Leica LTM Shooting Unplugged

[Graybeard]

We're planning our summer travel for the next few years (world wide). Much of our earlier travel was/has been (quite successfully) recorded with a Leica iiif (Serenar 50/mm f1.8). I thought I'd might simplify my gear again. The lady in my life will have her Canon P&S for the usual applications, as needed.

Seeking simplicity, I thought that I'd do the next few trips with non-automatic, non-digital (perish the thought) camera gear only. I will shoot only B&W with these cameras.

I am considering these alternatives/hardware combinations (all of the gear is on hand):

1) A Leica iiig with a V4 LTM Summicron: the second camera, a iiif RD with a Nikkor 50mm/ f2 HC will be a readily pocktetable back-up. Also, a Voigtlander 28mm f3.5, and finder for WA work.

2) A Leicaflex (the "Standard", I love these things) with a 50mm/f2 Summicron-R for normal use. I would also include s a 28mm/2.8 Summarit-R for WA work (often useful in Europe). I'm really leaning toward this alternative (as one of the few users who (evidently) is taken with this particular Leicaflex ).

3) A pair if DS Leica M3's, 50mm V3 Summicrons complemented with a ZI 28mm/f2.8.

Auxiliary gear will be a Gossen Lunasix maeter and a Rollei 3.5E (I like large negatives). There is a place in my heart for large prints.

I post this to invite comment and encourage discussion.

 

[02Pilot]

FWIW, I'm currently on vacation with a IIIc with Canon 28/2.8 and a IIIg with a Summitar, with a Canon 100/3.5 in reserve. Shooting HP5+ and Portra 400. I often carry a Voigtlander Perkeo II as well, though I opted not to do MF this time around. It's working pretty well thus far.

 

[grouchos_tash]

I took a IIIf with 5cm f3.5 Elmar to Italy for a week without any bother 🙂

 

[Mute-on]

I think your lens selection of a 50 and 28 will be fantastic for Europe.

The choice of camera is really a personal preference between M, R and LSM. However, whichever you chose, definitely take two bodies. One with a 50 and the other with a 28, loaded and ready to shoot. This way you have a backup body, should a failure occur, and an unbeatable combination for shooting away happily all day with fewer reloading stops along the way.

I note you only refer to the one Leicaflex. Perhaps this is the chance to acquire another with practical justification. Weight may be an issue, however.

I travel with two M film bodies, and wouldn't change this setup for anything.

As for your planned trip, I am envious!

Cheers

J 🙂

 

[Richard G]

50 and 28 were great combination last visit to Europe. External finders with a Barnack in narrow streets would work v well.

 

[michaelwj]

Did I read correctly that in 1) and 3) you have two bodies both with 50's, and in all cases the 28 is "in the pocket", and a Rollei 3.5 is coming along for the ride too?

I'd go 1) only because if you're going to go old school, you might as well go properly!

 

[Graybeard]

Did I read correctly that in 1) and 3) you have two bodies both with 50's, and in all cases the 28 is "in the pocket", and a Rollei 3.5 is coming along for the ride too?

I'd go 1) only because if you're going to go old school, you might as well go properly!

An f2 Summicron 50mm, an Elmar 50, and a 28. The Rollei will be on hand as needed.

I enjoy making large prints and am sure to regret not having a MF camera with me.

 

[zuiko85]

Five bodies? Four RF and a reflex......hmmmmm,
Sounds like too much to keep up with to me. I'd think for world travel I want two identical bodies and what lenses I want for them.

 

[Graybeard]

Five bodies? Four RF and a reflex......hmmmmm,
Sounds like too much to keep up with to me. I'd think for world travel I want two identical bodies and what lenses I want for them.

No more than three camera at most - two identical RF's and the Rollei or just the Leicaflex and the Rollei.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

I got another big World War 2 living history trip coming up in September,
8 days, bringing a Leica IIIc. Haven't decided on which lenses. Probably 50mm, probably a Summitar. Stocked up on a lot of reloadable cartridges and bulk film.

Back-up will be a Graflex Anniversary Speed Graphic with about 10 sheet holders and a roll film back. 😉