martin1977 Posted September 20, 2017 Share #1 Posted September 20, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi everyone,this is my first post after reading in this forum for quite a while. I am a 40year old male from Hamburg Germany who is still quite new to the Leica world: I am actually very thankful to a lot of users in here, whose comments, knowledge and wisdom attracted me to the Leica world in the first place. I bought a Leica Q in January 2016 and caught the bug immediately. Now, for my 40th birthday, I felt I could be so self-indulgent to buy my first "M", a used 240.What has happened since is that I have spent quite a while scanning these forums, retailers’ websites, eBay and the like to find out about the right gear to really start my journey. I was lucky to get my hands on a used Summicron 35 (from 1961) in great state, a Summilux 50 ASPH and a APO Summicron 90 – each of them in great state at quite bargain deals – although I am obviously close to bankruptcy now nevertheless, not being particularly wealthy and doing a rather ordinary day job as an educator.It is not that I do not use this new gear. I LOVE using it and it still gives me goosebumps some time for pure joy to touch the objects, make photos (mostly of my two kids aged 3 and 5), try them out. However, I also realize that somehow, I cannot stop looking around for other lenses, vintage ones, bargain ones, newer ones (I feel I still lack something on the wide-angle side, which could be filled by the Q, which however I have hardly touched since owning the M). To be honest, I spend ridiculous amounts of time searching the web for additional gear – which I could use for actually USING the ones I have (or playing with my kids, or doing other stuff for that matter...)So, my question is this: does this sound familiar to some? What has helped others to move from the anxiety of acquisition and shopping around to committing to what is there and using it? I am also looking for inspiration outside photographing my kids, but with time constraints between an intense job and family life, I always feel I do not have enough time on my hand to go out and shoot on my own in a relaxed way (whereas I do my googling and reading mostly on commutes or late evenings...). Nevertheless, I feel there must be a way to focus more on using the camera in a systematic way, that builds further knowledge – and I'd be happy for any advice or inspiration.Sorry for the long text – looking forward to your feedback! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 20, 2017 Posted September 20, 2017 Hi martin1977, Take a look here How to move from buying gear to putting it to life? (A hello & question from Germany...). I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
romanus53 Posted September 20, 2017 Share #2 Posted September 20, 2017 Hello + wellcome to the Forum and Leica! As you are using your Equipment the question is not how to move but why? Looking around for older Leica-stuff is quit normal, you can put it to use and learn from that. It gives Inspiration and some stuff might even Show an Aura. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huu Posted September 21, 2017 Share #3 Posted September 21, 2017 Martin I understand. I am new to the forum too and just getting all that I need. Cameras lenses and the like. I was a photographer many years ago but due to having a family and my professional life I didn't have the time or the budget. Now I have the time and budget so here I go into Leica gear. I wish to perfect the zone system for black and white. I want to do street and close-up work to begin with. I also like the portraiture... My cameras are the Leica R4-S with a Elmarit-R 24mm f2.8; Macro-Elmatit-R 60mm f2.8; 35/70mm Vario-Elmar-R f3.5; 80-200mm f4.5Vario-Elmar-R. I just purchased the Summilux 80mm f1.4 With two bodies this will be fun. I also acquired two F 3s. One has a 5cm f 2 Summicron lens and the other an Summitar 5cm f2...there is also a 35mm f3.5 I guess I'm set for awhile so my next step is to begin bulk loading B&W film. I know what you mean. Its hard to stop looking and get taking photos. I have a couple of years till full retirement and I do have dreams.... Anyone with a great source for mastering the zone system? Oh yea I need an improved metering system especially for the F3s. Any suggestions? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandokan Posted October 17, 2017 Share #4 Posted October 17, 2017 Yes welcome - many of us know this conundrum. Easy solution is to sell one of the children - not only do you have a lump sum but you have to buy less food and fewer clothing. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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