Leicas Are Magical
February 28, 2008
It sounds absurd but the kind of camera I use changes the character of the shots. These just seem like “Leica” shots to me, fast and loose but not like the rapid five-frames-a-second of modern digital SLR, while still being a little more thoughtful than the usual point-and-shoot snaps. Or so I tell myself… sometimes I just like a change of pace to stay sharp.
Tiff and Hannah
My daughter Liz lives in LA with her childhood friends (and sisters) Tiff and Hannah. Last month we went out to the Los Angeles River to watch the storm surge on a blustery (for Southern California) day.
Hitler used to carry this one around in his pocket…. Leica IIIc with a 50mm Elmar lens.
I stole that quote from some guy selling a camera online, I think it is pretty funny that someone would fall for it. Actually the Leitz family helped Jews escape Nazi Germany. And had Hitler carried this camera around, it would be worth millions. These particular 1940s screw-mount Leicas are quite common and fairly inexpensive compared to the later M-series (I only paid $330 total but I am a patient and careful shopper). They are somewhat slower to operate however — but that pause is often useful — you don’t always have to machine gun it.
Link to Anthony Lane’s excellent article on the, “The Cult of Leica” from The New Yorker.
Tiff, Hannah, Liz
I took more photos of Tiff this time because I already photographed her lovely sister last Summer.
Tiff is kind of brilliant
This is my daughter Liz, in case you’re wondering….
She rocks too, of course
My daughter is a painter. She would love to exhibit, or better yet, sell some of her Reimagined Italian Renaissance Feminista canvases (they are large and hard to store). But stalk her (or any of the girls here) and you die.
Reader Comments (add yours)
1. Jason — Feb 28 2008 11:30 AM
I've always wanted to purchase a Leica. Reading about how magical they are at various places makes me want one even more. Do you suggest ebay or a different route?
2. cafe selavy — Feb 28 2008 11:59 AM
you are up to your temptations again. oh, i purchased a razzle. just waiting now.
3. John — Feb 28 2008 03:41 PM
Beautiful girls! I mean yours. I have two daughters myself.. and a no-stalker rule too.
Love your 4x5 work. Your self-portrait got me trying to figure out what that 4x5 is. Don't mean to sound like an equipment geek. Subject is what it's all about, and you got that part down.
4. tiff — Feb 28 2008 11:22 PM
hey i love it! i have gotten no less than 3 requests for posters of that sign pic. (its my facebook pic.) can i send people to you to buy it?
5. George Bonanno — Feb 29 2008 12:48 AM
I was waiting for you to post some snaps from that IIIc Elmar combo. Not too shabby but... hood the Elmar... then get your medication ready.
6. Ashlee — Mar 12 2008 08:51 PM
These are all great! Beautiful...