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My CM will be arriving soon, and I can't wait !!


dav

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I agree with dav on his film recommendations; however, for color prints (daylight) you might also try Superia 100, and Astia for slides.

 

We used Provia in our Minilux. IMO, for projection, the new coatings on the CM lens work wonders with Astia. It's more neutral in color, and the Caucasian flesh tones and reds are well-rendered.

 

And, the dedicated flash unit really helps on backlighted subjects. The manual is slightly obtuse, but a couple of rolls will quickly let you know how - - and when - - to set the flash for strong backlight situations.

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I received my CM w/black trim, detachable Leica flash unit, and little brown leather Leica case. I loaded up the CM with Fuji Pro 400H color prints, and am now reading the manual and looking for something to photograph. I don't find the manual all that user friendly, but will happily endure.

 

Now, I just need to learn how to use it and the flash. Other than this splendid forum, can anyone recommend specific reading material, specific blogs, tips and techniques web sites, etc for shooting 35mm in general?

 

I'm an old dog looking for new tricks to re-learn 35mm shooting rather than repeating old bad habits.

 

Thanks all for your help, please keep the tips, and techniques coming.

 

d.

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Enjoy your new CM... I have one and have thoroughly enjoyed it. I left my M7 at home on my last trip to France and the CM performed very well. My favorite film for it- Kodak 400UC.

 

Agfa Ultra is also very nice, if you can find it.

 

Enjoy!

 

Kent

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  • 2 weeks later...

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Hi Dennis! Sorry for taking so long to reply. Congrats on the new CM! I can't wait to see some photo's from your little gem. All the photo's I have been taking are from the CM.

I don't want perfection, but practice does make for better pictures and understanding the quirks of the CM. I recommend getting some cheap($) film, and get trigger happy. You'll be surprised at the results.

 

I usually have a roll of 200color and 400B&W with me at all times.

I have not used the SF24D flash since getting it in the bundle, but will if the situation arises.. In fact, I rarely use my on camera flash. I'm always surprised at what I can get away with with 400asa film indoors and out, during low light.

 

With indoor family gatherings I've come to realize that they are just happy if they are ALL in focus and clearly photographed. When I do individual shots of family while mingling I will opt to turn the flash off.

 

I do not have the SK Grimes lens shroud...but it would be a b!tch for ME to put that thing on every time I turn the camera on. Or worse case scenario...I drop the CM while fumbling with the thing, or miss that shot.

 

Attached are some shots. Nothing spectacular but hope it can give you some ideas of what limits I've put the camera through.

Happy Shooting and cant wait to see some photo's

.....#1 is my wifes niece. f2.4---5.6? Fuji200

#2 are some buddies. handheld wide open- 1/15 sec- 400cn

#3 my best man playing video games..f2.4 fuji 200

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woops here it is...

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There's no danger of me being able to afford an M8 (digital or otherwise) for the foreseeable future... not sure what the next step is after a CM anyway - the Digilux 2 perhaps?

 

 

that's funny! i have both and while each have their separate attributes, i couldn't say the digilux 2 is an upgrade. i have examples taken from each on my website and if you look at the one of the balinese girls, i don't think any of my digital cameras could have taken a better picture, even for web posting purposes. if you ask me, the minilux/cm is a good next step for many digital leica-panasonic owners.

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I just want to say that the hood is necessary. I had one shot in the woods with the sun at about 1 o'clock position and the shot was ruined. I bought the hood.

A hood would be useful if it could be fitted and removed easily without fouling the closing movement. In practice, I find that if I am risking getting front light into the lens I use a makeshift hand etc to shield the lens. (Always ask a friend) Or choose a viewpoint with natural shielding. Not ideal, but a good work-around.

 

David

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Congratulations! You will not regret having bought the CM, it is a marvel and offers top-notch images which are mix well with those taken with M or R camera systems. I am using as a general purpose camera when heavier or bigger equipment would not be practical, like during business trips. Together with the CM Zoom, it is probably the last film based compact camera that Leica ever made. Contrary to the Minilux, the CM is made by Leica itself in Germany. The Minilux is made by Panasonic in Japan.

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  • 1 month later...

Hi everyone!

I bought a second hand CM last year and after 1 year of intensive and good work with it, it broke down for an obscure reason (a small piece went astray in the film box in the middle of a film, and "close shutter" message appeared, half of the film was not exposed and striped).

Fortunatelly it was still ok for the warranty so I brought it to La Maison du Leica in Paris last week, and was told that CM would not be repaired anymore if broken after warranty. Couldn't get any other information. Ever heard of such a strange and frightening story :confused:

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That's just a poor dealer.

After the CM was discontinued I asked our local Leica rep (Western Canada) to check on warranty availability and after warranty service with NJ. According to an email I received from Leica NJ full repair would be available, as they said 'for many a year to come'.

I take that as a positive response.

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I just want to say that the hood is necessary. I had one shot in the woods with the sun at about 1 o'clock position and the shot was ruined. I bought the hood.

The little CM cries out to be used by itself without other encumbrances. Otherwise it loses its unique ever-ready ability.

 

As to a lens hood, I always use a lens hood with my other cameras but, for the reasons stated, not with the CM. With reasonable care and uncrampted style I improvise with a hand when shooting into bright light. I rarely suffer flare.

 

David

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My advice...go with the hood. The hood can be left on and the camera stored in your camera bag (or however you carry it) and it is just as quick as without a hood.

I confirmed with Leica NJ that the camera does power down after 3 minutes, whether the lens is retracted or not...and that leaving the lens unretracted does no damage to the camera. All you have to do is lightly touch the shutter release to bring the camea out of 'sleep'.

I can attest to the truth of this. I purchased the hood from SK Grimes over a year ago and have not replaced a battery yet (I shoot probably 7-10 rolls a month though this camea.

There are definitely shots that the hood saved...and IMO it is much more convenient than having to consciencioulsy decide that the camera needed to be shielded by my hand.

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  • 1 month later...

"That's just a poor dealer" —

Actually the "poor dealer" is the official reseller of Leica in Paris-France… I've just had a reply fom him and he confirmed the sad news.

 

My CM is now in Germany and since it is still under warranty, will be replaced with a CM zoom, but CM (depending on which broken pieces) might not be repaired from now indeed.

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