MarcRochkind Posted January 7, 2007 Share #1 Posted January 7, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I started with an Argus A in 1962, had a couple of manual-focus SLRs in the 60s and 70s (Konica FP and Canon AE-1), lots of point-and-shoots, and have now progressed past my Nikon N70 and D70 (off to get it modified for IR) to a D200. But I never held a Leica until yesterday, when a package from my sister arrived containing an M3 (it was sitting in her basement) with collapsible 50mm f2 Summicron and a Steinheil 135mm. (I have an M8 on order, but have never seen an M8, and won't until mine arrives.) One can get an initial impression of a Leica exactly once, most of you got yours a long time ago, but here's mine, fresh from shooting a roll today: 1. Wow, is it dense! It weighs half as much as my D200 with its massive 17-55mm f2.8 zoom, yet the Leica is maybe a quarter of the volume. I had heard about Leicas being solid, but I had no idea... 2. The rangefinder is amazingly easy to work. I have very poor vision (have to use my left eye, as my right is useless), and the camera is 50+ years old and badly in need of attention, yet the ability to get the focus is remarkable. I had a split-image rangefinder in the Canon AE-1, but it wasn't even close to what a true rangefinder can do. 3. Unfortunately, I was unable to evaluate the quality of the body or the Leica lens, as the shutter is way off and the coating on the lens is badly deteriorated. The shutter opens only on part of the image at 1/1000, and at speeds slower than 1/10 it opens and stays open until you change the shutter speed. Bits of the leatherette (or whatever it is) flake off as I handle the camera. The aperture ring is so stiff it takes two hands to move it. I still got some pictures, which look OK, but the exposure was way off. (I used a digital as a meter.) I think the coating problems may have reduced the contrast of the lens, too, but I can't say for sure. Anyway, here's one SLR guy who now knows what all the fuss is about, and is eagerly awaiting his M8. (I may get the M3 body CLAed; I think the lens isn't worth fixing. The 135mm looks to be in better shape and might find use on my M8.) --Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 7, 2007 Posted January 7, 2007 Hi MarcRochkind, Take a look here Started in 1962; shot with a Leica for the first time today. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
enboe Posted January 7, 2007 Share #2 Posted January 7, 2007 Welcome, both to the forum and to the fellowship of Leica users. I enjoyed hearing your recount, and remember the time with my heavily-used M3 and Summarit. Most of us here have similar cherished memories that need dusting off now and then. When it comes time for refurbishment, Dan Goldberg (DAG), Sherry Krauter (Golden Touch), and Leica themselved all are universally praised. - Eric Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted January 9, 2007 Share #3 Posted January 9, 2007 Well you're hooked now. Send that M3 off for a CLA (Cleaning, Lub, Adjustment) and it will last another 50 years. I own 4 M3's and there NO camera in the world like a Leica M. Good luck with your M8. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colorflow Posted January 11, 2007 Share #4 Posted January 11, 2007 Once you are used to your M's its time to go back further in time to the IIIG and IIIF. Equally amazing!!! Alan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcRochkind Posted January 17, 2007 Author Share #5 Posted January 17, 2007 Update: Yesterday I got a brand-new 35mm Summicron. You can read about my experiences with it on the M3 here. --Marc Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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