Nifty Fifty wrote:
I had only seen the last pictures shown and read this:
I understood that you wanted to capture the past that can still be found in the present day, and for that purpose, you wanted to use an old camera with an old lens, and preferably a film that doesn't look particularly modern, in a truly authentic way. That sounds very exciting to me, as I've always been very drawn to analog black and white photography (especially amateur photography) from the first half of the last century. Well, and in my personal opinion, such a project would be even more appealing and valuable if it were done entirely analog. You don't have to share this view, of course; I just wanted to offer some food for thought. By the way, I envy you the great fortune of living in a city that offers you such subjects. In Berlin, one is primarily surrounded by dirt and ugliness.
Those are strong words. How did you arrive at that conclusion? What statements I made led you to this impression? I consider myself a simple amateur photographer who loves the traditional craft of black and white darkroom work, but unfortunately hasn't been able to pursue it for several years due to lack of space. Therefore, I only occasionally reach for my unloved digital camera to capture trivialities, small (to me) seemingly timeless things in the sea of ugliness that is the modern world. Basically, for me, the digital camera serves the same purpose as a dog does for many couch potatoes: it encourages me to move around more. I will never love this digital stuff, neither the equipment nor the pictures.
I doubt that. I occasionally post a few digital images in the lens threads, and that's enough. If the topic of analog photography comes up in any discussion, I might snap an old print to support a point, or post a positive scan if I have something suitable. Since you're obviously trying your hand at street photography, you definitely won't benefit from this, because I've never done street photography. But so you don't go away empty-handed, here's an old scan of an print. The picture was taken spontaneously during one of my very few vacations. A nice memory. I don't expect more from a photo. Does it convey my "very strong personal esthetic"? I don't know.
To me your post does seem to confirm strong opinions and preferences. That is always interesting.
Sorry that whatever life circumstances there are you are not able to live and pursue interests in the way you would like. Always frustrating. I hope things improve for you.
I was in Berlin two years ago and did a lot of photography including street. Enjoyed it very much, and like some of the images I made a lot. I find it a historic, vibrant, and exciting city with many things to photograph. I recognize that it may be difficult to see this when forced to use a medium you don't like, and during difficult times.
I did enjoy browsing your Flickr gallery. Thanks for sharing an image with us.
I guess I am missing my Leica IIIf so was feeling MonoChrome today. Intentionally shooting B&W definitely affects how you see and what you shoot.
I got notification that my newly CLA'd/New shutter curtain Leica IIIf is ready to be picked up in Milano. My Wife has business to do up there on Friday so we will wait until then to go get it. So I will shoot Milano while she works. Then it is off to beautiful Lake Maggiore for some weekend holiday time. Expect images from those places next week.
In the meantime here are few from today shooting the M11 and 35mm Summilux. Amazing to me how much the light and the pattern created from the new angles of light are changing day to day this time of year.
High School boys on lunch break from school hanging out in an alley in the historic center of town.
A new shadow pattern I saw for the fist time in front of our Duomo.
Three local men heading to a Bar/Cafe for lunch. Official lunch lasts 2 to 3 hours here every day. Parma is a very civilized place with a relaxed lifestyle.
1bwana1 wrote:
Me too. I am discovering that old uncoated Leica lenses glow while somehow still being sharp. Maybe that is where the "Leica Look" originated from.
If you enjoy that glow, do not get the lens CLAd! I have found that often the glow from these old Leica lenses is due to internal haze (from age), and cleaning that can remove what made it glow.
