Sue'sNews

New Old Pro

For those who cut their photographic teeth on the film cameras of old, the name “Leica” is very familiar. They were pioneers of the 35mm camera in 1925. Their cameras have been the tool of choice for photojournalists, travel photographers and photographic artists since 1954 when their M range finder was released. The Leica is loved and appreciated for its fine workmanship, intuitive controls and whisper quiet shutter. Henri Cartier Bresson was using a Leica when he said that his camera was “an extension of his arm”.

Since the advent of the digital age, film cameras have fallen out of favor. Leica’s film cameras have become very expensive collector’s items. The digital cameras made by Canon and Nikon have become the tool of choice for pros and serious amateurs alike.

There’s good news for the Leica devotee. In November the company will release a new, digital version of the M range finder, the M8. It looks and feels like the old models. It has the sleek, clean look of the original M models. It even accepts the old M lenses produced as far back as 1954.

The new M8 has a 10.2 megapixel sensor which is not up to par with the Canon EOS 5D at 12.8 megapixels. It also can’t claim the super quiet shutter that it had been known for in the past. At a price of $4,795 (body only) Leica can’t compete in price either. (Canon is almost $2,000 less). However, this could be the time for Leica users to switch to digital. This is a very fine professional camera, designed to take great pictures. And you can preserve your investment in lenses since they are compatible.

Get details at www.leicacamerausa.com                                           BACK TO HOME PAGE

Storm is Over

The "big storm" that was forecast for last night really didn't amount to much. Most of San Diego county had some rain, but not much. The weather man looked a bit embarrassed this morning. However, he was pleased to announce sunshine for today. This photo was taken at about 7:30am.

As I post this (at 9:25am) it is HAILING even though the sun is shining! I guess the weatherman's face is saved.

Photographer Quote of the Day:

Photographers deal in things which are continually vanishing and when they have vanished there is no contrivance on earth which can make them come back again.
Henri Cartier-Bresson

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Sea Shell on Driftwood

PHOTOGRAPHER QUOTE OF THE DAY: There are no lines in nature, only areas of colour, one against another.
Edouard Manet

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RESTING RAKE

Here is a still life that offers a promise of a story. Where is the gardener? Is he resting nearby? Does this tree offer the cool shade that he seeks? How did the photographer happen upon the scene? I prefer to leave you with the questions rather than the answers. I think a photograph is better when it provokes thought or introspection.

PHOTOGRAPHER QUOTE OF THE DAY:  The still must tease with the promise of a story the viewer of it itches to be told.
Cindy Sherman                   Back to Home Page

Drops

Taking time to notice the little things on a rainy morning.

PHOTOGRAPHY QUOTE OF THE DAY:
You can find pictures anywhere. It's simply a matter of noticing things and
organizing them. You just have to care about what's around you and have a concern
with humanity and the human comedy.
Elliott Erwitt

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San Francisco Embarcadero

I visited San Francisco toward the end of January. San Francisco is a choice location for a travel photographer. It's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Here you'll find museums, theater, and tourist attractions for the whole family.

Along the Embarcadero you'll find Pier 39, a shoppers delight, and Fisherman's Wharf. Across from the ferry landing is the Hyatt Regency Hotel and adjoining it is the Embarcadero Center, a huge shopping mall that is actually four malls on four separate blocks. There are a number of sculptures featured in this mall.

In the park in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel, I came across this sculpture. It is a "people friendly" sculpture. It is featured as a climbing and play area. I like the way one of the heads seems to be floating off the edge of the area.        BACK TO HOME PAGE