M8 in IRAQ- A US Soldier and his Leica go to WAR

[Sailor Ted]

I just found this photog on flickr- check him out and follow what will likely be some true Leica grit.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/70355737@N00/

http://www.flickr.com/people/70355737@N00/

[JohnM]

Is he using an M8 or a D-LUX?

[Sailor Ted]

He is currently on his 2nd deployment with an M8 on the way. Soon we'll be able to compare this to his M7 shots on Kodachrome.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/leica_m...7594557922816/

[reagan]

Thanks for the link, Ted.

[jaapv]

Interesting-There have not been many conflicts that Leica has not covered for the last eighty years. It appeals to my sense of tradition. I wonder how he will cope with the dust.

[KM-25]

Originally Posted by Sailor Ted

He is currently on his 2nd deployment with an M8 on the way. Soon we'll be able to compare this to his M7 shots on Kodachrome.

His Kodachrome is either from pre-1995 or got really hot, it is terribly magenta. So not really any comparison to be made. Properly exposed Kodachrome in good shape will give the M8 a run for it's money and often exceed it in terms of overall detail and resolution.

[KM-25]

Originally Posted by JohnM

Is he using an M8 or a D-LUX?

Kind of misleading title huh, no M8 photos to be found.

[Andy Aitken]

M8, D-Lux, K'chrome, whatever - illuminating pictures.

[Socke]

poor boy. I for one wish everybody could take pictures of family and friends and pubs at home without any conflict anywhere.

[jaapv]

Originally Posted by Socke

poor boy. I for one wish everybody could take pictures of family and friends and pubs at home without any conflict anywhere.

The only way to end war is to confront the world with it until each and every human being is utterly sick of it. Leica should engrave this guy's M8.

[Andy Aitken]

The search for this guy's M8 is a bit like the WMD thing all over again.

Well at least the M8 actually exists now, I suppose...

[iml]

Originally Posted by Andy Aitken

M8, D-Lux, K'chrome, whatever - illuminating pictures.

Exactly. Looking at those pictures, the first thought that comes to mind isn't about what camera he's using to make them.

Ian

[Nachkebia]

I have stooped flickr ing through cameras and lenses and it feels so good now
BTW I opened the site, scrolled scrolled and finally chose picture which turned out film

P.S. I would love to go to shoot reportage in a war zone!

[ywenz]

Stellar images. I'm surprised he has time to look around and compose shots while riding around and keeping themselves alive. All the power to the guy.

NO M8 shots at all in the gallery. M8 en route he says ..

[rsl]

Originally Posted by jaapv

The only way to end war is to confront the world with it until each and every human being is utterly sick of it. Leica should engrave this guy's M8.

Don't hold your breath waiting for this to happen, Jaap.

[rover]

There is enough to talk about the quality and merits of these photos without including political commentary.

No harm no foul so far, but let's stick to photography.

[Sailor Ted]

Originally Posted by KM-25

His Kodachrome is either from pre-1995 or got really hot, it is terribly magenta. So not really any comparison to be made. Properly exposed Kodachrome in good shape will give the M8 a run for it's money and often exceed it in terms of overall detail and resolution.

How do you suggest he keep that film refergerated and fresh in the Iraqi desert? Perhaps you can send him some of your personal stash as a contribution to the Kodachrome project.

[rsl]

Originally Posted by Nachkebia

P.S. I would love to go to shoot reportage in a war zone!

That's only because you've never been in a war zone. Better hope you never have to BE in a war zone.

[Sailor Ted]

Originally Posted by Nachkebia

I have stooped flickr ing through cameras and lenses and it feels so good now
BTW I opened the site, scrolled scrolled and finally chose picture which turned out film

P.S. I would love to go to shoot reportage in a war zone!

I'm with you on this one- and I'd shoot as much film as digital.

[rover]

Originally Posted by Sailor Ted

Perhaps you should get your Kodachrome Project off the ground and send him some that meets your high standards. While you're at it maybe you can also send him a refrigerated storage truck to keep it fresh? What do you say- do you really want to get that KM project going or not? Better act fast or you’ll have a mountain of refrigeration fresh film and no place to develop it.

Taking another one down the sewer Ted?

[Sailor Ted]

rover,
I am pointing out the obvious to someone who knows better. That some people feel every mention of digital or the M8 is either an affront to there chosen medium or in this case, brand of film, is obvious. That you would call me on this and not KM for his hostel post yesterday is curious.

[rover]

And others who are affronted by any comment not in line with their positive opinion of the M8. The bottom line is that unless both sides here get themselves under control and moderate their own posts the M8 Forum will remain void of useful reasonable discussion. Based on the many complaints about every thread discussing the M8 it is clear that everyone is always wrong and nobody is right.

EVERYONE, If you want to make the M8 forum work, then act in that manner.

[varjag]

Interesting gallery Ted. Some of the shots are very good and really get through. Even more of achievement considering he's a grunt and not a full time journalist.

[.JL.]

Thanks for the link. This is a telling frontline view of the war.

[Sailor Ted]

rover,
You are of course correct except this is not a thread flaming the M8 were I or other M8 owners come in to share our experience to the contrary of some patriot parroting something he heard from another patriot parroting on about how the M8 does this… or….that. Far be it from anyone who actually owns an M8 and loves it to express his or her feelings let alone start a thread chronicling an M8 going to war without some film guy whipping it out and having a go. This is a forum for digital M8 photogs so why defend film Trolls- they have several forums to choose from and they come here after all.

Perhaps as a side its telling that a fan of film is making excuses for his film of choice due to storage issues in the desert. This seems just the environment where an M8 could shine for reportage and not need to worry about how it's film was stored. I am 100% positive that his M8 shots will blow his M7 shots on Kodachrome or any film away. When they do, this will be justification enough for the M8 to surpass its film brothers in an environment exactly suited to the Leica legacy. Of course if his M8 craps out then this too will be telling and give faughter to the M8 detractors. Either way we have an interesting M8 drama about to unfold- and if it significantly outperforms film well then I can already hear the excuses.