Having a hard time understanding the Leica Mystique - aka Astronomical Prices

[dfoo]

The shutter on the non-M5s are also not stuck at 1/125 and so on although you have to be careful at I think 1/15 where the shutter switches timing mechanisms.

 

[lilmsmaggie]

The shutter on the M5 is continuously variable, not stuck at fixed 1/125, 1/250, etc, so with the matching crosshairs meter in the finder, you can adjust the exposure perfectly. It's a 'spot' meter, which reads only the light falling on the meter cell at the center of the frame. Watch out when using collapsible lenses on the M5. Some of them hit the meter cell arm when collapsed. There are compatibility lists around, and Leica published information on which widths of Dymo plastic labeling tape (placed around the sliding part of the lens barrel) would prevent which collapsible lenses from hitting the meter. Have fun.

You can have the meter recalibrated to modern replacements for the original PX625 battery if it hasn't already been done.

Lee

The previous owner stated that the included owner's manual explains how to safely use collapsible lenses. The camera has been CLA'd recently by the previous owner. He also had the meter re-calibrated to use modern Sliver Oxide batteries.

Thanks for mentioning.

 

[Lee L]

The previous owner stated that the included owner's manual explains how to safely use collapsible lenses. The camera has been CLA'd recently by the previous owner. He also had the meter re-calibrated to use modern Sliver Oxide batteries.

Thanks for mentioning.

Sounds like you're well set then. Have fun. Sherry Krauter at Golden Touch in NYC is one good source of service if you need it at any point (while she's still in business). She used to travel the world for Leitz training their service techs, with special expertise on the CL and M5.

Lee

 

[Aron]

According to the M2's manual:

"Intermediate shutter speeds can also be set within the range of 1 to 1/8 second, between 1/15 and 1/30 second and between 1/60 and 1/1000 sec."

I love the shutter of Leicas, especially that gentle click at 1/125. However, I wish they could make the same battery-independant shutter to be as quiet in the 1 sec-1/30 sec range as the M7 is. There are times when an audiance at a small performance (chamber music) can get annoyed by the sound of the slow-speed mechanism. (It would be interesting to see their reaction to the firing of those really loud SLRs, then.)

 

[Fern]

Congratulations lilmsmaggie! The M5 is a fabulous camera and you also have a jewel of a lens.

Personally, one of the reasons why I chose Leica M is that it made economic sense to me. I have not lost money on any Leica film camera or lens that I have bought. Even when buying new! I can't say that for any other system I've used. Frankly, I can't understand people willing to spend $600-1000 on entry-level, plastic, disposable dSLR's when a proven M3, M2, M5 or M4-P can be bought for the same money. Repairs, if needed, are not as costly as people think! The most I've ever spent on a repair was around $180. At least these cameras can be repaired and there are many good techs to choose from.

There are collectible Leica items that command very high prices but this phenomenon is not exclusive to Leica. Nikon collectors are willing to spend big bucks too. There are Nikon lens caps and hoods that are worth more money than the lenses that they were meant for! Also, many Leica screwmount copies (Nicca, early Canon, Leotax, etc.) are now commanding more money than the real deal.

I find it sad to see so much resentment in this thread given that the Leica M and screwmount systems are such a wonderful (and desirable) platforms for film. There are many young photographers that are discovering Leicas and are buying film.

 

[lilmsmaggie]

Sounds like you're well set then. Have fun. Sherry Krauter at Golden Touch in NYC is one good source of service if you need it at any point (while she's still in business). She used to travel the world for Leitz training their service techs, with special expertise on the CL and M5.

Lee

Yes! I spoke with Sherry just before Christmas.

I'm looking forward to having the M5 put me through my paces

 

[IloveTLRs]

So what exactly constitutes the non-collector models.

Leica screwmounts - for example the IIIc can usually be had cheap.

Or, compromise on condition like I do. For example, when I wanted an M2 there were two in a local shop. One was in very nice condition for $1200, the other was scratched and had fungus damage in the VF and was $600. I took the cheaper one because it had just been cleaned-up and had brand new shutter curtains, and it has performed beautifully.

I've been warned many a time against buying certain cameras because of condition. In the end they've always worked

 

[premo]

I cheated --- I bought a fed-2 and I like it

 

[michaelbsc]

I cheated --- I bought a fed-2 and I like it

I got a boxful of them, and had Eddy Smolov fix them.

The bad thing is that everybody seems to have learned that the FSU glass is pretty decent. I'll grant that it isn't Leica quality, but as I've said before, putting a good camera in my hands isn't going to improve my results one bit.

 

[keithwms]

I glanced over the thread. Quite funny!

There is a very simple way to make your camera ...any camera... worth a lot of money. Just take photographs with it that are worth a lot of money.

 

[Bateleur]

Well, I'm about to find out. I took the plunge.

After some discussion with a professional photog that has gone strictly digital, I purchased what I suppose many consider to be the "ugly duckling" of the Leica breed: A Black Leica M5 w/ Box, Case, 50mm Summicron lens AND several rolls of HP5 film. Based on selling prices of Leica's for the body only, I think I got a decent deal on a beautifully maintained camera and lens kit.

Congratulations lilmsmaggie, it may be the odd one out, but is a wonderfully functional camera with a lovely lens too. Enjoy the experience and looking forward to hearing your own opinions and seeing the results.

For while I'm an avid Leica fan I am well aware of their nuances both good and bad and would never consider myself a good picture taker because of having them. Simply I enjoy using them and to me that counts.

 

[lilmsmaggie]

Congratulations lilmsmaggie, it may be the odd one out, but is a wonderfully functional camera with a lovely lens too. Enjoy the experience and looking forward to hearing your own opinions and seeing the results.

For while I'm an avid Leica fan I am well aware of their nuances both good and bad and would never consider myself a good picture taker because of having them. Simply I enjoy using them and to me that counts.

Thanks!

Sherry Krauter emailed me today and based on the camera's serial number, she says that it was produced in a later, stronger production run.

As Sherry put it "The right batch to own." It's a black 3-lug M5 and someone took very, very good care - nay! exceptional care of this camera. I feel fortunate to have been able to find and purchase such a beautiful example of this camera.

I just hope that I am worthy of the photographic potential this camera and lens is capable of providing

 

[Bateleur]

And on the photograph it looks mint!

Personally, Leica is more camera (and lens) than I deserve, but it does inspire and motivate to be more considerate on composition and selective on exposure, and perhaps in those aspects I have grown since entering the Leica fray. As the tread has shown the brand invites extreme emotions both negative and positive indicating to me that the name is be envied but to be trite, it’s still the talent of the operator that counts.

 

[Micky]

I don't understand it either. After all, it's only miniature format.

didn't they used to call 120 film "miniature format"?

used prices are always going to be relative to new prices, and new Leica's are still selling. after all, Leica's top of the range camera, the MP, is nearly identical to the M3........within reason, the main differences are the built in light meter and different frame lines. but i'll leave the collecting to others, I just use mine to take pictures.

 

[michaelbsc]

didn't they used to call 120 film "miniature format"?

used prices are always going to be relative to new prices, and new Leica's are still selling. after all, Leica's top of the range camera, the MP, is nearly identical to the M3........within reason, the main differences are the built in light meter and different frame lines. but i'll leave the collecting to others, I just use mine to take pictures.

No, 35mm was the "miniature" format.

120 film was a roll film version of the 2.25x3.25 film. Then 6x6 (2.25x2.25) became popular.

 

[Aron]

/*

I take the courage to ask a slightly OT question in hoping that some of the Leicafans here will have an answer:

What can be considered the largest safe aperture for the shutter if I carry the camera all day long in full sun sans lenscap?

*/

 

[jacarape]

Aron, I asked that question a while back. The answer was faster then you think. One guy said he burned a shutter leaving a WA lens wide open as he sat in a cafe.

So, I avoid it, I don't want first hand answer to that question.

 

[Nomad]

When on the strap around the neck, always tilt the camera downwards when not in use, so that it looks at the ground. When not in use for longer, always fit the lens cap. I see no point in sitting in a cafe with the cap off unless I'm actively taking pictures. Aside from curtain burn, there's always the risk of spilled liquid landing on the front element.

 

[DELTA1DSV]

Hi I cannot see why there would be any problems re; carry a Leica !!!, they are very well made, I shoot mine in Snow at -8c no problems, see Thorsten Overgaard video on youtube !!! and of course this exellent webb site

 

[Aron]

Thanks for the quick replies, although now we have some very fast wide angles for Leicas so the burning aperture could even be f/1.2-1.4, it's better not to risk it.

Nomad: I always use a B+W MRC UV filter. I haven't done a resolution test to see wether it reduces resolution considerably or not, but a long time ago I tested one of my lenses both with a cheap uncoated Skylight filter attached and without: Resolution loss was about 20-25% with the filter. The filter could be dirty, etc. I suspect I would experience only a slight loss in quality using a high-quality UV filter and I would rather replace the filter once in a while than risk scratching the front element.

 

[Nomad]

Indeed, filters are cheaper than lens front elements, and have to be multi-coated. for the hypothetical coffee shop scenario, however, a lens cap is still much cheaper than a good filter. I always keep the cap in a trouser pocket so that it's easy to get to - if it was stashed in the bag, I might be less inclined to dig it out and would thus neglect to fit it at times.

 

[steve33]

I also took the plunge. I bought an M7 with a new 28mm elmarit f2.8 lens. After considering the Zeiss Ikon I could not resist to own a leica. So far the camera and lens live up to its reputation.

 

[Bateleur]

Hi Steve33,

Welcome to the forum, looking forward to seeing some results from the M7

 

[Rol_Lei Nut]

What can be considered the largest safe aperture for the shutter if I carry the camera all day long in full sun sans lenscap?

It *is* a real danger and should be kept in mind.

When walking around on a sunny day without a lens cap, I'll keep the lens focused at the closest distance and stopped down.

I've seen shutter curtains nearly cut in half, evidently caused by the camera being left on a table as the sun made its way across the sky...
(That was a Zorki, with a maximum f/2.0 or even f/2.8 lens). Don't take risks, just defocus and stop all the way down: it becomes automatic!

 

[Xmas]

/*

I take the courage to ask a slightly OT question in hoping that some of the Leicafans here will have an answer:

What can be considered the largest safe aperture for the shutter if I carry the camera all day long in full sun sans lenscap?

*/

It is not a safe thing to do. You can get a burn hole or will reduce the life of the blinds (like surn burn).
The wide angle is most exposed during local winter (low sun) and when the lens if focused close in. If it is stopped down it merely takes longer to burn through the rubberised fabric...
if you need to carry the camera ready to shoot, use wrist strap and keep the camera pointed down at the ground.
Neck straps with the camera pointing away from you look fashionable but are exposed.

Noel