Confessions from a longstanding Leica M and R user

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Nice to hear and agree...

 

Also yes, "Frankly, I continue to prefer film over digital by far.", me too and I use slide films with the M and R system.

 

Although one may want to hold onto the R-lenses, come this September will be happy about the R...!! Or sell the R lenses after the new R camera news, and the used lenses price should go higher than now.

 

Best regards

 

I have been a keen contributor in the Leica Users Group years ago as well as in the old forum and the first year of this new L Camera forum. However, since then I should confess that I have abandoned a bit.

 

In 1996 I sold off my Nikon F equipment and went for a Leica M6 titanium and Summilux 35 ASPH. That kit was quickly complemented with further titanium lenses and in 1997 the R8 with a bunch of R lenses was added. Through the years I have acquired a very substantial number of R gear, including some very expensive and even rare items, some M titanium gear as well as numerous Leica compacts.

 

But when Leica dropped the R line overnight without any viable upgrade path whatsoever, it made me angry. All those loyal users who spent many $$$ on expensive R gear were suddenly left abandoned. It is not that their systems did no longer work but it gave a bad taste.

 

I should say I have not invested at all in high end digital Leica gear, be it the DMR or the M8/9 etc, with the sole exception of a couple of "simple" digital Fuji or Panasonic made Leica compacts, that date already many years back.

Frankly, I continue to prefer film over digital by far. It is a personal choice but the whole traditional process is just more pleasing to me.

 

In quest for higher end quality solutions compared to 35mm I have first experimented with film-based Hasselblad H systems but -though quality systems- did not get the user satisfaction that I was looking for.

 

That changed drastically when I was introduced into the Rolleiflex MF systems. I have since a couple of years acquired quite a bunch of Rollei gear. Apart from higher quality one of the main reasons was that both the 6008 AF and Hy6 series have.... autofocus. Simply put and I know it is an unfair comparison given the different negative sizes, the M and R lenses are no match for Rollei Schneider Kreuznach lenses, it is even noticeable at sizes of 20x20 cm. What is also captivating, is the square 6x6 image size. There is something very special about square pictures that really makes one think differently about photographic composition.

More importantly, however, it is simply fun to work with the Rolleiflexes. Yes, they are bigger and heavier systems than Leica (albeit not so much compared to the R) so they are not suitable for all purposes. I still kept my Leica gear though that now rarily sees the light of day. If the Rolleiflexes are not an option, usual compacts such as the Leica CM or Rollei 35 do nicely and those are really small/light.

 

I am aware that Rollei has had its fair share of difficulties in surviving with a niche product but German traditional craftmanship has to be admired and deserves support. A group of old Rollei hands continues to support and develop the system. Regrettably they do not have the equivalent of a Dr. Kaufmann in terms of financial imputs. But contacts with them are very personal, cordial and direct.

 

I wish I could say that for what Leica as well. A good week ago I sent two emails to the Leica information service in Solms asking for particular information about M9 systems. I am still awaiting response. I recall the days at Leica, before the Kaufmann era, when you could count on a personalized answer within a couple of days.

 

Yes Leica is back into black figures, thanks to Kaufmann's financial investments and a number of bold (dropping the R, investing in the S, turning the M line successfully into a digital one) and not so bold (aimed at exotic prestige buyers in the Far East, which fill the financial coffers nicely) product decisions.

 

But I am not sure I like it anymore. And, yes, I am still primarily shooting film although I also have a Leaf digital back :-)

 

I am aware that these are very personal remarks and others will certainly have different views. To each his own and I fully respect that.

 

Pascal

[AB007]

I use both R & M systems. I love my Rolleis - TLR and SLR. I also use Nikons too and have converted some R lenses to Nikon mount.

 

I prefer film too and use my Film Ms most of the time. However, I take my digital camera when I travel out of the country.

 

Yes, it would be awesome if Leica delivers a R solution In the meantime, I am trying to find strength to resist the Nikon 800E