My Old Rangefinder Equipment

[raid]

It seems that I have accumulated quite a few cameras and lenses the past years, and I am happy with what I currently have and use. I certainly am not showing off, because this is not what my intention is with this thread. Many RFF people list in small print with their signature the equipment they own.

In terms of LTM/M mount cameras with interchangeable lenses, I have the following:
Amount of Use
Leica M3 20%
Leica CL 20%
Leica Standard 1% [recently traded]
Canon IVsb 1% [recently bought]
Canon P 58%

As for lenses, I have these :
Percent Use
Minolta Rokkor 28mm/2.8 (M) rarely

Leitz Summicron 35mm/2 (M) rarely
Leitz Summaron 35mm/3.5 (LTM) rarely
Canon 35mm/1.8 (LTM) often

Leitz Summicron-C 40mm/2 (M) average use

Many 50mm lenses (Leitz, Canon, Nikon) very often

Leitz Elmar 90mm/4 (two in LTM) sometimes
Leitz Elmarit 90mm/2.8 (M) sometimes
Leitz Summicron 90mm/2 (M) most often
Canon 85mm/1.9 (LTM) often

Leitz Hektor 135mm/4.5 (M) never
Canon 135mm/3.5 (LTM) sometimes
Nikon 135mm/3.5 (LTM) often

These lenses are very well made and they can produce fine results when used correctly. I just wonder why I use only some and don't use the rest. Is this also something that happens to you? I just love the craftmanship in these lenses, and I try to use quite a few of them as often as I can.

 

[FrankS]

I understand your intent is not to boast.
This is an interesting analysis of equipment use, both for others who have lots, and for those who may have just one camera and lens.

 

[Avotius]

that is a lot of glass, and here I am struggling to buy a body, just trying to make me jelous huh

 

[raid]

I forgot to list the two Bessa cameras; a Bessa L and a Bessa T.
I need to determine which lenses are rather similar and then sell off what I don't use.
I know that this is too much for actual use.

 

[back alley]

I just wonder why I use only some and don't use the rest...

it seems you use the cheaper items and rarely use the more expensive ones.
maybe that has something to do with it?
i remember that you once wrote that using the leica m3 was hard for you because it was in such good shape.

 

[dadsm3]

Lots of gear, somewhat less photographic talent:
Leica M3 beater: 10%
Leica M3 ("dads"): 50%
LeicaM6: 40%
Lenses:
35mm Summaron F3.5 bugeyes: never
35mm Summaron F2.8 bugeyes: often
35mm Summicron: often
50mm Summarit F1.5: rarely
50mm DR Summicron: by far the most
50mm Collapsible Elmar F2.8: rarely
90mm Elmar F4: often
90mm Summicron: less often (so damn big)
90mm Elmar F4 LTM: rarely
135mm Hector F4.5: never
135mm Elmar F4: rarely
200mm Telyt w/Viso III: rarely, but gonna try this year
280mm Telyt w/Viso III: same
I just kept upgrading and couldn't bring myself to sell any of it....

 

[back alley]

50mm Collapsible Elmar F2.8: rarely...

how come rarely?

joe

 

[clarence]

Minolta Rokkor 28mm/2.8 (M) rarely

Canon 35mm/1.8 (LTM) often

Leitz Summicron-C 40mm/2 (M) average use

Many 50mm lenses (Leitz, Canon, Nikon) very often

Leitz Summicron 90mm/2 (M) most often

Nikon 135mm/3.5 (LTM) often

I just selected those used most often in each focal length. You seem to use the standard lens most often and you rarely shoot with the 28mm.

Do you have a daily kit which you bring around? I'm really interested.

Clarence

 

[dadsm3]

Joe, I'm not sure...it's my newest lens too, got it with the M6 (#373etc). Just that when I really want a shot I go with the 'cron since it's proven. I was thinking of sticking it on the beater M3 (in for a CLA right now) and leaving it in the car...it'll force me to look at it critically. I love my Elmars, the 90 is the best portrait lens I have and even the 135 is sharp as hell at high speeds.
But I guess you and Frank would need several pages for your list!
Mike

 

[back alley]

But I guess you and Frank would need several pages for your list!


everything i own is in my signature, except for a couple of fixed lens cams.

i buy but i also sell off stuff to offset the cost of the buys.
i'm basically a poor guy with a bad habit.

joe

 

[raid]

I understand your intent is not to boast.
This is an interesting analysis of equipment use, both for others who have lots, and for those who may have just one camera and lens.

Frank: This has become an important issue to me; I want to analyze which type of lenses I use most. Since rangefinder lenes keep their value, unlike SLR equipment, I could sell quite a lot of my equipment and still be fully functional when it comes to photography. With the money from the sales, I could buy something that I don't have and that I would like to use.



"it seems you use the cheaper items and rarely use the more expensive ones.
maybe that has something to do with it?
i remember that you once wrote that using the leica m3 was hard for you because it was in such good shape."

Joe: This used to be correct, but now I don't care anymore about pampering mint equipment that is expensive. If the M3 had a built-in meter, it would be used the most.


" just selected those used most often in each focal length. You seem to use the standard lens most often and you rarely shoot with the 28mm.

Do you have a daily kit which you bring around? I'm really interested."

Clarence: I don't seem to like the 28mm perpetive for rangefinder photography and I will most likley sell the 28mm lens one day. As for my daily kit, I have to say that I create a set that is for the current weekend. I am using a small canvas bag that accepts three cameras with a lens each, plus some room for a lightmeter and another lens. So, what is in the bag today ...? I have a Canon IVsb that I am still testing, with a Canon 35mm/1.8 lens, and a Canon P with a Canon 85mm/1.9 lens and a Kodak Retina Ib. I always have a 50mm lens somewhere in the bag. Today, I threw in a pre-war Elmar 50mm/3.5. What did I actually use today ...? Just the Canon IVsb with the Canon 35mm/1.8 lens. Yesterday I had the same bag with me, and I used only the Canon IVsb with the Canon 85mm/1.9 lens. A week ago, I may have had a Bessa T with a Nikon 50/2 lens, and I had in the bag a Fuji Natura P&S camera and maybe a Zorki-4 with a J-3 lens. I actually like to use all the equipment.

 

[Rich Silfver]

Leica M3: 50%, most often w/ a 50/2 Summicron.
Leica III (F): 20%, most often w/ a 50/3.5 Elmar
Hasselblad 500C/M: 15%, most often w/ a 80 Planar
Various: 15%, most often fixed lenses.



Disclaimer: My usage seems to change on an almost weekly basis. This week I used the hasselblad almost exclusively as I'm playing with a 40/4 Zeiss lens.

 

[raid]

Leica M3: 50%, most often w/ a 50/2 Summicron.
Leica III (F): 20%, most often w/ a 50/3.5 Elmar
Hasselblad 500C/M: 15%, most often w/ a 80 Planar
Various: 15%, most often fixed lenses.



Disclaimer: My usage seems to change on an almost weekly basis. This week I used the hasselblad almost exclusively as I'm playing with a 40/4 Zeiss lens.

Rich: I hope to switch to an M3 user nearly exclusively. The camera is too good not to be used every chance given.

 

[ch1]

You have a wonderful "kit" with many options. I too find that cameras come in faster than they go out (I finally sell the "S" and I wind up with a "SP" today!)

I notiece that ss far as your lens use - you seem to gravitate to the normals and zooms rather than the wides.

Perhaps you should "force" yourself to just use the 28 and 35s for a while and see how your perspective changes?

 

[raid]

Lots of gear, somewhat less photographic talent:
Leica M3 beater: 10%
Leica M3 ("dads"): 50%
LeicaM6: 40%
Lenses:
35mm Summaron F3.5 bugeyes: never
35mm Summaron F2.8 bugeyes: often
35mm Summicron: often
50mm Summarit F1.5: rarely
50mm DR Summicron: by far the most
50mm Collapsible Elmar F2.8: rarely
90mm Elmar F4: often
90mm Summicron: less often (so damn big)
90mm Elmar F4 LTM: rarely
135mm Hector F4.5: never
135mm Elmar F4: rarely
200mm Telyt w/Viso III: rarely, but gonna try this year
280mm Telyt w/Viso III: same
I just kept upgrading and couldn't bring myself to sell any of it....

I also don't use my [wonderful] bugeyes 35mm lens. The camera case does not cover such a lens. I am forcing myself to use the [wonderful] 90mm Summicron. Even though it is heavy, it is a great lens. Try it out and let me know. You will be blown away by its performance. As for the smaller 90mm Elamr, I find it a great portrait lens. It really performs better than many people seem to think.

 

[raid]

You have a wonderful "kit" with many options. I too find that cameras come in faster than they go out (I finally sell the "S" and I wind up with a "SP" today!)

I notiece that ss far as your lens use - you seem to gravitate to the normals and zooms rather than the wides.

Perhaps you should "force" yourself to just use the 28 and 35s for a while and see how your perspective changes?

I changed my photography style since the birth of my two daughters. A wideangle lens is less useful with children than a telephoto lens since the faces need to be seen. With SLR's, I used to use wideangle lenses more foten; in particular, I loved to use the 24mm lens.

 

[raid]

Raid, I'll gladly put any equipment you're not using to good use for photographing my daughter and the delta south -- am planning a delta blues photo expedition sometime this summer as I live very near highway 61 -- will just get in the car and drive --- I could always use more glass - 😀

he he he ... that's a good one ;-)

 

[raid]

heck, I'll even let you ride in the car with me and I'll spring for some cuban cigars

I see that you use the 135mm/4.5 Hektor lens. How do you like it? I have read that it is an undervalued and underappreciated lens.

 

[raid]

You have fast 40-50mm lenses but your 90mm lens is slow. Have you considered getting an Elmarit (90mm/2.8) ? It is not heavy and it can bought at reasonable cost. Here is an example of a shot with the Elmarit [from last weekend]:

 

[Nearsighted]

This thread hits home for me. I've got a closet full of equipment a rarely use any more (Nikon SLRs and Bessa this and that). I bought a Minolta 7s from G'man and I don't seem to be able to put it down. There's something liberating about using a single fixed lens camera. No lenses to change, no big decisions, just simple and reliable. I'm getting more use to the EV metering system on the 7s. By the way, this thing had to be a technoligical marvel for it's day (1966). Fully auto except for focus ofcourse. If I could only remember to turn the darn film speed dial to off it would be perfect.