Photography is a Sensual Experience

[jackaubrey]

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Today I collected a brand new Leica R 19mm F/2.8 Lens for my R8. I purchased this lens at less than half price and rushed home to try it out.

 

I had not used my R8 for about 5 months and had forgotten what a wonderful picture making machine this truly is. A Leica Camera coupled with Leica Lenses turns the art of photography into a very tactile and sensual experience.

 

The wonderful smoothness of the focussing, the soft click of the shutter and mirror (yes, I think the R8 is quiet!) and the positive stoke of the wind on lever, before I realised it 38 pictures were in the can and I found myself feeling relaxed and contented.

 

I used the 19mm and the AA90mm Cron and now I can't wait for the images to be processed - I will post the best up on this site.

 

A fellow forum member called Ben advised me last year to buy the 80mm F/1.4 and I have seen one of these new at a much reduced price - perhaps this will be my next pleasure to enjoy.

 

Regards

 

Kevin

[gtownby]

Kevin --

 

I see this type of message every once in a while. A shooter (presumably one who has been doing a lot of digital) takes out his or her analog manual camera for a day or a weekend and writes about what a great experience it was.

 

My only concern: The comments are often posted the same day as the shoot -- without anyone knowing how the film turned out.

 

I'm an M8, MP, and 500 C/M shooter and I truly believe that the experience of focusing, winding, and even hand metering can raise one's overall photographic awareness. I also somewhat enjoy dropping the film off and holding good thoughts for the several days it takes for the proofs -- rather than having my hopes dashed on the computer monitor that same evening! (Let's not even discuss chimping.)

 

But we shouldn't let nostalgia for the process get in the way of the proposition that these days, one shoots film for a reason, and that reason has to be the finished product. I am continually amazed at what's "inside" my M8 raw files, ready to be pulled out in Aperture or Photoshop. But I also like my film images for their grain, softness, and lack of perfection.

 

That people look at me strange for using my right thumb between shots is just a bonus.

 

Best wishes on your new lens -- and let us know how the roll turned out!