Just for fun ... - Carsten Schouler
Why do photographers take photos? Some do, because they earn their living with it. It’s their job. Others, because they want to create art or memories. And then there are some who do it just for fun. I’m one of that last group. Of course, preserving memories is also important for me, especially since I’ve had kids.
But it’s pure fun for me to try out what we can do with which technique, which photos we can produce with which camera. This, however, means that also camera technology plays an important role for me – perhaps unlike other hobbyists. So, one might almost automatically ask if there are some cameras and lenses that are more fun than others and the answer to this is: “Definitely yes”.
Many cameras are fun. Some not that much, because they might be a little annoying as far as usage is concerned. I, for example, have never really liked the Sigma DSLRs. I’ve tried. The idea of the Foveon sensor is exciting but especially the software is a real nuisance. The compact DP1s on the other hand is much more fun – for whatever reason. I can’t really tell. If there are others who do not agree at all and think totally differently, this shows what’s it all about: It is highly individual what one considers to be enjoyable.
Another example: My Sony A7II is extremely versatile and the results are excellent, an amazing camera – as is my Nikon Df, for portraits still one of my favourite machines. But no other camera means so much fun to me than my Leica M (Type 240), not even the M8 and that is a fascinating camera already.
Why is that? Well, that’s not easy to answer. Perhaps I can try like this: The Leica M is excellently crafted which is of immense importance for me. It feels solid and trustworthy every time you hold it and thus you want to hold it over and over again. I generally like using rangefinder cameras and it also of course helps that I am always satisfied with the results that the M offers. For me, personally, there is nothing left to be desired – noise performance, resolution, possibilities for post-production – definitely all I need. It’s a match, at least for me and for those kinds of photos that I like to take.
Yes, when I take photos of my son playing America Football for the Marburg Mercenaries, the M stays at home and I use a DSLR. Long tele shots are not the M’s cup of tea, really. But I’m not much of a tele shooter anyway.
What does that mean in practical terms? Well, on the one hand obviously that I am a real fan of rangefinder photography and on the other hand that nobody can stipulate what you have to like or not. Stand your ground and enjoy what’s fun for you – not what others say.
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