The title for this post sounds like it might be somewhat cool and hold some insights.  I think it might disappoint as it’s just some ramblings from a rambler and probably not too coherent at that.

Apparently, the best camera to have is the one that’s with you.  I guess there’s some truth to that.  However, what I’ve noticed is that I shoot differently depending on what I’m using.  I find with a DSLR I’m somewhat haphazard with my shots.  Composition is straight forward as I’m viewing through the lens and there’s autofocus.  I don’t really take the time to think about what I’m shooting.  This leads to taking way more frames than needed and thus a high percentage get discarded.  Although in my case even these shitty ones are kept.  I’m a hoarder.  It’s not good.  I needed to change my workflow.

I’ve recently switched to a Leica M8 and this has forced enabled me to change the way I photograph.  The two main differences for me are the composition of the shot and focusing.  Composing through a rangefinder is a different kettle of fish compared to a SLR.  With my SLR, what I saw is what I got.  Easy.  With my rangefinder, I’m still trying to get used to composing within the appropriate frame lines.  Sometimes what I’m capturing is not what I want.  This has proven to be good and bad.  The other issue is that I now have the chance of getting out of focus shots and it’s difficult to shoot moving objects.

So, with the Leica I shoot differently.  More thought goes into most shots.  Composition, lighting and angles are ever more important and my subjects are more people and randomness.  I’ve only got a Summicron-M 50mm f/2 on it and so far it’s proven to be a rather enjoyable lens.  Sometimes there are situations where I’d like to “bring” the subject closer but most of the time I just move myself.  People don’t seem to mind when a rangefinder is pointed at them and more often than not I get asked if I’m shooting film.

My post processing is simplified as well.  I try not to crop too much but sometimes this is unavoidable.  I’m not a fan of dodge and burn.  Having cool affects on a photo is not what I’m after.  because of this less complicated approach and taking less shots I find that I’m a lot happier going through my photos and editing what I want and discarding (yes, actually discarding) the rest.