Leica on loan

fraley · 12-03-2004

This must be my lucky day

My back ordered Fuji Neopan film came in the mail, and a friend at work loaned me his Leica M6 for the holidays. I'm a little bit intimidated by it, tempted to stash it in my sock drawer and return it after two weeks. What should I do to try it out? I guess I'm most interested in how the lens compares to my CV lenses. It's a Summicron 2/50. I usually shoot daylight outdoors. Any advice on how best to take advantage of this loaner?

jlw · 12-03-2004

Just use the thing and enjoy it. It won't take better pictures than a C/V Bessa -- a lesson that's worth learning in and of itself -- but you'll enjoy learning what all the fuss re "Leica feel" is about. (And it may be enlightening to discover that you don't really consider it such a big deal, allowing you to cross a Leica off your own personal wish list.)

Re the lens, I doubt if you'll see any difference vs your CV lenses in "quality" (whatever that means) but it might be interesting for you to see how its character differs from the lenses you're used to.

To do that, try some of the kinds of shooting you're used to, but also push the envelope a bit: shoot at full aperture, shoot into the light, include drastically out-of-focus areas in the foreground or background, etc., etc. It's when you get onto the edges of photographic technique that the "personalities" of different lenses begin to shine through.

PS -- Don't be surprised if you decide you like your CVs better -- Cosina makes terrific lenses.

Oldprof · 12-03-2004

I tried to touch a Leica once and got slapped silly.

rover · 12-04-2004

I think jlw nailed it. Do report back to us so that the rest of us Liecaless guys can get some hands on info.

Nikon Bob · 12-04-2004

I agree with Rover and think jlw nailed it.

peter_n · 12-04-2004

Me too. But you will find the Summicron 50 (if it's the current model) to be almost painfully sharp. I would be surprised if you didn't really like the experience of using a Leica after a couple of weeks, it does grow on you. Just use it and enjoy it and then come back and tell us how it went.

Brian Sweeney · 12-04-2004

I have been shooting Nikon SLR's for almost 30 years and Nikon and Kodak Retina RF's for over 10 years. I bought my first Leica M, an M3, 18 months ago. I really like it. The Viewfinder is bright, the RF patch looks like it was placed there with an exacto knife, and the shutter is whisper quiet. I use the older lenses; the Black Wetzlar Summicron is the newest. I like the look of the older lenses; they are sharp and lower contrast. It gives an alternative to "picture-postcard" colors of modern lenses. What separates the Summicron and Summarit from the "pack" is the ability to capture fine differences in colors. This became apparent on my first roll back with the Summarit.

I have a lot of lenses for the Nikon SLR (20mm F3.5 Nikkor-UD to the 500mm F4 AF-Nikkor with about 60 lenses in between), Nikon RF, and Retina's. In the last year I have added a "few" of Leica and Canon RF lenses, mostly from the '50s. They produce a "gentler image from a bygone age". It is a nice alternative, but not for everyone.

fraley · 12-04-2004

Thanks for the advice and info, everyone. jlw, wise words. oldprof, I like your sense of humor! Brian, how did you educate yourself as to the different makes & models of lenses? Rover, Nikon Bob, Peter - thanks for the encouragement! I will post my impressions after shooting a couple of rolls..

Brian Sweeney · 12-04-2004

In addition to looking for old cameras and lenses, I always look for old Photographic books in used bookstores.

Some good ones to look out for:

The Nikon F/Nikkormat Handbook of Photography by Abbott and Cooper.

The Leica Manual by Morgan and Lester

Photographic Lenses by Neblette

35mm Photo Technique by Newcombe (1948) covers Leica, Contax, and the Kodak Ektra.

These books usually have good quality pictures taken with vintage gear that look quite good. For example, I saw old reviews of the Summarit, singing its praises and new reviews "panning" it. The published pictures with it looked pretty good, so I figured buy one and have it CLA'd. The difference in the before and after CLA pictures explained the discrepency.

In case you missed that thread.

Thread with Before and After CLA shots

And to think the Air Force developed their OWN test charts!

furcafe · 12-04-2004

How about using the loaner M6 for something different, like available light photography indoors or night shooting? The holiday season should provide plenty of opportunities for that.

Quote:

Originally posted by fraley
This must be my lucky day My back ordered Fuji Neopan film came in the mail, and a friend at work loaned me his Leica M6 for the holidays. I'm a little bit intimidated by it, tempted to stash it in my sock drawer and return it after two weeks. What should I do to try it out? I guess I'm most interested in how the lens compares to my CV lenses. It's a Summicron 2/50. I usually shoot daylight outdoors. Any advice on how best to take advantage of this loaner?

SolaresLarrave · 12-05-2004

I'd follow jlw's advice, Fraley, but if you want to shoot into the light, don't do it if it's sunlight. You may burn a hole into the shutter curtains. Otherwise, that 'cron is a beauty at f4.

If you're in an experimental mood, load it with tungsten film and take flashless photos indoors on Christmas Eve. The bluish tint of the tungsten film will counteract the yellow cast of indoor lighting and will render a beautiful blue on the dark zones.

That... or get a cooling filter! But beware... Leica gear has a way to get into your brain. Soon enough you'll have dreams about using the camera!

Doug · 12-05-2004

jlw's comments serve well to take the edge off the awe factor. :-) I'd just use it normally, but with the awareness of a limited-time usage. So exersize it well, make some opportunities to use it in a wide variety of circumstances. Maybe load some Tri-X and have fun with classic b&w photography!

Part of the fun of the Leica is knowing you've got the best, and there are no excuses; no way to blame the gear for what you've done! ;-)

I've had my M2 for many years, and always enjoy the silky smooth quiet operation. It lends confidence, and if I do my part the results are excellent. I like the look of the 35 Summicron, but I've also recently used the 2.5/50mm Skopar on it, and it has its own admirable look too...

Above all, enjoy!