As a published street photog, we not talking about voyerism, were talking about not attracting bozos with "oh what lens is that"...

Also as a film photog, Leica lost their use 40 years ago... A couple old heads still use them in the field, but as the article says the cost does not justify the product anymore (except the glass...) but! Hell if they make a profit! That company is a loss leader and propped up by all of Leicas other offerings...

Haha, oh no, I'm in this picture. Last week I saw a guy with this massive lens and while walking by I said something like "Damn, that's a cool lens!". Okay, I'll file this away into the same class as "Rubik's cubes? Oh I just take the stickers off and put them on the same face" or whatever people say.

Look most people are kind. I'll chitchat for a moment... but yeah- if I could avoid gawkers... I mean FWIW much of my work is about people living on the fringe, on the road, or end of society. I spent years touring just living with people like that. You become one of them and "gawkers" are just that.

Im being reminded there was a name for this, Gonzo Journalism. But I see why in todays world people would confuse it with voyeurism.

The article is talking about photographing candid scenes in a public place while blending in, not covert spying.