Leica

[cuthbert]

The Leicaflex Sl/SL2 was brought up earlier. One problem with those as is my old FTN Photomic and Gossen Luna Pro, is they used the old 1.35v mercury batteries that are defunct today and have been for a number of years. I've read of the Wein air cells but they don't look very promising for the purpose intended over time.

I would suggest to use normal PX625, they work fine in ALL my cameras, including the M5.

 

[ColColt]

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.

 

[chip j]

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.

 

[ColColt]

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

 

[chip j]

Also, the chrome & metal bodies of cars had a heavier feel to them w/the Leitz glass.

 

[rthollenbeck]

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.

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.

 

[Alan Gales]

side question: Did anyone ever switch between Leica and Nikon and noticed a significant quality difference?

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.

 

[flavio81]

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.

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.

 

[chip j]

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.

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!!!

 

[miha]

side question: Did anyone ever switch between Leica and Nikon and noticed a significant quality difference?

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).

 

[ColColt]

I can't think of a happier picture makeing combination than a Leica M6 and a Durst M-35.

For me it was the Pentax 6x7 and the Besler 23CII...good memories.

 

[ColColt]

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

 

[RalphLambrecht]

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

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?

 

[ColColt]

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.

 

[DcAnalogue]

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