RdEoSg
Well-known
Well, it's a long story, but the small version is I bought an M6 used several years ago from the camera store I work at and the dang thing had a shutter issue that 6 months of repairs couldn't handle. They finaly got it working properly, but by that time I was so worried about the camera I couldn't trust it. My boss thankfully gave me all of my money back and I bought a Canon L series lens instead... Well, now here we are two years later or so, and I am the proud er.. not quite owner but getting there, of an M3! I actually like the M3 better than the M6 so no worries there.
Now, you have I'm sure had a hundred other threads about someone raving about their new leica.. I actually just have a couple questions. It has a 50 1.4 summilux non-M lens with it.. I am guessing its probably the same vintage as the camera. 1959ish I think the serial number on the camera rates.... Can any one give me there thoughts on that lens. I of course would prefer a more modern M version but at the prices those things are going I think this will suit me just fine. The lens is in good condition except for some fungus on the inside rear element that isnt visible unless you shine a light through it at just the right angle. My boss has said he will split the cost of cleaning that so thats good. Doesn't seem to be enough to have etched the glass yet so I'm really not too worried. The camera is functioning fine. The rangefinder is off verticaly just slightly, but still easily usable. I am sure at some point I will send it in and have the whole body overhauled, but at the moment I will leave it as is.
Umm.. yea so thats about it. If anyone has any thoughts on the lens I'd love to hear them. Examples of photos shot would be great. I dont know where this one stands in the history of leica as far as sharpness and color et al. I am assuming its just an average lens since I don't see anyone raving about it or yelling about it!
Thanx!
Chris
Now, you have I'm sure had a hundred other threads about someone raving about their new leica.. I actually just have a couple questions. It has a 50 1.4 summilux non-M lens with it.. I am guessing its probably the same vintage as the camera. 1959ish I think the serial number on the camera rates.... Can any one give me there thoughts on that lens. I of course would prefer a more modern M version but at the prices those things are going I think this will suit me just fine. The lens is in good condition except for some fungus on the inside rear element that isnt visible unless you shine a light through it at just the right angle. My boss has said he will split the cost of cleaning that so thats good. Doesn't seem to be enough to have etched the glass yet so I'm really not too worried. The camera is functioning fine. The rangefinder is off verticaly just slightly, but still easily usable. I am sure at some point I will send it in and have the whole body overhauled, but at the moment I will leave it as is.
Umm.. yea so thats about it. If anyone has any thoughts on the lens I'd love to hear them. Examples of photos shot would be great. I dont know where this one stands in the history of leica as far as sharpness and color et al. I am assuming its just an average lens since I don't see anyone raving about it or yelling about it!
Thanx!
Chris
JoeFriday
Agent Provacateur
congrats, Chris! it seems to be contagious these days.. I'm also waiting to take delivery of an M3
RdEoSg
Well-known
Nice shot there. Sorry.. its an M mount , non collapsible. I don't recal the serial number off hand.. When I said non M I meant it is not the 50mm f 1.4 Summilux-M. I will see if I can find a photo of one.
Here is some information on the various Summilux's. It is a fine lens, well worth getting the fungus/haze out of it.
http://www.kbcamera.com/summilux50mm.htm
http://www.kbcamera.com/summilux50mm.htm
peter_n
Veteran
Chris welcome to the forum! 
Keep the lens, its a cracker. I recently bought a 2nd gen. Summilux myself so I was doing a lot of research on that lens a month or so ago. To the extent that you can judge from online images, I saw some really amazing pics from the earlier versions of the Summilux over in the lens archives on photo.net. Worth a look.
Good luck with the new cam!
Keep the lens, its a cracker. I recently bought a 2nd gen. Summilux myself so I was doing a lot of research on that lens a month or so ago. To the extent that you can judge from online images, I saw some really amazing pics from the earlier versions of the Summilux over in the lens archives on photo.net. Worth a look.Good luck with the new cam!
richard_l
Well-known
The version I Summilux evolved from the Summarit, so it has to be good.
RdEoSg
Well-known
Thanx a lot for the comments and welcome! It's so nice to post on a forum where the posters are actually happy to help you out, instead of just rolling their eyes that you don't own an MP a la cart with every lens possible in triplicate!
I am going to the horse track tomorrow and have access to the stable areas and such so I hope to get some good shots in there with it. I haven't shot a roll yet so this will be it! Wish me luck!
I am going to the horse track tomorrow and have access to the stable areas and such so I hope to get some good shots in there with it. I haven't shot a roll yet so this will be it! Wish me luck!
Good luck, and have fun at the track!
peter_n
Veteran
Yes good luck at the track!RdEoSg said:
Here's a quote from another forum - you'll recognise the sentiment:
"I own Leica products and would not own anything else. Those unfortunates who don't deserve our pity."
Unbelievable, eh?
TimF
Established
Indeed, Congrats on the M3.
I just re-purchased one (a double wind version, just for a change) to replace my (fairly early I think) M7/0.85 which tended to flare up more than a bush fire in situations that don't phase the M3 one iota.
Unfortunately the frame lines seem to have become detached somehow, so they flop around to the infinity position when the camera is turned to portrait format. The funds from the M7 have served to get a very nice M4 too.
I just re-purchased one (a double wind version, just for a change) to replace my (fairly early I think) M7/0.85 which tended to flare up more than a bush fire in situations that don't phase the M3 one iota.
Unfortunately the frame lines seem to have become detached somehow, so they flop around to the infinity position when the camera is turned to portrait format. The funds from the M7 have served to get a very nice M4 too.