Considering Leaving Rangefinder Photography All Together

[Sisyphus]

Oh, I can understand the need for capital, however, if you can swing, it you may just want to hold on to that M7 for a little longer. I am a bit biased though, yet at the same time, am starting to become intrigued by some of the digital applications.

I have friend, you sold all of his Leica equpiment to pay for his digital equipment, then he realized that he preferred his leica gear, and wound up selling all of his digital equipment for uesd leica gear. He is one of those few freelance photojournalists, that can sort of get away with this because he is in an area where there are a few reliable photographers, where they need reliable photographers.

I understand the issue about processing your film, it is chore . . .


Good luck on your decision . . .

:s:

 

[splitimageview]

Don't get me wrong, the D700 is fantastic, I just can do 95% of what I need with something a lot cheaper. This may not fit everyone else, and probably doesn't. 🙂

 

[Eric T]

I once tried to switch to dSLR entirely. I even sold my M3 and three lenses.
But four years later, I returned to RF with a Leica IIIf and an M8.
I like having both dSLR and RF. When I need speed, I use dSLR. When I can take my time and don't want to lug around all the Canon stuff, I use RF.
I can't see using just one approach exclusively in the future. But it is all a hobby for me.
I agree with those above. If this is a business, dSLR is the better way to go.

 

[RayPA]

As with love, favoritism with regard to shooting with particular camera gear comes in spurts (with apologies to the Heartbreakers). You'd no sooner sell the M7 than you'd want to shoot film again. I've been preparing for the D700 (or a suitable Fx Nikon) myself. I've been avoiding DX lenses in preparation for the eventual move to FF. I've seen what that camera can do--I want, but I' won't get rid of all my RF gear to get it (some gear yes, but not all).

 

[back alley]

there is no romance in film but mainly nostalgia.

get a used rd1 and keep your favourite lenses along with the d700.

i am enjoying photography more now than for a long time.
i have the rd1 and the panasonic g1. the g1 gives me auto everything with a small built in flash and the rd1 gives me the rf experience with instant gratification (no film processing) and a 'film advance' lever.

joe

 

[back alley]

and just to add...i could never leave rangefinders completely as they are the only camera that makes total sense to me.

 

[Rob-F]

If your need is simply to shoot some film from time to time, sell the M7. You don't need an M7 just for that. But keep your lenses and get a cheaper Leica. If you need a meter, get an M6. If not, get an M2, M3, or maybe an M4-P. They are not too expensive--you won't have to feel bad about not using them. When you want to shoot some film, they will be waiting for you--faithful companions that they are.

 

[MCTuomey]

Which gear produces your favorite work, Dave? Keep that stuff. Sell what doesn't.

 

[raid]

This is like going to the local Alcoholics Anonymous and you tell them that you will return to drinking alcohol.

Good luck.

 

[chikarin]

it is a tough choice indeed, it is hard to justify the cost if you don't use it much. to be honest I spend ridiculous amount of money on RFs or digital gear compared to its usage, but having the option of using them whenever I want to, that potential and freedom, is what I'm willing to pay for.

I know that I'll have regrets no matter what I do, selling for cash, selling for new gear, simply buying more gear, or not doing anything at all. but that is just the nature of people I think (or at least just me ^^).

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

My rangefinders seem to sit on the shelf far too long lately - waiting for a 36exp. roll to be finished, or part 'wasted' to speed up access to promising images. The reason being - I keep picking up that small, light, and cheap D40, with one of my treasured thirty or forty year old Nikkors attached!. True - there is no metering, but I've spent most of forty five years with a separate one or a little guess work!, and I'm quite pleased at how accurate my guessing has got, with the occasional glance at the histogram ( wonderfull things-these!)
The D40 is 'only' 6mp, and won't win any prizes for build quality, and the standard kit zoom that came with it went straight to the back of the toy drawer!, although it is actually a pretty good performer!, but the pictures in my folders from this little camera are as good as anything I've got. To get back to topic - as an engineer, the rangefinders (especially the M2) are a joy to handle and use, and being retired - the likes of M8 and RD1 are out of the question, so more often I have thoughts of practicality (and quality) verses nostalgia (and quality!). Perhaps as I get older - common sense will prevail over the increasing hassle of film cost and proccess issues.
Cheers, Dave.

 

[Mackinaw]

My suggestion is to sell the M7. If after several months you find you miss film and 35m photography, you can always buy another Leica.

Jim B.

 

[steverett]

The lack of the "wind" action; the actual ritual that brought me "back" to film in the first place, would be missed...

I'll bet someone here could make a spring-loaded, stick-on ratcheting lever to go on the top of digital cameras. Get that analog feel!

 

[jdos2]

I switched platforms every year. An MP (and lenses) for a 5D and lenses. That went to the M8. Then, just about EVERYTHING for the D3.

Love the D3 but found a box of unused Polaroid and just wished I had the Mamiya Universal to throw it through. Dug through the basement for the RB and could at least shoot THAT with the square back.

Miss the Universal and the admitted Best Lens Ever, that f/2.8 100mm.

I've had the D3 longer than a year. I could trade, but I finally found a place I like. I'll slowly collect those bits I want again (Universal, lenses, backs) and have all that I wish, even if it takes a long time.

Just don't back yourself into a corner where you CAN'T do something you need.

When I traded everything I could that was worth something away, I did do one silly thing, which is sitting in the back of my closet- I had purchased a complete Prominent kit. I still have it. when I get home, I think I'll load it up with something color and easy to get developed, and see how things look.

 

[kxl]

Same boat, going the other way...

Same boat, going the other way...

I'm actually seriously thinking of selling my Nikon DSLR and SLR gear and going strictly with RF gear...

Maybe we can work out a couple of trades??😀

 

[Bob Michaels]

I wonder if anyone else has struggled over such things as this... (in the grand scheme, it's a small thing to "gnash one's teeth" over but still.. )

Dave, ain't no big deal. All that counts is the images anyway. What equipment you use to get there is inconsequential anyway.

 

[ampguy]

Easy. Trade the D700 for a smaller D40 and cash. Keep the RF, and have a smaller DSLR.

 

[RayPA]

Easy. Trade the D700 for a smaller D40 and cash....

Bah!! Noooo! 😛 Keep the D700 and the M7 (or get an MP instead) for the best of both worlds.


/

 

[Benjamin]

It's just a camera, and it just depends upon the significance of the limits that the lack of it will impose on the work that you do, or the hobby that you pursue.

When it comes to taking a picture, any camera is more than any of us could, or should, wish for.

Basically, what I mean to say is; is that if you don't need it, sell it. The money may well buy you some contentment in some other faceat.

 

[Benjamin]

I should listen to myself more often... Time to scrub the other two lines of my signature. I'd be okay with making big prints that aren't that sharp.