Any Leica Group Here in Singapore

[EK Yeo]

Hi Friends,

I bought myself a Leica M9 and some lens about 1 years ago.
And never got to gut to really try it out as I find very much difference from my Canon SLR 1D or 5D.
Need to know if there is group out there for Leica friends where I can learn from and over-come my fear of change.

I read a lot of good things about Leica but practical is quite different game.... Any good advise from Leica friends

Roger

 

[kaxdd]

You can always join the RFSG group to learn from the best RF people.

Here's the Facebook page and website.

 

[bmann]

Just start shooting?

 

[EK Yeo]

Hi Bmann

Not really, being using SLR Cam for awhile.
From 5DM2 to 1DMIV. Just not use to RF manual and slow focus....

 

[kaxdd]

I guess by limiting yourself to only using your M9, you will learn faster. Moreover, it is a digital camera, so you can afford to trial and error. We all have to get out of our comfort zone somehow. If you insists on "not used to RF manual and slow focus", then you will never get used to it because your mentality has already decided on so.

Like bmann said, start shooting and you will learn to appreciate the joy of manual focus RF. Makes you appreciate taking your photos instead of just machine-gunning every shot.

 

[Vittra]

Watch some YouTube videos on how they do it - street photography

 

[maxilite]

your probably not used to the RF focusing mechanism thats y you'd think its "slow".
RF and DSLRs are a whole different ball game.
RF is all about settings, hyperfocusing, working around limitations of a camera. DSLR is everything made easy: just compose shot and press shutter.

comparing RF to DSLR is like comparing a manual car to an auto car.

Like someone else who posted earlier, you can ownself practice or approach rfsg ppl.
But not everyone in rfsg uses a leica. they can still teach you a lot, if your humble.

leica is just a brand. not an auto god mode camera. there are leica RFs, and there are leica DSLRs.

(i'm sorry i pre-judge, but mentioning leica, looking for 'leica friends' and the way you write gives me the impression that you think leica can do godly/wondrous things and auto makes you an elite grp of ppl. your wrong.)

 

[maxilite]

Watch some YouTube videos on how they do it - street photography

imo, at his current level (unfamiliar with the rf focusing mechanism), landscapes would be more appropriate. probably can't focus fast enough for street. unless he practices hyperfocusing.

 

[Srono]

your probably not used to the RF focusing mechanism thats y you'd think its "slow".
RF and DSLRs are a whole different ball game.
RF is all about settings, hyperfocusing, working around limitations of a camera. DSLR is everything made easy: just compose shot and press shutter.

comparing RF to DSLR is like comparing a manual car to an auto car.

Like someone else who posted earlier, you can ownself practice or approach rfsg ppl.
But not everyone in rfsg uses a leica. they can still teach you a lot, if your humble.

leica is just a brand. not an auto god mode camera. there are leica RFs, and there are leica DSLRs.

(i'm sorry i pre-judge, but mentioning leica, looking for 'leica friends' and the way you write gives me the impression that you think leica can do godly/wondrous things and auto makes you an elite grp of ppl. your wrong.)

Take it easy bro why so serious

Yes, EK Yeo, join us to have fun. Doesn't matter what you shoot or how you shoot

 

[bmann]

Try zone focus, i.e set aperture to f8, and depending on which lens you have, look for the two markings indicating '8' on the lens barrel, place the infinity symbol above the '8' on right. Take a look at the number on the left, above the '8', it'll tell you the minimum distance that will be in-focus until infinity. Any object within this range will be in-focus, including the background (since aperture is f8). This technique works best with wide angles i.e. 35 and lower, as wide angle lenses have a deep depth of field.

Set the proper ISO and shutter speed and there you go. A point and shoot cam

Also, with the 'quiet' shutter of the M9 (as compared M8 or most DSLRs), you can go pretty close to your subject unnoticed.

 

[bmann]

Agree that RF is totally different from DSLR, since you have to set everything on your own from ISO, Aperture to Shutter speed, focusing etc, however that's where the fun is and frankly speaking, you'll actually learn so much more as compared to using a DSLR, not bashing DSLRs, as I do have a Nikon D700 which I use for occasions where I need flash or long lens (read as very seldom).

The thing about RF is, once you use, you'll never need more than one or two lenses. Slap on a 35 cron, and most likely that's the only lens you ever need (apart from the different versions of 35mm lenses i.e. 35 lux pre-asph, 35 cron bokeh king, 35 lux FLE etc) .

Anyway, just start shooting, that's the fastest to learn.

 

[crispy12]

1) Check exposure off the back of your hand (point the meter at your hand, lol! iPhone meter works too)
2) Set shutter speed and aperture (if just starting out use f8 or f11)
3) Set the focus, or just guess
4) Take photos!

I think shooting with RF can be even faster if you know what you're doing. Never any focus hunting, which is so annoying when you just can't take a photo because the AF is zooming up and down.

 

[EK Yeo]

Hi all

Appreciate all your encouragement.
I do understand not all RF is Leica made that I may had insulted non-Leica guys, my apologies for wrong choice of wording used.
But honestly, you guys are great for giving your frank opinion. Yes, taking it out to shoot maybe the best option I have now.

 

[kaxdd]

Just shoot more and you will learn to love it.

 

[Royale With Cheese]

Will take some time to get used to the RF focusing.

Bottom line, the RF will never be beating the DSLRs on the market in terms of shooting speed.
Think of it as an enjoyable camera that is small & compact to use around for enjoyment.

 

[jonathan17]

Will take some time to get used to the RF focusing.

Bottom line, the RF will never be beating the DSLRs on the market in terms of shooting speed.
Think of it as an enjoyable camera that is small & compact to use around for enjoyment.

+1

and I was mesmerized with the look of the camera, its so damn beautiful! such a joy to use and capture memories





and if theres no Leica group yet maybe we can make one ourselves, just saying, it would be great to learn from the masters im sure there's alot here in CS.

 

[Cactus jACK]

2 of the best ways to learn would be i) go out and shoot more, and ii) chat with others on how they "RF". these 2 can come together in organised outings / shoots, and if i may suggest, Thaipusam 2014, which will be held on 17 Jan 2014... just around the corner. unfortunately, i will be out of town at the time.







I'm sure some of you would have already taken pictures during past Thaipusam celebrations, but it can be a different experience with a RF camera. you guys should see if you can get a small group together. Pls just be mindful and respectful that this is a festival of devotion, and not just another "photo opp".