The interesting levels of Photographic Elitism

[bensyverson]

I know there are some purists that insist that an M3 with a Summicron is all you should ever need, but when I'm at the beach, my $10 waterproof Canon becomes my favorite camera in the world. And when I want to take a studio portrait, I'd take any cheap 8x10 view camera over the M9.

Besides, elitism takes many forms. You could bankrupt yourself buying the best camera on the market, only to be dismissed as a gearhead by a museum curator.

 

[JPSuisse]

Hi Kevbo

Look, as very often seems the case my instincts don't match with Pickett Wilson's! That's not to say that either he or I am right or wrong.

Basically, I find this form has been very helpful about photographic issues and technique to me.

I had been taking pictures with a D100 and FM for a good many years, when I just got disgusted with unsharp pictures. After a little research I came to RFF and selected a new system Leica-M, thinking that if I can't get these pictures with this system sharp, I can just quit taking pictures!

Thanks to the many competent and knowledgeable people (like Roger Hicks and mfogiel), I am now even developing myself and taking (sharp and) better pictures!!!

Basically, wherever you go in life, you find what you are looking for if you don't have an open mind.

I don't really notice or focus on the GAS here I guess.

Cheers,

JP

 

[damien.murphy]

Ah.. the pursuit of magic bullets..

 

[migtex]

Ah.. the pursuit of magic bullets..

Ah! our Life stories together will make the most interest book one can read... besides, will have amazing photos to illustrate it.
Use your Head to Think (so you don't get broke) but use your Heart to Act (you will be happy).

 

[Richard G]

That Mike Johnston sure can write, amongst his obvious other talents. What a great link.

 

[migtex]

You'll know when you have the right amount of camera equipment when .. packing it around for 30 or so years, has taken it's toll on your back. Anything less would be a mistake and slight to camera sellers.

I know that most of the world's best photographers, even though they said they used little equipment, had bags and bags of gear hidden for use when no one was looking..

Oh no doubts on that....

 

[migtex]

long lenses .. I'm so glad I don't shoot sports. i owned a 300 2.8 and hated packing it.

Have you ever been stuck alone at an airport with one of those skycap haulers full of equipment cases.. $50K in gear and have to use the head.. with no one to watch the gear.. when that has happened a few times you know you've made the big time..

Not long lens (80-400 zoom is more then enough) "just" yellow boxes loaded with 30 years of gear and lens, RF's on top left, SLR's on bottom.. and yes, Airport's and gear can be a pain and give high blood pressure.... forever!