Over thinking equipment

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Huss

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The Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles has a new exhibit:

https://www.annenbergphotospace.org/exhibits/cuba-is

Elliott Erwin is one of the featured photographers. Judging by his images he is still using a film camera. Looks to be 35mm film.
The majority of the images from all the photographers displayed are not 'sharp'. Some are a bit blurry. Some the colour is off (but who is too judge how that is meant to look?).
But all the images are fantastic.

Just is a reminder to make or take the images and not to dwell on the gear.
 
Huss said:
The Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles has a new exhibit:

https://www.annenbergphotospace.org/exhibits/cuba-is

Elliott Erwin is one of the featured photographers. Judging by his images he is still using a film camera. Looks to be 35mm film.
The majority of the images from all the photographers displayed are not 'sharp'. Some are a bit blurry. Some the colour is off (but who is too judge how that is meant to look?).
But all the images are fantastic.

Just is a reminder to make or take the images and not to dwell on the gear.
Click to expand...

Where's the "Favorite" button when you need it? :D
 
35mm is tough to get a totally sharp image, unless you use extreme measures. When I get one hand held I jump for joy. I'm more successful with a Brownie Hawkeye Flash. Like you say the photos are great, I enjoyed them.
 
Btw, if you ever have a chance to see Elliott Erwitt give one of his talks, don't miss it.

He's a treasure.
 
Aaaaaand if you look at most of the photos in the show (not just Mr. Erwitt's), there's no emphasis on bokeh, 3d effect, micro contrast and all that nonsense. It's all about telling stories.
 
Huss said:
Aaaaaand if you look at most of the photos in the show (not just Mr. Erwitt's), there's no emphasis on bokeh, 3d effect, micro contrast and all that nonsense. It's all about telling stories.
Click to expand...

Yes, this is a typical trapping of the internet age...sad. I swear some people only buy equipment to test.
 
If I remember correctly, Elliott Erwin used a Leica camera so it's not like he was using crap equipment. He bought the best available at the time. It's easy not to worry about equipment when you already own the top of the line. Perhaps everyone should follow his lead.
 
ptpdprinter said:
If I remember correctly, Elliott Erwin used a Leica camera so it's not like he was using crap equipment. He bought the best available at the time. It's easy not to worry about equipment when you already own the top of the line. Perhaps everyone should follow his lead.
Click to expand...

I think the point is that he didn't care about sharpness, lens attributes, etc.
 
jsrockit said:
I think the point is that he didn't care about sharpness, lens attributes, etc.
Click to expand...
Yeah, he was generally happy with his Leica glass.

As far as equipment goes, here is an excerpt from one of his interviews for The Leica Camera Blog:

Q: Many of your famous pictures are taken with your Leica. What is your relationship to Leica?

A: I don’t always shoot with Leica. It really depends. I shoot my personal pictures with Leica. Because it is a portable camera and I carry it with me when I travel, but professional work requires specific equipment for certain kinds of jobs. With regard to equipment, I could open a store. I have all kinds of equipment. From plate glass, plate cameras to every other kind, even to electronic cameras, which is the newest development in my arsenal, and other very welcome equipment as well. One must do what one is required and now digital photography is of course the dominant way of working.
Click to expand...
Sorry to burst the romantic bubble.

BTW, I think his photographs are exceptional.
 
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