Leica M3 on the way!! New user!!

[Josburke]

I have an M3 with 5 cm Summicron on the way!! Yep--from the big auction site!! I've never been much of a 35 mm fan (I had/have a Canon I never use) but I expect the Leica will be a different story. I'm normally a Hasselblad 500 series user as well as several RolleiFlex TLR's and also a 4x5 (Linhof Master Technika) thru 8x10 (Deardorff) sheet film user--even a little 11x14 (Seneca View). As you can guess--the Canon never quite cut it and my expectations are rather high--Keep in mind I seek something more readily usable/spontaneous than my Hassy or Rollei's on the fly. I typically shoot with Ilford FP4+ or HP5 plus some Tri-X. I am open to suggestions/recommendations as to the operation of the M3 and I'm sure I'll have many questions. I've bought some HP5 and Tri-X in anticipation of it's arrival--and yes I process my own film using a Jobo CPP 2. I am really looking forward to the Leica M3!! Darn I was suprised at how expensive the 35 mm B&W films are!!
Joseph Burke

 

[back alley]

welcome joseph.

lots of leica users here who will gladly offer up tips and suggestions for use.

joe

 

[richard_l]

I have an M3 with 5 cm Summicron on the way!!.....I am really looking forward to the Leica M3!! Darn I was suprised at how expensive the 35 mm B&W films are!!.....

Don't expect miracles. The M3 experience is like no other, but while the image quality of the Summicron is one of the best in the 35mm universe, it can't compete in sharpness with good MF or LF glass. I'm sure you know this already, but the main advantages of 35mm are convenience and portability. I wouldn't have brought all this up except that you seem definitely biased in favor of larger formats. If the M3/Summicron doesn't live up to expectations, you can't say you weren't warned. 🙂 Anyhow, I really hope you find as much pleasure in your M3/Summicron as I do in mine.

 

[FrankS]

Welcome aboard the good ship RFF!

 

[peter_n]

Welcome Joseph! I would 2nd what Richard says as I have a pro photog friend who is a Hasselblad/Leica user and the bigger format neg is an unfair comparison to a 35mm size IMHO.

On the other hand the look of the Leica glass is unique and you can take a 35mm RF cam everywhere, so I think you will have fun with it! 🙂 Plenty of M3 experts here BTW.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Expect to be surprised, Joseph. The handling of the M3 must be a pleasure for those used to meter the light by using the sunny 16 rule. And the feel (Frank got me thinking about it) is superb: it's a camera that really fits your hands.

As for image quality... I'm sure that as a seasoned MF user, you'll know not to expect great detail always, but you win lots in portability with the M3.

Enjoy, and welcome to the RFF! 🙂

 

[rover]

An M3 in a bag with a Hassy or Rollei will be quite a pair. I think you will enjoy your experience with the M3 as surely you have developed a work process in which a meterless mechanical body will fit well. I suspect that you will find times when you want to speed things up just a little and a smooth handling Leica fits that bill well.

 

[Skinny McGee]

Welcome and enjoy

 

[Graybeard]

I am really looking forward to the Leica M3!! Darn I was suprised at how expensive the 35 mm B&W films are!!
Joseph Burke

Enjoy your new M3.

For better prices on film try Universal Photo:

http://www.unidiscountfilm.com/contact.htm

The prices there are pretty good and several times a year they offer free shipping. The stock there seems to change from time to time so check back if the film your're after isn't listed.

B&H also has film at reduced prices. I order film from them when I buy darkroom chemicals to save on the shipping.

The days of Tri-X 36 exp for $1.99/roll seem to be gone forever; Neopan 400 at $2.50 a roll seems to be the next best thing.