CopperB
M3 Noob
My M3 arrived in the mail along with a bill from Customs Canada for $103. I picked up a used tele-elmarit 90 2.8 (Canada) locally. So, I'm ready to learn how to load this puppy and give it a go. 
I'm such a newbie to film I'm scared sh**less!
I'm such a newbie to film I'm scared sh**less!
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
As one who is in Toronto, I can honestly say - you're up early to announce this
Enjoy it - the M3 is a great camera - there's a Toronto meet tomorrow if you're interested.
Cheers,
Dave
Enjoy it - the M3 is a great camera - there's a Toronto meet tomorrow if you're interested.
Cheers,
Dave
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Loading an M3 is not a problem. Just be aware that you'll need a surface on which to place the bottom plate while you're inserting the film leader into the take up spool.
Of course, congratulations on the baby!
Of course, congratulations on the baby!
lubitel
Well-known
camera on the neck. Bottom plate in the pocket. Film loading is fine after you've done it a few times. I have more problems loading a Bessa-R than my M2
CopperB
M3 Noob
Do you have to cut the film to load it?
Unfortunately, I was just in TO on Wed for U2 but couldn't stay for the weekend. I would have loved to join the meet up. Hopefully next time.
Unfortunately, I was just in TO on Wed for U2 but couldn't stay for the weekend. I would have loved to join the meet up. Hopefully next time.
ZeissFan
Veteran
I hope you have a lot of fun with the camera. The old phrase used to be: "Film is cheap."
That meant that you should feel free to experiment a bit. And if you ruin some shots, learn from it and try not to repeat it.
Above all -- congratulations and best wishes on your film journey.
That meant that you should feel free to experiment a bit. And if you ruin some shots, learn from it and try not to repeat it.
Above all -- congratulations and best wishes on your film journey.
CopperB
M3 Noob
Film is cheap but processing is a killer. 36 roll with scan and prints was $36 Cdn. Gotta learn to develop B&W myself. LOL
CopperB
M3 Noob
Best place to find a strap, case the covers for the back jacks (flash and bulb jacks)?
ruby.monkey
Veteran
No need to cut the film - that's what the swing-out back is for.
CopperB
M3 Noob
Hmmmm a guy at a local shop who has one, told me I needed to cut the film on an angle to load it.
_goodtimez
Well-known
My experience is that I never had to cut film for any Leica, be it LTM or any M. My LTMs are a IID and a IIIC and Ms are M2 and M3s.
Cheers
Cheers
marke
Well-known
Rogrund
Antti Sivén
ruby.monkey and marke are absolutely correct. No need to cut the film.
CopperB
M3 Noob
Phew. Thanks guys. I'm off in search of a manual online for the M3. Any other pointers so I don't screw up on my first try?
david.elliott
Well-known
Make sure you meter and or at least make an educated guess.
Try all the various shutter speeds to make sure they are working well. I usually find a certain EV value and then adjust the shutter / aperture so they are all that same EV value. Then, I can go through all the shutter speeds and make sure that the exposures are consistent and that the shutter is working properly at all speeds.
Also, for easy and cheap black and white processing, give diafine a try.
Most of all, have fun!
Try all the various shutter speeds to make sure they are working well. I usually find a certain EV value and then adjust the shutter / aperture so they are all that same EV value. Then, I can go through all the shutter speeds and make sure that the exposures are consistent and that the shutter is working properly at all speeds.
Also, for easy and cheap black and white processing, give diafine a try.
Most of all, have fun!
ElectroWNED
Well-known
$36 for processing!?!?!
$4 in the USA!
$4 in the USA!
gho
Well-known
I can second that. You should try to learn how to develop film yourself and Diafine is an easy developer to start with. It is very economic also and I like the results. Especially Tri - X and Diafine are a great combination for low light photography. But most of all, have fun!
CopperB
M3 Noob
First day out and I have learned the following lessons:
1. Remember that there is no TTL and therefore you won't know you haven't remembered to remove the lens cap until after you've taken your shot.
2. Don't forget that outside lines are not the ones to pay attention to when composing a shot with a 90mm lens
3. Check and double check your aperture even when in a rush for a street shot. f5.6 in bright sun will give you two very blown shapes walking down the street not a dear lady with her 9 year old grandson taking her arm to walk.
So far I'm probably 2 for 10 shots. This is an expensive way to learn. LOL
1. Remember that there is no TTL and therefore you won't know you haven't remembered to remove the lens cap until after you've taken your shot.
2. Don't forget that outside lines are not the ones to pay attention to when composing a shot with a 90mm lens
3. Check and double check your aperture even when in a rush for a street shot. f5.6 in bright sun will give you two very blown shapes walking down the street not a dear lady with her 9 year old grandson taking her arm to walk.
So far I'm probably 2 for 10 shots. This is an expensive way to learn. LOL
