Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/05/03

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Subject: [Leica] Double Exposure with Screw-mount Leicas vs. M Leicas
From: Rich Lahrson <tripspud@wenet.net>
Date: Wed, 03 May 2000 03:32:36 -0700

John Collier wrote:
> If you need to do double exposures with a Leica
> rangefinder get a screw-mount. 

Hi John,

     How is double exposure easy with the screw-mount Leicas?  It's the
same operation, but you're saying it's easier on the gears?  Does it
have something to do with the fact that the screw-mount cameras wind
on more directly than the Leica M series cameras with it's thumb wind on?
BTW, M Leicas were the first with this and then every 35mm camera maker
copied it, until it mostly disappeared in the newer Wonderbricks.

     Even if there were not any risk of damage to the camera, there's the
problem of not getting the exact spacing, particularly for several shots
on one frame, like with flash were certain elements in the shot must
be precisely double exposed, like in photographing a dancer many times
from a tripod with background that must stay put.  The Rolleiflex TLR
is a better choice here, as the film is rock steady and the flash
synch is more flexible.  Still, great care must be taken not to move
the tripod.

    Of course, for random double exposures that don't demand the tripod
and careful planning, the Leica could be used.  That can look interesting,
too.

    If the double exposure is long enough, like on a tripod at night and
the shutter can remain open, the lens cap can be used to halt exposure,
being extremely careful not to jar the tripod/camera.

    There's always workarounds!

					Cheers,
							Rich