Should I resist G.A.S.?

DBP · Jul 4, 2007

Some time ago I was handed a Leica M3 DS with case and collapsible Summicron 50/2. Unfortunately, the M3 was way beyond economic repair - both rangefinder and shutter are dead. So this lens has been sitting on my desk, and when I cleared off some papers it started staring at me. So I am pondering whether to get a body for it, or sell it. My usual rangefinder kit, at least when I am not goofing around with an Argus or using one of the Japanese compacts (yes, I have G.A.S), is a Bessa R and a Canon L1, with a mix of Voigtlander, FSU, and Canon lenses.

So, do you guys think I should get a Bessa R2 to go with the lens, or find the lens a new home? Basically, is the 'cron so special that I will notice a difference from my other glass?

copake_ham · Jul 4, 2007

DBP said:
...
So, do you guys think I should get a Bessa R2 to go with the lens, or find the lens a new home? Basically, is the 'cron so special that I will notice a difference from my other glass?

It's a slippery slope no longer worth going down. You will never be satisfied with one lens/one body. You will want other focal lengths.

And, then the R2 will seem too "cheapo" for the various Leitz lenses and you will lust after a Leica body. And then, which Leica? New M7? Or, go digi?

So, sell the lens.

Or keep the lens, join Photo.net and get a M8 as a rear lens cap! 'Cause that's where you'll be headed!

Sirius Glass · Jul 4, 2007

DBP,

Save yourself from GAS.

Just send the lens to me and I will give it a good home and a body to match.

Steve

Donald Boyd · Jul 5, 2007

Gas? www.cameragas.com

Basically, is the 'cron so special that I will notice a difference from my other glass?

I believe so.

alex66 · Jul 5, 2007

give in you know its time

Christopher Walrath · Jul 8, 2007

Being married, I can catch up on GL and As the World Turns. And Oprah. Dr Oz was on a couple of weeks ago. He got a call about holding in gas to avoid embarassment. Did you know that the human body produces one litre of gas in a 24 hour period. Holding it in can create bad cramps and pain.

This being said, you should give in to your G.A.S. If you do not, first you will have some mild discomfort. Then you gadget bag starts to swell. Then before you know it your Leica starts making noises reserved for the barnyard, drawing glares and stares of passersby. Then, comes the I-can't-bear-it-any-longer explosive outtake that leaves people smelling stop bath four blocs over. So, do yourself a favor. A. your G. before your further suffer from the S.

Peter Williams · Jul 8, 2007

I bought an M6TTL and 50 Summicron on Father's Day this year - it was such a good deal that I couldn't afford not to buy it. I was in the same place your are - after reading so much about the Leica mystique I had to find out whether all the fuss was justified. I told myself that I would try it out for a couple of weeks and then sell it for a modest profit and I would then have the Leica cuiosity satisfied. After 5 or 6 rolls I can tell you...

I will never sell this camera. Ever. But my wife says that I have to stop sleeping with it. Apparently, that pillow is hers.:rolleyes:

Black Dog · Jul 10, 2007

It is pointless to resist, young Luke (LOL).....

Sirius Glass · Jul 10, 2007

Tell your wife that you picked it up on Evil-Bay for $50.

Steve

DBP · Jul 10, 2007

No wife, I only have to justify these things against my other hobbies, such as SCUBA and sailing. And the Leica mystique didn't grab me so much as the fact that I had an expensive lens sitting on my desk that wasn't getting used. I hate to see gear sit idle. So, the Bessa R2 should arrive tomorrow. Then I am tempted to do the sort of thing I normally would not do, like maybe some subjective lens tests comparing the Summicron, my 35/2.5 Skopar, and some FSU glass. I'm also tempted to take some matching shots with my Argus C-3 to see if the average person can see the difference.

Sirius Glass · Jul 10, 2007

DBP,

Ok now we have established that you do not have a higher power ...

Steve

25asa · Jul 10, 2007

Resistance is futile.

While you are at it, pick up an M2, an M4 or an M6 TTL.
You of course will have to have a 21mm Super-Angulon, a Tri-Elmar and a
Noctilux for those dim light situation.
A Visoflex and 400mm Telyt can come later.

copake_ham · Jul 10, 2007

DBP said:
No wife, I only have to justify these things against my other hobbies, such as SCUBA and sailing. And the Leica mystique didn't grab me so much as the fact that I had an expensive lens sitting on my desk that wasn't getting used. I hate to see gear sit idle. So, the Bessa R2 should arrive tomorrow. Then I am tempted to do the sort of thing I normally would not do, like maybe some subjective lens tests comparing the Summicron, my 35/2.5 Skopar, and some FSU glass. I'm also tempted to take some matching shots with my Argus C-3 to see if the average person can see the difference.

You are dead meat.

The minute you start playing with M-mount lenses you have started down a path from which there is no return.

Your SCUBA gear will lay idle; you're sailboat will grow barnacles; as you embark on a journey into the mad world of Leica perfectionism.

Your glib remark about the Argus C-3 will come back to haunt you. Your dead-end foray into FSU glass (a.k.a. as "ashtrays") will waste time and annoy to near suicide you as you wait for weeks to receive the brown paper box tied with oxen-tail twine inside of which something "rattles".

In the end you will acquire firstly a M3. It will be "fun" but you will desire the TTL and opt for a M6 (or maybe M7). All in the meantime, spending money on more and more Leitz "glass".

You are crossing the photographic equivalent of the River Styx. Abandon all hope - and have fun!

Jim Jones · Jul 10, 2007

DBP said:
. . . Basically, is the 'cron so special that I will notice a difference from my other glass?

If not, you might have a serious problem. Back when Tri-X was the 35mm speed king (except something horrible called RE-2475) I had to use a 50m f/1.4 Canon lens on Leica. Then Kodak produced T-Max 3200, and I could shoot a Summicron at twice the shutter speed. Despite an increase in grain, it made a significant improvement in image quality. At small apertures other lenses may compete with the Summicron.

Should I resist G.A.S.?

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