On Cheaping Out versus Aiming High

KoNickon said:
I'll venture a theory that there may be a visceral negative reaction to him on the part of some of what he says because he's, yes, a lawyer by profession, and a Gen Xer.
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I'm a Gen Xer and my brother, whom I love dearly, is a lawyer. I know nothing about this guy at all. I just don't like inaccuracy. Other than that, he seems to have interesting opinions.
 
Gorillas prefer SLRs, I guess, while chimps seem to like rangefinders. Ergonomically obvious, given the respective size of these primates. And perhaps the choice reflects their shooting styles as well. Koko appears rather direct, "in your face," to be precise. Chimps shoot with greater subtlety, with a discreet grace often attributable to Cartier-Bresson, the arch-photoprimate himself, but probably with a bit more verbalization of the joy of pressing a shutter button ... hoo-hoo ... much like I sound while clicking away.
 
KoNickon said:
Amen. I have dealt with Dante on several occasions (bought a Kobalux 28 from him when he was selling them, for instance) and have enjoyed his website. Some very interesting discussions there that demonstrate he's no dilettante in photography, though I'm sure his writing can irritate some folks.

I'll venture a theory that there may be a visceral negative reaction to him on the part of some of what he says because he's, yes, a lawyer by profession, and a Gen Xer. Also, I may be way off base here, and you can tell me so, but I think the people he ticks off the most are those of a more scientific/engineering bent. He's also been a debunker of the much-debated incompatibility of the Hexar RF with Leica lenses, and I'm sure that irks a lot of people too.

But I do enjoy reading what he has to say -- though his agent provocateur tone may not help his cause sometimes.

Full disclosure: I'm a lawyer too.
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I did not mean my post to be against lawyers, Nick. And I was not irritated, hence the smiley. I just wanted to point out the opposite argument, that many times instead of economizing, people rationalize the purchase of more expensive equipment, even if it is overkill.

Unfortunately, both that argument and Dante's (who's site I thoroughly enjoy) are both true. And the sad thing is, if you buy just what you need now, it will all be obsolete in a few months.

There really is no way to "win." :bang: You just have to do what is right for you.
 
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By the way, since we're talking here about important primates like Koko,
let me recommend the novel "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn.
The protagonist is a very wise gorilla.
 
Ray, maybe I'm a little quick to defend other members of the bar, just because they seem to be easy targets. And Dante, God love him, isn't shy about stirring things up.

I do agree with your point, though -- I think the more obsessive (maybe passionate is a better word) one is about something, the easier it is to convince oneself that the more expensive alternative is necessary. But those people (i.e. RFF'ers) are the minority. Camera makers make their big bucks on folks who don't care enough to spend top dollar -- "good enough" is good enough for those people, and that's fine.
 
If Dante isn't a member, we should all encourage him to join. The comment function on his site appears pretty much to be a one-way deal. He doesn't reply. Can't expect the guy to answer every email, but someone proferring opinions and advice, and moving markets - albeit tiny markets - for things like Kobalux lenses and Hexar rangefinders, should perhaps make himself a bit more accessible.

Thanks to Melanie for keeping this thread alive with the unlikely combination of scientific rigor and good humor. Great head shot, too.
 
Trius said:
IOW, this place messes with minds. :eek:
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::swinging clock::

You will not sell me your 40mm Summicron.

You will not sell me your 40mm Summicron.

You will sell me your 40mm Summicron for $100.

You will not sell me your 40mm Summicron.
 
f8&go said:
By the way, since we're talking here about important primates like Koko,
let me recommend the novel "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn.
The protagonist is a very wise gorilla.
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Note made, thanks.

Let me disclose publicly that I've drank Red Rose tea for most of my adult life on the strength of their 1960s-vintage television commercials featuring winsome, articulate primates.

I'm sorry, Barrett. I've been swept off topic completely by the primate sub-thread. I'll desist now. Really.
 
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