Leica M: A day living with the dead feature

[leicashot]

Last month I spent a good part of a day in Manilla documenting a unique cemetery. You can see the story here:

http://kristiandowling.com/blog/2013/7/24/a-day-living-with-the-dead

 

[ricnak]

Wow. Great story. Thanks for posting.

 

[TennesseJones]

Terrific. Thank you!

 

[airfrogusmc]

Great work...

 

[icebear]

Hi Kristian,

thanks for sharing, really interesting but at the same time astounding and distracting. A very close up glimpse into a different kind of reality. Perspective and priorities in life can be VERY different from the western average...

Judging only from the small jpg's is always difficult but my take is, that the M240 is positively lacking everything that is described in the "What's considered a digital looking" picture thread
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=135005.

As always, a lot is in the processing and not the camera itself.
What kind of White Balance did you use? Auto WB or manual and if the latter what tool?

 

[L Collins]

Nice work.

My only criticism is the section about gear. While that may be relevant for a discussion on RFF, it isn't if your intent is documentary in nature. The cameras you use are completely irrelevant to a discussion of the issues documented.

 

[eperet1986]

Kristian, how did you find my hometown of Manila? I hope the weather was not too hot. Technically it is still Summer and traditional monsoon season starts around September.

Though I've only been to the North Cemetery once (my grandmother's cremation -- RIP), the living situations of people living in a third world country is reflected your photos.

Although there are actually several notable people buried in the cemetery. Three former Presidents, National Heroes and founders of the Philippine Revolution, actors and famous people in history. Of course those graves are well maintained and guarded.

But don't let this discourage you from coming back. Filipinos are the most hospitable and welcoming people you will ever find (no bias). Visit our provinces not just the tourist spots. Our country has more to offer. 🙂

 

[leicashot]

Hi Kristian,

thanks for sharing, really interesting but at the same time astounding and distracting. A very close up glimpse into a different kind of reality. Perspective and priorities in life can be VERY different from the western average...

Judging only from the small jpg's is always difficult but my take is, that the M240 is positively lacking everything that is described in the "What's considered a digital looking" picture thread
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=135005.

As always, a lot is in the processing and not the camera itself.
What kind of White Balance did you use? Auto WB or manual and if the latter what tool?

I used AWB because the presets are a little off. Auto white balance also has inconsistency issues as well which is why many first criticized the camera, but I've come to find easy work arounds, and enjoy the colors I'm achieving from the camera now. When I do have time for manual white balance, I will either use a white paper or color checker.

 

[leicashot]

Nice work.

My only criticism is the section about gear. While that may be relevant for a discussion on RFF, it isn't if your intent is documentary in nature. The cameras you use are completely irrelevant to a discussion of the issues documented.

I agree with you but my readers are very Leica-centric so I threw that in for them.....which is why I put it at the beginning and didn't refer back to it again.

 

[leicashot]

I loved Manilla, and hope to be back there in the next year, possibly to spend a lot more time at the cemetery. I also spent time in Baguio and Bontoc and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I have to admit, before this trip the Philippines wasn't high on my list of places to see, but I am sold on the country as a highly prized destination. You have a wonderful country.

Kristian, how did you find my hometown of Manila? I hope the weather was not too hot. Technically it is still Summer and traditional monsoon season starts around September.

Though I've only been to the North Cemetery once (my grandmother's cremation -- RIP), the living situations of people living in a third world country is reflected your photos.

Although there are actually several notable people buried in the cemetery. Three former Presidents, National Heroes and founders of the Philippine Revolution, actors and famous people in history. Of course those graves are well maintained and guarded.

But don't let this discourage you from coming back. Filipinos are the most hospitable and welcoming people you will ever find (no bias). Visit our provinces not just the tourist spots. Our country has more to offer. 🙂

 

[robklurfield]

I enjoyed your images AND text. Really nice work documenting this.

 

[jamesbf]

Excellent!

 

[eperet1986]

Manila

Manila

Glad you've been to a couple of provinces. A little ways down from Bontoc is a place called Banaue where our world famous rice terraces are. Much like the rice fields in Vietnam but built on top and around mountains. It might be a 1 1/2hr hike up but it's very much worth it. It's More Fun in the Philippines. :-D

I loved Manilla, and hope to be back there in the next year, possibly to spend a lot more time at the cemetery. I also spent time in Baguio and Bontoc and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I have to admit, before this trip the Philippines wasn't high on my list of places to see, but I am sold on the country as a highly prized destination. You have a wonderful country.