Search the Community

Hi. Need to open burnished doublet of Summitar 50mm f2.0 lens, then clean and re-cement doublet. If you like fun projects, this is the Winner!! Leica do I hear you responding? Anyone know of who can do this? Photos of opened Summitar Lens: http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2570890&postcount=54 Note: Tried boiling Front Lens Group to open the outer ring housing containing the doublet. Now, need to CLA lens: reapply anti-reflective paint / front lens coating. Reference: Boiling Lens - http://tinyurl.com/z93tt2b Glass is super clean now - except for the doublet that has white splotches from melted balsam.

...enstanden während eines Spazierganges. Leica M-P, Noctilux f/0.95, Offenblende, LR

Hi everyone, First post. Hoping to gain some insight and see if I could get some advice on an old M3 system I uncovered from my basement after many years of storage and basically forgotten about. I stopped using the camera in the early 90's. I first purchased this camera along with all the accessories in 1971 and enjoyed using it for over 20 years. I was planning on having the camera body serviced, but I am not sure about the lens. Any suggestions and advice would be welcomed. Thanks for reading!

The Leica Elmarit-R 35mm f2.8 could have a very short focusing distance, I recently found it could give some quite nice shots on flowers. I put some other shots at BigBigLens.com - Leica.

Unser monatliches Treffen im "BARCO Cafeteria Bar Cantina im K." (neben dem Badischen Staatstheater) findet am Donnerstag, 03.12.2015 um 20 Uhr statt. Neue Gesichter, digitale, gedruckte und ausbelichtete Werke sind gerne gesehen. Adresse: BARCO im K., Ettlinger Tor Platz 1a, 76137 Karlsruhe Parken ist nur wenige Meter vom Treffpunkt möglich. Adresse für das Navi: Kriegsstraße 27, 76133 Karlsruhe. Ab dann einfach zum Ettlinger Tor-Platz fahren und auf der rechten Seite sind Parkplätze an der Straße verfügbar. ​

(Can I ask the moderators to please PIN this thread so it can stay active for a few months). I thought I'd start a thread of firmware improvement suggestions for the Leica SL. When we have sufficient content, we can send the list to Leica who might consider them for a future update. With a little bit of self-imposed discipline, we might get a useful thread that can influence future firmware updates. So, some ground rules for this thread: 1. Only firmware improvement suggestions please 2. Please don't debate each suggestion, filling the thread up with pros and cons (start a separate thread to debate a suggestion) 3. Explain the purpose or rationale behind the suggestion; why is it important 4. Please don't add little posts like "yes, I want that too". Just click like if you agree with a suggestion Regards Peter

Heute,16.Nov.2015 in der WNZ (Wetzlarer Neue Zeitung) über die LEICA-Akademie Erlebnistage http://www.mittelhessen.de/lokales/region-wetzlar_artikel,-Leica-stellt-sich-Fans-vor-_arid,590310.html

I have started doing street photography a few months ago. My other photos are at BigBigLens.com. Please let me know what you think of my photos.

Watching these conversations about the Leica SL have been instructive and entertaining. How a product launch can release so much passion is beyond me. It's a product. It might succeed. It might fail. The company made its bet and now will see how it fairs in the market. Being a brand new product, the company owes no allegiance to existing customers of any of their other product ranges. So there's no need for the passion. You either like it or you don't. A lot of the discussions seem to revolve around one Question: who are the target customers for this new range? Answer: Me. And, hopefully, a few others... Why me? Foremost, I have always enjoyed quality. It inspires me. Outside of family and work, I only have two passions: photography and scuba diving (and the combination of the two). I've worked hard all my life and achieved some level of success. So, spending some money on quality products to support my passion does not seem unreasonable. For the last 25 years, I have been a Hasselblad user, but, in that whole time, I have only ever used two of their cameras and five lenses. I believe in buying a system and using it for years so that I become familiar with its every nuance and can know how it'll respond in every circumstance. (I realise that in today's world that's not so easy anymore, as product cycles are significantly shorter). But, recently two things changed as I become older. I struggle to carry a huge backpack of camera gear. And my eyes do not focus as well as they used to, taking longer to determine if an image in the viewfinder is sharp or not. For a couple of years, I left the Hasselblad in the dehumidifier and I used the Leica M9 but never did get comfortable with RF focusing - nothing wrong with the system - just took me too long to find the focus. I recently tried the Sony A7Rii. I was very excited at first. Almost there! Light weight, AF, EVF, 42 Mp, almost as many as the 'blad. But the Sony zoom lenses do not match that sensor. Possibly some good prime lenses coming - if Zeiss ever sort out their production issues. But, the Sony cameras just feel wrong. Too much clutter. Too many useless functions (e.g. detect a smile then automatically take a photo). Scene modes, yuk! Buttons all over the place. Symbols that flashes at you in the viewfinder for no good reason. Seems like they are trying to be all things to all people. Yes, you can try to ignore the clutter but that does not appeal to my love of quality and simple design. The Sony A7Rii is not a bad camera and I have taken some great images with it - but it's not a camera you could ever fall in love with - it feels like the camera you own for a year or two until the Sony A7Riii comes along. Then, just as I was stocking-up on Sony lenses and accessories, I heard about the SL. Sounded like it fit most of my criteria. Quality, AF, Weight1, Size2, Lenses3,... 1Yes, you read it right, weight. For me, its weight is a positive. Anyone who has schlepped a backpack with a Hasselblad and 3 lenses around all day will see the SL weight as "reasonable", even with the initial SL lens on-board. 850 grams for a camera body is about right. 2kg for a whole camera system is fine. Solid enough to be stable. Light enough to carry all day. 2The size is right. The Hasselblad was big, really big. But, as it was well designed, I could walk for hours with it in my hand - although it did get a bit heavy with one of the larger lenses on. For me, the Sony A7Rii is too small. My little finger slips off the bottom. The SL is a comfortable size. 3And, what a lens, for 95% of my photographs, that one lens will fit the bill. One body, one lens, one extra battery - total of 2kg - lovely - and light (by comparison to my equipment of the last 25 years). Will I hanker for some primes, especially for portraits? Maybe. Time will tell. So, last week, I went into Leica Store Singapore and touched a Leica SL. That touch was the tipping point. The minute I had it in my hands, I knew that I had to have this camera. Not optional. Slapped down the card and got myself onto the pre-order list. Will this be my main camera for the next few years? I hope so. But, if not, I can always sell it and try something else. I am not all starry-eyed about the SL. But I am excited about the next few months of using this new Leica product to see if will become my new camera system for the next few years. I'll let you know how it works out. Final thought: My advice to anyone who wants to stay angry at Leica for not producing the camera that they wanted, is this: Do not touch one of these SLs. You'll be sorely tempted to ignore all the grumbling, forget about its affordability and slap down your plastic too. Regards Peter http://www.peterwalker.com Quote MultiQuote Edit

Meister Camera in Germany just put out what looks like a pretty official product announcement for the M-D. As far as I can see, they are the first to do so. Check their FB-Page

Hi from the Netherlands! I was using Nikon d70s for 10 years along with my dear Pentax K1000 with 50mm f/1.8 lens. I was in Cuba for 3 weeks with d70s and pretty much happy with it. But the mirror sound started to bother me since it ruined quite a few moments. Also carrying it under 35℃ was not the best thing. So I started to look for other DSLRs like Canon 6D and Nikon D750. A friend of mine recommend Fuji X100T. With the addition of Fuji, it become a total mess in my mind. I read and watched almost all the reviews that I can find. This continued for a month. Then suddenly, I realised that I can look for a second hand M6 for the similar prices. I was not already very happy with the digital (I have no rush to see my photos). Its size, weight and quietness was perfect for me. I found an excellent condition black M6 and a mint condition Summarit 35mm f/2.5 on Ebay. Everything happened in just 4 hours. I knew there was something wrong with the other options (Canon, Nikon, Fuji) because I don't think on buying something that much. And the best thing was it arrived on my birthday Now I am still with the test roll (Kodak Tri-X 400). Today I will send it to a local lab for the development and scanning. I hope light meter and rangefinder works well and do not require CLA. By the way, I wonder if there is any pro lab in the Netherlands (I live in Groningen) that you guys are very happy with the quality of the results. I used HEMA service before, but I am not happy with their color process (bw is more reasonable) Thanks in advance! Oh here some photos of my M6 classic:

Hallo Zusammen, hier in diesem Thread möchte ich gerne Bilder und Adressen von früheren Leica-Vertretungen sammeln. Vielleicht kann man mit Stuttgart beginnen. - Adresse - Jahr - Bild - Viele Grüße und vielen Dank Leica_M9P

Bei der Ersteinrichtung der Leica SL habe ich festgestellt, dass die TL (linke obere SoftKey/Taste) sich nicht individuell belegen lässt. Andere Tasten funktionieren einwandfrei. Das bedeutet, dass nach einer entsprechenden Einrichtung durch längeres Drücken die programmierte Auswahl (bei mir Weissabgleich und Iso) erscheint. Eben nicht bei der TL-Taste oben links. Kennt jemand das Problem ? Für mich scheint es ein Firmware-Bug zu sein. Danke schon mal für Eure Hilfe ?

They say eyes are windows to the soul, cats prove it to be true. Leica M9. Summilux 35mm ASPH. Thanks for looking.

Hello there good Leica people! I'm doing a project in multimedia design regarding Leica products. I'm currently doing segmenting and persona creation, and therefore i need information on you guys, Leica users. What i'm looking for is information such as: Occupation/education Age Sex Opinion on leica products Lifestyle Income(i dont need numbers - just low, mid or high) This information is somewhat personal, so if you dont feel like sharing here ive created a surveymonkey https://da.surveymonkey.com/r/KT38MFN so that you can remain anonymous. Thank you so much for your help!

Unser monatliches Treffen im "BARCO Cafeteria Bar Cantina im K." (neben dem Badischen Staatstheater) findet am Donnerstag, 05.11.2015 um 20 Uhr statt. Neue Gesichter, digitale, gedruckte und ausbelichtete Werke sind gerne gesehen. Adresse: BARCO im K., Ettlinger Tor Platz 1a, 76137 Karlsruhe Parken ist nur wenige Meter vom Treffpunkt möglich. Adresse für das Navi: Kriegsstraße 27, 76133 Karlsruhe. Ab dann einfach zum Ettlinger Tor-Platz fahren und auf der rechten Seite sind Parkplätze an der Straße verfügbar.

Der rote Punkt

I know that the banding issue has been discussed in the past, but my searches have lead me to mostly high ISO concerns. This is different, and hard written into the file. Only happens at 640 and is not reproduced by trial and error. any thoughts?

OK, Leica you are so generous to offer us free license of Adobe Lightroom with the purchase of a Leica M (type 240)...But with the upgrade to Lightroom 6.0, then existing Leica owners are stuck, no upgrade???!!! We start paying for upgrading??? Whereas if you buy "now" (i.e: after the release of LR6.0) a Leica M (type 240) body then you get a complimentary license of LR 6.0!!!! Mmmmm....Can't understand the logic!!! Anyone can please HELP to explain the above or maybe I am missing few facts...Tnks

Leica Q - After only 10 days i have this "problem" on rear Screen Display LCD. The Screen clicks when lightly pressed like its not glued properly. Problem is mostly on center and left side. https://youtu.be/UYRKpRCBy_E In the first days screen was ok, i have used Leica sporadically in this period and only for test's shoots in home; so no intensive. I don't know if is a normal plastic noise, but in my opinion it's strange that during the first days it was ok. Opinions or experiences !?!

So, as you may know, my M9 went to Leica for sensor replacement almost 2 months ago. 2 weeks ago, I got an email from Leica telling me that my M9 is shipping back to me. I couldn't pick it up until early this week though. Cleaned, Tightened, button plate lock was changed as it was loose and sensor was cleaned not replaced as it seems spots seen on it were dust not corrosion Now, the camera feels like new again, sensor has 0 dust at f16 and I'm so happy having it back as I've been missing it a great deal. Didn't had the chance to shoot with it yet "raining non stops here" but couldn't resist this scene at our kitchen yesterday upon lunch time. This is fresh mediterranean tomatoes and cucumbers. anyone ?

Hi Guys My first post here on the forum. I have been a long time rangefinder user; I recently upgraded to the Leica M-P Typ 240 and needed some advise. I am not a professional photographer but I do take it seriously and enjoy it quite a bit. My main styles of shooting are street and portraiture. My current kit is an Epson R-D1 with a 40 Summicton, 15 Heliar and 90 Elmar-C. I have been using the Epson for nearly 8 years. It has serviced me more than well. I love shooting with it, limitations and all. However recently it has been showing its age 1. The sensor is only 6MP so sometimes when I need to crop the image it doesn't lend to a lot of flexibility 2. The APS-C sensor size meant DOF and wide angle challenges 3. Battery life and 2GB memory limit precludes any serious usage for mission critical stuff Summarily I felt it was he right time to realize a 10 year dream and move up to a Leica. I just purchased a Typ 240 M-P with a 35 Summicron ASPH a few days back. Here is the challenge..with the caveat that I have used the camera for only a few days, I am really struggling to bond with the camera or its images. Some of my gripes are 1. The M-P images don't look as pleasing to my eye as my RD1 images. They lack the film like feel I think I got from the Epson 2. The camera itself feels a lot less analog and detached from the minimalism gestalt of Leicas (I also have an M2 for film duties). My RD1 I bonded with right from the first moment and every time I pick it up its like meeting an old friend again 3. The menus are IMO overtly complicated. Just too many options and not structured well. The person who came up with the button layout needs a swift kick in the arse 4 Handling the camera is also a bit more of a focussed effort than my fits-like-a-glove RD1/ M2. Granted the price of the Leica plays a very big role in it. I have added a ThumbsUp grip and have a Luigi case with the wooden grip en route that's probably going to make things better and potentially bulkier as well So heres where I need advice from you guys.. 1. Should I give it more time to learn how to use the M and adapt to it? 2. I can make my peace with points 3, 4 (though for the price I feel really shouldn’t have to) but points 1 and 2 are my main sticking points. Can they be improved upon with better technique and time 3. Should I sell it and go for an M9/ M9P? Before buying the M-P 240, I did a ton of research and tried an M9’s hands on as well. I did like its images (somewhat similar to my R-D1 but a lot noisier) and the menus were a lot simpler. Once I held the M-P in my hand I didn’t like the M9s build and the shutter sound + action. Finally what pushed me over the edge on the M-P was the sensor issues. I plan to own and use the camera for a long time (~10 years) and I didn’t want something which could/ will conk out and Leica won’t support it 4. Should I stake it out with my R-D1 for a few more years until the right range finder comes along? DSLRs and faux RFs (Fuji/ Oly) are not an option for me. I like the gestalt and process of image making in an analog range finder. Please find below a few images. Direct Jpegs from the Leica with no adjustments, tweaked DNGs converted to Jpegs and some shots taken a while back with the Epson. One point to note is that all the Leica shots are with the 35 Summicton ASPH and all Epson images are with the 40 Summicron. Would love to get thoughts form you guys on what to do next.. Series 1 Leica M-P + 35 Summicron in morning sunshine: 1. Direct Jpeg from M-P 2. DNG -> Tweaks in LR3 -> JPG 3. DNG -> Tweaks in LR3 -> JPG Series 2 Leica M-P + 35 Summicron in morning sunshine: 1. Direct Jpeg from M-P 2. DNG -> Tweaks in LR3 -> JPG 3. DNG -> Tweaks in LR3 -> JPG Series 3 Epson R-D1 + 40 Summicron: 1. ERF -> Tweaks in LR3 -> JPG 2. ERF -> Tweaks in LR3 -> JPG 3. ERF -> Tweaks in LR3 -> JPG Many Thanks! PK.

This is the day one with Leica M9

Thread für alle Schwarz/ Nickel Leicas. Begonnen wird natürlich mit der IA. Baujahr 1929

Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m in a bit of a quandary and your feedback is much appreciated. By way of background, I purchased an M1 in mint cosmetic condition with the intention of having it converted to an M2 by a highly respected technician here in the US. I paid $200 for the M1. I like the M1’s simplicity (no preview lever, just a rewind lever and lens release). The technician could add a rangefinder and 28mm frame lines, my preferred focal length, making the newly converted M2 a perfect landscape/travel camera. I currently use a two-lens setup, with a 28mm (plus the external finder) and a 50mm on my M3. Unfortunately, the technician found dry shutter curtains upon opening the camera and they would need to be replaced at a cost that might be prohibitive. So here are my three options: 1. Add the new rangefinder, 28mm frame lines, shutter curtains, and a CLA for roughly $800. This would result in a near perfect Franken-Leica built to my specifications. Total invested would be about $1000. 2. Add new shutter curtains and a CLA. This would result in a near perfect M1 that I could sell and then reinvest in a different body. Total invested would be about $500. I’m not really sure what I could get for the overhauled M1. 3. Have the M1 returned and sell it as-is. Total invested would be $200 and I’d hope to recoup this expenditure with the sale. What do you think would be the best course of action? Any advice would help.