Cadfael_tex Posted June 19, 2012 Share #1 Posted June 19, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) (not sure if this should go here or in the film sub-forum, please move as appropriate) I'm looking for a way to get into Leica photography that does not involve wife shooting me with something other than a camera. I like film so that means I don't need the newest bit of 60 megapixel kit. I've looked at M's but I also notice that the price of screw mounts is lower. I understand the film loading takes trimming off the leader but what else is involved with shooting an LTM. I'm wondering based on this quote from Ken Rockwell: "If you just want a camera to shoot, the LEICA IIIf shoots silently, but requires moving and setting about twice as many dials and levers as more recent manual cameras to make even the simplest settings." So what would I be giving up to use an LTM over an M for a shooter? TIA, Tony Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 19, 2012 Posted June 19, 2012 Hi Cadfael_tex, Take a look here How hard is it to shoot an LTM. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Cadfael_tex Posted June 19, 2012 Author Share #2 Posted June 19, 2012 Found this: and I understand the quote now but I actually think that it seems kinda cool. Still open to input though. This would be my first rangefinder as well as my first Leica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted June 19, 2012 Share #3 Posted June 19, 2012 The main drawback is the restriction of using older Leica glass and separate viewfinders for anything other than 50mm lenses. Fortunately there are 'new' Voigtlander lenses and rare/expensive limited edition lenses in LTM from Leica, but a lllf and 5cm 3.5 Elmar is a superb combination. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadfael_tex Posted June 19, 2012 Author Share #4 Posted June 19, 2012 Thanks. Looks like that's a combo I could afford relatively quickly and play with to see where I'd like to go next. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadfael_tex Posted June 20, 2012 Author Share #5 Posted June 20, 2012 Well, earleygallery, I took you advise for a lens. Ordered a IIIf (black) with a 5cm f3.5 Elmar. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestMichigan Posted June 20, 2012 Share #6 Posted June 20, 2012 A reasonable intermediate step to consider that lays between the LTM Leicas and the expensive (but nice) M bodies are the Voigtlander rangefinders. Compared to the cost of many Film M bodies they are priced fairly reasonably. Further, don't overlook the selection of Voigtlander lenses. Assorted ones are made in ltm and others in the m mount. I own both a LTM 28mm and 75mm and believe I've definitely gotten good value for my money in purchasing them. For more information I'd visit CameraQuest.com Stephen Gandy, the owner, has some very comprehensive Info and comments on all the Voigtlander/Cosina products that a)have been made and b)are currently being made. He sells, owns, and shoots a lot with Voigtlander products so just keep in mind his comments come from that viewpoint. An unbiased resource on Voigtlander lenses would be SeanReid.com He has a subscriotion website where he shares comprehensive reviews of most rangefinder products out there. The archives go back a few years and the info therein taught me a lot. Sincerely Richard Ward Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted June 20, 2012 Share #7 Posted June 20, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello Tony, Welcome to the Forum. You will get used to the proclivities specific to your IIIf & Elmar within a short time. Don't worry. Other lenses & such also. BTW: You will most likely find a gadget called a "light meter" useful. If you have any questions about using your Barnack Leica you might consider asking James. I would. Best Regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadfael_tex Posted June 20, 2012 Author Share #8 Posted June 20, 2012 Downloaded an app for my iPhone. If it doesn't pan out then I'll use Sunny 16 until I decide on a more permanent solution. BTW, what (C41) would you suggest I run through it for the first roll? I've got some Fuji 400H on hand and nothing else. Oops, forgot I have a couple of rolls of Superia 800 I got for my kiddo to try out on a Nikkormat I picked up cheap not long ago. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted June 20, 2012 Share #9 Posted June 20, 2012 Hello Tony, Enjoy whatever film you have. A film camera can give you pretty much the same results as having both an M9 & an MM together. Interchangeable sensors, aka film cartridges, means it is also less to carry. Best Regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
madNbad Posted June 20, 2012 Share #10 Posted June 20, 2012 The I-Phone app will be just fine for a light meter, mostly because you have it with you. Kodak Portra 160 or 400 are good films and readily available. Mostly just try to use it regularly to keep things working. A lot of the LTMs' have sat in a closet for years and may need a good cleaning before using it. Practice loading and welcome to the forum where you will find a ton of help. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted June 20, 2012 Share #11 Posted June 20, 2012 The tiny viewfinder (compared to an M) and the film loading are the things that many people can't get along with nowadays. The viewfinder is adequate for 50mm, but put an accessory finder on for a wider or longer lens and you see what you are missing. The film loading needs care and attention to get the film over the sprockets. Some people use a card to slip between the pressure plate, others, myself included, remove the lens and open the shutter to push the film into place. By removing the lens you can see if the film is in properly which I think is a safer option. The whole thing is a vintage camera experience. The screw mount lenses are not up to the quality of later M lenses, so expectations should be moderated a bit if you are expecting spectacular 'Leica glass'. But choose the right film and they can produce fantastic pictures. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 20, 2012 Share #12 Posted June 20, 2012 Well, earleygallery, I took you advise for a lens. Ordered a IIIf (black) with a 5cm f3.5 Elmar. May we see a picture from your rare black IIIf, which was only produced for the Swedish Army? Is the Elmar even a black lens too? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalArts 99 Posted June 20, 2012 Share #13 Posted June 20, 2012 May we see a picture from your rare black IIIf, which was only produced for the Swedish Army? Is the Elmar even a black lens too? I assume he meant a black dial IIIf. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted June 20, 2012 Share #14 Posted June 20, 2012 Well, earleygallery, I took you advise for a lens. Ordered a IIIf (black) with a 5cm f3.5 Elmar. Good choice! To add to the advice above.... Make sure the lens is a good example, not hazy or scratched. If you're lucky you'll have bought a 'red dial' Elmar which is the later model and a tad better. A clean Elmar is surprisingly good, and can certainly hold it's own today in terms of general performance. OK filters are another thing, you can buy the original A36 mount filters for little money though. As I mentioned, there are options to use newer glass - the excellent Voigtlander lenses - and even the latest 35 Summicron or 50 Summilux although the screw versions were a limited edition and cost more than the M versions. Personally I manage OK with the built in viewfinder. Yes it's small and you may prefer a shoe mounted finder instead, see how you get on. You can download a user manual from the web (for free) and it will explain how to load film and trim the leader. Some people use business cards, some removed lenses, but I've never had a problem just trimming the leader and loading up. Once you're used to it, it's really not a problem. Have fun! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizard Posted June 20, 2012 Share #15 Posted June 20, 2012 ...- and even the latest the 35 Summicron or 50 Summilux ... Not to forget the current non-asph 50 Summicron, which also exists in screw mount (as part of the same series that included the 35 Summicron and 50 Summilux). Cheers, Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoferat Posted June 20, 2012 Share #16 Posted June 20, 2012 ltm leicas covered the second world war so they should be good enough for peaceful pictures too Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadfael_tex Posted June 20, 2012 Author Share #17 Posted June 20, 2012 I assume he meant a black dial IIIf. Yes, Black Dial. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted June 20, 2012 Share #18 Posted June 20, 2012 Early LTM cameras often have focusing viewfinders that are dark, dusty, or yellowed from age. I have one like that and while I am an experienced M user, I find it too hard to focus. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadfael_tex Posted June 20, 2012 Author Share #19 Posted June 20, 2012 Ended up not getting the IIIf or lens. I'm going to save up and get one (any Leica rangefinder) that is in better shape. I'll be sticking around and continuing to learn. Also going to spend that time looking into just what kind of workflow will work for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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