Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/04/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Greg... I agree with what Tina and Harold have already posted back to you. In practical use, I leave the filters off and rely on my selection of film speed to drive my aperture [fast film for low light, slow film for bright light]. I like to shoot with the Noct wide open, but have discovered that exposing with neutral density [ND] filters can be a hit or miss proposition. I have yet to take an ND shot that looked as good as one without. When I am in environments where the front element is at risk, I put the lens cap on, but this is a very infrequent occurrence. However, if most of my shooting required me to be in those environments, then I would get a UV filter and keep it on all the time. Rocking back and forth to focus while wide open really helps, as does a long rangefinder base. M3s have the longest base, however my M3 was downgraded to an M6J rangefinder when it was CLA'd after 20 years in an attic, and it focuses fine with the Noct. When shooting with an M/Noct combo with fast film in dim conditions [when SLR shooters have to use a flashlight to illuminate their target for focusing], you will observe all sorts of odd glances of disbelief from other photogs. I've watched many 35mm and medium format shooters approach me with a smirk [even among the Leica crowd], only to back off muttering about "those damn Noct users". Enjoy it. /Mitch Zeissler