Re: [Leica] Introduction and Questions

["A.H.SCHMIDT" <horsts@actek.com.au>]

Sheldon wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I just signed on to the group yesterday, and thought I should introduce
> myself.  I've been an SLR user for many years, although I took a 20-year
> hiatus from "serious" photography, taking mostly family snaps and not
> doing any developing or darkroom work.  Well, I'm back at it now, and
> for the past few months have been  using my older SLR cameras - Pentax
> gear - which I dearly love and cherish.
>
> However, I've become more aware of the deficiancies of the SLR, most
> notably the image blackout when the mirror flips up.  So, in some
> critical situations, one is just guessing at what'll appear on the film.
> In reviewing some proof prints, I can see where some shots might have
> been better had I not been guessing.
>
> Also, many years ago, a friend had an early Leica which I used a few
> times.  I liked it very much, especially its ability to focus better
> than the SLR in certain situations, such as low light or with some
> slower lenses.
>
> That said, I'll never give up my Pentax cameras, but I would like to
> supplement them with a Leica or two, and here's where I'd like the
> group's suggestions and opinions.  Most of my shooting is with shorter
> lenses.  I find thaat in most situations even the 50mm lens is a little
> long.  Nonetheless, I sometimes use and find valuable an 85mm and a
> 105mm piece of glass.
>
> So, here's what I'd like:  A Leica that can handle some wide lenses as
> well as something as long as a 75mm - 90mm lens.  I understand that
> there are some 75s that will probably do the trick for me, and I'd
> probaably prefer that focal length to a 90.  On the short side, 35mm,
> 28mm, 24mm and yes, even a 20/21mm would work, although most of my
> shooting is in the 28mm - 50mm range.  So, is there a Leica that has a
> rangefinder that will accomodate all or most of these focal lengths?
>
> Speaaking of lenses, which are the better quality ones, both optically
> and from the perspective of construction?  I'm confused as to  the
> differences between, for example, a Summilux, Summicron, and so forth.
> Similarly for the wide and the longer lenses.  Do the suffixes denote
> only aperture, or is there a level of quality designated as well?  Or
> are there mechanical and other differences designated by the suffixes?
>
> >From reading a few articles, the idea of a late-model M3 is appealing,
> but I'm still unsure as to the lenses that the rangefinder will
> accomodate.  The M4 also seems appealing, but there's something about
> the M3 thaat draws me.  Perhaps its more of a classic than the later
> models.  So, from the point  of view of construction, what opinions are
> there as to which models are better constructed - the older, more
> hand-made models, or the newer ones?
>
> Speaking of newer models, I don't need, nor do I want, TTL metering, the
> ability to utilize motor drives, or larger, more bulky bodies.  I'd like
> to be able to easily put the camera and a 35mm or so lens in my pocket
> if need be.
>
> And that leads to the lug design.  I like to carry my cameras
> vertically.  I know that some Leicas are of a 3-lug design which allow
> that, but I don't know which ones can be carried that way.  Can the
> 2-lug cameras be easily modified to be carried vertically?
>
> I hope I've not bored you with all my questions - questions which I'm
> sure many of you have heard and answered before. I look forward to your
> responses.  I suspect I'll have more questions as time goes on. Thanks.
>
> ---
> Shel Belinkoff
> mailto:belinkoff@earthlink.net

  Welcome Sheldon,  You are now with a most entertaining and knowledgeable
group.

Sooner or later, all your questions will be answered  with a variety of
opinions.
I am glad to see another Pentax user. Don't let them discourage you, ot talk
you in to getting rid of them. Besides my Leicas, (all M's and a SL2 which I
borrow from my son) I also have a range of Pentax SLR's. A Super-A, a
Program-A two Spotmatics and 2 FX's all with the appropriate accessories.

Note: All M bodies are superb. It does not matter which one you by. If you
find one in good condition and the price suits you, buy it. Except maybe the
M-1. It has no range finder.
I use mine only with the Visioflex.

Regards, Horst Schmidt