A bit of German Engineering (Leica M3)

[o hey tyler]

I had the opportunity to shoot with a rangefinder for the first time the other day. I ran a roll of Tri-X 400 through it, as I came to grips with focusing on a rangefinder. I had access to a 35mm f/2 summicron and a Canon 50mm f/1.8 (with rounded aperture blades!!!) but I really only used the summicron. Here are a few shots that I took of the camera, I'll be developing the film soon.

 

[timor]

Nice, I am sure you had a good time ! Too bad for me, I don't want even to touch this stuff, I am afraid I would be hopelessly infected and this GAS is costly. Is that red filter on the lens ?

 

[o hey tyler]

Nice, I am sure you had a good time ! Too bad for me, I don't want even to touch this stuff, I am afraid I would be hopelessly infected and this GAS is costly. Is that red filter on the lens ?

I think it's just a UV/IR filter. I had a good time slowing down, using a handheld meter and putting much more thought into each shot.... But I have no desire to ever own a Leica under any circumstances. Unless it were a gift. Still a neat little machine, just not my thing to spend thousands of dollars on.

 

[usayit]

You should remove or replace the UV/IR filter when shooting film. Its only necessary on an M8 (optional on M9) which is equipped with a sensor that is abnormally sensitive to IR causing color castes especially on synthetic materials.

 

[BrianV]

Leica prices for film cameras are way down, and there are lenses that you can pick up for a reasonanly price. I sold a Leica M3 in "user" condition, but professionally CLA'd for $600. Pick up a Canon 50/1.8 for $150 or so, or a Jupiter-8 for $60, LTM to M adapter- ready to use. A Canon P or Canon 7: Under $200 for a nice body. Leica lens prices are way up. I have a couple of Summicrons that were under $200. A canon 50/1.5 that was $75. Things shot up in the last 6 years.

The M3 has the best viewfinder of any RF camera that I have.

 

[usayit]

The M3 has the best viewfinder of any RF camera that I have.

Totally agreed... I went from an M3 to a M6 Titanium (classic). The M6 was beautiful but its viewfinder was a step back from the my M3. I should have passed on the M6 and went for an CLA'd M2 as a second camera.

 

[usayit]

I had access to a 35mm f/2 summicron and a Canon 50mm f/1.8 (with rounded aperture blades!!!) but I really only used the summicron.

Wait a second....

M3 doesn't have 35mm frame lines. Did you use a cold shoe brightline finder to compose?

 

[o hey tyler]

Wait a second....

M3 doesn't have 35mm frame lines. Did you use a cold shoe brightline finder to compose?

Nope. I didn't. Only had it for a day. And a day was long enough to determine that I never want one. But it was still interesting.

 

[usayit]

So you used the largest framelines to compose?

 

[o hey tyler]

So you used the largest framelines to compose?

Yes I did. I also used echolocation as well.

 

[gsgary]

Since getting my M4 i dont like shooting digital best camera i have owned next digital i buy will be an M9

 

[usayit]

So you used the largest framelines to compose?

Yes I did. I also used echolocation as well.

You'll see when you get your photos back then...

The largest frameline you were composing with is the 50mm frameline (not a 35mm frameline). Which means your 35mm lens will actually be capturing a larger FOV than you probably thought at the time of composition.

 

[usayit]

Since getting my M4 i dont like shooting digital best camera i have owned next digital i buy will be an M9

The best digital rangefinder that offered the best user experience for me was the Epson R-D1. 1:1 viewfinder!!

I had to sell it but I do have seller's remorse.

 

[pixmedic]

Leicas are some sexy a$$ cameras! I just dont see myself shooting any film besides medium format. Maybe i just havent picked up the right 35mm yet.

 

[Robin_Usagani]

How many megapixels does it have? Does it have 24X zoom?