caffeine
Newbie
I used an old M series Leica camera around ten years ago (my ex's) and I got hooked. I didn't touch photography since then due to my busy life, but I decided to pick it up. I have to admit that I pretty much forget everything I knew, so I need to start from zero.
There are two things I want to listen to your suggestions for:
1.As my first Leica (I don't even own an SLR right now because others don't feel right since I used that Leica. Yes I'm very loyal already =) ), should I start with an M6 to practise (and then get, maybe M9 in the future) or go directly to an M8? Which lense should I get as the first one? I don't consider absolute budget as much as the best price/utility combination.
2. What book should I read to gain more knowledge about the physics as well as other theories of photography? I read many threads here including the one discussing M8 under low light and I was very impressed by the deep knowledge some of the members have. I understand that it's quite a commitment and it takes time, but I am ready to start. So please help.
I appreciate your input.
There are two things I want to listen to your suggestions for:
1.As my first Leica (I don't even own an SLR right now because others don't feel right since I used that Leica. Yes I'm very loyal already =) ), should I start with an M6 to practise (and then get, maybe M9 in the future) or go directly to an M8? Which lense should I get as the first one? I don't consider absolute budget as much as the best price/utility combination.
2. What book should I read to gain more knowledge about the physics as well as other theories of photography? I read many threads here including the one discussing M8 under low light and I was very impressed by the deep knowledge some of the members have. I understand that it's quite a commitment and it takes time, but I am ready to start. So please help.
I appreciate your input.
Chris101
summicronia
1) Decide if you want to shoot film or a digital camera. Digital and film are two quite different things. The camera you get will put you into one category or the other. Even though you will be able to scan your film and digitally process, print or display it, it's still a film image at heart.
2) I don't think any 'theory of photography' will help to the extent that getting a camera and familiarizing yourself with the pictures it takes will. So decide what camera you want and shoot it. Then there will be plenty of time for leisure reading later.
2) I don't think any 'theory of photography' will help to the extent that getting a camera and familiarizing yourself with the pictures it takes will. So decide what camera you want and shoot it. Then there will be plenty of time for leisure reading later.
ChadHahn
Established
Instead of the physics of photography, it would be better to look at as many photos as possible. Go to galleries and museums or look at lots and lots of books. See what you like and try to emulate it. Of course you pictures will look nothing like the originals, but you will eventually learn about composition and light, the two most important things in photography (after Leicas of course)
jan normandale
Film is the other way
heh... I was going to suggest you start with a Yashica GSN to get the feel of film and using a rangefinder ... then I see you are thinking of an M6.. I'm not even there yet. I think you'll do fine. Good luck and don't forget to post some shots!
projectbluebird
Film Abuser
caffeine said:2. What book should I read to gain more knowledge about the physics as well as other theories of photography? I read many threads here including the one discussing M8 under low light and I was very impressed by the deep knowledge some of the members have. I understand that it's quite a commitment and it takes time, but I am ready to start. So please help.
I appreciate your input.
I would suggest an older Leica Manual, from the 60's. I've got one printed in '61, and it contains several useful chapters on the physics of lens optics and films. Obviously, some of the data will be out of date, but these books were intended to be able to help everyone use their leica better. From scientific professionals, to people who had never used a camera before. I would say it covers the basics, and most of the more intermediate information.
For more advanced stuff, I would suggest a trip to the library. Come to think of it, they'll probably have some good books on the basics as well.
Maxapple88
Established
Personally, I consider Leicas to be film cameras. To start off with you should hunt on eBay a lot, get a feel for the prices and what you want and then take the chance when it comes. Several threads on RFF discuss the pros and cons of the different M models.
In terms of lenses I myself started out with a 50 and am now missing a 35. Grab a hold of an rf camera before you purchase and possibly try both so you see what you are comfortable with.
In terms of books I can recommend Günther Osterloh's "Leica M". Its a good introduction with little tips and tricks that stem from his long experience with Leicas.
In terms of lenses I myself started out with a 50 and am now missing a 35. Grab a hold of an rf camera before you purchase and possibly try both so you see what you are comfortable with.
In terms of books I can recommend Günther Osterloh's "Leica M". Its a good introduction with little tips and tricks that stem from his long experience with Leicas.
jamiewakeham
Long time lurker
caffeine said:
Two books by Ansel Adams: The Camera and The Negative. If you get through those, then The Print too.
This is a BIG chunk of learning for someone just starting out, but if you really want to understand what's going on, they're the business. Then you have the extension task of working out which parts of his approach to ignore in about 90% of your photography...
Jamie
BillP
Rangefinder General
jamiewakeham said:
What has Caffeine done to upset you so...?
I'd second the suggestion to get an OLD Leica book. The Leica Way, published by Focal Press/Hove and written by Andrew Matheson went through a number of reprints, but gives a good grounding.
Regards,
Bill
jamiewakeham
Long time lurker
BillP said:What has Caffeine done to upset you so...?
Made me jittery after about the fourth cup!
wgerrard
Veteran
Consider where you would get film processed. Are good labs available to you?
If you aren't already a Photoshop user, digital (or film plus scanning) will have a steeper learning curve.
Any number of good tutorial books are available. Check second-hand shops and libraries. Many books on film photography are out of print and available cheaply. The basics -- exposure, chutter speed, depth of field, etc. -- are the same for film or digital. Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" usually gets good reviews and seems to still be in print. Kodak and National Geographic both released good beginners guides which are available second-hand. If you aren't close to a good used bookshop, check alibris.com.
Don't dive in too deeply all at once. Learn a few basics. Take some pictures applying that knowledge. See what worked and what didn't. Then, figure out why. Then do it again. That kind of loop.
If you aren't already a Photoshop user, digital (or film plus scanning) will have a steeper learning curve.
Any number of good tutorial books are available. Check second-hand shops and libraries. Many books on film photography are out of print and available cheaply. The basics -- exposure, chutter speed, depth of field, etc. -- are the same for film or digital. Bryan Peterson's "Understanding Exposure" usually gets good reviews and seems to still be in print. Kodak and National Geographic both released good beginners guides which are available second-hand. If you aren't close to a good used bookshop, check alibris.com.
Don't dive in too deeply all at once. Learn a few basics. Take some pictures applying that knowledge. See what worked and what didn't. Then, figure out why. Then do it again. That kind of loop.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Here's a plot for ya:
Pictures...
Lots
Of
Them
Pictures...
Lots
Of
Them
ChadHahn
Established
///Alan Astonish said:To understand photography (film, digital, or otherwise), any book outlining aperture and shutter speed will do. Looking at other people's work is a good starting point too, and though that is fine and dandy... just as you are unique, so should your photographs be!
How would you feel if everybody's pictures looked exactly the same? How would you feel if everybody's pictures looked exactly like yours? The world doesn't need another copycat, what the world needs are Caffeine style photos!
Students spend hours copying the Mona Lisa, it doesn't mean that the world is filled with da Vinci copycats.
Emulating the artists that you admire is a time honored way of furthering your art. If you think that you are going to take unique photos, you are probably mistaken. Copying an artists style isn't going to produce photos exactly like that artist, I think I said that in my first post, it will help you learn the technique they use to achieve their shots.
Reading Ansel Adams' books is great but I think you will learn more about photography getting out there and taking photographs.
caffeine
Newbie
Thank you for all your posts, Chris101, ChadHahn, Jan Normandale, Alan Astonish, Project Bluebird, Maxapple88, Jamiewakeham, Wgerrard, and Shadowfox.
Thanks for the booklist. I'm going to hunt them down!
Also I'll try my friend's M6 to have a good feel first, and then probably start with an M6. By the time I'm comfortable with it, I guess M9 will be out
Yes I know a little photoshop, but there IS a big chunk of knowledge in that area which I don't plan to dig into until I'm good at the basic photography skills.
Granted, I live in NYC. There are many labs and many street scenes to shoot. I love fashion and I'd love to capture the personalities I see on a daily basis.
Thanks for the booklist. I'm going to hunt them down!
Also I'll try my friend's M6 to have a good feel first, and then probably start with an M6. By the time I'm comfortable with it, I guess M9 will be out
Yes I know a little photoshop, but there IS a big chunk of knowledge in that area which I don't plan to dig into until I'm good at the basic photography skills.
Granted, I live in NYC. There are many labs and many street scenes to shoot. I love fashion and I'd love to capture the personalities I see on a daily basis.