Carrying & organizing new M240 + Learning curve

[flyalf]

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Bag is a very personal issue. As long its a Billingham, its ok .

 

However choice og bag or not; use neophrene lens pouches. They will protect the lenses form scratches, and are imo much better than the large leahter bags by Leica.

 

Use UV as protection, but beware they will allways degrade IQ. For nightschots I recommend to remove filters to awoid flare and reflections.

[Herr Barnack]

Just a couple tiny things:

 

> Pros and cons of carrying 2 lenses?  

 

 

If you are new to a particular camera it may be helpful to stick with one lens and one focal distance. It sort of gets you used to the characteristics and operation of the camera and kind of programs in the composition of that focal distance and how it will look when you press the shutter into your brain. The M initially may be a slower camera to use until you master it which I've been told takes about a year and a half. If you have a deeper familiarity with the compositional layout of a particular focal distance then you can spend more of your time in the process of working with the camera to maneuver yourself and the camera's controls into the configuration where the camera will capture the shot as you see it in your mind's eye. Early on, so much of any camera and in particular the M is how to manipulate the camera into capturing the shot that you want.

 

The M is big enough and heavy enough in comparison to other cameras that you have mentioned that you probably want to minimize gear until you get used to it. The size and space economy of the Leica often referred to by rangefinder enthusiasts are kind of working the other direction for you. You're moving up from a compact whereas that is generally in comparison to a DSLR. The great thing is that there is a huge amount that you can do with a 50 or 35 in a city like Paris. Yeah, there may be things that you won't be able to get without a wider lens or a tele lens but with just a 50 or 35, I'm sure that you can come back from Paris with plenty of shots to keep you editing for quite some time. The size and weight advantage that you get is you have a professional grade full frame camera and you don't need to carry anything else. 

 

What I carry is:

M with 50mm Summilux 

White balance card for when things are just completely whacked and I want a reference.

A polarization filter in its case for reflections and sometimes I stick the lens cap in the case on the filter.

Lens pen which has a fine brush and a cleaning pad.

Sometime a lens cloth too - better for when there is mist or rain. When it is real rain - I also bring a gallon ziplock to stick the whole camera in.

 

Since I don't use live view except when I really need it, the M has good enough battery life that I have yet to even buy a spare battery and so I don't even bother carrying around a spare battery. On the 2 trips that I've taken the M so far, I've just charged at home at night.

 

So the size weight advantage that I get is that I don't carry anything else. Yes it limits my options but

 

> Pros and cons of clear lens covers?

 

One saved my front element just last week -- maybe actually the whole lens so yeah I'm a bit of a fan.

They allow me to clean the lens more frequently and with impunity. I kind of consider them disposible. I haven't done this with a leica lens yet but in really bad conditions (burning man), I even put black tape around them and the lens to help seal it.

A downside with point sources of light can be reflections. Coated UV filters are better but can still have problems. Chimp just a little when you are in low light and if you are having problems, take it off and stick it back on later. They may add some distortion but better ones have less.

 

 

 

 

 

 

bencoyte does make some good points above, but I am at a loss to understand why it would take a year and a half to get a good understanding of the M240 or the M-P240.

When I got my M240, it was the firsr digital camera I had ever used or owned; my camera background was 100% film based and I went straight to the M240 from a Nikon F3, F100 and FM2n SLR kit.  In terms of rangefinder cameras, I had used a film MP and M4-P for 11 years and had no trouble understanding the M240 or transitioning to it.

Everyone is different, so YMMV.  But a year and a half??  

[Mornnb]

bencoyte does make some good points above, but I am at a loss to understand why it would take a year and a half to get a good understanding of the M240 or the M-P240.

When I got my M240, it was the firsr digital camera I had ever used or owned; my camera background was 100% film based and I went straight to the M240 from a Nikon F3, F100 and FM2n SLR kit.  In terms of rangefinder cameras, I had used a film MP and M4-P for 11 years and had no trouble understanding the M240 or transitioning to it.

Everyone is different, so YMMV.  But a year and a half??  

 

I went to the M240 from a Canon 5D. Having never used a film camera and having never used a rangefinder.

Th 5D is a camera I was very comfortable with and loved using. And no mirrorless camera I tried lived up to the joy I had and quality of the lenses in using the Canon, hence I decided to try a Leica. And in it I found a camera I enjoy even more than the Canon.

 

It didn't take very long to get the hang of it at all. It works like any other camera, shutter, aperture, ISO, frame subject, focus. Done. The only thing that confused me at first was the metering system (used to matrix metering) and behaviour of the AutoISO system. The Rangefinder system is completely intuitive and I got the hang of it in the first hour with the camera. I find it to be just as quick to use as an AF system, which requires you to use a joystick to toggle between 61 AF points to focus on the precise point you want with a fast lens.

[bocaburger]

I've been using Leicas since 1970 and digital since 1999, so transitioning to the M8, M9 and now M240 was a non-issue.  I disabled whatever added features I could that weren't on film M's and aside from not having to load, wind and rewind, I bascially use them the same way I've used Leicas for 45 years.  I have done similarly with SLR's and DSLR's.  On my 5D's I use only the center AF sensor and have never fiddled with bracketing or other newfangled features that weren't there on manual SLR's of the past. 

[tthorne]

What to carry is really different for everyone, so advice can be marginal at best. I carry a Billingham Hadley Pro, which is a relatively small bag, however, I can fit a TON of gear in there, so much so you would never believe me. Anyhow, I am one who HATES changing lenses. I can go days of shooting without ever changing lenses. Over the years I have found that I am a 35/50 guy, and I use the focal lengths a bit different from each other. While I have a 90APO, I find that way too long for most of what I do. Recently I got into a 75APO, and that is much more useful to me, though still not in the realm of my 35/50 use. On the wide end, I have the 21Lux, which I also really like, but really rarely ever use. So what is typically in my walk about bag?

 

1x M240 w/35mm FLE

 

1x M240 w/50mm .95

 

1x MM w/50mm LUX

 

... and maybe the 75mm or the 21mm tucked away in there also. I could take both, but honestly, I doubt I would ever change lenses anyway. In addition, I carry extra batteries, ND's and Polarizers, Keys, wallet, and some on the go Zeiss Cleaning Wipes. 

[dant]

I bought a M-240 a month ago and am going through a steep learning curve before I head off to Paris for a month, when I'll have some time on my own and then will be in a week long workshop with Peter Turnley.  I'm more comfortable with my x-vario which I'll take as well as the M240 and 2 lenses, but I want to focus on overcoming the learning curve with the M-240.  I'm a woman and the camera bags I'm seeing don't mesh so well with carrying a handbag, so I'm trying to figure out how to organize my gear.  Bought a little Fogg bag on line, but it is really too small for the m-240 and it is fat and bulky.  On past trips I've used a little Leica -C or Digilux which I would just keep around my neck all day tucked under a scarf and could slip in my handbag if needed.  The M is a more profound object, bulkier and heavier to say nothing of more precious (did insure it).  My lenses are a 35mm and 50mm and they are bulky too.  My thought is to keep my personal stuff, $$, credit card, phone etc in a fanny pack and use a leather backpack for camera gear.  I got a neoprene case for the 240 and invested in a better neck strap.  I've been practicing 'wearing' the M whenever I go out, even when driving and can see the advantage to that, but how about some feedback on how those of you with more experience handle these logistical and learning issues.  

 

I've loved each Leica as I climb up the ladder, and each one teaches me something.  The new M-240 makes 6.  Had never heard of the GAS syndrome before logging on to photo internet blogs and forums, but I sure do have a case of it.  Am committed to keep exploring and learning, cannot explain how this fascinates and tugs at me.

 

? Pros and cons of carrying 2 lenses?  

? Pros and cons of clear lens covers?

? Pros and cons of carrying 2 camera? I did insure them

? Pros and cons of shifting back and forth between cameras and lenses and between editing software

? is it a good idea to black out the red dot and logo?

? What to do with the lens cap when shooting?  they say not to put it in a pocket because of lint, but don't want to loose it.  (I now tuck it into my bra, but that is not always easy to do...).  Do you plan your clothes for the pockets they provide?

 

Then there is the issue of editing software.  I'm getting one on one tutorials with Lightroom and do some pfutzing around with it, and can say the same thing for the M, but in my daily photo work, which is photoing &posting for my website, tried the 240 and lightroom but I have reverted to using the x-vario and iPhoto as it is quicker and for now am getting better results. 

 

Thanks for any feed back on any of these burning issues!

 

Red dot does not hurt, but cover it up if your worried about being robbed. But thieves will still know what is what. Carry pepper spray.

 

I put the cap in my half ass lint free pocket. I keep a blower in my pack if needed.

 

I use a backpack for my extra gear. My pack weighs about 15 pounds+

 

My Leica is in my hand with thin wrist strap and not usually on a shoulder strap. Don't succumb to GAS.

 

http://photohostsnapshots.tumblr.com/image/113425839873

 

I use cargo pants with lots of pockets and a fanny pack if needed.

 

I use Lightroom. Nothing else needed for me.

 

nsfw

 

http://testarchives.tumblr.com/image/109513079209

 

Too bad you are such a beginner. You should do this when you know more. Don't just practice carrying your cam...carry it and shoot it...like hell!

 

Beginners tend to do a lot of from behind shots. Here is something I just wrote. It may help you out.

 

(nsfw)

 

https://danielteolijr.wordpress.com/2015/04/26/shooting-from-behind-a-subject-is-a-necessity-sometimes/

[tobey bilek]

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You are welcome.  

 

Photoshop cc is my choice.   PS and bridge is exactly the same functionality as LR and you do not need any special libraries.  Maybe I should say Photoshop camera raw is the same and it will also process jpeg and tiff should you decide to use it that way.  PS itself comes along free with great features.  LR is part of the package also.  

 

Cap goes back in the bag which you keep clean along with camera and lenses. Small dust is not a big problem on the lens front, rear yes.  Never blow on it with your breath.  Use a brush you never   touch with your oily fingers ( everyone`s are oily).

 

Cross shoulder strap and waist belt provide great security and the bag stays where you put it.

 

 

 

There are answers here on keeping the sensor clean.  Search.   Keep inside of REAR lens cap clean as that is where most dust comes from.  Moist lint free is what you need.  

 

Digital learning is fairly long,  but you can keep it as shallow or steep as your time and desire permits.   You are only getting better results from the other cameras  because you are at the beginning of the curve.

 

Adobe has numerous tutorials on how to use the software, all free.

 

One or two or three lenses?  Start with a 50,  add a 28 or 35,  and then a 90 as you progress.   

[dant]

Here is the rest of the story...

 

nsfw

 

https://danielteolijr.wordpress.com/2015/04/26/street-photography-versus-street-portraiture/

 

Don't fondle your cam...use it!

[Peter Kilmister]

@dant: Some serious photos there. Thank you for a simple explanation of street photography v street portraits.

Maybe I'm a bit simple when it reaches this level of art so all help is welcome.

One question is, because I live in the country, if I take a shot of a pony, or a cow, or a seal, is that a photo or a portrait? I'm a bit confused as to whether they are posing or not. Do animals pose?

[Manoleica]

Does it matter! your using your camera.

[jmahto]

@dant: Some serious photos there. Thank you for a simple explanation of street photography v street portraits.

Maybe I'm a bit simple when it reaches this level of art so all help is welcome.

One question is, because I live in the country, if I take a shot of a pony, or a cow, or a seal, is that a photo or a portrait? I'm a bit confused as to whether they are posing or not. Do animals pose?

If you take a picture of a bird using your bird feeder then they are posing.... else, in the wild they are not... some may still do but we won't know.

[bencoyote]

bencoyte does make some good points above, but I am at a loss to understand why it would take a year and a half to get a good understanding of the M240 or the M-P240.

When I got my M240, it was the firsr digital camera I had ever used or owned; my camera background was 100% film based and I went straight to the M240 from a Nikon F3, F100 and FM2n SLR kit.  In terms of rangefinder cameras, I had used a film MP and M4-P for 11 years and had no trouble understanding the M240 or transitioning to it.

Everyone is different, so YMMV.  But a year and a half??  

I guess I'm setting a very high bar. What I was thinking of in that 18 months is:

 

1) to get a combination of prefocusing and muscle memory down to a point where you can see a shot developing out of your zone and  the relative position of the focus tab is so wired into your muscle memory that you are most of the way to a spot on focus before your eye even gets to the rangefinder and certainly faster than any AF out there.

2) where you can pull focus on an unpredictable fast moving kid in moderately low light and nail THE moment.

3) get to a place where you can walk into an environment and immediately know about where your camera needs to be get the shot rather than having to think through the exposure triangle and the intent of the shot and then waste 3-4 frames as you figure out how to get what you want in camera because of how the meter evaluates vs what you want.

4) where the fov for a fd is so wired into my brain that I know right off the bat where I need to be to get the shot that I want and their geometric arrangement rather than having to kind of move through the environment to find the right angle or position for the shot.

5) to know what you can get in camera vs what you can do when developing in Lightroom and make good compromises most of the time

[Manoleica]

Some just daydream, others go out and shoot.

Learning is best done by mistakes and positive experiences.

Gordon Bennett - so much waffle""

[Guest )-(]

what is typically in my walk about bag?

 

1x M240 w/35mm FLE

 

1x M240 w/50mm .95

 

1x MM w/50mm LUX

 

... and maybe the 75mm or the 21mm tucked away in there also. I could take both, but honestly, I doubt I would ever change lenses anyway. In addition, I carry extra batteries, ND's and Polarizers, Keys, wallet, and some on the go Zeiss Cleaning Wipes. 

 

Wow! Just as an observation (nothing more nothing less) that is a $30-40,000 bag you are carrying there! Crikey!

[pop]

Some just daydream, others go out and shoot.

Learning is best done by mistakes and positive experiences.

Gordon Bennett - so much waffle""

Some of us learn by thinking and then forming and testing hypotheses. There's no need to put on airs here.

[jochiongv]

@

marcybeaucoup

 

Greetings from HK. Have followed this thread with some curiosity--though it sort of digressed in all sort of directions  ... Did you already decide on how you'll "carry" and "organize" your newly acquired M gear?... If yes, then excellent!!!... congrats and enjoy; if not, perhaps I can share some of the trials and tribulations I went thru' myself? May help you decide on how to proceed. Please advise.

[kaethe]

Hi, and welcome to the wonderful world of the M.

I will not attempt to address the techinical questions, but I have some hints for you on how to carry or wear your camera.  You do not mention your stature, but I am 5'1", small and female and have used my Ms on many trips, solo, in Europe, Africa and China.  Some thoughts:

1. Never use a backpack, it indicates you are a tourist, and is very vulnerable to theft.  Hiking trips are the exception.

2.  carry a messenger style bag, cross body, with a camera insert and if possible a zipper closure across the top.  My insert is from artisan and artist, it is red so you can see the contents, and like many other brands, has adjustable dividers. Try to get one that is sized for rangefinders because it will have a narrower profile than one for an SLR.   Inserts can be transferred between bags (when you find the next better bag), mine is fairly flexible unless it is overfilled, so the messenger bag wraps comfortably around your body, rather than sticking out like a giant box on a shoulder strap. I choose a zippered top because it takes two hands to open a zipper, and it makes noise when opened, and is hopefully a theft deterrent.  I have added my own zippers, but you can also ask a seamstress to do it, I recommend larger teeth, the size on camping equipment, vs smaller, like on clothing.  I also feel more secure with a zippered closure, and I can lay it down at my feet on the plane without worrying I will lose something.  I currently use a Timbuktu bag in all black, or an Ona bag, a Bare Bones Bag.....   I also have a very soft leather messenger style "purse" custom made by an Etsy artisan, that fits the insert, with the required zippered pouches and pockets and just looks like a big purse.  One last thing, the back pouch as shown on the BBB is great for travel documents on travel days.  I also put my lens cap in there, as cordura is relatively lint free.  i do not leave my cap on when I am using the camera, only when it goes in the bag.  I never take the bag off, especially at the quintessential sidewalk cafe, but keep it cross body and on my lap or behind me and I sit forward.  I try to choose a seat that is not with its back to the open space for grab and go theft.

3.  I carry my passport (unless needed that day for travel), extra cash and back up credit card in a pouch inside of my waistband ( I wear skirts) and access this in a bathroom if needed.  I carry my ID, credit card and cash in a small thin zippered wallet in an outside pocket of the messenger bag, preferably zippered.  

4.  I carry one extra lens with me, and I confess, it is mounted on my MM.  In addition I carry two oufro adaptor rings for macro with the M.   Both my MM and M have the same strap, the black silk cord from Artisan and Artist.  It is simple.  I put my messenger bag on first, then my camera, both cross body and I shoot with it cross body as well.  When walking the camera hangs right in front of me at my waist and I keep my right hand on it most of the time.   When I want to shoot one smooth move with my right hand lifts the camera and my left hand focuses and back down it goes to my waist.  The bag hangs on my side, and the two never tangle.  Thank goodness we no longer need to carry a ziplock bag of film, so bulky!

5.  Changing lenses puts you in a vulnerable and distracted position.  I do not do it unless I am in a more secure situation, vs standing in the middle of the walkway.  Don't laugh, I have used a restroom for this as well.  Like others, I would recommend choosing a lens for the day or the morning and stick with it.  With the M and the viewfinder I occasionally take it off, to shoot low, and I wrap the cord around my wrist.

 

This was a long answer, hopefully you will find something helpful here.  Safe and happy travels.

kaethe

[tthorne]

Wow! Just as an observation (nothing more nothing less) that is a $30-40,000 bag you are carrying there! Crikey!

 

Yes it is. I stay pretty aware, however, everything is fully insured through dedicated photographer insurance, so no worries about the gear. My person is insured by my CCW, so while there are no promises, I generally feel pretty at ease. 

[krieves]

When traveling, I use a small Timbuk2 messenger bag with a snoop camera insert. It's very stealthful and no one recognizes it as a camera bag. It easily holds my M and 3 lenses, plus other stuff. Here my blog review - http://www.kenrieves.com/camera-cases/

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[albireo_double]

I like to travel with a Fogg b-major or a Hadley Pro. For lenses that have a reasonably deep hood (50 mm/35mm) I don't use the caps and rely on the hoods for protection, in and out of the bag. For wide-angles, which have shallower hoods, I use the rectangular slip-on caps that fit over the hood (just leave them in the bag when using the lens). I agree with the recommendation above to carry the bag across the body - I do the same; it is safer and more comfortable. Sometimes I just carry the cameras in old style "ever-ready" cases and the lenses individually packed in Lowepro zipped lens pouches, all of this thrown in any bag or sack that's convenient at the moment, together with other stuff (preferably wrapped in an extra jumper or something else soft). For style, I am intrigued by some of the cycling luggage now offered by Brooks of England (e.g. the Barbican or Brixton), even though I haven't tried them for camera equipment yet.