I can't make the M work for me

Roger Hicks said:

...today's bloated SLRs, which to my eyes resemble partially formed turds.

Cheers,

R.

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A friend of mine once ordered a dozen, and only one worked.

Roger Hicks said:

today's bloated SLRs, which to my eyes resemble partially formed turds.

Cheers,

R.

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I do wish you wouldn't beat about the bush, Roger. On the other hand it's this kind of beating about the bush that makes me read your column in AP

pentaxuser

Sometime things take time.

Before you dump the M, may I ask you to just once more load the camera up and give it one last try. I have been exactly where you are many, many times in the past couple of years. EVERY manual focus camera I have suffers from the same issues you have with your M. I found only when concentrating on my breathing and perhaps technique too (as in keeping my excitement level low) I was able to get wonderful results on any of the MF cameras I have. Yes, it did take away from my concentration on the composition or some other important aspect of the shot I was going to make.

I haven't given up as I get older with any of my MF cameras, I do find I am much more selective in using them (as in daylight hours only). Humor me.....can you give it a last go and concentrate on steadiness, and breath control.....if it works, then you know you can do it, but that you will have to work much harder at getting that "fun" shot of the kids or whatever. I have chosen to mostly use my autofocus cameras for 99% of my photography.

That said....many of my MF cameras have a terrific look that I absolutely love (and the autofocus just plain don't many times) particularly with a unique film choice.

Plus, I may have a personal attachment to all my cameras that I simply cannot break. It would be like selling one of the kids (at least the one's you want to keep)......can't say for sure. Never met a camera I couldn't find something to like about it....

Bob E.

Pitxu said:

A friend of mine once ordered a dozen, and only one worked.

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Turds, or SLRs?

E. von Hoegh said:

Turds, or SLRs?

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Partially formed turds.

It's interesting to note that Roger himself uses one (Nikon D70) for his studio (paid) work.

I thought the same when I got my Bessa R but finally it's warming up to me. Sometimes ya just gotta give it some serious time.

@ jerrybro,

It sounds as if you have large hands that make operating a Leica M difficult due to their relatively small size. Is that the case?

Another thought is that your rangefinder mechanism may be out of alignment. If that is the case, it would explain at least part - if not all - of your lackluster image quality. Sherry Krauter in NY
[ www.sherrykrauter.com ] is who I would recommend to have evaluate (and repair if necessary) your camera, if you are committed to keeping the camera.

If the issue is that the camera is just too small for your hands, a halfcase with built in grip from Luigi [ www.leicatime.com ] might remedy the problem although I tend to agree with Roger about halfcases. They slow the film reloading process considerably.

Still, a half case would be preferable to selling off the Leica gear, at least for me.

Just my opinion - let us know how things work out for you.

If you're used to SLRs, the Leica M might take a while to get used to. For example, I had to change how I focus to make it work for me. Instead of turning the focusing ring too much I instead move back and forth to get things in focus.
I also had to change how I hold the camera in order to make it more stable as I press the shutter, by supporting the entire camera with my left hand palm, and only use my right hand to press the shutter release. Little things like that make it better.
I would say that a dozen rolls may not be enough to learn how to make it work, but if it's torture and difficult to get a good print, perhaps it isn't worth it!

I can't activate the shutter without the muscles in my hand making the whole camera move. Rather than leave it sitting on a shelf in closet, I'd rather sell it to someone that can make better use of it and use the proceeds to add on to my blad system or get another Rollei. As Yamaha used to say, different strokes different folks.

jerrybro said:

I can't activate the shutter without the muscles in my hand making the whole camera move. Rather than leave it sitting on a shelf in closet, I'd rather sell it to someone that can make better use of it and use the proceeds to add on to my blad system or get another Rollei. As Yamaha used to say, different strokes different folks.

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Considering your original post, it would be interesting to see a movie of you holding the camera and firing the shutter -- you shouldn't be having this trouble unless -- sorry, no offense -- you've rarely used 35mm before and just don't know how to sqeeze it -- you have to squeeze the whole hand, not punch the button -- the M has the best shutter button in the business for this sort of thing. It's just like firing a rifle...

but as I said, if you can't make it work, you can't, don't sweat it, find a camera that works for you.

the $100 offer stands.

ct

jerrybro said:

I can't activate the shutter without the muscles in my hand making the whole camera move. Rather than leave it sitting on a shelf in closet, I'd rather sell it to someone that can make better use of it and use the proceeds to add on to my blad system or get another Rollei. As Yamaha used to say, different strokes different folks.

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Have you seen the buttons you can purchase and screw into the shutter release, making the shutter release button look like the top of a dome, much larger than the original button? I hear they work really well for making smooth shutter releases. Might be worth considering, if you really want to make it work.

Pinging the OP

Thomas Bertilsson said:

Have you seen the buttons you can purchase and screw into the shutter release, making the shutter release button look like the top of a dome, much larger than the original button? I hear they work really well for making smooth shutter releases. Might be worth considering, if you really want to make it work.

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To the OP - I can vouch for the efficacy of these buttons. My "new" M3 came with one and I've shot it both ways. Button wins. I am also having teething problems with the M, having shot a Nikon F -> FTn -> F for forty years. I know exactly what you're going through and I've had moments of nascent buyer's remorse.

This thread's a month old now and perhaps the deed has been done. If not, take seriously the advice of others and give it one. more. try. If it just doesn't work for you move on with a clear conscience and enjoy whatever gear you get with the freed up funds! I'd hang on to that M; it will do better for you than Kodak stock...

s-a

Here is the link to the soft release button to help with shutter actuation: http://www.rapidwinder.com/softies.htm
They are twenty bucks each.