Prior to vacation, as a photographer, what causes you the most stress? In this world there are a myriad of valid concerns. For me it’s which camera or cameras to take. The STRESS! It can take me several weeks to finally make a decision. Will it be digital or film, maybe both, if both then …
5 Frames With Bessa R, Jupiter-8 50mm and VC Color Skopar 35mm – By Eric Rose Read More
This Fed 4 Rangefinder camera came into and out of my collection almost silently. My wife and I had travelled to Gloucestershire to visit family and took a walk into the lovely town of Nailsworth for lunch and a mooch. There are a number of up-cycle/charity shops there, which have now become places I visit looking for bargain books or camera gear… one day I’ll find that elusive, bargain Leica! 😉
For my approach to photography I find that 50mm makes sense for a lens with the greatest capacity for intimacy in an image. 90mm is my go-to for street composition involving large scale geometry and light/shadow play. 21mm is for wide scenes, and an emphasis on scale and perspective. This leaves 50 for portraits and photojournalism where I feel comfortable moving quickly through a crowd, or taking candid shots. Zone focusing is easier than with 90, which needs precision on the rangefinder for spot on focus. Everyone’s use of lenses is different, and some may prefer a 35mm for the kind of photojournalism I just described.
I’ve gone through a handful or so of Leica CL cameras, which is more than I expected to when I first started photography. Film was never my area, so when I bought my first CL it was as an experiment, and not intended to become a part of my workflow. I have since sold and …
5 Frames with a Leica CL and Jupiter-8 – By Simon King Read More
If you’ve been following this series of posts about the path I’ve been walking to find myself a perfect classic Sonnar, you will have likely come to the conclusion that I’ve become a big fan of the Jupiter-8. My experiences finding such an appreciation have culminated in a fairly unusual and – at least without significant knowhow – difficult to repeat outcome. But considering how happy I am, it would be entirely remiss not to document it.
