Leica LTM Re-introduction to shooting LTM

[Paul1287]

Hey Everyone,

A few years back I had a wonderful Leica IIIC which I foolishly sold in a weak moment. Having regretted that decision, I just purchased a very nice IIIF with a beautiful Summitar and I am excited to be shooting with a Leica again.

I'm trying to get back to where I was when I was using my IIIC and that has led me to a few questions and I was hoping that I could get some help. Here goes....

1) What kind of strap would work well on a screwmount body and be reasonably priced?

2) I want to get some replacement shutter curtain material. Last time I used Aki Asahi's and it worked great, but is he still open for business? I sent of an email but it was never returned. On one of his wepages I recently saw some kind of a "closed for repiars" kind of message.

3) If not, is the material from micro-tools recommended?

4) I'm sure I'll have some more questions so don't mind if when I'lll be lurking around the forum bugging you all!

Thanks very much!

Paul

 

[oscroft]

What kind of strap would work well on a screwmount body and be reasonably priced?

Gordy's straps are great, and cheap. And they're slim, so they wouldn't look out of place on a screw Leica (which some more chunky straps might).

 

[wjlapier]

I use the Artisan & Artist Kobe strap. Narrow and short enough to have the camera on my chest.

Can't speak to the shutter curtain questions.

Bill

 

[john neal]

Aki has his site back up now, and is still selling curtain material. It's a bit heavier than the Leica type, but quite serviceable, and delivery is swift - $18 for a sheet of material 200mm x 250mm + 2 metres of ribbon.

An alternative is our own Jon Goodman, who sells what is probably the thinnest curtain material. Again, a top quality product and rapid shipping, priced according to how much you want, but around $12 per square foot, from memory.

 

[Paul1287]

Thanks, everyone! I didn't know Jon sold curtain material, too. I recently got some foam for my Canonet QL17 from him and it was great stuff. I'll definitely check out that lead.

 

[colyn]

1) What kind of strap would work well on a screwmount body and be reasonably priced?

I use a Gordy's wrist strap..

2) I want to get some replacement shutter curtain material. Last time I used Aki Asahi's and it worked great, but is he still open for business? I sent of an email but it was never returned. On one of his wepages I recently saw some kind of a "closed for repiars" kind of message.

His site is working as of now however can't advise on his shutter curtain material.

DAG sells original Leica curtains with the tapes attached which is my recommendation..

3) If not, is the material from micro-tools recommended?

Cheap garbage. Don't waist your money...

 

[Ronald_H]

I use a Domke 1" neck strap for my M2 and Canonet. No LTM... yet, or you should count my FED5.

They are inexpensive but very well made, with rubberized material woven in for grip and little inserts so that the metal rings that go into the lugs don't damage your camera. You can order them just about anywhere.