Help me identify this rangefinder user

C

Crasis

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Jul 12, 2006
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As I roamed Chicago on the weekend of September 16-17, 2006, on both days I saw this man. He was roaming the streets, by himself, with a Leica M3 around his neck mounted with a 50mm Summicron.

This is what I know about him. He told him his name is Gary Stolchen, although I don't even know if I'm close with that spelling. He was in downtown Chicago on those dates, although I don't know if he was a resident or not. My friend and I are eager to see if this is one of those strange people that has never been on the internet :eek:

If anyone has even the slightest hint or information, I'd appreciate it :)
 

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I'm glad I looked him up, I'll be in Chicago in a few weeks and now I'm curious about his work. Thanks, Crasis, and that's a fine portrait.
 
pesphoto said:
HIs work is terrific! Nice that he let you grab a shot of him. Did youspeak with him?
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Yes, I spoke with him. Like I said, I didn't know him. He didn't really speak with any of my friends, just me. Possibly because he saw me stalking the streets the previous day. I'd been walking around and photographing Chicago for 10 hours the previous day, and was 9 hours into one on the particular day we said hi.

The first time I met him, we passed on the street, eyeing each other and then approving with a quick nod as we passed.

The second time, I just walked up to him, shook his hand and introduced myself. We didn't speak of much except the streets and walking them. He told me his name and I put it to memory.. at least.. without the spelling error.

Amazing man. :)
 
His life is a really interesting story. I can't imagine working as hard as at something you love for 40 years before getting recognition for it. I'm glad you got a chance to meet him.
 
Silva Lining said:
What a cool story, and a great portrait Crasis.
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How could it not be a great portrait? I had a great subject.

As I told a friend, he has that kind of invigorating confidence, clarity of purpose and focus that rubs off on you. It felt as if I was meeting a hero in his home city, and this was before I had any idea who he was.

Now I just have goosebumps. I have just met superman, and he walks the streets of Chicago with a Leica M3.
 
and he walks the streets of Chicago with a Leica M3.
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That same M3 that he's used since 1968 (I was 3 at the time) :D

Cool story.. brush with photography greatness !!

Dave
 
Hhhhm, Joe baiting. Sounds like fun. :)

But that's what they said about the bear!
 
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