Weekend Ramblings – Leica Monochrom, Nikon D4, Panasonic 12-35 2.8 for Micro 4/3, angry people and more!
No updates this weekend..why?
Hello to all! It’s Sunday and yesterday I did not do any updates as I have been very busy this past week! My house has been taken over by women! My girlfriend has visited (they drove from Chicago) with her two daughters and their friend and we have been pretty much hanging out the whole time and keeping busy two of the girls turned 18 over the weekend. After living alone 50% of the time for the past 2 1/2 years it has been quite a switch, but a fun one 🙂 It will be back to business tomorrow (Monday) and this coming week will be fun with some great guest articles including one very cool one which will show a photographic visit to Chernobyl by Ivan Holmedal.
Speaking of Chernobyl, I have always wanted to visit and take photos as I LOVE abandoned and dilapidated places and Chernobyl is about as abandoned and dilapidated as they come. If anyone has any hookups like travel agents or tours or even wants to visit there with me sometime in the near future send me an e-mail. It’s on my bucket list of places to visit for sure and to get to go and get photographs would be amazing!
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Leica Monochrome. Whats up with the review?
A shot from the Leica Monochrom (Pre-Production)
I have been getting loads of e-mails and Facebook messages asking me when my Leica Monochrom review is coming but as of today, I can tell you that I have no idea. Leica told me a couple of months back that they would send me a Production sample Monochrom in July but it has yet to arrive to me or even be mentioned to me. I’d love to review it and will eventually but I think the camera is a bit delayed as I have heard ramblings that it will not be shipping until mid or end of September to those who ordered it. This is not a confirmation but just what I have been hearing on the “inside track”. So as soon as I know, you will know. I do have one pre-ordered through Ken Hansen (khpny19@aol.com) but was hoping to get one sooner rather than later so all of you can read and see my thoughts. The pre-production sample I tested was great but did have a few glitches. I am sure Leica has ironed those out as they were very minor. I do not comment on glitches with pre-procution samples as this is part of the pre-production process. So hopefully the Monochrom will ship by Photokina! BTW, Every review posted online to date, no matter what they say, has been done with a pre-production camera. No one has received a final camera as of yet to review.
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Upcoming Reviews – Nikon D4, Panasonic 12-35 2.8 and more!
Nikon D4
I have had a Nikon D4 for a week or so but have been unable to use it until just the past 2 days. Being so busy with a constant flow of cameras and lenses to review has been hectic for a one man operation. Before I review a camera I HAVE to use it so if I do not get a chance to give the cameras a workout they do not get reviewed. Hopefully I can get more done with the D4 soon. So far it seems to me that it every bit as goof as I expected it to be though I did find the D800 files to be a but more magical. I prefer the D800 body shape to the D4 due to size but the D4 file sizes are much smaller and much easier to manage on my computer.
The D4 comes in at $5999 and it is 100% a professionals camera. More than I need for any job but I can clearly see how this camera could benefit ANY pro shooter. Even with the new 50 1.4 from Nikon this camera is a beast to contend with. Again, the D800 would be my pick but there are many who want the rock solid tank like constriction of the D4. I know so many who are lusting over this very hard to get camera and even while I have no need for one, I have been tempted to buy this review sample just so I can have a long-term test with it. Problem is I don’t ever have a spare $6k lying around and with the Leica Monochrom coming soon it would be just about impossible.
But never fear, my thoughts on the D4 with loads of photos will be coming soon!
Kyle Johnson withThe Nikon D4 with 50 1.4
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The Panasonic 12-35 2.8 Zoom for Micro 4/3
This 12-35 2.8 zoom lens has finally hit the streets and B&H Photo sent me one to review it. They wanted to know my honest thoughts on this lens and it looks good on paper. A 12-35 would equal 24-70 in the real 35mm equivalent world and with a constant fast aperture of f/2.8 it would make it extremely useful. Much like the $1900 Nikon 24-70 2.8. Problem is the price is $1299 which I find to be a tad overpriced but when I think about it..and what it offers..is it?
The lens has built-in Optical Image Stabilization, it is dust and splash proof like the Olympus OM-D, it has a nano surface coating to reduce flare (and it seems to work), and when compared to something like a Nikon or Canon 24-70 it is tiny though it is still large compared to the Olympus primes.
One can get the Olympus 12mm, Panasonic 20 1.7 and Olympus 45 1.8 for a couple hundred more and get better quality, faster aperture and smaller size BUT you lose convenience and splash proof build. It’s a tough call.
My review will be up soon!
The 12-35 at 2.8 and ISO 1600 on the OM-D in Mono mode
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Dale Photo has a MINT Leica M9 Titanium set for sale at $26k
I noticed that Dale Photo has a Leica M9 Titanium Set for just over $26k. For those wanting the most ambitious M9 camera from Leica here is your chance!
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Don’t be angry…be happy! What this site is about…
What this site is about, in case some of you have forgotten….
Man, like I always say..TIME FREAKING FLIES! We are now in August and I have realized that there have been a surge of guest articles here in the recent moths. I have also noticed that with the increase in traffic there has been an increase in those negative and bitter people who like to trash others work for the mere reason of being mean and rotten.
When this site was started over 3 1/2 years ago it began as a place where I would write about my experiences with cameras and lenses. Being a guy who has a true passion for photography I wanted to have a place to write down what I felt and then share these thoughts with others who were like me as I realized there were many just like I was..those who enjoyed cameras and gear but also loved to document things in life. In many ways, just keeping a record of your life.
I never considered myself a full-time “Pro” photographer nor have I really ever attempted to be a full-time ‘Pro”. I have taken jobs here and there at the rate of 2-3 a year and that was it. I realized while ago I would much rather do what I do here than run around shooting photos and doing jobs I was not passionate about. We only have one life on this earth and while I am here I plan to stay happy and do what I love to do.
My photography was always and still is mainly about my family and my life. Like many of you who read this site, I enjoy taking photos of my family, my friends, my trips and travels and I have taken over 100,000 images in the past 10 years. I have a record of my son growing up from age 1 all the way through today at age 16. I have memories from my past, my present and will also have them from my future. Almost 90% of these images are never shown here but some make it into my reviews, which have always been of a personal nature anyway.
The day my son Brandon received his mega zoom from Amazon..he was so excited until he saw how crappy the quality was!
To me that is what photography is about – preserving memories. We are not all in this to take street photography shots showing a man walking out of a shadow with one foot off of the ground trying to emulate a Bresson shot, or a woman being surprised by a flash in her face. We are not all in this to go shoot weddings or events. We are not all in this to be the best portrait photographers or landscape gurus. We are not all in this to be technically perfect photographers because how boring is that?
Many of us enjoy this as a hobby. To take photos of our daily lives, our family… and yes, even our beloved pets. It really saddens me when I see someone who gets up the courage to write a post or a daily inspiration to share their images..that THEY are proud of only to have a few bitter people knock them down with insults. My site is not a place for that and I would rather have those people just not be here. Period. It amazes me how many bitter angry people are out there with seemingly nothing better to do but knock others down. Nine times out of ten these commenters never share or show their own work and that says it all right there.
Not every photo posted here by myself or others is going to be a technically perfect work of art, or even close to it but what they will be are photos that the photographer took for a reason, with their heart and with the intention of capturing that one moment they have seen..and are proud of. It makes them happy and that is something that goes a long way in this life.
So the bottom line is that my site is here for me, for you and for any and all who have a passion for photography. A passion for creating memories. A passion for capturing the moments we can easily forget as time passes us by. It is not for those who come here to be bitter jealous or angry or to belittle or trash talk others. I am going to start getting more strict with the moderation of negative and trash talk comments that serve no purpose at all. If you want to criticize then do so constructively otherwise your comment will be deleted. This site is for those who like to get a camera and just shoot! You may not know all there is to know about photography and that is OK..as we can all learn, even the “Pros”. The fact is that no one knows all there is to know about photography and no one can create a perfect image that will please everyone. Just not possible. The key though is that the person doing the shooting is getting satisfaction and joy from the process, and part of that process for some is sharing.
The rules have been posted on this site since its inception…
The Rules…
Since this site has been growing there have been quite a few comments on many of the articles. When you leave a comment anywhere on this site you must follow three simple rules:
- Keep it clean. Not only in language but with SPAM. No foul language, no SPAM, no links to commercial sites. If you want to advertise, e-mail me.
- Keep it relevant to the post. If a post is about a Leica lens, do not write a comment about a Canon camera or my various grammar mistakes
- Be civil. No fighting, no name calling. I hate it when people start posting garbage and calling others names or putting someone down or arguing about equipment. Let’s keep it civil and professional. Personal attacks will NOT be tolerated.
that I will get to testing this week as well!
Hi I am so glad I found your site, I really found you
by mistake, while I was researching on Bing for
something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like
to say thanks a lot for a tremendous post and a all round interesting blog (I
also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the moment but I have book-marked it
and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read
a lot more, Please do keep up the excellent work.
Hi Steve, love your site, keep it up, and concur with 99.9999 % of all previous posts. My pappy told me if you don’t have anything good to say then keep it to yourself.
Wylie
Thanks Steve, you run a great website :).
Thanks Steve for not only a terrific site but for setting the line in the sand. Reading abusive and hostile negative comments was starting to turn me away. I just can’t be bothered to scroll through all the crap to find some worthwhile critisism or praise….and what ever happened to guidance and advice ?.
Keep up the good work.
Hey Steve
I thank you for a wonderful site and your effort to suatein the enthusiasm and content of your passionate journey. I have been a mainly silent follower of your site since you began it way back way then – in fact even before your site, when you were posting stuff in the Leica DPR forum and can attest for the continued passion and honesty that you have sustained for so long…. I think people like you never ever give up the passion that you have for both life and this bewitching craft and art that photography is to so many of us that visit your site on a daily basis
Peace and Love to you and yours
Jorge
PS. I too am very intrigued and consumed by the concept of the MM … have also one on order. As for the Kiev trip you are planning or thinking about, I would be very very honored to go with to experience Chernobyl in a photo essay … how/when? I was recently on an assignment in Kiev, but sadly had to abandon my planned day-trip there as I was confirmed on another urgent job in Spain… grrr… have to “make hay” while the going is good.
Thank you for a great site,again thanks for all your hard work for us.
Hi Steve,
Just wanted to say. You have done a hell of a job with your website. This website is a wonderful journey you have undertaken and thank you for making us a part of it.
As for some people and their negative comments, I would simply choose to ignore them.
Trust me, there a thousands of readers who appreciate your work, but as we all know sometimes we don’t say “Thank you” enough 🙂
Keep up the good work
Different opinions are OK with me. I do learn from different opinions from time to time and I appreciated that. But once hatred emotions are brought in the happiness of visiting this site disappeared.
Hello Steve,
I almost always look at your site…I totally concur with all your comments.
People are negative in their comments, to my mind, have a very low sense of
self…….For me negative comments are a comment about themselves; not the individual (or their work)
that they attack.
Obviously, I am a fan of your site and will always support it, irregardless, of the people of a negative
nature.
Best wishes from British Columbia,
Bruce
Steve, you made good points about people bashing others on this site. Personal attacks are never a good thing but sometimes some people here are way way way way too sensitive. I mean, there is a big difference bewteen bashing someone and bashing or disliking a camera. There are some (and they know who there are) who won’t allow anyone else to criitcize a camera because they feel it’s some kind of personal attack on themselves. This leads to a chippy reply that starts alot of the
“beefing”. Some people should chillax and realize that if someone says the camera they use or like sucks, then where’s the real harm? It’s just a camera, after all. And all cameras suck if you use it for purposes it was not meant for..there is no perfect camera. Heck, I use sucky cameras, I don’t care if someone else tells me that, as long as I can do what I need to do with the camera I have, I could care less what another person thinks. It’s usually the camera snobs IMO that start alot of the bickering here, with their biased generalizations about how this camera and that camera can only be the ones to do whatever. Talking about cameras should be fun and cameras should never be taken more than just a tool or a toy. In the end it’s just a device.
Thanks a lot, Steve, for a great site that you see many of us enjoy hugely! I am convinced that a stricter policy with regards to rude remarks will only strengthen your site. Most of your faithful readers appreciate the lively discussion, the myriad points of view, and the jolly good company of the Steve Huff Community. Outpouring of frustration, anger, arrogance spoils that atmosphere. As an editor you have every right to cut away incendiary remarks, like the remark about assault weapons, which sadly high-jacket the whole debate on black and white film, an incredibly fascinating topic.
I am also grateful to your contributors for submitting interesting articles and photos that the rest of us can discuss – and garner some insights in the process. They should be rewarded by a mix of constructive criticism and praise.
If the woman on the picture above is your girlfriend from Chicago, I think we all can understand why you didn’t have time to post an article this weekend.
By the way, it’s my day off. I am drinking a beer, writing on my fourth unpublished novel, hoping the soft guitar of BB King wafting though the loudspeakers can aid the creative process. Above, a police helicopter is circling the neighborhood, passing over my roof very closely. So they are on the hunt for criminals (I am a Norwegian living in Mexico). On the table is a Contax G2. I am seriously considering going into film. Which is why the discussion shouldn’t have been about those weapons.
Vegard Hasselberg
Keep up the good work Steve!
Haha, I remember when my work on your site got butchered by a lot of people. You can’t let it get to you if you truly love what you’re doing. Everyone will have their opinion and criticism. My best advice to people is that if you are willing to critique someone’s work, be prepared to give constructive criticism….otherwise just keep your mouth shut. This also goes for people who like to send compliments. Say what it is that you like. Don’t be afraid to be specific. That way you will start a constructive discussion and weed out the people who don’t know what they’re talking about.
Cheers!
Hello Steve,
Photography has been my hobby for more than 40 years. I have been reading your site for over two years now and you seem to have become a distant cousin. My wife normally asks what is the news from cousin Steve just fearing that I am going to buy a new expensive lens.
Now for some angry and envious photographers who have posted unacceptable comments on your site I quote a german proverb: ” Neid ist dem Menschen, was Rost dem Eisen” ( envy is for man what rust is for iron). So, gentlemen, keep shooting without envy for other people’s work and gear or you run the risk of rusting away.
Keep the good work up.
Best regards from Lisbon, Portugal
Artur Colaço
I think Gordon said it best, I have also been a little discouraged lately. Posting your own work takes a good deal of courage, constructive comments are one thing, trashing someone is another. I thank you for this site and your dedication to the JOY of photography.
Hi Steve,
I’ve only been a visitor for a while (this is my first time to comment) and I’m loving your website, your approach to reviews, and I guess your philosophy as I begin to get a glimpse of it from your articles. Your review of the Sony DSC RX-100 made me pull the trigger (just a couple of weeks after I finally got the Fuji X100). During the last couple of weeks, I’m beginning to doubt whether I should continue visiting your site, all because of those negative comments that I’m really glad you addressed on this post. Now that I know how you feel about it and set on addressing it, I guess I’m here to stay! God bless your work, your passion and your family!
Thank you for putting your foot down on commenter abuse of your contributors. Inviting people to invest time and energy contributing to your blog free of charge is one thing–after all, they get free exposure on one of the most popular photo blogs on the Internet. Expecting contributors to do this at the risk of unmoderated insults and personal attacks from some of your commenters is quite another. Frankly, if you believe a contributor’s work is of such low quality that it would attract more negative comments than positive, perhaps you should do everyone a favor and not publish it.
That said, please continue to allow respectful, well-reasoned critiques and suggestions for improvement. Most of us are mature adults who should understand that being critiqued is a reasonable risk to expect for exposing your work and opinions to the public. Thank you for caring enough to make a great blog even better.
Best wishes,
Gordon Lewis
Agreed Gordon. Btw, are you *the* Gordon Lewis ala Shutterfinger out of interest? 🙂
Cidereye, I don’t know if you know this but if you click on the name at the top of a persons comment box it often leads to a persons website. . .in this case you are correct it is Mr. Lewis of Shutterfinger. Thanks for leading me to click on his link, excellent site I may have never found if you hadn’t said anything!
Thanks medsRX, did not know that.
I’ve been a follower of Gordon’s blog for some time now and as you say it’s rather good.
Steve, you’re right.
There were several times in the past when I didn’t like a submission and said so. Never insulting and no trash talk, but I’m now going by the advice my parents gave me, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.” If I don’t like somebody’s pix, I’ll just not comment.
I just retracted a Daily Inspiration because I didn’t think it was good enough, and I’m working on a better one. If, when it’s posted, there are only 3 comments, then I’ll know 2 things. Other people adopted my rule…. and nobody liked it!
I really don’t like the other reviewers that carry on endlessly about 200% this, and “processing engine” that. It’s nice to read about how it actually is to just use the camera, and if you simply liked it or not.
For what it’s worth, I subscribe to a photo magazine here in France, and they reviewed the Monohcrom, and absolutely loved it. They thought it was expensive, but said it’s an incredible camera.
I get what you are saying as regards critique but if something is just so clearly not right in your eyes are you in fact doing even more harm by not posting it?
To illustrate, if I am driving along the wrong road and to sheer cliffs I would only be too glad for someone on said road to politely flag me down and correct my poor navigation and on the correct road to safety and ultimately my ongoing journey.
But obviously – There’s critique and then there’s impolite harsh trashing of somebody’s work. One is positive, the other is total poison!
When is it not right for a photographer to share his work and enthusiasm? Many contributors are fairly new to photography and sometimes it shows. Inexperince is not a fault requiring correction. It’s ‘Daily Inspiration’, not ‘Critique This.’
Oh I completely understand your point Max and the titles you are right with too of course.
But as some ancient proverb might have said aeons ago – “If one drops one’s trousers in the middle of the street don’t expect passers by not to stare and make comment either positive or negative over what they have just viewed.”
Thanks Steve,
Over the past few weeks I have noticed the bullying surfacing amongst the comments. Your Daily Inspiration was starting to lose its purpose. I hated feeling like I needed to defend the authors. Thanks for straightening this out.
As a beginner, I draw a lot from from your site and community. It has helped me immensely.
Cheers. : )
I’ve never posted here before as I don’t think I usually have much to say that would benefit others. But, just wanted to add an ‘Amen’ to your thoughts on self aggrandizing people who leave ‘comments’.
Your site, as opposed to many others, is one where I can usually subconsciously relax due to the general air of enjoyment which exists here, and lack of pointless carping. This is one of the reasons your site is so enjoyable.
And, as another poster mentioned, if people had to use their real names when making comments, the conversations would be much more like real conversations among friends and less like unhinged graffiti.
Thank you for the site.
Hi Steve, good idea with those simple rules. I’m also looking very much forward to your D4 and 808 review.
Thanks for a great site 🙂
I really appreciate you curating the user posts. After the unnecessary blood bath of Anand Asar’s “film look” article I have been struggling with my affiliation of your awesome website. I understand that there are film purists who insist that if you don’t inhale developers and fixatives you are losing the art of photography.But this point of view can be expressed without snide and personal assaults on the author. Thanks for stepping in to stop the madness. The word of the day is civility.
Right on, Steve! Be happy! It takes little effort to be civil.
Curious to hear more about that 12-35.
Thank you for your site, Steve, I’m sure you speak to a lot of people, including me with your honest approach! People commenting really should remember that photography means a lot to the people doing it. It is an escape maybe, but certainly an adventure into seeing the world afresh and more clearly, the way the photographer would like to.
As you say, no, not everyone will be happy with any particular approach, let alone with any image, but they should show some respect for what the creator is trying to achieve and at least appreciate that many approaches are possible and not only their own view is valid. That’s basic post-modernism, so get a life, people, or better still, find your own one hat most certainly in loves appreciating others!
So thanks again for your emphasis on effort, inner reward (satisfaction) and freedom from trying to be technically perfect with every shot. For me photography is a great liberation, which gets me round the world and appreciating the spaces near me all the more. Being able to share the images with others is a massive bonus and I am very thankful to be Internet for that.
Keep up the good work, you are appreciated!
Gideon
BRAVO Steve!!!
Talking about 12-35 f/2.8 for MFT : $1299 is still pretty steep for a 24-70 f/5.6 full-frame equivalent.
i get what your saying but i dont think you can really compare FF to 4/3 lenses like that anymore, couple it with the OMD with its outstanding image stabilisation and you have at least 4-5 stops advantage, I’ve heard of people hand holding the OM-D for a 2 second shot and it turned out fine.
Great post. The negativity towards the poor guy posting about ‘getting the film look’ depressed me. I enjoy this site because it has a personal feel to it and feels like a supportive community.
+1 The negative comments on that particular post made me seasick ….
Kris
Steve,
Thanks for firmly re-stating your site’s policy re abuse and inappropriate comment. Regrettably it needed to be done.
I love the openess of the site and the passionate, constructive criticism and useful advice: certainly as a film-based pro in the advertising sector through the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s I’ve learned a lot… and it’s been fun.
Sadly and increasingly, I feel, the negativity and tit-for-tat ‘name-calling’ and school playground comment has recently put me off.
It’s a pity you had to put on the boxing gloves, but you get my support.
Keep up the great work!
Brian
Great post Steve – I’m a long time lurker and I too have been a bit dismayed by some of the more recent negativity in the comments. This isn’t algebra, there isn’t a right or wrong photograph.
A nice quote about cookery, another art form, from Marco Pierre White – which applies to anyone who thinks that they have mastered any art:
“Nine out of ten English chefs have their names on their chests. Who do they think they are? They’re dreamers. They’re jokes. Just ask yourself how many chefs in this country have Michelin stars and how many have their names on their jackets. We all wear blue aprons in my kitchen because we’re all commis. We’re all still learning.”
I fully support your comments Steve.
Constructive criticism offered in a polite & generous manner is cool but sadly a lot of things that have been posted recently are rather mean-spirited.
A cool guy with cool cameras, a cool site and cool sunglasses. That’s just cool! =o]
Really looking forward to seeing your 808 review!! Please test it Black and white as well, as you do a really good job with Black and white photos 🙂
pretty good
Weekend Challenge A can of spam at forty paces sounds
Steve,
Have really enjoyed reading your work since discovering your website; I believe it was the Leica X1 review. Been reading your website ever since. You do good strong work! Courage!
Stay Hard Steve!
-J-
Hey Steve
Love your site and you have my full support regarding the internit bullies that so often ruin a good discussion or forum.Im really enjoying the majority of the community that has arisen around this site and really look forward to your words and the daily inspirations
Stephen
What is that lens that has a secondary use for being a personal protection device? lol. Is it a mirror based 800mm or something?
Well, I have a couple of comments. One: Please, Nikon, give Steve a D4 for a long term loan. As you know, Nikon, Steve Huff has such a huge following, it would be in your best interest to support him. Two (different topic entirely): I understand what you say Steve about negativity but may I present a counter argument here? There are so many blogs and forums where if someone gives an honest critique about something, it is considered a moral wrong. I can’t stand this. If a photo is sub par, I don’t see anything wrong with saying that it is. In fact, we can all learn something from other peoples mistakes. There is a fine line between being mean and pollyannaish. It is blurry.
steve did say “If you want to criticize then do so constructively otherwise your comment will be deleted” so you can still do that, there is just no reason to bag the crap out of someone. i think thats the point that steve was trying to make
Thanks David. I welcome all constructive criticism! I just do NOT welcome the comments that sneak through occasionally with string personal attacks like “you suck so bad, go back to photography school” – or “you know nothing about photography, these are the worst shots I have seen”, or this one…”your mom must be proud she gave birth to such a shitty photographer”. Yes, these are all comments that have attempted to come through at one time or another. These are the types I am referring to.
Wow. Thanks Steve for shedding more light on this situation by posting those comments. Yes, absolutely, unforgiveable.
Wow! Seen some pretty insulting posts at times, which are bad enough, but the sort of comments you listed Steve are well out of order. Very sad.
Thanks Steve – you really, honestly, sound like a nice guy. Not pretentious, not full of yourself and definitely not above yourself.
I appreciate all your articles, and you’re a big reason I started shooting again.
Thank you.
Honest and well spoken Steve! You have such a great attitude 🙂
Well written Steve,
i am reading your site (and the old one as well) for long years now. I love the daily inspirations, and of course they are not all my liking, and the “professional quality” differs quite strong, but thats exactly the point, why I love them. Its the broad range that lets you get a deeper look into someone others photographic eye and how he tries to capture the world around him, from hobbiist to pro, old to young, US to asia. The “bad commenting” syndrome is a modern disease. Some people don’t come clear with the superpower the Internet and Google has given to them. They see some photos, google some better, and comment they are crap because they have seen some better a couple of seconds ago, and they argue with everything they googled about composition, right tools for the right job, technical stuff, the art of photography from past to now, … and they are in the strong believe, that they would take pictures like the better ones, if they have time sometimes, or the right tool, at the right location, with the right light, …or whatever excuse they find, why no one could ever comment their work, because it simply does not exist. The web 2.0 is built on the passion of creators, artists, bloggers, daily projects, hobbiists, crazy ones,… and this will always bring out the envy of the “better-knowing-never-doing”
Well said !
People, here, focus more on the gear than on their skills…
This is the Web 2.0 era : you think fast, you act fast and you move on. No more time to analyse…
The best photos in our history were taken at the beginning of the 20th century with small metal boxes loaded with film…
Well, there are plenty of photographers who would disagree with you. Uumm, Cindy Sherman, Andreas Gursky, Gregory Crewdson, Francesca Woodman… just to name a few.
Agree with that Kaïs, but I don’t think that is just particular to photography in our 21st century web 2.0 generation. I think many people focus far too much on the tools instead of the art in many other hobbies and or arts.
Looking back at so many of the photographs taken by the greats early last century we often know very little about how certain shots were taken or conceived and little about what equipment used. You know what? I really don’t think that’s such a bad thing, if we concentrate more on the objective instead of the tool or brand of tool used we all might actually enjoy the art a whole lot more. 🙂
Hello Steve,
Well said. This blog is my daily inspiration and I hate to read all these negative comments from a bunch of frustated people. I felt always sorry for the posters how has the courage to share their lovely pictures to us. I am glad to read that you will banned those frustated idots.
Have respect for everyone and treat them at the same way you wil be treated. DECENT
Keep on going Steve, your website as I said already, my daily-inspiration for photographic moments.
Cheers,
Robert. ( The Netherlands)
Hi Steve. You will be amazed by the Nokia 808.
This little guy puts the 5mkII to shame when it comes to detail.
I’m only using my Nokia N8 for photos since 2 months, letting my X100 on a shelf, and the results are impressive.
You can check the photos on my (french speaking) blog : http://kaisdebali.blogspot.fr/
My Nokia 808 should be delivered from Germany this week.
You should add in the rules that ONLY the photographer makes the photo, NOT the latest gadget-super fast AF-camera…
I really enjoy your website and your amateurism : you use the camera, no charts, no measures, only real feelings.
But, since some months, it’s becoming like an allready seen movie in the comments :
the same : “amazing”, “fantastic”, “unbelievable”… when it comes to the Daily Inspiration…
Before using such words, people should have a look at Salgado’s, McCurry’s or Natchwey’s work.
It’s just boring to read the same “oh, the IQ of the X200 (M10, GX2) will be amazing !”
I didn’t know that Fuji’s or Leica’s engineers were posting here…
Come on guys, since Leica announced the MM, you have discovered with and black ? Are you serious ?
Please Steve, take some time and explain that they DON’T need to take a mortgage to buy a MM they can’t properly use…
My two cents only.
Anyways, keep up your excellent work.
You’re a hell of a reviewer !
You make Some excellent points, but just a note: I believe one point of Steve’s OP is that we don’t have to be a Salgado or McCurry to move certain people. All art has a subjective element to it and thus a seemingly basic picture of a cat may speak to someone much more than the works of our heroes. Two of my favorite photographers are Daido Moriyama and Ari Marcopolous, their work speaks to me but I know people whose opinions and art I respect who absolutely hate these guys, that’s the subjective side of photography.
But you are totally right, the camera does not make the photographer. . .but the right tool in the right hands can make wonders!
Thanks! And you have some great images!
Thanks for the nice words.
Of course, photography, should I say art, is subjective, and I respect that.
But let’s use the right word to describe our emotions.
I’ve seen some great photos in the Daily Inspirations, not amazing or never seen before.
Maybe I’m too french… (a French would say : Pas mal… (not bad) an American would say : Amazing ! Unbelievable !!!) 😉
Touche’ . . . We Americans are the kings of hyperbole:
Its not a pretty good sandwich. . .its the the best sandwich I’ve ever had in my life!
Hahaha.
But keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing your images on Flickr.
Thanks as always Steve!
As for the muppets in the background who have nothing better to do than hang $#£% on people or their equipment and photographic efforts, you and I and the majority don’t need them. Their commentary is offensive and detracts immensely from the otherwise pleasurable experience of a daily visit to your site (and many other sites). That said, here’s to all those who set out to inspire, bring joy and are generous enough to share, including your kind self, as without such we don’t have the site at all.
Cheers from down under!
Gary
Steve,
Love this article. I follow your site daily and am glad to see you will be “cracking down” on the haters! I like to read people’s comments for further insight into equipment and such and it very draining with all the trolls that waste everyone’s time. Please don’t let them bring you down and keep up the great work!
Steve, I too really agree with you on this. Just this morning I was reading a couple of the remarks re your pic with the new Pana zoom lens and shook my head wondering why people would care to be so negative.
Thanks for your post on negative posts! You folk that have been doing this, (you know,who you are), if you have nothing constructive to say, you can always vote with your feet and go elsewhere!
Keep up the excellent work Steve.
Best regards
Simonjx
Steve… I know we all have taken a bit of advantage of you over all this time in regards to seeing the next update, review, etc… As much as we want MORE, I think I can speak for most of us in saying that your insights, commentary, site hosting, etc… Have benefited all of us with the same illness – love of photography. Do balance family and personal time. Keep having fun !
Hard to believe I have been following your site for so long I don’t remember when, but it was either a Nikon review or the GF1. If my memory is not playing tricks with me it was around the time you changed your website.
I truely enjoy your writing and you have made me buy a couple of cameras I would not have bought haven’t I read about your enthusiasm for them. Like the RX100. I’m not that much into the technical stuff – it’s how the camera feels and handels that matters the most to me, and you seem to pretty much point out the right stuff:-).
Also, I noticed your point about not everyone being into to street photography. For a while I have been a little confused about my own photography hobby. I like nature, landscape, wildlife and traveling/documentary photography (particular what tells a story), but I also like smaller cameras. I often get the feeling that many people that are into these rangefinder styled cameras only shoot “strangers in the street”. I love the memories of my daily life, things around me and loved ones, that I capture with either camera. And I love looking at other’s photos.
Thumbs up Steve! Most of my favorite sites and forums have fairly stringent commenting policies and a site as useful and real as yours absolutely deserves the same. The internet is a parallel to the real world: freedom of expression? Absolutely! But when in someone’s “house” it’s only common sense to respect their rules. Anonymity is no excuse for crude, rude and unglued behavior, despite what the other forums may lead people to believe.
Thanks Steve! Keep it up!
One way to reduce the amount of personal attacks in comments is to require that people register with and display their real name when they post. People tend to be more civil once there’s a level of accountability. It’s those who hide behind aliases who are more likely to be insulting or indulge in online bullying.
I don’t know if it would even be possible with the way your site works for you to require people to register with their real names. And there’s never a way to 100% guarantee that someone’s name is their real name. But it is possible to be reasonably sure that most registrants are using their real name, and I think if you could change your registration process to make people more accountable you will see an immediate and significant drop in abusive comments. Just my two cents.
For myself, I no longer use a nickname when I post comments on any site, nor do I engage in a dialog with anyone who hides behind a nickname.
good point, everyone has a face book and or Google account, set up the page similar to how Robin Wong has his, make it use your FB or Google account, he allows anonymous but you could always leave that out.
Hmmmmm. . . Interesting point. I’m guilty of using a nickname, in my case Its my stage name (i’m a rapper and producerl) and if people were to Google it I would pop up (hope that didn’t come across as ladida! LOL). But I wonder if its poor form for me to use it. It’s just what I’m used to. . . I’ve been called Meds by all my friends for almost 15 years, its almost my real name. But my mom and fiance call me Joseph. LOL!
One of the best articles I have ever read. That’s why I love this website.
Thanks – you’ve been maintaining your personal playground with incredible open-mindedness, candidness and above all, humour and p-a-t-i-e-n-c-e!! Keep it up, and, as others have said above, let the nasty remarks just go like water off a duck’s back! Do realize that some people simply aren’t happy unless they’re being miserable about something or someone (or both!).
Your mini-reviews do give some much-needed weight to the “touch-and-feel” and other subjective aspects of using the gear being reviewed – this is 2012, and most of your semi-intelligent readers I’m sure can sniff out the MTF charts and eternal comparison pictures of wine bottles and dead flowers in countless sites online!! By letting us understand your shooting tastes, it helps me at least grasp what you’re expressing about the gear, and even when I might ultimately disagree because of my different needs or constraints, your input is coherent, makes a lot of sense, and is appreciated!
Cheers, Steve!
—gerry
Thanks Steve for working to keep things under control.
The reason I drop into your site a few times a week is to get some information and look at what other folks are doing (good or bad). I visit a lot of sites and participate in very few because of the behavior your trying to control.
So “hats off” to you Steve and the viewers and participants that keep it light, when I click to close your window I want to leave with a little more knowledge/insight and a smile.
Thanks Steve,
this was one of the best, angriest, smartest and, most importantly, personal posts yet on this site. Keep up the good work and I truly wish that you won’t have to ban anyone. Sadly though, you probably will..
/Nick
Thanks Steve.
H
I usually don’t read the comments, but I noticed this behaviour when the Nikon V4 review was posted with many GREAT street photos, i don’t remember who was the reviewer/photographer, but all the pics were genuine smart street photos, still they were bashed by some. I don’t get this mechanized “high-art” gallery mentality…
Anyway, thanks for the reviews, all the contributors who help us choose our equipment and save some money.
I appreciate your work on the site Steve. Don’t let a few angry folks ruin the the bunch who see this as a fun and not too serious place to get and share info on the hobby. Keep doing what you’re doing Steve!
Hi Steve,
I love your site, just because you’re honest about reviewing the gear you get to try out. I also hate the negative remarks people make.
Keep up the good work and alwasy be postive.
And I do like the Daily Inspiration post. It’s not all to my liking, but not all my photo’s will be liked by others.
But much off these posts are an inspiration to me.
greatings from the Netherlands
Erica
Hi Steve! I just want to give you my support. Love your site! Have fun and keep up the good work! Greetings from Norway 😉
Same here! Keep up the good work and get stricter with the bashers out there 🙂
As a recent visitor to your site I have really enjoyed the daily inspirations but become dismayed by all the negative responses.
Thank you Steve for clarifying the common courtesy and respect that is due to all who post on this site and particularly those with the passion to share their love of photography with others.
Have to agree here, ban the bashers as well as the trolls. 🙂
What I really enjoy here is the open opportunity to share and view others efforts/work in a non-threatening env. I still think there is a place for constructive criticism that is gracefully delivered, but until we get past the angry folk looking for places to vent you have to be strict.
Steve, your collaborative site has fast become a fave of many that do this simply for the love of it.. don’t let anyone mess with your forumla 🙂
Thanks Steve and guests!
I totally agree with the above comments! Respect to you Steve, well spoken!
You got all my respect and support!
Greetings from Belgium,
Kris.
(ps: how about that Paypal donation button :-))) )
Have fun, Steve, and thanks for the update. I have heard from a reputable source that M Monochroms may arrive as soon as late this week or next, but I don’t really have my fingers crossed, as Leica typically goes on holiday through all of August, making a production cycle of meaningful volumes of the camera low, at best.
They can’t wait too long, for fear of clouding any Photokina announcements, right? LOL…I am sure they have their own game plan…as any M10 or S3 won’t see shelves for a few months, in my estimation…