Leica LTM LTM vs M-the User Experience?

[ktmrider]

Well, I received the 3f today with the collapsable 50 Summicron. All your
wonderful adjectives like jewel like, solid, precision etc were spot on. I played with the camera for a bit and have already loaded a roll of Provia 400. It will be leaving with me on a three week motorcycle trip around the eastern US accompanied by a Fuji X100F.

Thank god that the owner's manual is on line. I thought the slow speed dial was inoperative and was ready to send it back since the camera was advertised with the slow speeds working. Well, the spring lock on the slow speed dial was locked and reading the manual explained everything.

I think this is a keeper. Teaming it with an X100F is brilliant and gives me 28 (aux lens), 35 and 50 FOV in digital and a beautiful 50 at present on film. I wonder why it took me so long to try a LTM Leica.

Thanks for all your observations and encouragement.

 

[raydm6]

That's wonderful to hear! I'm happy for you. Yes, the little spring-loaded tab on the slow-speed dial needs to be pushed in. I use my left thumb-nail to depress it, then use the same thumb and index finger to rotate.

Way to go and congrats! Have a safe trip. (Oh, and the foliage is starting to turn here in Massachusetts so you should get some great shots if you venture this way.)

 

[Bill Clark]

Both are fine.

LTM’s usually less expensive than M’s bodies and glass.

LTM can fit in my pocket.

I like the view with an M, larger port hole, more frame lines. But an LTM is fine.

 

[Dralowid]

As you start to take pictures just check that the film is winding on...

 

[ktmrider]

Well, I have had my share of misloading film and it not advancing since starting photography in 1966 with a 4x5 Graflex. I had a couple professional assignments as a newspaper photographer in the 1970's with poorly loaded film and that was in cameras not as finicky as a LTM Leica. So watching the rewind knob has become second nature.

As I said earlier, the 3F and X100F are traveling together in a Bare Bones bag with ten rolls of film, extra batteries for the X100F and cleaning cloth. The cell phone will provide light meter readings for the 3F.

I am leaving tomorrow on a three week motorcycle trip around the US departing from St Louis. My ex wife will be riding my Versys 650 and I am on a BMW GSA. Our first destination is the USMC museum in Quantico followed by three days on the Blue Ridge Parkway down to the Smokies to see the foliage and visit friends. Then Tampa, Fl., to visit friends and Dallas, Tx., to see our daughter. And finally back to St Louis for her to catch a flight back to Alaska.

I am thinking Route 66 at the end of October visiting friends in ABQ and ELP. If I get brave enough, I may just take the 3F solo.

 

[Bill Clark]

As you start to take pictures just check that the film is winding on...

Great idea.

After loading the film, I advance the film just once, then I turn the rewind knob until the film is tight so as the rewind knob moves with each frame advance.

 

[robert blu]

Congrats for your 3F and for your trip! Please post a few picrtures when back!

 

[Erik van Straten]

A black-and-nickel Leica III and a nickel Summar with really clean glass ... irresistible.

LeicaIII/Summar/TMY400/IlfordMGFB

Erik.

 

[raydm6]

Well, I have had my share of misloading film and it not advancing since starting photography in 1966 with a 4x5 Graflex. I had a couple professional assignments as a newspaper photographer in the 1970's with poorly loaded film and that was in cameras not as finicky as a LTM Leica. So watching the rewind knob has become second nature.

Also, see the little off-set black dot atop the shutter release button? That will also rotate and be a visual indicator your film is winding. Clever addition!

Edit: Although I now doubt if I am correct. It seems to rotate without film in the camera also. Ken Rockwell explains it this way.

To unload, set the advance-rewind lever by the shutter to R for rewind, pull up the rewind crank, and have at it. The dot on the shutter release button moves as the film spins the sprockets, and stops just before the last of the film is drawn back into the cassette.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I couldn't find any reference in the manual.

 

[Erik van Straten]

Also, see the little off-set black dot atop the shutter release button? That will also rotate and be a visual indicator your film is winding. Clever addition!

Edit: Although I now doubt if I am correct. It seems to rotate without film in the camera also. Ken Rockwell explains it this way.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong. I couldn't find any reference in the manual.

Never believe Ken Rockwell, all nonsense, also what he writes on lenses. The black dot on the release button also turns without film.

Just turn the rewind knob carefully in the direction of the arrow to check if there is film in the camera.

Erik.

 

[Scrambler]

I did not read mention of the MFD of screwmount lenses. For me that would be the biggest turn off using Barnacks, even though I like the form factor.

Largely sorted with the right device. SOOKY for the Summicron, NOOKY-HESUM for the earlier f2 lenses and the NOOKY for the Elmar. Brings close focus (with corrected paralax) down to 44cm/ 18 inches (a touch further out for the SOOKY). Still not macro but pretty decent with RF focussing. Most distant focus while using the device is minimum focus when not using.

I own a NOOKY-HESUM but have never used it in anger. I'm more of a 1m plus shooter myself.