roguewave Posted September 14, 2008 Share #21 Posted September 14, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Wilfredo, I just bought a like new Hassleblad CM body with 2 magazines and an fine 80 mm (42mm 35format) & 45 finder and a waist level finder with acute-matte ground glass for $700. Now that's 4 times the negative as a 35 film neg. This stuff is way, way cool & not as expensive as Leica stuff. It's a very special way to to more contemplative form of B&W film based image making. It's worth serious consideration. My Blad equipment now sits right next to my M2/35 Summilux. Either way, get wet again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 14, 2008 Posted September 14, 2008 Hi roguewave, Take a look here Just Wondering?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
andym911 Posted September 14, 2008 Share #22 Posted September 14, 2008 Wilfredo, several of my friends have done the same, me too, by the way, although I never jumped completely into digital. One friend of mine now touts a Nikon F3 (one of my all time favourites), and the other an M6....the reward and shooting experience of film is incomparable in my opinion. Convenience is less, but hey, our lives are convenient enough, or at least thats how I see it. Enjoy the experience of buying another M and savour the moments again. andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
psamson Posted September 14, 2008 Share #23 Posted September 14, 2008 I started using a M3 about two months ago and love it. I still have my Nikon D60, but I am forced to think/rationalize with the M3. I have a 50mm and a 35mm, and am favoring the 35mm. I also find myself thinking about a film-based, medium format camera. Some friends had a Hasselblad 500C (and three lenses) sitting in a box. I bought some 120 film, will shoot it soon, and then decide if I will acquire the camera from them. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted September 15, 2008 Author Share #24 Posted September 15, 2008 Well, I caved. I caved! My Chronic Leica Attachalitis got the better part of me. I just purchased a Leica M2 body with a Leica leather case for less than $650.00 on Ebay. I couldn't resist it at that price and it looks like a very very clean body from a reputable seller. Even if I have to send it to Leica for some adjusments, cleaning and lubricating, I think it will remain a great deal. Funny how life now feels more complete. The idea of the old and the new feels right. I'll now have both ends covered. It is a small sacrifice, but I couldn't pass it up. Cheers, Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera Photography Ben, You have given me something to think about. Right now my film scanner only handles 35mm film, so I'll probably hold off on that, but it sounds like you got a deal you can't beat. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
antistatic Posted September 15, 2008 Share #25 Posted September 15, 2008 It is almost as if you wanted to be talked into this Congrats. I don't think you will regret it. David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted September 15, 2008 Share #26 Posted September 15, 2008 Wilfredo, that's EXCELLENT news! Another M2 saved from the ignominy of sitting on a shelf. Enjoy, my friend. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rolo Posted September 15, 2008 Share #27 Posted September 15, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Well, I caved. I caved! . Another converted soul .... a Cat Aholic visionary. Wilfredo, it'll be interesting to observe your progress with this. I recall you going to the M8 kicking and screaming at the time and then being completely transformed to the digital M. Anyone can switch if they can afford it and for purely emotional reasons, but have you determined what practical purposes you've done this for? When I shoot with my MP I'm quickly reminded of the convenience of digital media. Rolo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LADP Posted September 15, 2008 Share #28 Posted September 15, 2008 Congrats, Wilfredo. I think you will enjoy shooting that M2 quite a bit. I shoot with both an MP and an M3 for film. I have not yet made the plunge on a digital M body. The new features on the M8.2 are not quite enough to make me take the plunge. When a digital M body comes out that doesn't require the IR cut filters on the lenses to reproduce accurate colors, and maybe a little bit better high ISO performance, then I will jump. For digital photography, I have been using a Nikon D200, which I may upgrade this year to a D700. I use the Nikon system as an aid to my motion picture work, but more often than not, I grab my MP or M3 when traveling, or shooting for my own pleasure. Andy wrote, several of my friends have done the same, me too, by the way, although I never jumped completely into digital.One friend of mine now touts a Nikon F3 (one of my all time favourites), and the other an M6....the reward and shooting experience of film is incomparable in my opinion. It reminds me a bit of how people jumped ship from listening to vinyl (LP records) when CD's came out. I'm guilty of having done so. Now I, and many others, have realized that there is something qualitatively different, and to my ears better about listening to vinyl on a good turntable and stereo system. I find the experience more rewarding. Shooting with my MP or M3 gives me a similar feeling. Maybe I need to tart looking around for a good, clean M2! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
roguewave Posted September 15, 2008 Share #29 Posted September 15, 2008 Wilfredo, congrats. I doubt it will get you closer to our maker, but it surely will get you closer to your fellow man. I love my M2. Just butter in my hands. Best of luck with her & can't wait to see your first images. Peace, Ben Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerryharwood Posted September 15, 2008 Share #30 Posted September 15, 2008 I week ago, I was in Devon; I had with me my Leica Digilux 2, and my Hasselblad. I was down by the River Exe, which was in flood, and I spotted a picture- some brilliant grafiti on the wall of the bridge abutment, now completely flooded. So I set up my Hassy, tripod, ambient meter, was completely engrossed in making an image. I looked round, and saw i had an audience ! Wow ! mister, that is a real camera- is it a film one ? was amazed- no one takes any interest if you do the same thing with digital- it is just old news. The pleasure of making an image, and taking your time meant a lot, even to those brought up in the digital age. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted September 15, 2008 Author Share #31 Posted September 15, 2008 Another converted soul .... a Cat Aholic visionary. Wilfredo, it'll be interesting to observe your progress with this. I recall you going to the M8 kicking and screaming at the time and then being completely transformed to the digital M. Anyone can switch if they can afford it and for purely emotional reasons, but have you determined what practical purposes you've done this for? When I shoot with my MP I'm quickly reminded of the convenience of digital media. Rolo Yes I did go kicking and screaming toward the M8. With all the problems the M8 displayed when it was launched I thought it was ludicrous to pay so much money for it but in the end the B&W images posted on this forum sold me on it. Now it is my chief camera, I just can't seem to capture the same quality texture for lack of a better word, with my Canon 5D when doing B&W work, especally of people ( http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/people/62966-sandy-face.html ) I love the M8, flaws and all and still believe it is in a genre of its own. I'll use the M2 specifically when I want a total film look, especially for people shots. That's the plan. I also want to develop an ability to shoot with no meter. As I get older I realize I need to keep my brain active, learning new skills, so that's the plan. I'll probably stick to shooting 400 ISO or should I say 400 ASA in honor of the vintage. Cheers, Wilfredo Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest DuquesneG Posted September 15, 2008 Share #32 Posted September 15, 2008 I loaded the Kowa with a roll of film today and felt a strange excitement. Excitement about what I would capture, knowing I wouldn't waste any frames. I can't describe the feeling but I'm wondering if anyone else experiences anything similar with their film Leicas, especially if they haven't used them for a while? No. I don't "waste any frames" with my digital cameras. I compose a photograph the same way I did with film. The idea that digital photography forces anyone to shoot carelessly more than with film is ludicrous. Maybe some people do, but that's their fault, not digital's. The thought of dragging out the chemicals and loading reels and developing, then scanning, just to get to the same point I'm at when I download the contents of my memory card, is enough to make me not want to shoot at all. All the non-drugstore labs within 100 miles of me are out of business. I was never nostalgic about cameras...they're just cameras. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted September 15, 2008 Author Share #33 Posted September 15, 2008 Wilfredo, that's EXCELLENT news! Another M2 saved from the ignominy of sitting on a shelf. Enjoy, my friend. Regards, Bill That's a great way of looking at it! I also get a kick out of producing a decent picture using the old technology, balance is a good thing. Thank you all for cheering me on. This forum can be a dangerous place. My left side of the brain was telling me to wait, but I function mostly from my right side of the brain, and it dominated the decision. I should also mention that last week I visited a new friend and her huband and to my amazement they pulled out a Leica M3 and a copy of the Decisive Moment both in very good condition. That must have stirred up something in the unconscious mind. I should get the camera in the next few days and will post some shots ASAP. Cheers, Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera Photography Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted September 15, 2008 Author Share #34 Posted September 15, 2008 No. I was never nostalgic about cameras...they're just cameras. I guess we are all different. If its just a camera to you that's fine, I'm cool with that. I, however, do feel a connection to certain cameras, they become an extention of my eye, more than just a tool. Having a martial arts background I believe the analogy of a Samurai Sword would work here. For those who practice Iaido, the sword is everything, even the care and skill (which will soon be a lost art) that goes into making the sword is part of a whole that seems to come together in a harmony I can't describe. It's all good... Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera Photography Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vieri Posted September 15, 2008 Share #35 Posted September 15, 2008 That's a great way of looking at it! I also get a kick out of producing a decent picture using the old technology, balance is a good thing. Thank you all for cheering me on. This forum can be a dangerous place. My left side of the brain was telling me to wait, but I function mostly from my right side of the brain, and it dominated the decision. I should also mention that last week I visited a new friend and her huband and to my amazement they pulled out a Leica M3 and a copy of the Decisive Moment both in very good condition. That must have stirred up something in the unconscious mind. I should get the camera in the next few days and will post some shots ASAP. Cheers, Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera Photography I must have 2 right sides in my brain then! Congratulations Wilfredo, I am sure you will enjoy it a lot - and maybe, next time you will be able to make it here (Istanbul) and put your M2 to a good use here, one of the paradises of street-M-photography Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
semrich Posted September 15, 2008 Share #36 Posted September 15, 2008 I'll second what my friend Vieri said. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym911 Posted September 15, 2008 Share #37 Posted September 15, 2008 :D Chapeau Wilfredo....good grief you held out at least two days from first post to purchase....well done;) andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jplomley Posted September 15, 2008 Share #38 Posted September 15, 2008 Wilfedro, congrats. Like yourself I was enamored initially with the M8 and still love it, but my Mamiya 7 is right there beside it. For landscape work, I haul out the 4x5...now how's that for old technology. I have to laugh when I get my drum scans back from a landscape shoot with Velvia 50 4x5 chrome thinking this very basic century old technology still blows the socks off of digital And for that reason it will never be obsolete. Oh, and if digital ever does catch up with 4x5, that will give me just the excuse I have been looking for to step up to 8x10 Long live film!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wilfredo Posted September 16, 2008 Author Share #39 Posted September 16, 2008 Thanks for the continued enthusiasm. I'm like a kid eagerly waiting for the postman :-) Wilfedro, congrats. Like yourself I was enamored initially with the M8 and still love it, but my Mamiya 7 is right there beside it. For landscape work, I haul out the 4x5...now how's that for old technology. I have to laugh when I get my drum scans back from a landscape shoot with Velvia 50 4x5 chrome thinking this very basic century old technology still blows the socks off of digital And for that reason it will never be obsolete. Oh, and if digital ever does catch up with 4x5, that will give me just the excuse I have been looking for to step up to 8x10 Long live film!!! Jeff, I've never had anything drummed scanned. When it comes back to you is it on a CD as a Tiff??? Do you then do the post-processing yourself? Cheers, Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera Photography Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted September 16, 2008 Share #40 Posted September 16, 2008 If you're going to start shooting film again I'd look into doing your own developing and buying a scanner. Most all stuff I've had developed and scanned, even at GOOD photo labs, comes back as JPG and not to good quality and it's not cheap. Thanks for the continued enthusiasm. I'm like a kid eagerly waiting for the postman :-) Jeff, I've never had anything drummed scanned. When it comes back to you is it on a CD as a Tiff??? Do you then do the post-processing yourself? Cheers, Wilfredo Benitez-Rivera Photography Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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