First weekend with M2, w/pics

[mabelsound]

I finally got myself an M last week--the M2, since I enjoy shooting wide, and like the clean lines of the camera. I bought it from KEH--the camera is just about perfect, but was cheaper because someone engraved their name on it. Fine by me.

I don't suppose you need a review of this camera from me, as most of you already know the score. But wow, it's pretty much the best camera ever. The things people complain about--the film loading system and the rewind knob--don't seem to bother me at all. Neither interrupts your shooting, and neither is actually all that inconvenient.

The finder is the nicest I've seen on a rangefinder, and focusing is quick and easy. The camera fits the hand beautifully and feels very well balanced with a heavy lens on it. The full VF is only a little bit smaller than the field of view of a 28, and so I'm happy to use a 28 without an accessory finder. Film advance and shutter release feel so awesome I just want to do it all day long. Especially with one of Tom's soft releases. Like all good cameras, it makes you want to take pictures.

I spent the weekend forcing myself not to look at a meter. One roll I botched, but the next two were just about perfect. (The sunny weather here yesterday helped.) I shot a lot from the hip; the quiet shutter made sneaky street shots easy. Here are a few examples...and thanks for all the advice!

Kit, Tri-X, Canon 50/1.2
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2975771199_c81e07c60a_o.jpg

Lollipop, Zeiss 28/2.8, Delta 100
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2975769459_eaea51a5a0_o.jpg

Wrought iron, Zeiss 28/2.8, Delta 100
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/2976624294_5a4efb7687_o.jpg

Double self portrait, Zeiss 28/2.8, Delta 100
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2975770955_ce12a7f39c_o.jpg

Newspaper, Zeiss 28/2.8, Delta 100
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2976624086_19c6fb9c42_o.jpg

[payasam]

Congratulations. It's a fine camera.

[SolaresLarrave]

Nice job! And, of course, congratulations on the camera. Leicas are just sheer zen! :)

[helenhill]

WOW, that first shot is Fantastic.....
love the third as well
Congrats !! H :)

[mabelsound]

Thanks you guys...I am feeling confident enough to do something crazy, like go out with some Kodachrome and no meter...somebody stop me...;-)

[SolaresLarrave]

No, nobody will. When you get the film back and examine the duds... you'll learn, or you'll grab a beer bottle and have a cold one to celebrate! :)

[thomasw_]

Hey Congratulations on the M2 acquisitions the body and the 50/1,2....a superb camera and lens! I think it is great that you have a 50 and 28! a great lens kit, indeed.

Down the road, though, be sure to try a 35mm lens on your M2!

Nice start.

[RdEoSg]

Cars have brakes? Who knew!!!

[mabelsound]

Down the road, though, be sure to try a 35mm lens on your M2!

Nice start.

Ah, but I already have a Bessa and an R-D1, and a bunch of other lenses...my only 35 is the Canon f/1.8, which I love. And an uncoupled Schneider Xenon 40/1.9 which so far has only seen action on the R-D1. Next roll in the M2 will probably be the 35.

[Bingley]

Congrats on the M2! I predict that you'll love using your Canon 35/1.8 on it.

[noah b]

mmmm grain grain grain

[FrankS]

M2, good choice. I love your first picture!

[35mmdelux]

love the work. makes me want to go rip some film w/ my MP.

congrats on your new rig.

[mabelsound]

Thanks guys!

[lubitel]

M2 just makes you want to photograph. My other cameras have been pretty much gathering dust since I got the M2 :(

[mfogiel]

Good start. Try some Tri-X in Diafine, this way you can close down your 28mm to F8.0 and shoot from the hip more often. This combo will give you scannable negs in the range from 200 to 1600 iso on the same roll.