steve_hoffman Posted February 24, 2002 Share Posted February 24, 2002 The new Leica M7: one step closer to perfection. <p> By Erwin Puts <p> Introduction.The introduction of a new Leica camera is always preceded by a longerperiodof gossip and speculations. The mythical electronic Leica is a subjectofdiscussion since 1996 and many expected the new M camera at Photokina2000.'Insiders' predicted that the new M7 would be the Konica Hexar RF with areddot. To shed official light on this topic: The Konica people haveproposedto Leica to market the Hexar as a joint effort. But Leica refused astheyassumed that the Hexar did not fit into the Leica philosophy ofphotography.Others 'knew' about the R&D activities, investigating a faster versionofthe shutter with a higher synch-speed. But wishful thinking should beseparated from the normal lab research. From the original Leicaflex on,research into improved shutter designs are part of the culture of theengineers, as is research into all kinds of improvements and newproducts.Now in spring 2002 the M7 is real. The camera does not fulfill allcharacteristics that were part of the wish list, except for the aperture <p> priority automatic exposure. I am happy that Leica did not listen to all <p> suggestions and followed their own ideas and philosophy. <p> Product changes: careful evolution.A new Leica model with radically different functionality is relativelyscarce. The M3 from 1954 was a very different camera from itspredecessors,the IIIf (1950) being the comparison. The M2 and M4 offer hardly anysubstantial improvements and we have to wait for 1971 with the M5 towitnessLeica making a big effort to jump out of the self imposed limits. Thatis 17 years after the M3!The M5 did not become the success the Leitz people hadhoped for. The automatic exposure metering with manual selection ofeithershutter speed or aperture was very accurate and the semi-spot meteringwiththe 8mm sensor was quite nice and functional. The size and shape of the <p> body gave the camera a somewhat chunky look. Leitz assumed that theusersof the M5 would be mostly interested in the enhanced functionality, astheinnovative two lug carrying strap indicated. The classical engineeringrulethat form follows function was put into practice. The failure of thiscamerato innovate the rangefinder scene still resounds in the halls of Solms.The next models, M4-2, M4P and even M6 did not add much to the progressofthe rangefinder camera. The M6 offered the same functionality as the M5did,but with a different implementation. And incorporated into the same nowclassical body contours. From a broader perspective, the M6 did notimprovesubstantially on the M5. The M6TTL is the first model to add newfeaturesand it is significant that the body size had to be increased by a heightof2mm to incorporate the new functions.The M7 from 2002 is again a substantial change in the line as was the M3in1954 and the M5 in 1971. But now we are 31 years later since theintroduction of the M5. <p> M3, M5 and M7: three models in a 48 year period.The M3 is composed of about 860 parts, counting every screw and washer.TheM7 has 1300 parts, and again every electronic component has been countedasa separate part. 350 of these parts are new and/or improved parts whencomparing to the M6TTL. Two hundred of those parts are electronic and150are mechanical.The manufacture: tradition and modernity meet.I happened to be in the Portugal factory when the first new M7'sstarted to be manufactured.This camera is an astonishingly clever mix of old and newproduction technology. In the Portugal factory you will find theoriginalequipment, made in 1953 by Leitz for the production of M3 parts. Thesemachines have the classical green color of most mechanical drilling andmilling machinery, all moving parts are thick with grease, and the smellofcooling liquid and oil is impregnating your clothes. Even the sewingmachinethat has been used for over 70 years to stick the silk threads on theshutter curtains, is working continuously, operated by extremely skilled <p> hands of a young woman.The engineers know that these old machines cannot be improved upon astheyhave been designed with only one dedicated single purpose. Precision and <p> functionality have been optimized as this equipment has been designedforthe manufacture of one single part, and to do it with utmost accuracy.Sothere is a large amount of components in the M7 (and the M6TTL and M6)thatare identical and identically manufactured to the M3 days.Intermingled with the dull green machines, you see modern bright red and <p> white CNC machines. These Computer Numerically Controlled machines areveryflexible and can be programmed to execute very complex movements andintricate processes. Again the accuracy will be measured in less thanonehundredth of a millimeter. Be careful here. It is relatively easy for a <p> skilled worker and the right equipment to manufacture individual partsto a thousandth of a millimeter. But only if every part is individuallyandmanually finished on machines with even tighter tolerances. To transferthislevel of accuracy to a process of series production is impossible. Inanylarger scale production you are hard pressed to stay within 0,01mm allthetime and within statistical error margins.The body of the M-camera has about 80 holes that need to be drilled intothediecast chassis. In the past any machine could only drill a few holesandthen the body had to be refitted to another machine for the next seriesofholes. This is error prone as the worker would not be able to fix thebodyat the exact position of the previous operation. Nowadays the CNCmachinecan accomplish all actions on one body without any refitting. The resultisa higher precision of the location of the holes.This same mix of tradition and modernity we meet in the M7. <p> The aperture priority automatic exposure.The electronic shutters, used in the Hexar RF and the G2, consist of acompact integrated unit that combines the vertically running metal blade <p> shutter with an electrical filmtransportmotor. To ensure that nounwantedlight reaches the film, the shutter needs to be cocked immediately aftertheshutter-release. It might be possible to incorporate this mechanism intothecurrent M-body size, but the interior of the camera has to be regroupedsubstantially. Most important however is the fact that the M would looseitsvery heart and soul: the silent, slow moving, vibration freehorizontallyrunning cloth shutter.Therefore the decision in Solms has been an 'easy' one: keep the current <p> mechanism and govern the shutter speeds by electromagnets and a newchip.Presumably the engineers had no idea how difficult this simple decisionwould be in the real world of engineering mechanics and electronics. TheM7was targeted for Photokina 2000, but marketing wishes have no precedence <p> over sound engineering requirements.The mechanical version of the shutter (since M3 till M6TTL) is of theconstant speed, variable slot-width type. The two shutter blinds runseparately and the time interval is determined by the shutter speed dial <p> setting. When we depress the button, the first blind is released andrunsacross the film gate. The second blind is held in position by aconnectingpin, better described as a holding catch. The timing of the release ofthesecond curtain is controlled by a very intricate collection of cams,leversand sears. The main roller that tensions the springs also holds thespeedadjustment mechanism. This roller rotates over almost a full turn andthismovement is used to allow a curved speed cam a certain time period torelease the catch of the second curtain. The time to transverse the film <p> gate varies from 18-22 milliseconds. The target speed is 20.8milliseconds.That translates into 1/48 sec. and this is with some safeguarding the1/50sec for the flash synchronisation. The speed of the shutter curtainsthenis 2 meter/second or 72 km/hour. This speed must be forced to zero andcompares to the force of a car crashing into a wall with 70km/hour.Thatis some force and that is why Leica employs two brakes, each for everycurtain. The dilemma is clear: higher speeds means more braking forceandmore noise and more tear and wear. But there is even more to consider:thecomplete assembly of the shutter mechanism with all its springs, levers, <p> gears, wheels, shafts and spindles has over forty different points(areas)of friction that together regulate the accuracy and regularity and speedofthe curtain movement. The higher the speed, the more difficult itbecomes to guarantee the evenness of travel.Tests made by the factory indicated that1/2000 might be possible but not within the required very tighttolerancesfor accuracy and evenness of travel and the demand for low noise andabsence of vibration. The Leicaflex has also a mechanical shutter andcanhandle 1/2000. The explanation is a different shutter mechanism withseveralsmall shutter drums where the M shutter has one big one.So the M7 has the same topspeed as most Leica RF models since 1935. <p> We should not overvalue the need for faster shutter speeds. While therecertainly is sometimes the need for speeds faster than 1/1000, weshouldnote that with ISO100 film and a blazing sun, we need 1/1000 and f/5.6fora correct exposure. That will do for most situations and subjects. Ifyouwish to use a narrow depth of field that you get when using f/2.8 orf/2.0,even 1/4000 will not be of much help. <p> Electromagnets and an additional ball bearing!The electronically governed shutter in the M7 is thus identical to theonein the M6 (or M3). Same design, same mechanical components. The speedadjustment mechanism with the gears, cams and levers has been replacedby an electromagnet, one for every curtain, that regulates the timing oftherelease of the curtain. What is lacking is the gear train and the noiseofthe gears that retard the second curtain during the slow speeds. Whereyoucan hear the soft purring sound of smoothly engaging cogs when using the <p> slow speeds on an M6TTL, with the M7 you do hear silence. Just twice asoftclicking sound of the braking action of both curtains, the second onebeinga bit louder. At higher speeds, the sound is very close in characterbetweenthe electronical and mechanical versions.The electronics make the shutter battery dependent. The drain on thebatteries (now two batteries in the compartment) is very modest, but isstill advisable to have a reserve pair in your bag. The fear that thebatteries and electronics do not cope with severe climatic conditions isnotsupported: even in extreme cold the M7 shutter operates without anyfailureand is even more accurate than the mechanical one. The speed dial can be <p> moved with one finger and speeds can be set from 4 seconds to 1/1000 andBin every direction. All speeds are electronically governed, with theexception of the 1/60 and the 125 that are mechanical. The choice forthesespeeds is logical: these speeds can be used handheld with confidence andareslow enough for many lower light situations, indoors and outdoors. <p> This is how it works: In AUTO mode all speeds from 32 seconds to1/1000),including the 1/60 and 1/125 are governed electronically and half stepscanbe selected. In manual mode (with batteries), the 1/60 and 1/125 aregoverned mechanically, all other speeds are governed electronically. All <p> speeds can be selected from 4 seconds to 1/1000. No half steps can beselected.In batteryless mode only the two mechanical speeds 1/60 and 1/125 can beused. <p> Sometimes you can read the statement that in the mechanical M-models(fromM3 to M6TTL) the shutter can be set at intermediate positions and giveaccurate speed settings. This is not true. You can set intermediatepositions between the official speeds, but the accuracy of the shutterisnot guaranteed. In fact it is quite unreliable and cannot berecommended. In the manual method, the finder shows the familiar diodesandsymbols of the M6TTL exposure metering. <p> In the AUTO position the speeds are set stepless by the exposure metertoaccurately match the measured lightlevel. Full speed and half speeds are <p> indicated in the finder (in the center of the lower part of the finderwherethe TTL diodes reside). The selected speeds are stepless, but oneshouldnot take that to literally. It is not the case that every possible speed <p> setting (1/33, 1/32, 1/31) can be selected, but rather there is a rangeofvery small steps built into the chip. So 1/30, 1/35 and 1/40 may bepossiblebut not the times within these: 1/31 will be set as 1/30. This level ofaccuracy will satisfy even the most critical user and film emulsion.Calibration of the shutter is done thus: The highest speed (1/1000) isadjusted, regulated and fixed by the mechanic during assembly. All other <p> speeds are automatically correct as they are governed by the small stepsasset in the Eprom. This level of accuracy needed the one big change intheshutter: the main roller now is supported by a rollerbearing. From M3tillM6TTL the bearing was a plain bearing. The new geometry of forcesnecessitates this change. <p> The measurement of the shutter speeds.It makes no sense to measure speeds when the camera has just left thefactory. You then get an idea of the quality control. What is importantisthe accuracy and longevity of the shutter under stress. And asimportant asthe speed itself is the constancy of the speed of the traversing slit. I <p> measured two heavily used cameras. My own M6 (one full year of use since <p> last adjustment) and an M7 (same use). Both had excellent constancy oftravel.The results are in the table below: <p> Departure from nominal speed (+ = slower)Speed M6 M71000 +30 +10500 +5 +5250 +5 +1125 +14 060 -4 +530 +10 015 0 08 0 04 +5 02 +7 01 +10 02 - 04 - 0 <p> The results for the M7 are very very good, but the M6 is certainly notmuchbehind. Differences of 5% to 10% are irrelevant, even in scientificpicture taking conditions and even 30% (for the highest speed) is withinthetolerance of even the most critical slide film. But such a differencemightbe just visible. For very critical black and white photography theresultsare very satisfactory. The M7 shutter has as advantages the lower noise, <p> dead-on accuracy and the facility of automatic exposure control. Thedependence on batteries may be for some photographers a culture shock.Themechanical shutter of the M6TTL delivers outstanding performance, thatisnow after decades of tuning and honing at its peak. <p> The practice of working with the automatic exposure control.In the manual position the M7 is identical in operation to the M6TTLversion. But remember that the times are electronically controlled. Theessential change occurs when you select AUTO on the dial. Picturetakingbecomes more spontaneous and even more relaxed. Once not being detractedbythe need to adjust or even set correct exposure. You start tophotograph onintuition and emotional response with the subject. Now you canconcentratefully on selection and framing of subject and give all attention tofocusing. The primary choice of aperture is essential, as this regulates <p> depth of field, selective focus and image quality. The choice of speedis aderivative act and as this is taken away from you by the electronics,youare relieved from that 'burden'. During my use of the M7 I noted thatmanypictures were focused more precisely and accurately. And in bordersituations the exposure was improved too! Specifically in situationswithconstantly changing light levels (street scenes with sun and clouds,shows,circus scenes) and scenes with severe lighting contrasts (dark spots one <p> moment, contre-jour the next moment), where the quick selection ofsubjectsin differing conditions is needed, the AE is a gift from heaven(actualllyfrom Solms).I am convinced that this topic touches the heart of the matter: with theM7you can fully concentrate on the subject and only select the focusplane.This is a very relaxed way of picture taking, still being in control ofallimportant decisions and trusting the electronics where appropriate. TheM7should be close to Barnack's vision: spontaneous and carefreephotographywith a sensitive eye and emotional involvement. The photographercontrolsthe important aspects and makes the decision. The camera follows andsupports.The M7 is a true Leica: the clear and large finder, fast and accuratefocusing, the smooth and direct action trigger and the civilizedclicking of the shutter: all is there.Time lag.Leica did a good job here: the response times of the electronics areveryfast. The time parallax between pressure of the shutter release buttonandfiring the shutter is 12 milliseconds (12 -18 ms with the M6). Comparethiswith the Konica Hexar RF (100 ms) and the typical single reflex camera(above 125 ms) and the current best digital cameras (400 to 1500milliseconds) and you will understand that Leica designers know theirjoband are very dedicated to support the M-style of photography. Thedecisivemoment is still the area of choice for the M7.The travel of the release button is identical to that of previousmodels.There is some tolerance here. Travel distance varies from 1.9 to 2.1 mm. <p> So it might be possible to have an M7 with a slightly shorter strokethanan M6TTL. The M7 I used had a 0.1mm longer travel than the M6. But thisisnot structural, just within the tolerance band. The AE lock is very easytouse and convenient. The camera, in AUTO mode, measures the lightcontinually. So if you move the camera over an area , you will see thespeedindication in the finder changing all the time. Point or hold the cameratothat part of the subject that is representative of the illumination youwantto have metered, and lightly depress the release button. The meterstopsmeasuring and you see a small point between the indicated speed digits.(With 1/1000, you see 1°000; with speeds from 1/750 to 1/125, it is x°xx <p> and with the rest it is � xx). Hold this, recompose and press thebutton. If you do it fast, you will see the AE indicator dot flashingfor a moment.The functioning of the exposure meter.The M7 now has a on-off switch as a collar around the release button. No <p> longer can and will you trigger the shutter when the camera is put intoorpulled out of the camera bag. Switch the camera on and for the first two <p> seconds the warming up cycle starts and the selected ISO speed is showninthe finder. After that period the camera measures continuously thelightlevel. The camera is immediately ready for exposure when you fire theshutter with a preset aperture or after selecting an aperture beforemakingthe picture. These measurements take very little current. Again we seethecare of the designers to provide the same speed of action and usersupportas in previous models: The selected speed is indicated in the finder(wherenormally the diodes are displayed) with full and half speeds (asexample:30, 24, 15). The numbers are red and consist of a group of 33 LEDsegments(as in your calculator) on an area of 0.7 by 2.3 mm. The enlargement inthefinder is 15 times, and the brightness of the LED is variable accordingtothe ambient light level. Fitting in this array in the confined space oftheM finder is a major feat for the Leica engineers.Exposure metering itself is not changed: it is still the familiar andprovenmethod of measuring the light reflected from the whitish spot with adiameter of 12.1 mm on the shutter curtain. The corresponding area onthefilm plane is always a circle with a radius of 6mm (image height). Themeasuring spot is often described as (semi) spotmeter. It is howeverbestdescribed as a center-weighted integral metering pattern. Results doindicate that the meter response is close to this time honored methodandthe M7 is even a bit more accurate.New in the M7 is the automatic DX coding, and now you cannot forget toadjust the film speed dial when changing film. The dial now doubles as a <p> manual film speed setting and an override from +/- 2 stops in steps of0.3.The great leap forward is the automatic exposure control in the M7. Notabig step in itself actually. Most cameras have this facility since manyyears.The Leica user however wants to stay in the style and feel and resultsofthe classical M-photography and this often clashes with automationservices. The M7 is 100% pure Leica M with AE that fits seamlessly intotheclassical M-style. Take pictures with an M6 and then switch to KonicaHexarRF or Contax G2. You will have a long period of adjustment and a steeplearning curve to change your way of picture taking. The switch from anM6to the M7 is without any threshold.I used both cameras at the same time and could not notice any differenceinstyle or approach.With one exception: the added freedom that the AE gives you by takingcareof exposure, allows for such spontaneous, intuitive and intimate picture <p> taking the M-photography one step closer to perfection. <p> Slower speeds.In B-position the time period is counted upwards (from 1 second to ashighas you like) and indicated in the finder. This is very useful and nowthereis no need to look for some light to illuminate your watch dial. Inautomatic position the meter can set speeds till 32 seconds. Thesespeedsare indicated in the finder too, but now counting downwards. Thesensitivityis the same as with current TTL models (EV -2 at ISO100). The M5 had asensitivity threshold of EV1. <p> Flash synchronization and TTL.In order to use the TTL measurement, the shutter speed of the M7 mustbeset to 1/50. With this speed the TTL functions correctly withdedicatedflashguns (SCA-3501/3502) and SF20.With the new Metz 54 MZ3 a High Speed Synchronization can be used. TheHSSfunction operates only with the combination MZ and M7 and now the faster <p> speeds from 1/250 to 1/1000 can be selected too. The MZ3 works inmanualmode only (not in Auto) and as the speeds of 1/60 and 1/125 aremechanicallyoperated when using the speed dial (manual mode), the flash cannot beactivated by these speeds. You can choose between synchronization on the <p> first or second curtain. With the MZ 54 we can at last use fill-in flashonlocation with higher speeds and wider apertures. For many this function <p> will be of great value. Others will see it as unimportant as theM-domain isthe available light photography. This however is too narrow aperspective.Luckily any photographer now has he choice to use the M as is required.Theautomatic TTL function is not supported with the 54MZ3 (only with the1/50or slower). At the HSSspeeds the user has to set it manually and this is <p> quite easy and fast.No the HSS is not usable with mechanical-shutter Leica's. The flashexpectsto receive specific electronic signals for proper functioning and themechanical shutters do not have this signal. <p> The finder.The finder itself is not changed and all three versions (magnifications0.58, 0.72, 0.85) will be available. The shutter indications havevariablebrightness dependent on ambient light levels and are very clear but also <p> very civilized: they do not distract as they are positioned normallyjustoutside the visual area of the user. The accuracy of the finder is veryhighand till 90mm not challenged by the reflex camera. I would note thateventhe 135mm can be focussed more accurately as the M-rangefinder uses theprinciple of visual acuity that is more accurate than the contrast based <p> principle of the groundglass focusing.Everything can always be improved. The finder windows have ananti-reflection coating that diminishes clearly the flare of therangefinderpatch that occurs in some situations when strong light sources areshiningobliquely into the finder. <p> The mechanical parts.The shutter has been improved and changed substantially. In addition thetopcover is now machined out of one piece of brass. The slow speedgeartrain isgone, but electronics have been added. The total weight has beenincreasedto 610 grams (10 grams more than the M6TTL) and the Leica R6.2 has aweightof 625 grams. The weight of the M7 adds to the stability when usingslowspeeds and is also an indication of the solidity of the engineering andtheample use of steel and glass. M3 cameras from 1954 are still functioning <p> perfectly after more than 50 years of use. They have a working life ofatleast 50 years and with some care will function for the next 50 yearstoo.The M7 would be able to function till 2102 at least. That would coverthreegenerations of photographers. The shutter is designed for 100.000picturesbefore showing any sign of wear! You can shoot 2700 rolls of film beforeyoucould detect any tear or wear in the moving parts.There is additional room in the body to accomodate two batteries and nottheone battery in the M6(TTL). Both batteries are above each other.The Leica camera has a well-deserved reputation for longevity,engineeringexcellence and reliability. That does not imply that a new camera cannevermalfunction or even has some manufacturing defects. Sometimes theoccurrenceof these faults has been used to support the view that the currentproductsfrom Solms and Portugal are not as reliable or manufactured to the same <p> high standards as when the M3 was made in Wetzlar.Based on a study of the production methods, material selection andmaterialtreatment, the assembly and quality control in Portugal and Solms youareentitled to a very high level of expectation about engineering quality.On the other hand we should realize that the camera is mainly manuallyassembled by highly motivated individuals, but where humans work, humans <p> will inevitably make mistakes, however tight the inspections and quality <p> assurance. <p> The rangefinder landscape.What is the position of the M7 in the rangefinder landscape compared toHexar RF, Contax G2, Bessa-family and the M6TTL?The M6TTL is almost identical to the M7, but without AE, the improvedshutter and the coating of the finder windows. But the M6TTL has thefullymechanical, battery-independent shutter and a lower list price.The Hexar RF lacks the TTL function, has the integrated motor/shutterassembly with a topspeed of 1/4000, and a very fine finder, but with averydetracting array of lights and symbols in the finder area. The RF has averysignificant time lag too. The linup of lenses is small, but very goodandthe new 21-35 Solms with two fixed positions is quite interesting.The motor has the additional role of compensating for the time lag,whichis not the best way for the decisive moment style of photography. TheHexaris a most interesting camera, that tries to be a bridge betweenclassicaland more casual styles of photography.The Contax G2 has aspirations that are quite close to the ones of theHexar(same shutter assembly, same type of body), but use Af as the bridgingfunction Here we find a Solms from 35 to 70mm that can be set at allpositions. The finder of the G2 is the worst part, as is the manualfocus.The AF however compensates for the finder.The Bessa R and R2 are made from a mix of an slr chassis and the CL-type <p> finder. The chassis offers exposure metering, set manually as with theM6(TTL). The CL finder is limited in its functionality and accuracy.Whilethe specs are impressive, when related to price, the assembly of twoseparate philosophies is not convincing. The Bessa, while deliveringthegoods for a surprisingly low price, lacks character. <p> To sum up.The M7 is an important mark in the history of the Leica. Theintegrationof electronic exposure automation in the classical body shape, gives the <p> experienced Leica user a smooth migration path and transition to evenbetterphotography. You need to give yourself the mental space to reflect onBarnack's ideal of a fast, effortless, intuitive and compact highquality camera.When you get used to the M7 will forget about the manual exposure.Photography with the M7 is a joy and a very pleasant and relaxed way ofpicture taking. I noticed that I started to make more pictures thanwithmy M6, especially in conditions where you have trouble to react toquicklychanging light levels. Often you do not take the picture of a fleetingmoment as the correct exposure takes some time and then the moment isgone already.With the exposure automation, TTL function, the HSS add-on and theclassicalfeeling and use of the M6, the M7 covers a very broad spectrum ofphotographic possibilities. <p> The illustrious predecessors of the M7.The Leica 0-series.Leica is the only manufacturer, that sells the first product from 1924inalmost identical shape and specifications. As if Ford would still havetheT-Ford in the catalogues. Who wants to know what is was like to takepictures with the original Leica and to taste how people were involvedwithphotography 75 years ago, can buy/use the current 0-series. Here wehavethe Barnack-camera, as the master-designer has created it. A verycompactcamera with a minimum number of features and functions, and an extremely <p> high level of mechanical precision. Next to the 0-series, the M7 looksbig,but shares the same feeling. Inside the camera, there is hardlyanything.A shutter with two non-capping curtains, a transport drum, a releasebuttonand shaft, and a rewind mechanism. The Leica was designed for fast andquickpicture taking and the transport knob is incredibly smooth and withoutresistance. If you ever want to feel high precision engineering at itsbest, try to advance the film in the 0-series.The practical use.The Leica 0, lens and finder closed fits into a pocket of the thenubiquitous jacket or coat. With a weight of 465 grams (lens included),and a feline shape and feeling, (every part and shape of the camera issmooth androunded), handling the camera is a joy. To take a picture you pull outthelens, and open the two part finder (a fold down window with a negativelensand a folding peep-sight). The shutter is tensioned with the rubber capinfront of the lens (to prevent light reaching the film). Shutter speedsarefrom 1/20 to 1/500 and can be set only when the shutter is in a certainposition, indicated by an index mark on the speed dial. It is best tosetthe shutter before making the picture and tensioning the shutter. Youlookthrough the finder with the camera held at a distance of 25 cm from your <p> eyes. This was a familiar act in those days. Most cameras were operatedawayfrom the face. The later development that the camera becomes anextension of the eye is a true revolution in camera design. Most digitalcameras are alsoused from a distance to look at the display.This is the routine: open finder and pull out lens, guess exposure anddistance, take away lens cap, hold camera at 25cm distance, select andframesubject, press release button, put lens cap in front of the lens,transportfilm and tension the shutter.With some experience it works faster than can be described.Essential difference with the M7 is the pure and dedicated attention tothecore business of the photographic process. Guessing the distance andexposure, the deliberate decision of the aperture/speed combination thatisneeded in this situation and the careful framing of subject and timingofthe picture in anticipation (no second chance) are required to completethephotographic act. We do it intuitive now, but then it was a consciousact.Being involved with the process in such a way is back to the roots anditgives additional meaning to Cartier-Bresson decisive moment. Theexcitementand expectations that people must have experienced when making thosevaluable pictures returns. The magic of photography as the art of fixingtheshadows returns in the blood.Photography with the Leica 0 is like being in a monastery forcontemplationand to reflect on your inner self.Photography started as a mechanical process to reproduce accurately theworld around us. With the 0-series you know why that was exciting andrewarding.The Leitz Anastigmat 1:3.5/50mm is a new design that in its capabilities <p> challenges the Summicron-M 1:2/50mm. It is, like the predecessor, a 4element lens, but now the aperture is symmetrically located between the <p> second and third lens(group).With aperture 6.3 you have some latitude in guessing the distance as at3 meter you have depth of field from 2.43m to 3.94 meter. Guessing theexposure is made easy as there are only 5 speeds to choose from (1/20,1/50,1/100, 1/200, 1/500). There are 5 exposure types from clear sun to darkandclouded and you need to memorize the shutter and aperture settings foreachof them. The Leica photographer had to stop taking pictures when thelightis down to aperture 3.5 and speed 1/20. Here too starts the reallydifficultguesswork for the exposure. Leica photography is the catching offleetingmoments from strange perspectives with a handheld camera, crossing thedividing line between documentary and surrealistic photography. That istrueLeica photography and the 0-series started it all.The M3.Thirty years after the 0-series, the M3 arrived on the scene (1954). Atruerevolution it was. A radical departure from the then reigningIII-series:crystal clear 1:1 finder with frame lines from 50 to 135mm, finder andrangefinder combined, bayonet coupling for lenses, advance lever, ittookthe world by storm. This masterly design by Herr Stein is not based ontheLeica IV as is often reported, but an independent construction by Stein, <p> created in 1943. The camera was so new and advanced that it would havetakenthe competition several years to catch up. As the rangefinder market was <p> already under attack from the slr camera, the competitors (Zeiss, Canon, <p> Nikon) decided to jump on the slr bandwagon.With high speed lenses, and shutterspeeds from 1sec to 1/1000 and anextremely fast rangefinding mechanism, the M3 evolved into the bestcamerafor dynamic and close range human interest photography. But landscapes,portraits and even glamour (Hollywood) were part of the Leica domain.The M3 is still a utterly useable and very capable instrument. In facttheM2, M4, M4-2, M4P and even M6 are simple extensions from the basic body.M6has internal exposure metering, but that was already available in theM5.The M3 was a revolution compared to the III-line. And the M5 was aradicaldeparture from the M3 family.The Leica M5.With the M4, Leica has maneuvered themselves into a corner withoutgrowthpotential. Small improvements were possible, and the external coupledexposure meter, was not the best nor an elegant solution to the growingdemands for easy exposure metering. The M5, from 1971, tried a novelsolution and departed from the family line. There were manyrevolutionarychanges in the M5, including the famous two flat retainers for theshoulderstrap, the metering though the lens with a moveable metering cell infrontof the film plane, and a shutter that could function till 30 seconds.Thesmooth top cover with the large special that could be adjusted withone-finger, the smart indications in the finder , it all added to theconcept of a new era in rangefinder design.Mechanically the M5 was superb and functionally very impressive, asLeitzhad used all the experience of 50 years of mechanical engineering andrangefinder expertise to create the M5. The disappointment that the M5didnot move the market as the M3 had done, killed almost the company. Aswiththe R8, the M5 is a user camera and a very convincing one. It is not adesign beauty. The flat topcover, the location of the transport lever,thefront of the rangefinder area, it all gives the camera a somewhatsquattedlook. Functionally it is one of the best Leicas ever. Form followsfunction,was the idea in Wetzlar in those days. But the elegance of the M3 waslost.The M5 was functionally the better product. With the M5 ended the Leitzhegemony in rangefinder camera design. The successors, including the M6, <p> returned to the M3 roots.The new M7 is again a radical change from the current line. And so theM3,M5 and M7 are from this perspective the real milestones in the Mdevelopment. <p> Erwin Puts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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