Bobonli
Established
There questions:
1. Can anyone direct me to a place that rents Leica M film bodies in the NY area? Google search didn’t return any hits.
2. How can I get M-quality images using my Nikon FM, what lenses should I be looking at?
3. Assuming I re-commit to the M line, where should I be looking for good quality but fair prices? I know a number of places in NY I would Not go unless I want to overpay. I think I purchased a 50 mm from Tamarkin back when they were in CT, Prices look high there.
I started photography in mid 80’s and still have my original Nikon FM and a box of Nikkors. Then digital came and they got put aside. About 10 years ago bought a used M6TTL and Canadian ’Cron to switch things up a bit. Loved that camera and it made some of my finest images but developing and scanning got to be a drag. I also found the RF focusing not exactly precise compared to AF and my iphone! Sold the M6 almost immediate regretted it.
I recently picked up the FM again and rediscovered the love of doing things methodically, not spray and pray And the look of film. The camera is fine but the images don’t quite match the 3-D character of that 35mm Summicron. I have two choices I think: (a) get hold of another M body, either 7 or MP, or (b) find glass for the FM that offers the same or similar characteristics as the Leica glass. I think the FM is a more capable camera but the glass doesn’t have the same personality. The closest I’ve found is a Zeiss 50 that I had on a Canon DSLR. Best case would be able to rent for a couple of days to re-evaluate the M before plopping down $$$$
Thanks in advance.
1. Can anyone direct me to a place that rents Leica M film bodies in the NY area? Google search didn’t return any hits.
2. How can I get M-quality images using my Nikon FM, what lenses should I be looking at?
3. Assuming I re-commit to the M line, where should I be looking for good quality but fair prices? I know a number of places in NY I would Not go unless I want to overpay. I think I purchased a 50 mm from Tamarkin back when they were in CT, Prices look high there.
I started photography in mid 80’s and still have my original Nikon FM and a box of Nikkors. Then digital came and they got put aside. About 10 years ago bought a used M6TTL and Canadian ’Cron to switch things up a bit. Loved that camera and it made some of my finest images but developing and scanning got to be a drag. I also found the RF focusing not exactly precise compared to AF and my iphone! Sold the M6 almost immediate regretted it.
I recently picked up the FM again and rediscovered the love of doing things methodically, not spray and pray And the look of film. The camera is fine but the images don’t quite match the 3-D character of that 35mm Summicron. I have two choices I think: (a) get hold of another M body, either 7 or MP, or (b) find glass for the FM that offers the same or similar characteristics as the Leica glass. I think the FM is a more capable camera but the glass doesn’t have the same personality. The closest I’ve found is a Zeiss 50 that I had on a Canon DSLR. Best case would be able to rent for a couple of days to re-evaluate the M before plopping down $$$$
Thanks in advance.
Shoot at Two Stops below maximum aperture. Looking at Nikon FM generaltion 50mm lenses, use the Nikkor Ai 50mm F2 or (50mm F1.8 Ai) at F4.
Probably the same is true across most of the focal lengths.
I prefer the Nikkor-O 35mm F2, second version, to my other SLR 35mm lenses.
f.hayek
Well-known
Actually, for the FM would suggest Zeiss ZF lenses, the unchipped versions are much cheaper. With the exception of the 50/1.4 and maybe 85/1.4, would recommend the rest. Zeiss “pop” and vivid colors. My favorites were the 2/35 and 2,8/25.
ddutchison2
Well-known
You could buy Leicaflex R lenses in the versions you like and have them converted to Nikon F mount - it's not a very difficult conversion and is fully reversible.
Leica lens for Nikon cameras
Leitax makes reversible Leica and Contax lenses conversion to Pentax SLR and DSLR mount
leitax.com
f.hayek
Well-known
The R lenses have become über pricey since videographers discovered their characteristics.
The vintage 50mm lens that closely matched the Summicron is the Konica AR 50mm F1.7. The chart shows it's performance at F1.7 against the Summicron 50/2 at F2. At F2.8- dead-heat. This lens cost about $30. The lens and a Konica film camera- maybe $75? I picked up a T-3n with 50/1.4 for that. My Konica 50/1.7 is now RF coupled M-Mount.
I have shot Nikon SLRs for decades (and still have an FM) and my favorite Nikkor lenses are the 35/2.8 and the 85/2. For 50mm I'd recommend the 50/2 Zeiss Makro Planar ZF.
Also highly recommend the 40/2 Ultron from Voigtlander.
Also highly recommend the 40/2 Ultron from Voigtlander.
f.hayek
Well-known
Forgot about the CV 2/40. Very sweet glass and compact.
Bobonli
Established
Thank you everyone. I recently became aware of the Voigtlander. Reasonably priced, available and compact.
I’d appreciate suggestions on the other two questions (rental, and where not to get taken advantage of procuring an M) unless the consensus is to hold fast with the Nikon. It looks like all the rental houses are solely renting digital Ms.
I’m pretty sure I’m pining for the M again after stumbling across photos from 13 years ago that look awesome compared to my DSLR images.
I’d appreciate suggestions on the other two questions (rental, and where not to get taken advantage of procuring an M) unless the consensus is to hold fast with the Nikon. It looks like all the rental houses are solely renting digital Ms.
I’m pretty sure I’m pining for the M again after stumbling across photos from 13 years ago that look awesome compared to my DSLR images.
can't vouch as I haven't rented via this service but there are film rentals listed on sharegrid.com in NY.
The thing about film Ms is that they aren't going to depreciate if you decide to buy and then sell. assuming the gear doesn't get damaged or abused of course.
keh is worth looking into as a 6 month warranty is included.
Metered M bodies and lenses have gone up in price quite a lot since 10 years since you had a TTL.
not sure what look you prefer but there are plenty of good lenses for the FM, that would not break the bank like an M6 kit, and of course with the advantages that SLRs bring. 105/2.5 for example, a great lens. Longer focal lengths being more challenging to use with a rangefinder.
The thing about film Ms is that they aren't going to depreciate if you decide to buy and then sell. assuming the gear doesn't get damaged or abused of course.
keh is worth looking into as a 6 month warranty is included.Metered M bodies and lenses have gone up in price quite a lot since 10 years since you had a TTL.
not sure what look you prefer but there are plenty of good lenses for the FM, that would not break the bank like an M6 kit, and of course with the advantages that SLRs bring. 105/2.5 for example, a great lens. Longer focal lengths being more challenging to use with a rangefinder.
f.hayek
Well-known
Go to Lens Rentals and you can take an M camera out for a spin. They’ll ship it to your home.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Before ditching of film I tried Nikon for real. I find it to be next to superior to film M I used almost in Winogrand style (lot of film).
To see Leica lenses on film advantage, it has to be huge darkroom prints, which are fortune to pay for paper.
The only "modern" Nikkor lens I have tried was 50 1.8 pancake. It was awfully flat lens. I have tried some Soviet 50 /2 in F mount and one of the first Nikkor 50 1.4. Totally awesome lenses, on pair with overrated Crons.
Old Nikkor 28 3.5 was as good as any M, LTM 28 I have used, but I switched to Vivitar 28/2. Good luck to find anything for M this good and not overpriced, compared to F mount lenses.
For UWA I was easily able to find three affordable lenses of good optical quality, one was with extreme, next to macro focus range. Again, nothing like this for M and rip off for OVF.
If I would come back to film for real it would be Nikon
Film M is great for show off and feel cool.
I'm subscribed to one YT channel about street photography in NY. Plenty of young people, doing some side jobs and using film M for street.
In one episode young one comes with SLR, because... film M is crapped out and need service, which is long time and big money
I got as is F2 for cheap. To use its correct made curtains to replace Leica flakey clothes.
But I made this F2 work at easy and realized this camera build is superior to any film M... More bulky, more clunky, but it gives confidence of use, which no M could give. Again, for real use, not show off.
To see Leica lenses on film advantage, it has to be huge darkroom prints, which are fortune to pay for paper.
The only "modern" Nikkor lens I have tried was 50 1.8 pancake. It was awfully flat lens. I have tried some Soviet 50 /2 in F mount and one of the first Nikkor 50 1.4. Totally awesome lenses, on pair with overrated Crons.
Old Nikkor 28 3.5 was as good as any M, LTM 28 I have used, but I switched to Vivitar 28/2. Good luck to find anything for M this good and not overpriced, compared to F mount lenses.
For UWA I was easily able to find three affordable lenses of good optical quality, one was with extreme, next to macro focus range. Again, nothing like this for M and rip off for OVF.
If I would come back to film for real it would be Nikon
Film M is great for show off and feel cool.
I'm subscribed to one YT channel about street photography in NY. Plenty of young people, doing some side jobs and using film M for street.
In one episode young one comes with SLR, because... film M is crapped out and need service, which is long time and big money
I got as is F2 for cheap. To use its correct made curtains to replace Leica flakey clothes.
But I made this F2 work at easy and realized this camera build is superior to any film M... More bulky, more clunky, but it gives confidence of use, which no M could give. Again, for real use, not show off.
Bobonli
Established
No film bodies in stock accord to website
Bobonli
Established
Thanks for straightening my head out, reminding me that the thing I already have might have better functionality! Sadly, I had a 35mm and that beloved 105/2.5 back in the day. I started buying stuff in 1984, when digital came I traded up and moved to zooms and I didn’t see the point in keeping everything I had. I still have a 20, 60 macro, 85/1.8, 16 and 80-200 all from the early AF era before everything became an “AF-S” Nikkor. An embarrassment of riches, I know. I should be ashamed of myself but not having a 35 or 50 for walking around stuff (the 60 is a big lens) had me dreaming…..and as Ko.Fe alludes to it’s easy to get sucked into the marketing hype that an M6 is the best tool for walking around stuff.can't vouch as I haven't rented via this service but there are film rentals listed on sharegrid.com in NY.
The thing about film Ms is that they aren't going to depreciate if you decide to buy and then sell. assuming the gear doesn't get damaged or abused of course.
Metered M bodies and lenses have gone up in price quite a lot since 10 years since you had a TTL.
not sure what look you prefer but there are plenty of good lenses for the FM, that would not break the bank like an M6 kit, and of course with the advantages that SLRs bring. 105/2.5 for example, a great lens. Longer focal lengths being more challenging to use with a rangefinder.
That 40mm Voigtlander is the logical gap-filler right between 35 and 50 and tiny compared to the Nikk or 60 or 85.
f.hayek
Well-known
A shame. One other option might be to visit an official Leica Store; they have programs where they’ll let you try out the digital L cameras. They might allow you to do so with a (?used) film M by leaving a credit card while you do so. You should contact one.
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Those being all AF or AF-D, they will work fine on an FM. They are larger than AIS equivalents but on the other hand you already have them. I had the 20 and 85/1.8 at one time, both excellent.
There are two types of the 40/2, the SL II version will focus directly to 0.25m. It's barrel design mimics earlier Nikkors. It's larger/ longer than the earlier version due to the extension of the barrel to focus so close. The earlier version comes with a close-up lens to get to 0.25m and it's a pancake. Same optics. A great option for one lens covering 35 and 50 as you mentioned.
These are some of the best Nikkor lenses made. The AF-D Micro-Nikkors are better than the AF-S, at least true of the 105/2.8. The 60/2.8 is sharp.
You might consider getting an F100 or other Nikon AF film camera for these lenses.
I think the bottom line: you want a Leica M series camera. Go for it. Fine cameras and fine lenses. Prices are a premium, but they do not depreciate as some other brands. You can get new lenses for the FM that are better wide-open than the older Nikkors. They cost a lot more than the Nikkors. For pixel-peeping digital, you will see a difference. Not as much on film. My choice for manual focus Nikkor lenses would be the Nikkor 24/2.0 or 24/2.8 Ai, 50/2 Ai or 50/1.8 Ai, and 105/2.5 Ai or Ais. Not too costly, and first-rate in the Nikkor line-up. For a Leica- I kept the M3 and CL for film. Shooting mostly digital, but will be going back to film in the not distant future.
Bobonli
Established
I saw that Youtube video you referred to. My M, although spotless and bought from a reputable seller, had a light leak that I discovered on the first roll. It's the only camera where I had a repair person in my address book!
Bobonli
Established
I've been doing more research. The future looks dim for getting the M6 repaired if it ever comes to that. And I don't have the patience to wait months for a repair or CLA. What about something like a Bessa RF paired with Leica glass?
I keep coming back to RF because as I've been out shooting with the FM, the one thing that "pesters" me when walking around is the flop of the larger lenses, compared to what I remember from the M6 and 35 Cron: it's a handful. Went to the local farmers' market today with the FM and 85/1.8 and it was definitely not compact. First world problem I know.
On a side note, I made the comment earlier that I've never needed a repair person for my other camera and ....well, I should have kept my mouth shut. While I was shooting I noticed black flecks in the viewfinder. The little strips of foam/material surrounding the focusing screen are disintegrating onto the screen and mirror. I guess I shouldn't complain after nearly 40 years.
I keep coming back to RF because as I've been out shooting with the FM, the one thing that "pesters" me when walking around is the flop of the larger lenses, compared to what I remember from the M6 and 35 Cron: it's a handful. Went to the local farmers' market today with the FM and 85/1.8 and it was definitely not compact. First world problem I know.
On a side note, I made the comment earlier that I've never needed a repair person for my other camera and ....well, I should have kept my mouth shut. While I was shooting I noticed black flecks in the viewfinder. The little strips of foam/material surrounding the focusing screen are disintegrating onto the screen and mirror. I guess I shouldn't complain after nearly 40 years.
The 85/1.8 AF is a big lens for use with an FM. Last weekend I shot my uncle's 90th birthday with an FM and the 85/2, quite an enjoyable experience, small, lightweight. And far less expense than an M6 with a 90!
Yes, any 45+ year old SLR will need new seals and mirror foam. That's an easy DIY and a few bucks.
Yes, any 45+ year old SLR will need new seals and mirror foam. That's an easy DIY and a few bucks.