which I was photographing. It is funny, that I had to have a big camera and lens in hand to be taken seriously.

I do have to say, that I really enjoyed shooting the RF more than the DSLR. Pre-metering to set my exposures and pre-focusing for my range/desired DOF was so easy and not any slower than the DSLR. Seeing when the objects of my photo were going to enter the frame in advance vs. the DSLR finder, shutter lag, and mirror black-out was really enjoyable.

When I can shoot film and a focal length of 35, 50, or 75 is acceptable, I think that I'll be grabbing the rangefinder.

Best,

Ray

 

[RayPA]

That's a RF great story, and you're right it is both funny and strange. Thanks for sharing it.


🙂

 

[sf]

Nice story. I'd rather be ignored, forgotten, invisible than respected and noticed and given the red carpet.

Good conclusion, by the way. Since 200mm is kind of out of the question with the rangefinders. Do you find that the VR lens is any less clear than a normal 200mm when the VR is turned on?

 

[f/stopblues]

Ray, it's amazing the difference really. The first time I noticed that was a while back when I shot this Urban Culture Project arts event with my first rangefinder (Canonet QL17).. some shots are in my gallery. They're the mural and dancing ones.

I took the Canonet in and walked around and shot through a roll pretty quick and I loved how they came out. People noticed me a little, but didn't really react. Just glanced to see what I was doing and went about their business. I can be a little shy about shooting people in an intimate setting like that (trying to shed that!), but i was comfortable making my rounds.

I finished up that roll and was completely out of film. I ran across to my loft and got my honkin' Nikon SLR with an 85/1.8 and 20/2.8. I wandered the room just like I had, but now people were ducking out of the way like I was Dick Cheney with a shotgun. I got a bunch of deer in the headlights shots and missed shots cause the AF was hunting. Total negatives worthy of scanning from that roll = 0!

That was a very welcome eye opener in the world of photography for me. RF's were a good solution to a problem I didn't even really know could be fixed.

 

[harmsr]

Shutterflower,

The VR doesn't seem to negatively affect anything. However, it is normally turned off unless I really need to slow the shutter speed and worry about shake. The VR does drain the camera battery MUCH faster.


RayPA & f/stopblues,

I'm glad that you guys enjoyed the short story. I found it really amazing to see the difference in reactions to the DSLR vs. RF. Once again, I enjoyed the RF experience much more.

Best,

Ray

 

[NoTx]

I have been photographing and enjoying the Nascar events here at Phoenix International Raceway the last two days. The big 500 race is tomorrow, and I'll be there again.

Wish I was there. Freelance or with someone?

On Thursday, I shot the pits, pit road, and the garages exclusively with my M5 / 50 Lux ASPH & 35 Lux ASPH. The interesting point is that I was completely invisible to people and got some really great shots. (At least that is what I think as I have not developed the rolls yet). With everyone else walking around shooting HUGE digital SLRs (the majority being Canon), HUGE telephotos, and tripods, nobody even noticed when I was taking shots.

Not really supprising. You can't do the majority of your shooting with a DSLR at a race. At least on a large track. Therefore you cannot be someone who has been authorized (even thought most race trracks don't bother with the concept of a press pass). I plan on shooting a roll or two at a speedway to work on panning with my new Canon 85/2 and my M6. But that is for fun... and will probably be in practice. And my DSLR will be hanging from my shoulder.

Today, I did the DSLR route as I wanted to shoot telephoto of the cars on the track. I took my D200 with 17-55/2.8 and the 70-200/2.8 VR lenses. Everyone NOTICED when I was shooting. Many people asked me about the camera, including the Canon guys. (When I had the M5 in hand yesterday, nobody paid ANY attention to me.) At the exit from the garage into the pits/pit road, the security guys kept everybody out of my way today so that I could shoot unimpeded.

Ok. What else were you toting? Someone got real serious about letting you shoot! Very nice. Honestly though, I moght try my M6 in the pits just to see if I get a different reaction... would be interesting. Though I really only shoot speedway as of late.

I do have to say, that I really enjoyed shooting the RF more than the DSLR. Pre-metering to set my exposures and pre-focusing for my range/desired DOF was so easy and not any slower than the DSLR. Seeing when the objects of my photo were going to enter the frame in advance vs. the DSLR finder, shutter lag, and mirror black-out was really enjoyable.

When I can shoot film and a focal length of 35, 50, or 75 is acceptable, I think that I'll be grabbing the rangefinder.

Capturing what is happening versus who is there... same with street photography.

Thanks for the write up Ray!

Rob.

 

[Ken Ford]

I get the same thing all the time.

When I wander the downtown area at lunch, my M6 usually never rates a second glace. But, when I'm dragging the D1 or even the D70s around to test a lens on something other than trains look out!

 

[mike_j]

Doesn't always work in favour or RF. A local wildlife sanctury bans 'advanced cameras with telephoto lens' and allows 'snapshot cameras'

My Yashica GTN is banned (fixed lens, very basic) but the Nikon coolpix (wide zoom, video, sound recording and all bells and whistles) is OK Just a case of 'size matters' I think.

 

[NoTx]

THat makes no sense. Private sanctuary I am guessing?

 

[harmsr]

Rob,

It was freelance and for enjoyment. On Saturday (the main race - Subway 500), I brought the big Nikon to basically hang on my shoulder for access but took the vast majority of the photos with my M.

The M shots of the garages, pits, and pit road turned out MUCH better than the digitals. I think because of the quality of the glass, RF vs. DSLR and seeing what was outside the frame, my confidence in using the M over the digital, and nobody paying attention to the fact I was taking a picture.

Everytime I brought the Nikon up to eye level, there was instant reaction from observers and those being photographed. Not saying the reaction was negative, but it did change the environment.

Best,

Ray