importance of "the feel"

[Sonnar Brian]

Yup, every time I walk into a camera show it is "Resistance is Futile. You shall be assimilated. Your Technology will be added to my camera collection."

 

[FrankS]

I do weird things sometimes. I have a photograph somewhere that I took of the TV during a Star Trek program where Captain Picard becomes (temporarily) assimilated. His whole head fills the screen and has those mechanical implants all over it, including a red lazer on one side. I thought it was cool.

 

[darkkavenger]

There are some cameras that just won't do it for me. I bought a FED-5B, I don't like the construction at all. It has an appalling cheap feeling, compared to his elder brother the FED-3 type b. The metal texture, the serial number and fed logo embossing, this plastic patch on the front, the parts on the top of the camera, all unites to give a displeasant feeling, and it seems that the camera design was made reluctantly, as if to discourage the user from getting it.

Adaptation, yes... but there are limits 😀

 

[GeneW]

Hmmm. I know "Resistance is useless" -- Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. I saw some of the original StarTrek series but not the sequel. I'm more inclined to watch Doctor Who (Tom Baker, of course)...

Gene

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I wish I had a Sonic Spanner for getting some of those stuck retaining rings undone.

 

[FrankS]

I just received a Kiev 4a in the mail today in trade for a Lordomat RF camera with David. I must say that the "feel" of this early Kiev (1959 according to serial number) is much more like the feel of my Contax IIa, than the later Kiev 4am that I traded with Gene for an external finder.

Has anyone sent a camera to Oleg for CLA that can tell me about their experience good/bad, please? This Kiev "feels" like it would be worthwhile to do that.

 

[Roman]

Well, I have not sent a Kiev there yet, but Oleg did CLA a Zorki 6 and a FED 2 for me, and both feel smooth as butter (if Denis reads this, he might give you his impression, since I showed him my Z 6 on my visit).

Roman

 

[dmr]

Does, "Resistance is futile," ring any bells?

"All your base are belong to mine!" 🙂

Sorry, couldn't resist. 🙂

 

[canonetc]

It is important to feel comfortable with the camera I'm using. Sometimes that takes time, sometimes it does not. The "feel" I enjoy about classic cameras and rangefinders is the "thought" behind them; simple, mechanical and I have to use my mind. I am using technology, not letting technology use me. I am doing something with my hands (which extends into processing film and printing). I think doing something with my hands is an integral part of being human. More of the "feel" for me is the relationship that develops with light, dark, visual awareness and creativity. I get that far more from film/RF cameras than from digital. EVen though, yes, digital is just "another tool", I dislike the slight distance it puts between me and the hands-on creative process. Pushing a button just doesn't match burning, dodging and watching the image materialize in developer.

Also, I do think klutzes can appreciate Leicas. If they can get the "feel" of photography, no matter what kind of camera they are using, then the rest will come naturally. I've found that trying every kind of camera format I can get my hands on has helped my "feel" of photography even more. Great thread and very thought provoking.

cheers,

Chris
canonetc

 

[Honu-Hugger]

The level of quality that comes from the associated "feel" has always influenced the cameras that I appreciate. It is one of the beautiful things about a Kinoptik lens, for instance: not just world class optical quality but housed in a finely machined barrel of blued steel and silky smooth operation -- built to last many lifetimes.

 

[zpuskas]

I agree with Wilt. There is a connection between the "feel" of the 'product (be it a camera, pen, whatever) that generates a response that is not felt with lesser products. It's probably akin to having something good to eat vs having something to eat. One needs to appreciate the difference and let that difference transform you.

 

[kmack]

Simplicity and balance. A tool should be designed to do a single job, it should be well balanced and free from any design element that is not useful to the task it was designed to do. Tools that conform to those two simple rules will almost demand that you them.

 

[FrankS]

I'm getting a really good "feel" from my 1959 Kiev 4a. The M6 is still the pure workhorse picture-taking machine, followed by the M2 and M3, but the Kiev is still very nice. I hate to have to admit this, but the shutter sound of the Kiev is "better" than the 1961 Contax IIa. The Contax is going for a CLA soon though.

 

[varjag]

Frank : I spend my days looking at it, touching it, how nicely made it is and how well it fits in my hands, I carry it at work with me, I look at it on my desk and I even bring it with me for lunch...

I hear you man 🙂 Pretty much the same feeling I have to my Kiev 4A: it is right here on my desk, and I pat it every half an hour. When I take it in my hands, it sets me into hunting mood, making me perceptive of the environment and my finger begs to push the shutter release. I believe it greatly influenced my shooting style, I didn't have such a feel with other cameras. It is of 1976 vintage but it feels pretty smooth and comfy after a CLA and with new leather covering, although admittedly I never held a real Contax II.

 

[darkkavenger]

Ah well well! I recently got a Jupiter-11 4/135 for my Kiev-2A and it looks absolutely wonderful... It's such a classy camera and a solid shooter... I think I can't live without it now!

Though my Pentacon Six has gotten a new impulse since I fitted it with a MC Sonnar 2.8/180 from Carl Zeiss Jena!

I have spotted a pre-war Contax-II (apparently from 1942, but I'm not sure) and if all goes well it will be in my hands next month! 😀

 

[varjag]

Yeah, the 4/135 is on my list too. Think I actually even have a good use for a 135mm rangefinder lens 🙂

 

[wyk_penguin]

I think you have your theory around the wrong way....

People who are "discerning and more appreciative of fine tools" are likely to have "greater sensitivity in their hands" as a result of practice, practice and practice. If a person has a genuine interest in things mechanical (be it using an old range finder camera or rebuilding a V8) they will quickly learn how to use the tools they require for the job and will acquire that sense of touch you talk of as they gain more and more experience. Not the other way around.

As the Jesuits preech, "start early enough and the possibilities are endless"

For me, the feel is part accquired and part in-born. Some cameras work nicely and just holding them in your hand makes you want to use them; but some get nicer and nicer as you come to know them.

 

[nomade]

This tactile sensitivity has nothing to do by the way, with how good a photographer one is. Having a "good eye" for composition is distinct from this tactile intelligence yet it is a similar concept. Both would be difficult to teach if the ability is not there inately.

Any comments?

I think u r right, i know people with great vision, they could have been greta photographers, they just don't get along well with the tool, they re not comfortable with it...

Also in other domains, for ex. my mom can't get along will with machines whatever it is, she just uses televisions, but she constantly need help, she's no good with cell phones, merely uses cassettes and radio, also can't get alogn with computers and never carries a camera...Doesn't even try to tighten a screw.

I -on the contrary- am obssessed with machines, anything and everything, i'm very curious dealing with machines, and i always like to work with my ahnds, in the lab at college i'm the quickest dealing with tools, putting everything along with what is suitable for ...

Yes i think that the tactile intelligence is something that cannot be ignored...What i love most about my feds, their total manual nature, it delights me to carry it and shoot even when there's no film inside...

Cheers.