MERP.

2023, Favourite, Inspiration, Q&A, Reader Smackdown, Teaching point

You heard me.

—Peter.

About the equipment I’m using.

I’ve been receiving emails on — literally — a daily basis asking me what gear I’m using.

For those of you who have followed my blog for a long time, you already know that I’m a die-hard Leica rangefinder photographer who recently sold everything to start over again.

The real question, therefore, shouldn’t be what I’m using now, but why I did what I did.

Nobody is asking that question though.

As for what I’m using now, I learned in the past the hard way that when I stray away from Leica gear I have to endure a lot of “that’s not as good as what you were producing with your M9” comments. Now that no one knows what I’m using, I instead get a lot of “did you go back to Leica?” questions.

To be blunt, I just don’t want to talk about gear anymore. I’m at a point where I’m satisfied with what I have.

I’m not sure how long this feeling will last, but it’s the first time I’ve felt this way since… well, since I first picked up a digital camera (in 2004). I’m enjoying it. It’s liberating.

Over the years, I’ve freely discussed everything I’ve learned about photography, gear, etc. on this blog. Some of what I’ve said has been unashamedly “borrowed”, and some has been met with outright hostility. On a positive note, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know a few of you who are absolute gems. You know who you are.

Regardless of whether I like you or you like me, you’re all on your own for a while if the subject of interest is camera gear.

Me? I’ll be concentrating on photographing Life’s Little Moments.

—Peter.

Time to post this again.

Inspiration, Reader Smackdown, Teaching point

(The original post is here: Photography truths/rules I’ve learned over the years.)

Photography truths/rules I’ve learned over the years.

The 35mm format is the ideal format for recording Life’s Little Moments.
Rangefinders are the ideal camera platform for recording Life’s Little Moments.
Photography is the art of exclusion (painting is the art of inclusion).
Newer generation lenses perform better optically than old classics.
Buy the gear you really want. Do that once.
The bond between you and your camera is more important than what the spec sheet suggests.
When it comes to cameras and lenses, less is more.
Internet photography fora, beyond the first year of participation, are generally a waste of time.
You only get better with practice.
CCD rules; Film rules CCD… both are dying.
Use prime lenses. They lead to better photographs.
Robert Capa was correct: “If your photographs aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.“
To increase your chances of success, shoot in Manual mode.
Focus with manual lenses. This too will increase your chances of success.
The Rule of Thirds is a pretty good rule.
One good idea is better than 100 frames per second.
Have a healthy respect for those making a living via photography. It’s difficult to do.
Record video of your loved ones as well… you’ll regret it if you don’t.
Photography is the most democratic form of art… all of us are capable of creating a masterpiece.
Never bet against Leica.

–

—Peter.

I told you so.

Inspiration, Reader Smackdown

When the M240 arrived, I predicted right here on this blog that after its successor is eventually released the M240 will quickly be forgotten, whereas the M9 will continue to be coveted by many.

Although some readers supported my prediction, many directed a lot of anger at me.

Well, interestingly, the next M is now being called the M10 by Leica.

It’s as if the M240 never existed.

—Peter.