Court Likes Leica

[Benjamin Marks]

I came across this quite by accident (sigh, doing research on a Sunday). Who knew?

Vermont Rule of Appellate Procedure 35(c)(2)

"Not more than one still photographer, utilizing not more than two still cameras with not more than two lenses for each camera and related equipment for print purposes shall be permitted in any proceeding. Such cameras shall produce no greater sound than a 35 mm Leica "M" Series rangefinder camera. The photographer shall be positioned only in such location in the courtroom as shall be designated by the Chief Justice. To the extent possible, that location shall provide access to optimum coverage."


Ben Marks

[peter_n]

I've been working on a side project that involves being close-up to people in public and taking their picture while standing right beside them. The only person who noticed the Leica so far was a blind person. They are definitely not silent but they are very quiet.

[Brian Sweeney]

That is interesting. It's off that they did not cite a noise figure in dB heard at a specified distance.

So I could use the M3 or Retina IIIS, or the other fixed lens RF's. The Pellix is louder than any of these, closer to a Canon 7.

[wilt]

Guess I would have to leave my Hasselblad 500C at home.

[oftheherd]

Don't take you Pentax 6x7 to court. (But I could take my Mamiya Super Press 23 if I wound the film slowly?) Actually I'm not to sure about that. I agree with Brian. Perhaps the judge is also a Leica user?

[Jason_K]

When I was still in school - and newspapers still used film - one of the papers I interned at had a Leica kit specifically for use in courtroom coverage. They used EOS-1N bodies for everything else.

[wilt]

Perhaps the judge is also a Leica user?
Judges, doctors, dentists.

[raid]

This is interesting to know. Maybe now they will add a Hexar AF camera as acceptable too?

[Benjamin Marks]

Ha. I don't think that the judges are saying that you have to use a Leica. . .they are just setting a standard for noise levels. Raid -- no doubt that a Hexar in silent mode would pass the test. Now convincing the Bailiffs . . . that's another story. ;-)

[shutterflower]

That is hilarious. Leica is special.