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Leica


I would suggest to use normal PX625, they work fine in ALL my cameras, including the M5.
 
Those are 1.5v. Wouldn't that present a problem? No, that's the 625PX I must be thinking about. the PX625 is 1.35v but being mercury battery is not available.
 
In regard to an earlier question: I switched from Leica m to Nikon slrs because I work extremely close--down to inches a lot, and rangefinder parallax won't do. But, using my mighty Durst M35 Micromat 35mm enlarger (which has almost a point-light source & cost $324+ in the 1950s) , I can say that a full-frame 6" x 9' print shows that Leitz M lenses are quite a bit sharper than Nikon slr lenses.
 
I'm inclined to believe it. Many years ago, maybe 35 now, I use to carry my M2 to work and during lunch would walk around town taking various pictures. This place is long gone and I'm glad I got a shot of it. I don't recall the exact exposure but probably around 125 at f/4 as it was a bright day. No meter, just my guessing the exposure. This scan of a photo doesn't do the original justice. Lens was the 50 f2 Summicron-a superb lens

Downtown014 by David Fincher, on Flickr
 
Also, the chrome & metal bodies of cars had a heavier feel to them w/the Leitz glass.
 

The Durst M-35 certainly is a wonderful enlarger. Its better that the autofocus 35mm Leitz enlargers in my opinion. I almost never print 35mm anymore. Since the M-35 is large I would prefer to have a Valloy II but only because of size/weight/space considerations. It is ez to love all those press enlargers of that era. They are all so ugly but such a joy to use.
They don't make enlargers like they used to because no one would be able to aford them. But I guess that issue it mute, I've seen Leitz autofocus enlarges for almost nothing and the Durst M-35 for less(probably in the M-35 case becuse some photographers don't know what they are/how great they are).
I can't think of a happier picture makeing combination than a Leica M6 and a Durst M-35.
 
RalphLambrecht said:
side question: Did anyone ever switch between Leica and Nikon and noticed a significant quality difference?
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What I have been told was that the Leica M series Leitz lenses were the sharpest wide angles due to not having to design the lens around a mirror like the SLR's.

Back in the day everyone used to stress too much about 35mm lens sharpness. There was a popular saying that if your photographs are not sharp enough then move up a format.
 
Alan Gales said:
Back in the day everyone used to stress too much about 35mm lens sharpness. There was a popular saying that if your photographs are not sharp enough then move up a format.
Click to expand...

That is great advice!!

Regarding the PX625 battery. The alkaline replacement has a voltage of nominal 1.5V, which decays over time. The original merchry battery has a 1.35V with a flat, constant voltage over time. Thr alkaline replacement works Ok in modern cameras that have a built in voltage regulation like the Canon EF. Otherwise the meter will be off and/or non linear.

Your best bet is to replace it with a "675" hearing-aid battery. This one has a close to 1.35V voltage and a flat discharge curve. Just figure out a way to fit it; it's easy.

The wein cell is basically the same thing in ready-to-use form.
 

Yes, I have a 1c too, and the M35 is all over it in sharpness & tonality. You MUST use the right bulb though-a tall, clear lamp w/a big filament. The last I got were theater spotlight bulbs made by GE (I don't think they are made anymore). They run a little hot, and may blow up & short your timer, so I hooked a dimmer-switch to mine. A reg. photo lamp won't give you the magic. When it's right, it's like printing a B&W projected slide!!!
 
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RalphLambrecht said:
side question: Did anyone ever switch between Leica and Nikon and noticed a significant quality difference?
Click to expand...

Yes from Nikon to Leica R and No I didnt notice a significant quality difference (although the Leicaflex SL feels significantly better made with the best sensory feedback of all the cameras I have handled so far).
 
I can't think of a happier picture makeing combination than a Leica M6 and a Durst M-35.
Click to expand...

For me it was the Pentax 6x7 and the Besler 23CII...good memories.
 
I finally found a pic of my M2. It was pristine when I bought it and wish many times I hadn't let it go.

Leica M2018a by David Fincher, on Flickr
 
ColColt said:
I finally found a pic of my M2. It was pristine when I bought it and wish many times I hadn't let it go.

Leica M2018a by David Fincher, on Flickr
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It's just a cult camera;I'm sure you made good photographs without it since then. out of curiocityWhat did you replace it with and why?
 
I traded it along with a couple of Summicron lens for a Pentax 6x7 and two leaf shutter lens for studio/weddings and a couple of new Quantum 4i Radio Slaves.
 
I made a test shot with a R5 of a friend (equipped with Vario Elmar 35-70 mm f/3,5) and was so satisfied I almost immediately bought a Leica R-E with the same zoom and a Summicron 50mm f/2.... Waiting to develop the first roll.....

You can see some shots from the test Here
 
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