First time Leica M owner- Am I crazy?

R

Rockhopper

Newbie
Local time
5:06 PM
Joined
May 9, 2012
Messages
4
I was feeling uninspired by my Nikon D40, so I sold it when I got interested in film cameras. I ended up purchasing a CLAd M3 from Youxin Ye and am now waiting on a 50 Summicron DR from Ken Hansen. I’ve never owned a film camera and have never even seen a rangefinder in person. At this point, I’ve invested quite a bit of money in my new set up, but I am happy with my decision. I'm feeling inspired again even though I've not shot a single frame. This was a huge leap for me. Am I crazy?
 
Short answer: Yes
RFF answer: Welcome to the club, next stop, Summilux.

Your story is shared amongst many, including myself.. though I did take a progression in Rangefinders to arrive at an M2.
 
No not crazy... you bought things that are very easy to sell. Very safe purchase really.
 
I think many of us share your story. Including myself.

What's the point in worrying about spending money and not living life following your passion? If range finder film photography is what your heart desires, it is what you shall get. You did the right thing going big from the get go because you will end up spending the same amount of money later on buying the camera you wanted in the first place (plus the amount of money you would spend buying cheaper equipment to 'experiment' before settling down). It's not like you are buying the camera for the sake of buying it, right?

It's the type of camera that will accompany you for your lifetime and you use to teach your child/grandchild photography with.

Welcome!
 
My word of advise is you need to this might sound crazy practice focusing, holding it steady, and firing the shutter, getting the cameras timing down....its much didn't than a DSLR its going to take sometime for you to really get a firm grip on how its used...but once you do your in for a treat.
 
Certifiable, but you are not alone. You'll quickly see what all they "hype" is about.
I think you're going to be happy.
 
lam said:
Short answer: Yes
RFF answer: Welcome to the club, next stop, Summilux.

Your story is shared amongst many, including myself.. though I did take a progression in Rangefinders to arrive at an M2.
Click to expand...

"...next stop, Summilux." - made me laugh out loud, Dave :D

Welcome to RFF and I hope you enjoy your rangefinder experience. Perhaps start with a Bessa and work up as you feel the need (or desire)?
 
RFF is actually a support group masked by the passion that folks here have for photography and their gear. :)

If you want people to talk you out of things like a Noctilux or a brassy black paint M4 then you'll find that support. Conversely, if you are looking for encouragement to add to your stable of rangefinder gear, you'll also find that here too!

You made a great decision with one of the best combos. An M3 with a DR Summicron is possibly all the camera a person could ever need if 50mm is the way you prefer to shoot. Take care of it and you won't lose money off it in the case you want to sell in the future.

You'll have to find yourself a good hand held light meter now, like a classic Gossen Luna Pro. They are a bit big but incredibly sensitive and when they are dialed in, they are very accurate. If you get a Leicameter that sits atop your camera, make sure you know how to put it on and take it off, lest you scratch the top plate of your M3. I recommend the MR4 over the MR. All of them are about a decade younger and when clean, work quite well and accurately. They just aren't good in low light.

Have fun and welcome!

Phil Forrest
 
I made the same trip from DSLRland a couple years back. And now own 4 rangefinders. And have sold two more. You'll enjoy the less is more of your chosen setup. It will take a little time to get used to your new setup, but it won't take long!
 
best thing i've learned about film: it's way more forgiving than digital. you screw up and over or under expose a little bit? eh, no big deal. so, if you're shooting in low light, just open your lens up and get the shutter speed as low as you can comfortably take it. shoot and don't worry about stuff.
 
Who cares about crazy, the real question you should ask is "am I happy?". If you are then I personally think nothing else matters.. :)
 
Rockhopper, for almost 50 years I have observed the majority of the gear prices going down; however I still wonder why an M4 sells for $1.000 today whereas an R4 goes for a fraction of it; the same story with the Nikon S3 vs F3!! :) or the RF lenses vs. SLR lenses..


(Perhaps there's something wrong with us RF users :D )
 
Wow, that's funny the same thing happen to me lately, I've been using
Canon digital and it was getting a bit boring as well so I got a Nikon
rangefinder and I love it, enjoy your Leica and welcome to the RFF
club.

Range
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom