LenihanKeeney868
The Leica M7 As A Lasting Masterpiece Of Electronics
The world of electronics has opened up incredible potential for photography but just as the nook cannot replace the smell and feel of a real book, there is still little to compare with a compact 35mm. Of course, these days they've become modernized with digital functions but what counts is the quality of the result and, in these terms, 35mm format is the classic that will continue to be a favorite for many years to come.
The world of photographic lenses only had a true beginning with Carl Zeiss AG. Ernst Abbe was the very first person to use scientific principles to further lens design. Before him, cameras were created according to a lengthy system of trial and error. Some of the most crucial history of lens development was based on the designs that used optical paths based on Abbe's principles. In a sense, he is the great grandfather of photography.
Because of Abbe, the chromatic and spheric aberration were borne, as were the astigmatic and apochromatic lenses. In the beginning of lens design, people believed that resolution was the most crucial spec for cameras to uphold. Zeiss AG initiated an increased concentration on contrast used together with resolution to achieve sharpness. The difference between images that use resolution alone and those that use contrast as well are revolutionary.
Leica lenses have continued the tradition of true image quality by taking extreme care with the design of every product they launch. As a result, photographers await the new lenses with the kind of bated breath others await the second series of a television show with. New M series bodies, for example, only arrive once every generation.
During 2002, Leica released the M7 as a complimentary version of the M6. It was not made as replacement but instead to enhance what had already been achieved. Offering only one new function is rare for any company dealing in technology but this is what Leica did with the M7. Reliably, the M7 was a masterpiece of electronics.
The only single new function the M6 provided was aperture priority autoexposure. This was no mean feat. Aficionados of traditional photographic equipment don't separate easily from their discomfort of all things automated. The change was a little risky for the market even though no other brand's product was without autoexposure.
Few were applauding the addition of automatic exposure prior to the camera's release but that wasn't going to prevent die hard fans from trying out what they had waited a generation for. The presence of autoexposure introduces the need to know more about shutter speed. An LED display was added for this.
A dial controls the exposure compensation, which is electronic. This means an additional battery is needed but the important facets that photographers adore are still present. The cloth focal pane is identical to the first Paleozoic. This was chosen purely because there was nothing better. While the market was ready to receive autoexposure, they were not ready to separate from the focal pane.
Ultimately, a camera is there to take great pictures. That is the reason the 35mm has stood the test of time and why Leica has held onto its good name. The M7's end result is superb. Handling it is easy since little has changed in that regard since the previous version. Users have had 500 years' worth of Leica cameras to become acquainted wit--the M7 handles the same way the M3 did.
The shutter is only automatic in terms of speed control. Other than that, the shutter's mechanism is identical to that of the M6. This is technology that has earned its name for ultimate reliability when placed under the most severe conditions, so this is a great advantage. The electronic mechanism does contribute to a more silent functioning.
Leicas are excellent machines for photojournalism shots. Their compact size, silence, range finder and ease of use are all ideal for those shooting on the go. Autoexposure adds to their perfection in this regard. Now focus can be a task to eliminate for even simpler use so that no shot ever passes one by.
The M7's autofocus feature is far more accurate and quick than manual. There is little reason not to use the automatic feature. Diodes can be manually matched easily so ultimately, die hard traditionalists needn't be put off by the addition of this feature.
Because Leicas stand the test of time in a world in which digital photographs fail to live up to the task, it's possible to obtain the best at lower prices. In the world of electronics, internet vendors make purchase far more efficient. Second hand Leica M7s are best searched for online. Price comparisons can be made easily and widely so that the best deal can be found.
