well,
In one sense you are absolutely right,
I have seen talented people take photos with pinhole cameras that I
could not approach and I am simply amazed by their vision and
talent. bit saying that...
the right equipment for the right person can make that person a
better photographer
and better equipment, better lenses and most importantly the right
tool will allow one to be a better photographer.
quite frankly an M series Leica is NOT the right tool for everyone,
is certainly NOT the right tool for every job, but it is a modern
recreation of a tool that I personally thought was lost for the
digital age.
For me, and I repeat for me, for the kind of photography I enjoy, I
am simply a better photographer using a rangefinder and the Leica M
is simply the best overall 35mm rangefinder that has been made. A
rfdr allows ME to better visualize the image before hand, to better
frame without distraction. I enjoy the process. It makes me a
better photographer. This does not mean that I am a great
photographer, merely that it make me better. The design is
intelligent. I can use lenses that I have owned for over 20 years
that still compete with modern designs and the simplicity allows me
to use the system without worrying about reading the manual. If
the picture does not come out, it is more likely that it is due to
my lack of photographic skill than my lack of understanding which
button to press.
Do I think a Leica is pricey. Yes. OTOH I just printed some
images from my little M8 which rival MF images in detail in color
right to the edges. I had to decide whether to use an IR cut
filter, to use an external finder, considereded using a tripod,
used raw and recojnstructed to 26 Mb.. in short I was involved with
the photographic process and I enjoyed every minute of it. I have
done similar things with lesser results with my Canons, but did not
feels as involved. The Leica encourages that and somehow to me the
photographic process feels more transparent than with the Canons.
In the end it is only a tool, but if the tool fits your hand
better. it gets yused more and produces better work. For many
here, including me, the M8 fits this category and brings back a joy
to the process of taking pictures that ultimately leads to better
photos for that individual.
As to the cost, when one con siders that a film M7 costs 3.5K and a
digital M8 costs 4.8K, merely 30% more whereas the 3K 5D cost what
3-5x the comparable film danon body. the Leica seems a bargain. In
addition, though expensive, I should point out most of my 20-40
year old Leica lenses (and 20 year old bodies) are worth as much or
more than I paid for them originally. This is due to the
uncompromising detail and quality put into many of the Leica M
lenses (and for which you are paying - that last 5-10% is what
costs the most). Even, were they not, handling and using these 20
year old lense, eg: my prized type 4 chrome 35 F2 Summicron, is
like using a lens built yesterday, still outperforms almost
everything on the market. If it were worthnothing today, Would it
have been expensive at its original price?
To appreciate these tools, you have to use them and enjoy the
process, if not you are absolutely right, you will not get it, and
in fact it would be a simple waste of money or be purchased as a
"status symbol" In fact, I have purchased most of my Leica gear
from those who have bought Leica gear for the wrong reasons and
never used it.
Hope this rambling helps,
Ed
