Mr. Scott's Leica history begins from the Leica M5 that he transferred as a memento of his wife's uncle. The rugged body whose edges shine in a dull color attracted him. And, its precision, feel, and weight overlapped his Walther in the picture. I see. It's very Scott. Even though I don't know much about guns, I still can understand why he feels so. There must be many people who were fascinated by Leica's appearance, feel, and precision.
He used to shoot films, but as the photo laboratories closed down one by one, he started using the EPSON R-D1s. When he once visited Japan, he asked me how I like the Leica M9. I forcibly passed my Leica M8 to him so that he can try it as much as he wants, saying "If you don't stick to the full-frame sensor, you'll like the M8 for sure." Later, he acquired his own M8 and he has been using it since then. He says he likes the resolution of lowpass-less sensor and the quiet color reproduction that is unique to Leica.
Mr. Scott is a true street shooter. He likes Leica because it has necessary and sufficient function for shooting in a compact system. He mostly uses the M8 on a monopod (that is connected via the quick release shoe) and shoots without looking into the viewfinder in order to take candid photos. Of course, this helps to reduce camera shake He uses the quick release shoe so he instantly can switch to vertical position whenever it's necessary. He has tried many monopods and he encountered his favorite Manfrotto's model which extends by squeezing the trigger handle and locks in position by releasing the handle.
His favorite lenses are the Summilux 35mm (1st) and the Elmarit 28mm (1st). He has many other lenses, but he mostly shoots with the two lenses. This is because he likes the angle of view of 35mm lenses. Anyway, they are both masterpieces. They're heavily used, but in excellent working condition.
He likes gadgets very much, so he has many cameras and lenses. But, he uses them and knows their characters. The lady seen behind him is Ms. Sheila Boughten, the President of Tozai Inc. and his longtime partner.
Scott Tsumura
Lives in Bellevue, Washington, USA
Executive Producer of Tozai Inc.
-Postscript-
I can't feel anything but gratitude for all his warm hospitality to show me around Seattle for all seven days, even though I suddenly asked if I could visit him. For this article of "Rangefinder People," I was planning to focus on his equipment, but I had to digress because I really wanted to spotlight him as a person.
What impressed me was his choice of equipment. They are chose just because they are necessary. Of course, it's also because he likes their rendition or how well they are made as products. However, he doesn't seem to feel attached to them. It's just that he uses them in practice. How cool is that!
Mr. Scott is of course deeply involved in his profession as well. Tozai Inc. plans to establish a Japanese subsidiary to further expand their business. He wants to keep working at the forefront and has no intention to live in comfort. His heart hasn't changed since he started to run.
>> Mr. Scott's blog " shot & shot "
>> Tozai Inc. offical website
