Re: [Leica] Erwin Puts

[Krechtz@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/3/00 3:31:45 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
Paul_Chefurka@pmc-sierra.com writes:

<< As you point out later, the "stylists" will have different criteria for 
image quality than the technicians, and the judgement "looks good so it is 
good" is precisely one of their criteria.  The inverse observation is that 
there is (university art professors' protestations notwithstanding) no way to 
technically analyze the value of a composition. >>

    First, let's observe that the above quote is a paraphrase of one from 
Duke Ellington, with reference to music.  Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens, for the 
technophiles) said, "Wagner's music isn't as bad as it sounds."  In context, 
the paraphrase suggests not merely a rejection of all objective criteria but 
respect for the empirical, with a strong pragmatic component.  
    No one with a grain of sense is suggesting that persistently poor 
technical choices and performance can result in consistently high quality 
output.  Mike Johnston has been the editor of a magazine devoted to matters 
more technical than aesthetic, and he has his latest thinking laid out on his 
website.  He is not to be dismissed out of hand any more than Erwin is.  Nor 
can the views or approach of either contributor be neatly summarized and 
characterized.
    We have other members who maintain websites well stocked with ideas and 
who frequently disagree among themselves.  None are as predictable or as 
limited in their perspectives as might be convenient for the rest of us.  The 
point is that the interplay of ideas can and often does prove interesting, 
provocative and, most importantly, informative.
    The one thread that should run true is the central theme that the 
ultimate product of photography is the photograph itself.  If you can 
handhold at 1/2 second, using yogic technique or exotic drugs, then by all 
means do so.  If you need a tripod to shoot at 1/500, then use the damned 
tripod.  
    If your ego or lack of self-esteem requires that you choose lenses based 
upon their high prices, it's your money.  If, on the other hand, out of 
reverse snob appeal or because you truly believe your photographs taken with 
$25.00 lenses look wonderful, use 'em.  
    If you just can't bear to buy or use a lens without knowing what experts 
think of it, read.  If you want only to know how to use a lens to best 
advantage, find out how others have gotten their best results.  If you just 
want to learn by trial and error, fine. 
    The day I see Walt step out of his Ferrari with a new R8 with 35-70/2.8 
Asph. hanging off his neck and a gold Rolex on his wrist will be the day I 
seriously consider giving up photography.  Short of that, or compared to 
that, almost anything seems plausible.

Joe Sobel