Learning to let it go

[Calzone]

Yes, this. They are nice objects, but I'm just not a Objectum-sexual. Holding a camera is not a spiritual event for me. I get excited by what they offer my photography, not what they offer my senses.

Cal, I've never used any camera for more than a few years... even in the film days (M6 most likely being the longest in use). They are tools and photography is what matters to me. When I wasn't photographing for many years, I did not have cameras. They are all so similar (shutter, aperture, focus) that I've never felt it was hard to get used to a camera. Also, you know I photograph a lot (for a non-professional) and that means I get used to cameras quickly.

Yeah, I just can't get into the mystical powers of prolonged camera ownership.

John,

You are correct in your insight. I know cameras are just tools like you say, but for me there is a very spiritual relationship between me and my gear.

Cal

 

[Roger Hicks]

Yes, this. They are nice objects, but I'm just not a Objectum-sexual. Holding a camera is not a spiritual event for me. I get excited by what they offer my photography, not what they offer my senses.

Cal, I've never used any camera for more than a few years... even in the film days (M6 most likely being the longest in use). They are tools and photography is what matters to me. When I wasn't photographing for many years, I did not have cameras. They are all so similar (shutter, aperture, focus) that I've never felt it was hard to get used to a camera. Also, you know I photograph a lot (for a non-professional) and that means I get used to cameras quickly.

Yeah, I just can't get into the mystical powers of prolonged camera ownership.

Highlight: So why do you feel the need to change them so often?

Cheers,

R.

 

[boomguy57]

Better a dent on the body than the front of your lens!

I also prefer not to use MINT cameras. Ones that are already beat up I don't worry about as much. Mint cameras tend to get babied more, which they don't deserve. They deserve to be USED!!

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Highlight: So why do you feel the need to change them so often?

Cheers,

R.

Not to be argumentative Roger, but why does it matter as long as he's taking pictures?

 

[Roger Hicks]

Not to be argumentative Roger, but why does it matter as long as he's taking pictures?

Well, how many craftsmen change their tools needlessly? Maybe he'd take better pictures if he didn't change them needlessly. Or are the changes not needless? That's why I asked.

Cheers,

R.

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

OK.
I was looking at it from this aspect: How many master mechanics only use one wrench to fix a car?
I see what you're saying now.
Master the tools you've got rather than changing horses in the middle of the stream all the time.

 

[Roger Hicks]

OK.
I was looking at it from this aspect: How many master mechanics only use one wrench to fix a car?
I see what you're saying now.
Master the tools you've got rather than changing horses in the middle of the stream all the time.

Absolutely! I apologize for not expressing myself clearly enough. Your highlight sums up my view perfectly -- though I might add, "Change your tools if they really are limiting what you can do" -- which is rarely the case for most of us.

Of course there's also "Change your tools if you'd be happier with [insert camera name here], because you'll probably get better pictures with equipment you're happy with." To which must be added, "But if you're constantly changing roughly equivalent systems or cameras, ask yourself whether it's you or the camera that is the limiting factor."

I started using Leicas in 1969, alongside Pentaxes. In about 1973 I switched from Pentax to Nikon and in about 1975 I started using Leica M-series (initially an M3) alongside the Nikons. I still use Leicas and Nikons. I don't use SLRs that much so I've only one digital Nikon, but I've been using digital Leicas alongside film since 2006.

Cheers,

R.

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

I find my 'tools' are not the limiting factor in my picture taking.
It was only recently that my wife asked if it was time to upgrade my D80.
When my son stopped on his way to the airport for a trip to the far east and had in his possession a brand new D7000 kit I tried to resist the urge to go out and buy one myself. I succeeded in doing that for about 3 months.
Now that I'm unemployed and heading into retirement, I've found the hidden gold of the Leica's I inherited. I only wish I hadn't ignored them for so long.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I find my 'tools' are not the limiting factor in my picture taking.
It was only recently that my wife asked if it was time to upgrade my D80.
When my son stopped on his way to the airport for a trip to the far east and had in his possession a brand new D7000 kit I tried to resist the urge to go out and buy one myself. I succeeded in doing that for about 3 months.
Now that I'm unemployed and heading into retirement, I've found the hidden gold of the Leica's I inherited. I only wish I hadn't ignored them for so long.

Unfortunately, it often takes this sort of thing to wake us up to what we REALLY need. Or even what we REALLY want.

Cheers,

R.

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

Ain't that the truth.

 

[dave lackey]

Lovely images, Dave, especially the highlight, and I couldn't agree more.

Love to Linda. When are we seeing you?

Cheers,

R.

Thanks, Roger...we are making progress everyday, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

We will you be seeing us? Soon...it is on my own "bucket list" with only two limiting factors. In mathematical terms, the time of opportunity is the intersection of two lines, one being the continued process of physical healing and the other being the realization of funds from a part-time job.

The first line, of course, is a flatter line over time and subject to much uncertainty. The second line is somewhat more certain but is also dependent on the first line, a healthy body for both of us.

My best guess is about this time next year...in time for Arles if we are fortunate! Much planning to do as I would like to take about two weeks to do so.

In the meantime, give me a call (evenings after 7:00pm here is best) and I can bring you up-to-date on a few things.😎

Still working on my own Leica kit(s) in anticipation of numerous projects. But I won't have anything anywhere near mint as my oldest lens now is from 1937 (Summar) and my newest camera is from 2010 (X1)!😛 But I ain't lettin' go...I am using them.

 

[Calzone]

Unfortunately, it often takes this sort of thing to wake us up to what we REALLY need. Or even what we REALLY want.

Cheers,

R.

Roger,

I've known John a long time. Basically it comes down to "The best tool for the job," otherwise while both John and I differ in many ways. John is a digital shooter, and I use to be a B&W only film die hard until I bought a Monochrom. Also know that both John and I shoot a lot.

Cal

 

[semi-ambivalent]

I use a junk camera, a crappy lens and cheap filum.

The Leica crowd in NYC won't even give me eye contact... and rightfully so.

But then again... I just take pictures.

I've always believed, as an artist, there is great value in being on the 'outside'.

s-a