RE: Re: [Leica] Questions over Questions/used Ms

[David L Medley <dmedley@whidbey.net>]

- ----Original Message-----
   >From:    	"Bill Larsen" <ohlen@lightspeed.net>
   >To:        	<leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
   >Cc:        	<mjochs@online.de>
   >Subject:    	Re: [Leica] Questions over Questions/used Ms
   >Reply-To:    	leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
   >Date:    	Sunday, January 10, 1999 11:32 AM
   >
   >Matthias writes and I respond:
   >
   >>1)  Seriously, is an older Leica like the M2 (still) fit to
   >be used -
   >>what are common problems that need checked/work done ?
   >>I am not a "pro" and am not planning to take it to the
   >North Pole but
   >>I'd like to get a 100% usable camera that will not let me
   >down.
   >
   >One of the best overviews on the M series cameras is at
   >Stephen Gandy's
   >site:
   >http://cameraquest.com/mguide.htm
   >
   >I have an M3 that I have used for more than 30 years.
   >During that time there has only been two problems.  First
   >the film counter broke.  The camera still operated...I just
   >could not tell how many pictures I had taken.  Second, the
   >x-synchronization became maladjusted.  I would not have been
   >aware of that  problem since I haven't used the camera with
   >a flash for at least 25 years.
   >
   >>2) How do you determine the correct exposure ?  Do most of
   >you use a
   >>Leica meter ?  Or a handheld device ?  What kind, reflected
   >light meter
   >>???
   >
   >I prefer to use the Leica MR meter.  This fits on the top
   >plate and meters about the same area as can be seen using
   >the 90 mm framelline.  The meter couples to the shutter dial
   >and you can use it to adjust the shutter speed.  If i carry
   >a handheld meter, it is usually in incident mode.
   >
   >>Now, wasn't a big advantage of a RF (Leica) supposed to be
   >it's speed
   >>and unobtrusiveness of operation ?  How do you maintain
   >that speed with
   >>the need to take a meter reading ?  Do you just take a
   >"general" reading
   >>and that  guessing from that, using the expo. latitude of
   >the film ???
   >
   >You get into the habit of being aware of what the light is.
   >Sometimes I will walk down the street taking quick readings
   >of different subjects just to keep myself aware.
   >
   >I actually find the M3 faster to use than the M6.  (I need
   >more practice with the M6).  I find the LEDs distracting and
   >
   >	<Message truncated after 50 lines>
   >