the plain honest truth, a sort of confession.....

[northeast16th]

well, as much as i wanted to, i ended up not buying a leica. i joined RFF to do a little research.

after going through a choosing what would be best for my shooting and picking out what i wanted, going back and forth between different m's for price and condition, then looking at lenses and then looking at my bank account, and it just didn't happen.

i had an m2 years ago which i saved for for a long time, and it had a faulty shutter, speeding up near the end of the shutter operation so my negs were underexposed on one third of the frame, had it fixed and then the problem crept back up and i sold it for a bit less than what i paid.

i would love nothing more than to have $5k to drop so i know i'm getting something good, but alas i don't, but not to worry.

i got a nikon f3 hp with a 50mm ai lens for about $350, and it's working out great! now all that extra dough is going towards film and printing costs.

not in the club, but what the hell, i'm out shooting. thanks for listening. maybe one day.....

 

[x-ray]

If you wanted a Leica to be in the club them you're in photography for the wrong reason. I shoot both vintage Nikkon and Leica and Nikons make equally fine images. Its about your skill and not your gear.

 

[jonmanjiro]

the f3 hp is a really really good camera, and a 50mm ai isn't too shabby either. enjoy 🙂

 

[gnarayan]

Just hop over to the dark side

Just hop over to the dark side

not in the club

RFF isn't just Leica talk - though you'd be hard pressed to tell sometimes.

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=126

Cheers,
-Gautham

 

[Nikon Bob]

Sometimes the price of admission to a club may not be worth it. The F3 is a fine camera, enjoy it and take photographs.

Bob

 

[Chris101]

Hey, not to worry NE! Like X, I have Nikons as well as a single old Leica, and for close up, zoom lenses, telephoto, anything where I need an exact framing, and the security of looking through the taking lens before exposing, Nikon SLRs rock! As do most other cameras. Hang around! It's much more about shooting pictures than what Leica lens you've got (I haven't any 😱) as long as you avoid threads that sound like the name of a lens!

 

[Keith]

Don't feel bad ... my Leica M2 and M3 sit in the cupboard ninety percent of the time while I take photographs with my OM-1 and OM-2.

The fact that you didn't/couldn't succumb to the Leica Siren is in your favour! 🙂

 

[FA Limited]

i don't have an RF and i lurk here and post randomly ... i'm sure we're not the only ones
there's a lot of good stuff on this forum that can't be found anywhere else

 

[amateriat]

You possess one of the best 35mm cameras, period, as well as one of the most bulletproof numbers Nikon ever made. I'd even place it above the coveted F2 (and yes, I've owned both). I personally prefer RFs now, but I have very fond memories of my two F3s.

If you want an RF bad enough (Leica or otherwise), you'll figure out a way. Meanwhile, grab some film and inspiration, then go outside.


- Barrett

 

[Rayt]

One of the reasons why I prefer rangefinders is my poor eyesight. But the current crop of Nikon DSLRs have focus confirmation and the F6 has it too. Well I just picked up a used F6 and I already have a few Contarex and R lenses converted to F mount. Lets see how that will work out.

 

[bgb]

"nikon f3 hp with a 50mm ai"

nice camera dude

we let all sorts play here 🙂 hell i would love a Nikon F4 ....

 

[mfogiel]

This is one of my favourite shots: Nikon FM3A and Agfa Scala

 

[robbert]

Enjoy it! It's a great camera!

Imaging is the only thing that matters, regardles cameras used

 

[ZeissFan]

Hey Northeast16th, you're outta here!

Seriously, though. I understand what you mean about Leica.

Years ago, I was talked out of buying two cameras: An M4-2 with three lenses for $400 and a Rolleiflex 2.8F for $300. These might be the two times that I regret not buying a camera. Oh well.

I eventually bought an M6 -- excellent camera, great Summicron lens and fantastic build quality. However, the ergonomics weren't for me, and I sold it to a fellow who I am sure gets much better use (and probably photos) from it than I ever did or would have.

You never have to apologize for using a Nikon. Canon, maybe, but not Nikon. 😱 😉

However, you might want to try an LTM Leica. They're a bit less expensive, and you still get the exquisite Leica build.

By the way, I'm a Zeiss Ikon Contax user, but I still have great appreciation and respect for the Leica cameras and history. I just don't deify it ... or any camera, for that matter.

 

[Oscar Levant]

Too bad you're not a member of the elite cognoscenti who own M Leicas.

One day, you'll be out walking, and some hot, sexy teenage girl will pull out her M3 and take a photo, and some distinguished looking journalist wearing a Rolex Submariner and riding a classic BMW motorcycle will take out HIS Leica M4.

The girl and the journalist will look at YOU, with your miserable, laughable Nikon F3.

"MMMM....MMM...My Leica is in the shop..." you'll sputter.

'HA HA HA HAHA HA HA!!" THEY know better. You're just a pissant with his pathetic sissy camera. Obviously broke.

"Get a REAL camera" says the girl, as she rides off with the other guy.

I'd pray that this day of impending shame does not arrive too soon.

 

[LChanyungco]

i've always wanted an FM3A and the flap jack 45mm... one day !

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

By the way, I'm a Zeiss Ikon Contax user, but I still have great appreciation and respect for the Leica cameras and history. I just don't deify it ... or any camera, for that matter.

Well said!.....my sentiments too!!
Dave.

 

[NathanJD]

It's a shame your experience with your M2 was one of having to put up with a problem camera. to me a camera with a recurring problem is no better than a door stop if it stops you from getting consistent and usable images. my M2 is great and i bought it and my 50mm collapsible summicron for £800 both in top notch condition and the camera has a warrenty.

I reckon any camera that works for you is absolutely fine! and i would love a Nikon F 🙂. i have my eye on an OM camera at the moment and i'm waiting for one to come up for the right price. enjoy what you've got mate! and show us what you can do with it 😉

 

[FrankS]

I confess that I've been doing more shooting with an F3 than my Leica lately.
I need to get me one of those Rollex watches though. 😉

 

[functus]

Congrats on the F3!

I have an F4. For me, the F4 is the absolute pinnacle of SLR design. Every knob and switch has a dedicated function, yet it manages to include every possible "convenience" options I could hope for -- auto-focus when I need it (although not as fast as today's camera, fast enough with a short prime), timer, shutter/aperture priority and fully automatic exposure modes, switchable from matrix to center to spot metering ...

Honestly, I suspect that the reason that quite a few people are drawn to rangefinders is not simply the style of shooting, but also the fact that the controls are easy, intuitive and direct. Shutter speed, aperture, focus, all with a dedicated dial, all easily manipulated and set within the time it would take me to pick up a D700 and figure out which menu combination lets me change my auto-focus from closest-subject-priority to something else which may or more likely may not be coherently explained in the manuals.

I think you'll find a lot of respect here for people who use older cameras -- rangefinders or not.

I keep wishing that somebody would do something like a digital FM2n ...

I think you'll love your F3. And if it helps you make passionate photos, then you're in the club.

Oh, and girls are attracted to big lenses. They say they're not, but they are.