Worth reading.

[Guest]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddes...2012/dec/28/leica-m-e-rangefinder-photography

 

[brainwood]

Thanks for the link jmpgino.

It echos a choice many of us here have made already.

 

[errorlogin]

What does M-E mean?

 

[johannielscom]

The Leica feels different in the hand from other cameras in ways that are not easy to define (I find myself caressing the damn thing).

...

The Leica feels and looks (even in its digital form) like the equivalent of Inspector Morse's Mark II Jaguar.

When people start writing stuff like this, the Leica bug is in...😀

 

[johannielscom]

What does M-E mean?

Just that, the M-E.

Read here, seems you missed something: http://en.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m-e/

 

[Dan]

At the risk of offending some people here, I think the article promulgates the "magic bullet" theory involving equipment. I do agree with the writer's sense of refreshed enthusiasm toward shooting that comes with a new camera, but it also seems a bit silly when talking about such an expensive tool. Definitely not a cost-effective method to buy a kick in the pants.

 

[thegman]

At the risk of offending some people here, I think the article promulgates the "magic bullet" theory involving equipment. I do agree with the writer's sense of refreshed enthusiasm toward shooting that comes with a new camera, but it also seems a bit silly when talking about such an expensive tool. Definitely not a cost-effective method to buy a kick in the pants.

Yes and no. On one hand, gear is unlikely to make you a better photographer, but it may get you taking more photos, which may help you improve.

I had a D7000, it gathered dust, because there was no joy to using it. My Zeiss Super Ikonta sees a lot more use because I like using it. However, my Leica M3 does not see much action either, as I prefer medium format. So, it's whatever works for you, if using a lovely camera, whether it's cheap or pricey gets you out taking photos, then it's likely a positive experience.

Can't say I liked the article though, it's just another one of those "Leica is the only type of classic camera" articles. It even describes the M8 as the "first M series camera", which kind of makes the author look a bit clueless. I like the sentiment of the article, but it also makes me roll my eyes.

 

[unixrevolution]

What does M-E mean?

Besides Leica's designation for the cheapest new Full-frame M? Who knows.

But I mean, what does X100 mean? What does 6D mean? What does NEX-7 or RX1 or whatever actually mean?

 

[Arquetipofoto]

Thanks, now I definitively want one

 

[goffer]

With this years bonus and tax return I hope to have my first M, a digital one at that. Stuck between the M-E and M, just have to be a bit more patient.

 

[errorlogin]

Just that, the M-E.

Read here, seems you missed something: http://en.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/m-e/

Thank you. I did not know of their new product line until now.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

And I'll second her comments about the Pentax K1000 and just hope I don't catch the M-E virus...

Regards, David

PS And look at

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/photography-blog/2012/dec/11/zoom-versus-prime-lens

which complements the first article.

 

[alexnotalex]

She's sharing her enthusiasm for an object which, irrationally, and possibly unexpectedly, makes her heart feel warm with joy.

I have the same feeling with my M3.

Whether her(our) photos are "better" is another matter entirely.

What's not to like?

 

[Richard G]

Great story of a hard working photographer who got the Leica bug, sees the distinct advantages and enjoys using it and seeing the results. Why should she care that there was, in ancient times a film version of this? It's fantastic that without slavering over the 60 year tradition she still buys the argument for a small FF rangefinder camera. And how about having to slum it with a second hand lens? Poor kid. And only a 50 1.4 ASPH too. She got everything right and is simply not one bit plugged in to the mythology. Brilliant.

ME: of course there's a reason it's called that! I can't swear to what that is but this is Leica Camera AG. German. There's a reason. The most obvious, considering the blurb about it, is that the E is for Essential.

 

[Roger Hicks]

At the risk of offending some people here, I think the article promulgates the "magic bullet" theory involving equipment. I do agree with the writer's sense of refreshed enthusiasm toward shooting that comes with a new camera, but it also seems a bit silly when talking about such an expensive tool. Definitely not a cost-effective method to buy a kick in the pants.

Depends on how big a kick up the arse you want/need.

Having read it, she's clearly a photographer rather than a reporter -- first Leica rangefinders in the 1940s, eh? -- but equally, she's (presumably) earning a living with it. Oh, wait, no, she can't be. EVERYONE (except those who use them professionally) knows that no-one uses Leicas professionally.

Cheers,

R.

 

[benlees]

A ha, gaffer tape! Leica should sell their own. Black with a very discreet L.