Is There Life After Leica?

[cuthbert]

Speaking of Leica again, I'm wondering just how well I'd do these days with a rangefinder like the M2 I once had. I doubt there is much one could do to focus properly with being a tad near sighted with astigmatism. On my F2A I had to use a Nikon eyepiece correction lens (+0.5) so I could see good to focus and it worked great. I kind of miss the old M2-great camera.

I have a strong astigmatic eye and that's the reason why I shoot with my left eye. If you have a problem on both eyes I would suggest a contact lens...however for me the hardest cameras to focus with are the SLRs without split image.

I am also aware that there are dioptres for Leicas but they are very expensive.

 

[Pioneer]

I agree with that. I thought the diopter for my ZM was a bit high until I started pricing them for my M-A. Ouch!!

 

[cuthbert]

I wanted to buy a nice Leica soft release...one of those who can also be used a pin for your jacket...then I found out it costs £35.

 

[Pioneer]

One thing you can be sure of with Leica. It isn't just the cameras that are pricey.

 

[gzinsel]

I think there is life after leica. like all other things that you have purchased and used or thrown out! its just another consumable item. like T>V>

 

[michr]

I'm in love with rangefinders, but only those with leaf shutters. In the past couple of weeks I've been using an Argus C3 with the 35mm lens. I'd heard the lens just wasn't that great, but I developed a couple of rolls of film, and printed a couple of images. I was prepared to see mush, but I was actually surprised at the contrast and sharpness.

There's something to be said for using a cheap camera. That's not an excuse to treat it poorly, but license to take it off the shelf, pour a bunch of film through it and never once worry about shutter actuations, wear and tear, repair costs, or any of the other excuses that keep me from making photographs. These ordinary cameras are like an old pair of shoes, and that suits me just fine.

 

[cliveh]

Shooting with a LEICA is like a long tender kiss, like firing an automatic pistol, like an hour on the analyist's couch. - Henri Cartier-Bresson

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Shooting with a LEICA is like a long tender kiss, like firing an automatic pistol, like an hour on the analyist's couch. - Henri Cartier-Bresson

Well, I used to think that to HCB, his Leica was so intuitive to him, he never thought about it -- as if when he saw a photo beginning to form, making the photo was as simple as pointing his finger or looking at the scene. The quote above, however, indicates he savored using the camera.

After many decades I've come to realize that although I really love lots of camera controls and viewfinder eye-candy, it all detracts from my use of the camera. My M3 would be perfect, but it's a bit small. The best for me is probably my plain-prism Nikon F.

 

[Pioneer]

Shooting with a LEICA is like a long tender kiss, like firing an automatic pistol, like an hour on the analyist's couch. - Henri Cartier-Bresson

To begin with I think you have to remember that HCB was French. Whenever I see some of these quotes I have to remind myself of that fact. I have to admit, I can sometimes feel some of those same attachments when I pick up my K1000 or LX.

Next, HCB used a Leica all his professional life. When he first started the Leica was one of just a few quality options available to him. As time went on he stayed with what he was familiar with. This is true of many professionals. Obviously, for HCB, there was no life after Leica.

The question of course, is do we all feel that way about Leica. Or do we see ourselves working happily without one even though we may have become accustomed to using them. Quite obviously very few, if any of us, are HCB. Is there really some sort of haptic feeling that addicts us when we begin using a Leica or is it only Koolaid?

There is at least one pretty famous example of someone starting with Leica and then moving on to something else. There is good evidence that Robert Capa began his career with a Leica but moved to a Contax sometime during the Spanish Civil War. As far as anyone knows, most evidence indicates that he stayed with Contax for the rest of his career.

Maybe there is hope after all!

 

[zanxion72]

While neatly settled with the luxurious Leica M4-P, or the magnificent Roleiflex 2.8f, I frequently find myself in an urge to try a Lubitel or a Nikon F Apollo. It is as if being served with the same plate for too long, then you feel the need for something different even that would be junk food.

 

[ColColt]

Next, HCB used a Leica all his professional life. When he first started the Leica was one of just a few quality options available to him. As time went on he stayed with what he was familiar with. This is true of many professionals. Obviously, for HCB, there was no life after Leica.

He, along with Eisenstadt as well.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

There is no life after Leica because by then,You are in heaven already

 

[Sirius Glass]

There is no life after Leica because by then,You are in heaven already

Well some may have gone to the alternative option.