Leica limitations

ferider said:
Part of the problem is created by our online-selves, by promoting a wrong stereotype, namely that RFs and Teles don't go together.
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Well, that's in fact one of those stereotypes which I find absolutely justified. I've been using 85, 90 and 135 lenses on a Leica with a 0.72x viewfinder for a while. I simply hated it. For some time I tried to force myself to like it, and eventually I gave up because it's such a squinty affair, with wildly inaccurate framing. I guess it's an acquired taste, like Marmite, fermented mare's milk or Visoflexes.

Eventually I went back to the SLR for everything longer than 50. Through-the-lens viewing hath its advantages and teles are one of them. A large image, faster portrait lenses, close focusing, and visually being able to put focus exactly where I want it made all the difference.
 
You will always find users that live inside a "Brand Bubble" and cannot evaluate the gear in an unbiased manner.

It is best to know the limitations of the equipment that you are using, and have an alternative when the situation calls for it.

Now- for the situation that the OP refers to, the use of a short telephoto extends the capability of the Leica into that domain. I found that using a 50mm lens on an SLR close-up to get baby photo's was a limitation. Basically, "too close for comfort" and the "Daddy factor". Putting a little distance between yourself and the subject, especially a toddler, was the real solution.

As far as using Telephoto lenses on a rangefinder camera, I and others just do not have a problem with it. I can focus and frame the Nikkor 8.5cm f2 wide-open and close-up faster than i can using the Nikkor 85/2 on the F2a.
 
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In principle, the RF camera focuses very well but frames poorly. The slr frames better, perfect if you have a pro nikon body, but focuses poorly. Take your choice, but you don`t get both.

If you elect to use a RF, there are close up accesories for older 50 mm lenses, and lenses like the DR to get you in closer. I have no idea of comparability with M8. And there is always the visoflex which is simply marvelous. Good copies of compatable viso lenses may be hard to find.
 
To get a close up shot of a coffee mug, a flower, a leaf or baby shot no. #1248 for that matter, you can always get 150 GBP P'n Shoot with "flower setting". Panasonics even have Leica glass if need be . Sorry couldn't help it ...;):D
 
They're just cameras ya know ;)

If the Leicas (i.e. rangefinders) aren't working for ya, dump 'em and go back to Nikon (i.e. SLR). No shame in that. And the FM3A is an excellent camera.
 
No need to dump anything.

There are times when different cameras are needed and you just chose the right tool for the job or carry two or three cameras. I often go to airshows with two cameras. The SLR with a 200 or 300mm on it and a RF with a 35mm on it. And sometimes a little P&S for shots of the crowd etc...

Regards, David
 
Phil_F_NM said:
the ZM lenses focus down closer than 2m I believe. The 15mm CV Heliar will focus to one foot. On any M body these are scale focus distances. The Zeiss Ikon has a longer RF baselength and closer focusing than a Leica M is built in, I believe that's why the ZM lenses are like this. It's one reason that I'm looking to get an F2 and a micro-Nikkor for my next trip.

Phil Forrest
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Dear Phil,

Closest focus on a Leica is fractionally closer than a ZI at about 0.65 m.

Cheers,

R.
 
Roger Hicks said:
Dear Steve,

Any 90mm at a metre gives you about the same field of view as a 50mm at 18 inches or so. But given your style, indeed, an SLR may suit you better.

Cheers,

R.
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I agree completely. All camera styles have their fortes, none of them is truly universally perfect for everything. That's why they exist in tandem, otherwise there would be only one type of camera.
 
Brian Sweeney said:
As far as using Telephoto lenses on a rangefinder camera, I and others just do not have a problem with it. I can focus and frame the Nikkor 8.5cm f2 wide-open and close-up faster than i can using the Nikkor 85/2 on the F2a.
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I can't do it faster and even slowly I don't like it.

It appears to be a case of different strokes for different folks.
 
It's also a matter of camera, rxmd. Large magnification like on the M3, Canon P, Nikon SP, etc. help a lot. And I do stay mostly away from 135.
 
On seeing the framelines with glasses- I have thick glasses. I can see the 50mm framelines on the M3 without problem. I have to "Look around" to see the entire frame on my FE2 and FM. The F2 is a bit tight to see the shutter speed window and exposure setting, and the F2AS and F2SB LED's are quicker to see. The F3HP is perfect for glasses, as is the N8008s.

For the M8, I use a 1.25x magnifier for the Summicron and Nikkor. The 90mm framelines are perfect for the 10.5cm F2.5, and the 75mm framelines are perfect for the 85mm lenses.
 
Throw the leica in the gutter and go use your nikons.... use whatever works for you. After 20 years of using rangefinders, I use a DSLR as my main tool right now.
 
I think the only that will stop me shifting the Leica is the fact I bought it and the lenses from Leica dealers as it was my first venture into the 'M' system. I might as well keep hold of them for a while and with things like VAT increase in the UK at least I won't make such a loss.
Something else that bugged me is the minor character 'quirks':
Rangefinder vertical alignment - out. Get it sorted
Batteries draining down - Self fix - Still cost me £18.00 in batteries before I had the answer. (Dodgy pins self drain)
Sticking framelines - Repair.
Since September '09 and about thirty five rolls of film.

In 13 years of owning Nikon's my F5 finder went back as one digit for the frame counter 'vanished'. Thats it - period/full stop. All weathers, temperatures they never missed a beat. No idea how many rolls of film. Sold my F5 last year to fund the M6 TTL. So tempted to get back in touch with the buyer to see if they want to sell it back to me!

Guess I'm feeling a little let down.

I'm not an advertising man but my favourite saying I've made up about my Nikon's is:

"It lets me get the shot I want, when I want"

Steve.
 
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aperture64 said:
Use both the Leica and the Nikon. They are different tools for different purposes. Do you use a shovel to put a nail in the wall? Do you use a hammer to dig a hole?
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Agree!!!

I love my Bronica system for when I'm working with models but would hate to lugged it around for 2-3 hours to shoot street or other times when weight is a more important then image quality IE the small vs big negative thingy:)
 
Ronald M said:
In principle, the RF camera focuses very well but frames poorly. The slr frames better, perfect if you have a pro nikon body, but focuses poorly. Take your choice, but you don`t get both.

If you elect to use a RF, there are close up accesories for older 50 mm lenses, and lenses like the DR to get you in closer. I have no idea of comparability with M8. And there is always the visoflex which is simply marvelous. Good copies of compatable viso lenses may be hard to find.
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DR and the M8 are a no go.

Regards, John
 
I can hammer a nail into the wall with a Nikon F, but I would not.

Any job is easy with the right tool. I would not use a Leica for macro work. I could with a Visoflex and Bellows, but it is a hack. I use a Nikon DSLR with a micro-nikkor lens, and SB-29 speedlight.

I prefer a Rangefinder for most general purpose work. I could use an SLR in place of the RF most of the time. I prefer a rangefinder for low-light photography, and for people-pictures.
 
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