SLR guy trying to like an M2 outfit

[dave lackey]

As a dedicated SLR shooter saving for a rangefinder... Are the skills a rangefinder demands applicable back to SLR shooting, or are they just different animals?

Everyone will answer differently. For me, a non-metered camera that does not give you a view of the motif through the lens is quite different. Going from a new Toyota with automatic everything to a 1951 MGTD... I did that too!!

It is truly different.

Gotta love it!

 

[Fixcinater]

As a dedicated SLR shooter saving for a rangefinder... Are the skills a rangefinder demands applicable back to SLR shooting, or are they just different animals?

As an example, composition without focus effects changed the way I use my SLRs but obviously works best when I'm not looking at a ground glass.

The growth of the skill set can influence the way your SLR work might happen, but won't be directly applicable.


Just as using a large format camera might influence the way you use a DSLR or 35mm film, but you're unlikely to have to compose upside down on a DSLR.

 

[noisycheese]

You mentioned in one of your blog entries that you have slow shutter speed issues; when you want to get that repaired, Sherry Krauter is the "man" for the job: http://www.sherrykrauter.com/contact.php

Her email is unreliable last I heard, so it's best to give her a call. She works on Leicas cameras for people from literally all over the world, so you being across the pond from her is not an issue.

Sherry has done right by me and my M cameras more than once; I cannot endorse her too highly...

 

[Solinar]

If you intend to hold on to the Leica M2 - get it serviced and use a different light meter.

After reading the blog and looking at a few of your well composed images in part 2 and 3 - I fail to see the need for a 35mm rangefinder camera.

For my own purposes, shooting with a 35mm RF camera allows me to:

* Shoot from the hip, so to speak, without being dead on correct on either the focus or composition.

* Shoot in an indoor setting without being intrusive - i.e. less noise and foregoing a strobe.

Both of the above pertains to images with people in the photo - By this I mean I prefer to photograph people without them being camera shy. With regards to shooting from the hip - the camera is pre-focused to let's say 10 or 15 ft and you just bring it up to your eye for a moment.

The image below is one such grab image with an old Leica IIIg. Notice the framing being off center.

[/url]IIIG_Calhoun_Hall by xyz2physics, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[Huss]

I use M series Leica and Nikon F SLRs

Advantages of Nikons:
1/ VF image is exactly what appears on film
2/ Can use entire screen to focus
3/ Focus mechanism does not go out of whack as easily as RF system if abused
4/ Can be quicker to shoot in the right conditions

Advantages of Leicas (or most RFs)
1/ Much quieter
2/ Much less vibration (no slapping mirror) therefore can hand hold to lower speeds
3/ Can keep both eyes open as left eye is not blocked, therefore can watch the scene develop before it comes into your frame
4/ VF brightness and focussing ability unaffected by lens speed
5/ Can use ND filters (or any filter) w/o it affecting brightness of VF
6/ Subjects are not intimidated by the form.

I use both, and love both, and even though the plus list for the Leica is greater, all that matters is using the right tool for the conditions.

 

[Solinar]

As you can see - as you can see, my amateur grab shots are not as artistic as those in the 2nd part of the M2 blog. Those took more than a moment peering into the viewfinder to frame the image.

Finally, the image below was shot indoors with an 80 year old Leica II, wearing a 50mm Summicron and no one in the room paid attention to the camera.

[/url]Mirror_Carina_Bri by xyz2physics, on Flickr[/IMG]

Yes, I did have to focus the camera using the rangefinder. No one takes an 80 year old Barnack too seriously, not even myself.

 

[gilgsn]

Hello,

Seems like the problem might be the fact that you are wearing glasses. I don't remember if you can fit a corrected eyepiece on the M2. If so, you should go that route. Framing wearing glasses doesn't work well with the M2 and you'll end up scratching them. If you can't, just use it without your glasses.. As long as you can align the two images, your photos will be focused, even if you can't see well through the viewfinder.

Otherwise it's just a matter of getting used to your camera. Get your M2 fixed, your frustrations is coming for a great part from that.

I use a phone app for a meter, and it works great. Now I often just guess and I'm usually within one stop. he key is to pre-meter, not meter every shot. You'll get used to not using one very quickly.

I love my M2 and I am coming from years of using an F3. I adapted instantly because I didn't fight the Leica or tried to use it like an SLR. I just kept taking photos, didn't try to like it, I just used it. The M2 is a marvel of engineering and simplicity. It doesn't take long to adapt to it.

Today my F3 mostly stays home, especially that it has the MD-4 motor drive on it. The M2 is light and fast, and I always set the exposure for the conditions of the day, which in Florida is mostly F16 1/500th! All I have to do then is compose and click! At F16 with a 35mm, focus is seldom needed.

Get your M2 fixed and keep using it, you'll be inseparable in a matter of weeks...

Gil.

 

[Koolzakukumba]

Thanks for all the great comments everyone. There are a lot of experienced M shooters on this forum! I was out again today with the M2 and am beginning to enjoy the experience a bit more. It's still not as natural as using the OM2 but we're talking almost 40 years versus three films and I'm sure it would take some getting used to the Olympus if I were coming at it from the other direction, so to speak.

 

[dave lackey]

Thanks for all the great comments everyone. There are a lot of experienced M shooters on this forum! I was out again today with the M2 and am beginning to enjoy the experience a bit more. It's still not as natural as using the OM2 but we're talking almost 40 years versus three films and I'm sure it would take some getting used to the Olympus if I were coming at it from the other direction, so to speak.

You are on the right track... Shoot lots!!! Try for 3 rolls a week to start. Like riding a motorcycle, you need a lot of "seat time". After 20 rolls or so, exclusively using the M2... It will start feeling natural to you.

 

[ferider]

Frankly, I don't understand all the answers above.

I used OM2 and OM4 for 20 years before trying out a Leica M (also an M2). I remember, when I held it up to my eyes the first time, it was a revelation, love at first sight, amazing to have a frameline floating in free space.

If you don't feel this, why force yourself ? Your OM2 is a good camera, just as fine an instrument as the M2, and it works for you. Plus TTL metering is very useful, and for the geometric stuff you show in your blog an SLR is indeed the better tool, IMO.

Why go through the trouble and costs if clearly there is nothing in it for you ?

Roland.

 

[CMur12]

I have used compact fixed-lens RF cameras for travel, living abroad, and when I wanted to be as unencumbered as possible. For such use, I recall no difficulty adapting to the different viewing, and these little cameras served me very well. (I understand that they are not exactly the same thing as a Leica, but the same viewing principle applies.)

Nevertheless, under different circumstances where I can take more equipment with me, I never choose the RF. I'll always take a 35mm SLR, even if only with one lens, or a TLR.

I guess the point is that I use different cameras for different purposes, though there is a lot of overlap in their capabilities. I can see an SLR user getting an RF camera in order to facilitate a different approach to photography (i.e. to take up street photography, do candid/spontaneous portraits, and such) or because it might help with an aspect of photography that is not working well for him/her with an SLR. Otherwise, I'm not sure why one would bother.

- Murray

 

[leicapixie]

[quote=ferider;2461189]Frankly, I don't understand all the answers above.

I used OM2 and OM4 for 20 years before trying out a Leica M (also an M2). I remember, when I held it up to my eyes the first time, it was a revelation, love at first sight, amazing to have a frameline floating in free space.

Different answer for me!
I came from VF and RF.
Seeing thru a SLR was simply awesome.😀
An actual image as to be photographed.
It was not long to my first SLR.
Later I added my own M3.
I wrote earlier about a method..to embrace the RF/M2.
I would never be without a SLR, esp if I was doing pro work..