I wonder if the M users on this forum strive to be manual in other areas of their lives? Does the Leica "gestalt" flow into other areas of your lives. Or is this a case of being "idiot savants" only where M camera usage is concerned.

For example, I drive a car with a manual shift (Saab 900SE), and would never consider an automatic. If I could afford it I would be sitting in a AMG Benz. In the US it is mostly the European imports that can provide the joy of driving, and the manual shifters. There is a rush to be attained from the process.

However, I use automatic technology where there is no other option. I don't cook on a wood stove but use a gas range.

By the way, I have learned a lot from this forum. I particularly like the Peter Hughes and Mike Dixon portfolios. Why don't others also share their work? I will when I build up a critical mass of pictures that can withstand the armchair Barnacks here. I've only had my M6 for one month.

Thanks again to all,

-- Sikaan (Sikaan4@aol.com), January 14, 2002

Answers

For example, I drive a car with a manual shift (Saab 900SE), and would never consider an automatic.

Same here. Manual shift over automatic with cars. Manual over auto- everything with cameras. Unix over Windows/MacOS on my servers at work. Maybe I am just a control freak? :-))

-- Alexander Grekhov (grekhov@wgukraine.com), January 14, 2002.

Thanks for the compliment and an interesting question.

I don't use an M6 anymore--I've switched to an R8, which I often use in fully manual mode. I also have an EOS Elan 7, which I use for my commercial work, autofocus all the time. I use a Hassy 2000FC/M-- totally manual there. I drive a 5-speed--an old Jeep that I dearly love--though my next car is probably going to be automatic. And I moved away from the darkroom and started to print digitally about 18 months ago.

I used to have an EOS-1v but all the technology sapped the joy of photography from me. I find the R8 to be the perfect blend of old and new. And, of course, the Canon glass doesn't even come close to the naturalness and sheer beauty of images I get from Leitz lenses.

To sum up, I guess I'd have to say that I try to blend the best of all worlds.

-- Peter Hughes (ravenart@pacbell.net), January 14, 2002.

I don't drive a shift, but then I don't own a car (when I do, however, it's usually a rental & they usually only come in automatic in the U.S.)! I have no problem using automation in photography (Kyocera Contax G2, point & shoots, etc.) when I feel it's necessary or preferable.

-- Chris Chen (Washington, DC) (furcafe@cris.com), January 14, 2002.

Yeah. My car has a manual transmission (don't ask). The M6 of course. The clincher though is my Brillpush lawnmower, its made in Germany too.

-- jeff voorhees (debontekou@yahoo.com), January 14, 2002.

Manual in other areas? Sure, where it's appropriate, or better, or the only choice. I drive a larger car with an automatic transmission, even though earlier sports cars were all stick shifts. The view cameras - even more manual than the M6. The Nikons, however, often get used with auto-focus, and sometimes even with auto-exposure.

I like the lack of automation on the M6 because it encourages a different approach to photography - a different way of seeing that with the Nikons. In that sort of mental environment, manual is the only way to fly - particularly in "available darkness" realms, like this shot recently at the mission in Carmel with a 50mm Summicron DR at f2.

-- Ralph Barker (rbarker@pacbell.net), January 14, 2002.

I don't necessarily like "everything manual" but I don't care for automation without control. I have no problem with aperture- or shutter-priority auto, or even "Flexible Program", but I never use the full-auto modes. I drove a standard back when they had only 3 gears and the shifter was up on the steering column. Nowadays, 5 or 6 gears and steer one-handed while rowing a floor shift? No thanks.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), January 14, 2002.

My Jeep: Automatic

My Truck: Manual.

Leica M's, Minox, Hasselblad, & Rollei TLR: Manual

Leica R4, Nikon FE2's, 8008: Automatic with manual option.

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), January 14, 2002.

My cameras are a IIIg, R3, Rollei 35 and Chantel (my wife) has a Braun Paxette. I VW Jetta with 5 speed. A Rolex (the special edition Leica manual watch for Chantel). Cook with gas rather than electric, and though I use the computer for this kind of stuff I write about 6 or 7 letters a month to various friends (yes I use a fountain pen for these). I have a full digital darkroom (high end Agfa duo-scan and Epson printer) that I use strictly for promo stuff, otherwise all my printing is done in the darkroom. If I could be a luddite I would ;-)

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), January 14, 2002.

A very interesting observation. I usually have my R8 in manual mode although Aperture priority is used on occasion. I frequently rent a car with a stick shift (usually in Europe). My endoscopic surgeries are done manually (Olympus fiberoptics). Yes, I guess that I value the manual approach!! (8>))---Albert

PS. Please, no doctor jokes!!

-- Albert Knapp MD (albertknappmd@mac.com), January 14, 2002.

I drive cars with manual shift and shoot with a Leica M, but I also shoot with a Canon EOS IX, a Fuji GA645 and would not hesitate one instant to drive an Alfa Romeo 156 with Tiptronic transmission. I build computer systems for a living too ... automation is just as valuable as manual operation in many many cases.

BTW, Mac OS X *is* UNIX underneath and you can use a telnet terminal to do whatever you want on your server as well as run Microsoft Office on it...

-- Godfrey (ramarren@bayarea.net), January 14, 2002.

As an architect, all my working drawings for contractors are done on computer, but the original design grew on tracing paper with felt-tip pen. Design tends to be spontainious and flexible, so the freedom of "manual" sketching keeps the creative juices flowing.

-- Pat Dunsworth (pdunsworth@aryarch.com), January 14, 2002.

I access the web with an abacus. ;o)))

Art

-- Art (AKarr90975@aol.com), January 14, 2002.

I prefer manual control, in fact I always do things the hard way! I have three children - and before you ask, standing up in a hammock ;-)

-- Ray Moth (ray_moth@yahoo.com), January 14, 2002.

Come to think of it I am quite manual.

My car is manual. I prefer using my bicycle whenever possible , no kidding. Like to walk too.

My gardening tools are manual.

I refuse to carry a handphone or a pager.

I cut my own hair using a pair of scissors.

When I chipped my teeth I filed it back with a diamond file !

-- Yip (koklok@krdl.org.sg), January 14, 2002.

Sikaan,

I think most of M users appreciate mechanical precision and eshew planned electronic obsolesence. As for me:

Car, don't have one (travel 100%), I rent; prefer manual, want an Alfa

Bike, completely manual, no auto-shifting infomercial junk

watch, automatic, but completely mechanical. still going strong after 22 years.

HI-FI - LP's

Colt Python - SILK

-- Chris Chen (chrischen@msn.com), January 14, 2002.

My watch is an old self-winding Omega Seamaster Automatic (so I can still ask patients "can you hear my watch?") and I use a Waterman fountain pen. I print in a wet darkroom, but fell for the Heiland Split Grade system.

-- Hans Berkhout (berkhout@cadvision.com), January 14, 2002.

Cars: Toyota Tercel, 5sp. Subaru Outback Wagon, 5sp. Don't laugh, I can haul all the kid and camera stuff and still pretend I'm Sig Blomquist!

Cameras: Korona 8x10 (not much use of late), Ricoh TLR, and Leica R4ses. Oh yes, I use my wifes Rebel 2000 in full auto somtimes to take pictures of our 16 month old son sprinting in the playground.

Other stuff: A mix, although I'd love to get a New Kubota 4wd diesel tractor for my ranch! Anyone got 20K they can loan me?

-- JDR (jrivera@vapop.ucsd.edu), January 15, 2002.

It's funny that other than photography, I tend to automate everywhere and use techonology as much as I can most of the times. As a matter of fact I have a BMW car that has manual shift as well as fully automatic plus a sport mode. I use mostly the automatic and frequently the sport mode. Only occasionally I use the fully manual mode. But when it comes to photography, I always stuck to manual. One of the reasons could have been that I felt getting full control is easier thru manual camera than with the automatic ones. They push me into taking pictures without thinking much first, which I hate.

-- Mallik Kovuri (mkovuri@gtemail.net), January 15, 2002.

> manual shift

Yep, me too. Also, back when I was a boat bum I didn't have a motor in my sailboat; it died so I gave it away for a mooring anchor. You'd be amazed what can be done when the wind quits with a pair of fourteen-foot oars, anchors and the tide.

Was I dumb or what.

-- John Hicks (jhicks31@bellsouth.net), January 15, 2002.

I have a friend who wouldn't buy a car built after 1971, but he did finally break down and get a 20 year old truck. He really liked my Leica when I showed them to him.

As for myself, I do seem to prefer manual control. My cars have always been manual, and even when I use Nikon D1s or F5s I always use them on manual. Although I do like the "popcorn" option on my microwave so I don't have to manually set the correct time.

cheers, john

-- john locher (locherjohn@hotmail.com), January 15, 2002.

Interesting, recently I just started thinking selling my automatic Mercedes and lease a manual small car. Is that from the more frequent usage of my manual Leica these days?

Also, if you count tube amplifier and turntable as "manual", then I'm in!

-- Fred Ouyang (yo54@columbia.edu), January 15, 2002.

Of course a manual shift. And what else but an ///M3! I trained as a tool maker. I appreciate craftsmanship and attention to detail.

-- Hil (hegomez@aol.com), January 15, 2002.

Thanks for the kind words, Sikaan. I suppose that, in many respects, my lifestyle is more "manual" than most.

The cameras that I have with automatic modes generally get used in manual mode.

My current car is an automatic (short shifting a diesel engine is no great thrill, anyway), but I usually ride a motorcycle when the weather allows. Not only do I shift the gears, but I also get to control the front and rear brakes separately, and toss my weight around to help control the vehicle.

For cooking, I mix things in bowl or chop stuff up with a knife (no food processor).

And, if it counts, though my stereo is solid state, my guitar amps are all tubes.

-- Mike Dixon (mike@mikedixonphotography.com), January 15, 2002.

Gosh I wish I could that...

-- Tony Rowlett (rowlett@mail.com), January 15, 2002.

Some lovely pictures on this thread. I too enjoy manual cars especially classics - in theory - but drive a newish one. I also have an autobike and a French Motorbecane moped which is decidedly alternative. And I'm looking for a classic watch, but not sure what kind. I just like the style. I am impressed by some modern technology -- I enjoyed being lent a Nikon Coolpix for example -- but I reckon the old should be integrated with the new, rather than just being replaced every five minutes.

-- David Killick (dalex@inet.net.nz), January 15, 2002.

My bicycle is manual, but my computer isn't.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), January 15, 2002.

My cameras are manual ( M's ). I drive a manual shift pick-up truck. I do use the electric start on my motorcycle. This year I finaly bought a snow thrower after 20 years of shoveling snow. We get a lot of it here in New Hampshire. We live on a lake and we only use a canoe. I am a machinist by trade and still make parts on manual mills and lathes a couple times a week. And I still prefer to do my printing in a wet darkroom.

Steve

-- Steve Belden (otterpond@tds.net), January 15, 2002.

Nobody drives Auto cars in the Uk,except old people and the disabled!

My car-Volvo 850 T5-manual Nikon F5 and F100-always in manual modes.

-- Phil Kneen(Isle of Man,UK) (philkneen@manx.net), January 15, 2002.

Tony - still tongue-tied?

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), January 15, 2002.

I guess I'm kinda a MANUAL guy too.

I drive a MANUAL 2001 Corolla

I use MANUAL M cameras (although not exclusively as per my Canon digital postings)

I have a turntable setup with a MANUAL tonearm

I read many MANUALs at work everyday...

...but above all that...

I use a MANUAL Gilette Sensor Excel in the morning and occasionally a loafa sponge that I MANUALLY exfoliate my back with.

Someone should write a MANUAL on leading a proper MANUAL lifestyle someday. It might be a best seller like "How to crap in the woods" is at the local Nature store.

;-)

-- John (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), January 15, 2002.

Yeah, except how to crap in the woods assumes you'll be driving to the camp site with a digger and soil-testing equipment - not very MANUAL, although it's a good MANUAL.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), January 15, 2002.

John - it's already been done. It's a book put out by 'The Lead Pencil Club" (yes it really does exist. A tongue in cheek book about living in todays society with the minimal use of modern conveniences. As a note they will only accept letters written with a lead pencil - a hoot that is well worth reading.........

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), January 15, 2002.

Bob,

What is the website adress for the "Lead pencil club"? ;-)

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), January 15, 2002.

Cars - all manual transmissions, and all manual windows and seats too.

Cameras - Leica M's (manual of course), Twin lens Rollei's (manual), and Nikons (manual or at least used as manuals).

Exercise - (manual), weights (no machines), road work... on the road (no treadmils).

Shaving - (manual) blade and cream.

Sex - (manual)... I hate my life.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), January 15, 2002.

"Nobody drives Auto cars in the Uk,except old people and the disabled!"

Errrrr? What an odd statement!

For the record I have a 20 year old Landrover with four (very manual) gearlevers.

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), January 15, 2002.

I ride a track bike to work, which is more manual than a regular bike, if that makes any sense. Oh yeah, I use a manual toothbrush, too.

-- John (johnfleetwood@hotmail.com), January 15, 2002.

Giles, I think he means with automatic gearboxes...

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), January 15, 2002.

"Sex - (manual)... I hate my life. "

Proof that manual is more reliable... ;-)

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), January 15, 2002.

Rob, yes I know - but it's a strange sort of generalisation!

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), January 15, 2002.

No it's not odd at all.....nobody in the UK drives a car with an auto gearbox...what's odd in that statemment?

-- Phil Kneen (philkneen@manx.net), January 15, 2002.

You having a Landy with a manual(very manual?)gearbox just strengthens my statement.....surely?

-- Phil Kneen (philkneen@manx.net), January 15, 2002.

Phil, I'm confused - you said "Nobody drives Auto cars in the Uk,except old people and the disabled!"

and now you are saying "nobody in the UK drives a car with an auto gearbox"

What happened to all the old and disabled people?

The reason I found your original statement odd is that it simply isn't true!

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), January 15, 2002.

Auto car-automatic gearbox.OK? How many people in the UK drive a car with an Auto gearbox? not many.You even have to take a diffrent test to drive an auto(automatic gearbox).

You seem to be taking this very seriously considering this is a Leica forum.

-- Phil Kneen (philkneen@manx.net), January 15, 2002.

Not really old boy, just thought I would verify your comments - got to look out for a fellow countryman, what?

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), January 15, 2002.

My truck's got stick shift, but only 'cause it was cheaper. And I wind my watch rather than sticking in batteries. And also, I've got no microwave nor food processor (hey, there's no room -- I print in my kitchen). And the cameras? Even those with auto modes get used on manual 90% of the time.

-- Douglas Kinnear (douglas.kinnear@colostate.edu), January 15, 2002.