Leica Newbie

[Sparkbird]

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Hello.  I just inherited a little bit of money from my mother's estate, and thinking about how I could best use that in her honor was to add to my creative arsenal,  jump off the cliff and buy a used M8. I have taken thousands of photos in my life, but never buckled down and learned the "holy triangle"....Feet to the fire, I would like some advice about the best book, you tube, site etc to finally become proficient enough to use this little wonder.  I know that going out and experimenting is one of the best teachers...but I got that one. I need a repository of info for the non-technical, slightly ADHD learner. I have a 28mm lens. 

thank you.

 

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[jeri]

I would start with Erwin Putz's review of the Leica M8.

https://photo.imx.nl/styled-10/camera/M8/page19.html

My guess is that when it comes to impressions from the field, on photographer Paul C. Smith's YouTube site, you'll find the kind of inspiration you're looking for.

https://www.youtube.com/@PaulCSmithPhotographer/search?query=leica M8

 

 

[erl]

With respect, I find the video above a waste of time if you are looking to learn anything, about the M8, or any other camera. There is nothing in the content that defines the M8 except the very last comment about his 'forgetting' to fit an IR cut filter. For landscape photography it is not imperative, but in many other situations an IR cut filter is essential when shooting with an M8. I own two, and learned that lesson the hard way, as did many other early adopters.

Since you already have an M8, I suggest you load a film, go shoot it, familiarize yourself with the cameras ergonomics till it becomes second nature for you. By then you will probably have learned as much as any book can give you, and more. If you include any synthetic fabrics, especially black, in your pictures, they will turn Magenta. An IR cut filter is the simple and only solution for that. Also, greens in landscape pictures will appear better with the IR cut filter.

Now go shoot pictures rather than reading books or watching videos.

[Graham (G4FUJ)]

7 hours ago, erl said:

Since you already have an M8, I suggest you load a film,

Err, on an M8???

One book I found useful in the first few weeks of M8 ownership was "Leica M Digital Photography" by Brian Bower,  There was a revised edition that also covered the M8.2.

However, as Erl said, there's no substitute for getting out there and taking photos.  Enjoy your new camera.

[Viv]

Learn the relationship between ISO, shutter speed and aperture, then go and practice.

[jeri]

8 hours ago, erl said:

With respect, I find the video above a waste of time if you are looking to learn anything, about the M8, or any other camera. There is nothing in the content that defines the M8 except the very last comment about his 'forgetting' to fit an IR cut filter. For landscape photography it is not imperative, but in many other situations an IR cut filter is essential when shooting with an M8. I own two, and learned that lesson the hard way, as did many other early adopters.

Since you already have an M8, I suggest you load a film, go shoot it, familiarize yourself with the cameras ergonomics till it becomes second nature for you. By then you will probably have learned as much as any book can give you, and more. If you include any synthetic fabrics, especially black, in your pictures, they will turn Magenta. An IR cut filter is the simple and only solution for that. Also, greens in landscape pictures will appear better with the IR cut filter.

Now go shoot pictures rather than reading books or watching videos.

The questioner asked for the audience's help in finding written material and videos about photography with the Leica M8 that would inspire him to take pictures with it. Reading your response to this topic, I wonder how the criticism directed at me contributes to his goal. Do you have anything to contribute to his goal, other than suggesting that he load film onto his Leica M8? Furthermore, did you only watch a single episode, or are your conclusions based on watching Paul C. Smith's other videos about the Leica M8?

Edited April 11 by jeri

[erl]

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1 hour ago, jeri said:

The questioner asked for the audience's help in finding written material and videos about photography with the Leica M8 that would inspire him to take pictures with it. Reading your response to this topic, I wonder how the criticism directed at me contributes to his goal. Do you have anything to contribute to his goal, other than suggesting that he load film onto his Leica M8? Furthermore, did you only watch a single episode, or are your conclusions based on watching Paul C. Smith's other videos about the Leica M8?

Yes, Freudian slip. I regularly use film and digital and do not consciously differentiate between them. For me the image is the important factor. Not the method.

Please, read what I said. There was/is no criticism of you, but of the pointless video that espouses how to use an M8. It contains no useful info at all. Simple statement.

[jeri]

47 minutes ago, erl said:

Yes, Freudian slip. I regularly use film and digital and do not consciously differentiate between them. For me the image is the important factor. Not the method.

Please, read what I said. There was/is no criticism of you, but of the pointless video that espouses how to use an M8. It contains no useful info at all. Simple statement.

At the beginning of his question, the questioner states that he is knowledgeable about photography, and all he is interested in - at least as I understand and interpret it - is to get a little inspiration and familiarity, which will encourage him to go out and take pictures with his 'new' Leica m8 camera. It seems strange to me that instead of paying attention to the last sentence of his question, to which my response refers, you chose to cancel my attempt to help (Pointless video).
And regarding the contribution of photographer Paul C. Smith to this matter, how do you determine that it is pointless (perhaps irrelevant to you), if you have not watched the rest of his YouTube episodes Who deal with exactly this topic, which is photography using a Leica m8 camera. I at least tried to help the questioner. And what did you do?

[pedaes]

1 hour ago, jeri said:

take pictures with his 'new' Leica m8 camera.

Are you sure he has bought a M8? I am not. My advice would be 'don't start there', as the extremely robust Type 240 are not much more and you don't have to mess with a crop sensor or IR filters. 

Loading film or SD card - principles are the same in terms of getting to know a camera.

If OP does get a M8 be worth searching to see if Mark Nortons 'stripdown' of M8  is still available on Forum.

[jeri]

21 minutes ago, pedaes said:

Are you sure he has bought a M8? I am not. My advice would be 'don't start there', as the extremely robust Type 240 are not much more and you don't have to mess with a crop sensor or IR filters. 

Loading film or SD card - principles are the same in terms of getting to know a camera.

If OP does get a M8 be worth searching to see if Mark Nortons 'stripdown' of M8  is still available on Forum.

He is specifically talking about the Leica M8, he did not ask about another camera.

[pedaes]

2 hours ago, jeri said:

He is specifically talking about the Leica M8, he did not ask about another camera.

You are his man then! My advice stands on its own.

Edited April 11 by pedaes

[Sparkbird]

OP here. I asked for any material that would help me use the camera, including understand the holy triangle. I appreciate everyone's response and will investigate all suggestions!

 

 

[earleygallery]

10 minutes ago, Sparkbird said:

OP here. I asked for any material that would help me use the camera, including understand the holy triangle. I appreciate everyone's response and will investigate all suggestions!

 

 

Hi, why do you want an M8? What camera is that 28mm attached to at the moment? What specifically are you wanting to learn?

[lct]

This FAQ could help you perhaps.

LeicaM8_FAQ_Sept_2008_en.pdf