Leica LTM Why do you use such a fidgety camera?

[eli griggs]

I think there is a lot to be said for the pleasure of turning machined knobs, checking focus, changing glass and metal lenses with viewfinders and loading film in a manual camera.

Digital controls on modern cameras may offer many choices but using them is not nearly as satisfying as working the controls of a Barnack.

Many times these cameras have been described as "jewel-like" and. IMO, if you think about it, part of the appeal of 'jewels' is admiring them from their many angles as you handle them. Leicas are made to be handled, enjoyed and that is part and parcel to the experience of a manual camera.

Cheers

 

[Solinar]

I don't get this - who needs a separate finder for each lense ?

The original Barnack viewfinder is to say the least small, but bright and uncluttered. It doesn't even have a RF patch to distract you.

With a 50mm - you don't need a separate finder. - However, there are various lens hoods for fast 50's that will crowd the viewfinder and the larger finder in my case helps me to mentally see what the composition on the final print will look like.

For lenses other than a 50mm or a 50mm with a large lens hood - either the Imarect or a turret finder are going to allow you to frame and not have to crop later or wind up with images missing the part of the subject.

The 1:1 finders are a luxury, but allow for quicker composition with both eyes open. If you haven't tried one, stay away - because using one will spoil you.

 

[Solinar]

Digital controls on modern cameras may offer many choices but using them is not nearly as satisfying as working the controls of a Barnack.

Cheers

Many of those choices are to customize an ever expanding automatic feature set that left to their own accord can degrade the final image.

I call the digital experience - photography by wire.

 

[dee]

O.K i am spoiled - My ex-Dad , little love lost , would be turning if he knew his hard earned had been wasted on an M 8 , but all off the control and the immediacy of digital .
But it can't create '' pictures on the wall ''. A delightfull diminutive Leica can .