Ashwin, I get the feeling that you and others here see Reichman's article as a threat to the very existence of rangefinders and a way of photographic life. It is not. I think people read his article and think he is trying to usher in the death of the rangefinder. That's not what he is suggesting.
Nope, I don't feel that MR's comments are a threat. I just feel that the M rangefinder should stay in Leica's repertoire as is for those many of us who enjoy its structure. I personally don't think he is trying to usher the death of the rangefinder, rather that he wishes to rethink what a rangefinder is...I don't see the need for any such rethinking.
You don't hear this kind of outcry from DSLR owners considering the Miirrorless Camera as being a threat to their DSLR way of life. Honestly, sometimes I think Leica fans are just way to sensitive when it comes to the M line.
Well, not so sure about that....there are all kinds of articles out there on Gizmodo, Wired, and many tech blogs about the "Death of the SLR"....I think that talk is equally silly. Personally, I am thrilled to see the addition of m4/3 to the photographic landscape, as it adds another tool for photographers who feel comfortable working within that new systems limits. Each system, SLR, Rangefinder, point and shoot, m4/3, has its positives and benefits, and some feel comfortable working within certain constraints.
I don't think ALL Leica fans are too sensitive. Some are. Some aren't.
Rangefinders will, due to their cost and their own shortcomings, remain a niche camera.. and one day that niche may be so small that it can not support the company that makes them. In that sense, the rangefinder is its own enemy. Reichman is simply suggesting there should be a new branch on the family tree, that's all. And that is a suggestion that I would expect most to welcome.
Agreed. For the majority of people, rangefinders are too much work and not appealing whatsoever. They will be a niche camera, unless there is a sea change in thinking in today's photographic world. I COMPLETELY disagree that the RF is its own enemy, however. It is simply a selected tool for certain photographers who enjoy working within its parameters. I think Leica understands this, and if anything, they must be suprised at the volume of demand, otherwise they wouldn't be waiting lists now stretching nearly 5 months for some.
As for a new branch in the family tree, I agree. THe more branches the merrier. I am a gearhead as well as photography buff, and I always am considering new tools that may expand my horizons or force me to think in new ways. I welcome any additions that Leica or any other manufacturer may provide.
I'm for progress and better and more affordable photography. I don't care if it comes from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic or Leica. I can not and will not allow myself to be tied to any system whose limitations will impede my ability to get the shots I desire. That is one of the reasons I have a variety of cameras and do not rely on just one to serve all my needs.
Agreed. The more affordable, the better. I don't care who the tech comes from either. I have enjoyed wares from Canon and Leica and hope that each company will challenge all others to raise their collective games...I think we completely concur on that. As for various systems limitations, I understand that you found the M8 to be limiting to your photography. I, in fact, find the exact opposite. While Leica's system does impose its limitations (no real macro, super telephoto's moot in the current RF world), I find that my photography thrives within those limitations. I think that you should avoid RF's if you feel them to be limiting to you, but you are good any whatever tool you use, Jim, so I think and hope that a RF will find its way back to you
I suggest everyone keep an open mind about what is to come and not reject it outright because of some perceived threat to the rangefinder. I mean really, is it about the gear or the photography? I swear, the day I get more enjoyment out of holding my equipment than the photo it produced is the day I sell it all and find another hobby because I will have lost site of the actual purpose of the camera.
Doing my best to keep an open mind. I am always open to suggestion. Don't feel that there's a threat, just a misunderstanding of the pulse of the rangefinder community. MR has had a long history with RF's, and he feels that maybe an evolution is in order. His words carry a lot of weight in the online community and with Leica (after all, he was one of 5 of us, including Phil Askey, Sean Reid, and David Farkas, Jono Slack) who got to glance and handle the M9 well before the rest of us. That he should speak for all of us is wrong. It's just his opinion, and he's completely entitled to it. I just don't feel the way he does
Phew, that's a lot of typing. Back to editing photos. No offense intended or taken, Jim. I enjoy hearing your thoughts and opinions, and rarely share my own. I guess you caught me on the right day....hahah.
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Ashwin Rao
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http://photos-ash.blogspot.com
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