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Just Wondering?


wilfredo

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I no longer own any Leica film cameras. I'm pretty much sold on my Leica M8, but I do keep some old film cameras around for nostalgic reasons, two Nikkormat FTN's and a Kowa SETR2 (the first SLR I ever owned back in 1971). I loaded the Kowa with a roll of film today and felt a strange excitement. Excitement about what I would capture, knowing I wouldn't waste any frames. I can't describe the feeling but I'm wondering if anyone else experiences anything similar with their film Leicas, especially if they haven't used them for a while?

 

Cheers,

Wilfredo

Benitez-Rivera Photography

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Wilfredo,

 

I started with digital then felt the pull of film and because I have the glass to go on it I got an MP. Now I shoot more film than digital, develop and scan my own film both 135 and 120 MF (I have a few vintage film cameras now) and enjoy photography more. This may not be true for everybody because it is just a hobby for me but I have noticed a trend of people going through the same process you are.

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Wifredo,

 

To my amazement I bought a Bronica 645 and catch myself having some of the fun you described. So perhaps it should be like that: changing systems sometimes to get your blood flowing.

 

I have been using my M8 mostly, but in a similar thought, I started grabbing my Digilux 3 now and then. For fast work I have small Lumix. So now, sometimes , I walk with all four, as you never know ... :)

 

Marco

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I think there is something to be said about the feeling of anticipation you get from film since you can't take a quick peek to see if you got the shot. This gives you something to look forward to. If you captured what you were hoping for, the gratification and feeling of relief is indeed greater.

 

Looking at my old cameras I marvel over how such machines could be made? I think we are rightfully impressed by all the new technology, but the old technology is equally awesome. How did they get all those parts to perform a dance in synch with the photographer's eye????

 

Cheers,

Wilfredo

Benitez-Rivera Photography

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Wilfredo, I could hug you! You have put into words far better than I can the simple joy of film photography. Get that M2, my friend, it will reward you every time you pick it up.

 

Funny how so many who embraced digital wholeheartedly are feeling the pull of film again!

 

Go on...

 

You know you want to...:D

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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Guest darkstar2004

I get a bit giddy every time I head out with my MP.

 

Not so much with my Nikon gear; seems that shooting with Leicas is somehow just more rewarding, relaxing & enjoyable.

 

Isn't that what image making is supposed to be about in the first place?

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Grain seems to be the biggest appeal in B&W film photography. Back in the day before digital Tri X was my favorite film. I suspect this is still the case with most and perhaps Ilford HP5 a second close. What remains the favorite among the film loyalists?

 

On another note, I'm wondering why the M2 seems to be preferred over the M3? Is it because it is the more Classic Leica M?

 

Chris: I'll follow your advice... maybe.... unless a really good deal pops up... no, I better stick to your advice.... I'm staring to miss my MP... I read about the M2 frame lines... seems perfect for me since I have a 35, 50, and a 90... I'll be strong!

 

Cheers,

WiIlfredo

Benitez-Rivera Photography

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On another note, I'm wondering why the M2 seems to be preferred over the M3? Is it because it is the more Classic Leica M?

 

Chris: I'll follow your advice... maybe.... unless a really good deal pops up... no, I better stick to your advice.... I'm staring to miss my MP... I read about the M2 frame lines... seems perfect for me since I have a 35, 50, and a 90... I'll be strong!

Benitez-Rivera Photography

 

M2 v M3 is lens preference, 50 and longer the higher magnification M3 wins for a 35 it's the M2. It's a tactile thing, it just feels right. I tried a BNIB black paint MP and my M2, I had with me, was smoother in operation. Give the MP 50 yrs and it'l be OK no doubt. (Mine has a recent CLA). Above all the frames. The viewfinder is less bright on direct comparison to the MP but the pure frame lines are the best. It sounds so trivial but it is pure pleasure not having those other frame lines floating about. (and tempting you to change a lens and loose a shot). Be strong ;)

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Just pick up the M3 or M2 and be done with it.

 

If you can afford an M8, the cost is negligible.

 

They use the same lenses.

 

The M2 and the M3 are far superior cameras because they take real pictures.

 

Not that I have any strong opinions about digital, and even if I did- I would never think of expressing them.

 

Digital is nice. So are Polaroids and 110 Instamatics.

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Wilfredo I have thought about buying another M6, M4, M2 or 3 lately but it was just 6 months ago I sold all my film Leicas because I never picked them up and if by chance I did the film I shot with them would sit for weeks before I got around to developing it.

If I bought one again I'm afraid the same thing would happen after 1 or 2 rolls.

I still have a Pentax film SLR but haven't even thought of getting it out of the closet.

Try sticking a 256 or 512 MB card in your M8 and walking around with it. That way you only have about 24 to 48 shots and see how that feels.

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I think there is something to be said about the feeling of anticipation you get from film since you can't take a quick peek to see if you got the shot. This gives you something to look forward to. If you captured what you were hoping for, the gratification and feeling of relief is indeed greater.

 

I very rarely look at the shots I take with my M8's until I load them on the computer. But if you do then you know from the start you got, or didn't get the shot you were thinking of. With film you never know until it is developed and then you have 2 feelings to deal with, joy that you did get it or sadness that you didn't. And there might not be a chance to re-capture that moment.

Back in the 1970's when traveling from France to England I took what I thought were some great shot of the white cliffs of Dover only to find I had lost that roll of film somewhere in my travels through England or getting back to the USA. Boy was that a letdown.

 

 

Looking at my old cameras I marvel over how such machines could be made? I think we are rightfully impressed by all the new technology, but the old technology is equally awesome. How did they get all those parts to perform a dance in synch with the photographer's eye????

 

Cheers,

Wilfredo

Benitez-Rivera Photography

 

Yes they were a marvel of human design, engineering and craftsmanship, especially Leica M's and there rangefinders.

Good luck with whatever you decide to to do.

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This is getting really difficult. Like a lot of us on this forum I suffer from Chronic Leica Attachalitis (CLA). It's not too severe in my case but it keeps me attached to Leica one way or another since it began with a purchase of a Leica M6 for my 46th birthday 6 years ago, time flies.

 

The M8 remains my favorite tool and my only Leica. But if I were to purchase an M2, it would be for people shots when I would specifically want that "film look." I'm thinking I should just shoot some film with my old SLR's for now to see if I can get it out of my system before embarking on a quest for a Leica M2. I'll try that but I recognize the symptoms here, and I still love the old classic stuff, and the photography surrounding it. I shall be strong!!!!

 

Cheers,

Wilfredo

Benitez-Rivera Photography

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