Running with leica

[sean_schmidt]

I am considering doing some ultra marathon training with my leica m4p and 35 summicron. Anyone have any idea how this will hold

up to some jostling and bouncing around? I intend to use a waist belt that holds water bottles securely to hold the leica. Thoughts?

[SCL]

<p>Don't let it bounce and bang into your body...not good for either of you. If you really must carry it, strap your pack securely to your body so that it moves with you, not into you, and cushion your camera firmly in the pack. It shouldn't cause damage...but I'm sure you aware, that this type of treatment will probably accelerate the ultimate need for a CLA by jostling anything inside the camera body which may not be firmly tightened. Also when you stop to take pictures use a high shutter speed .... your increased pulse will cause unwanted motion at slower speeds.</p>

[Gus Lazzari]

<p>I've run the New York and LA marathons and I most definitely remember that <strong>every</strong> ounce counts. That combo will feel like a bowling ball after mile 10.</p>

<p>Unless you're using that Leica combo as weight training, I'd acquire a cheap <strong>Minox ML;</strong> tack sharp 35mm f/2.8 wide lens, with the lightest possible mini body. Properly serviced it will easily handle the 46,000 trots. (For a 26.2 mile marathon) Not sure what's entailed in an "ultra" marathon though.</p>

[mjferron]

<p>Yeah Leicas are not very big but they are solid metal. Not the lightest cameras around. You would be much better off with a digital P&S or something like a Rollei 35 if you wnt to shoot film.</p>

[robert_hooper1]

<p>Wouldn't recommend toting it on a triathlon.</p>

<p> </p>

[rgerraty]

I would dread falling onto the Leica. The camera would probably be fine but the broken ribs would hurt your time.

[mukul_dube]

<p>I worry about the sensitive Leica M range-finder. I also wonder if you will have the time to take photographs. In general, people who are not running are present to photograph the runners. Are you planning to produce views of the spectators?</p>

[richard_francisco]

<p>After all that bouncing, the rangefinder might be in need of an alignment depending on how banged up it gets.</p>

[rossb]

<p>I think the camera will hold up fine. I think you will find it to bulky and uncomfortable however. Probably an easier camera to live with would be a small point and shoot digital camera. One of the shock resistant and water proof models. Light durable and easy to use.</p>

[Gus Lazzari]

<p>I'm with Ross, the RF for a Leica is beautifully designed and <strong>rock solid !</strong> (Bouncing and minor shock simply isn't an issue with them)<br /> Now the light duty & relatively cheap design of say, a Cosina/Voigtlander RF camera is another matter...</p>

<p>The bargain Minox ML is a solid state, guesstimation full frame <strong>film camera, </strong>that is instantly on with the easy <strong>manual</strong> flip down of the "clam" door.<br /> (Not some fragile, delaying, & buzzing small switch of a digital P&S)</p>

[christopher_m]

<p>Well you could train with the M4 and then once you run the real marathon, you'll be lighter and have a better go of it. It's like high altitude training.</p>

<p>Seriously, though, I'd leave the M4 and perhaps go with something smaller and lighter. In addition to the Minox, an Olympus XA2 or Rollei 35 comes to mind.</p>

[r22eng]

<p>Gregory made a good fanny pack that can hold two water bottles and a Leica M4-P with extra rolls of film. I use it for hiking. For a marathon, I would go with an Olympus Epic or a disposable camera. </p>

[steve_levine]

<p>I have to also vote for the Minox 35. These are about the size of a pack of smokes, but a whole lot healthier.</p>

[maciek_stankiewicz]

<p>I would use something smaller, lighter and cheaper, with excellent lens. My choice would be Minox GT or maybe Olympus Stylus Epic. Keep camera in the backpack, don't let it bounce.</p>

[john_r._fulton_jr.]

<p>I use to run short races (10K) with M2 & 21mm F4 Super Angulon. I would wrap the strap around my wrist - like shooting on the street - and have a lot of fun photographing during the race. The 21mm was ideal for getting the "in the middle of the race" feel. I changed film while running which was okay (yes, it had the original loading system). Good luck out there. You'll have fun with your Leica.</p>

[carsten_ranke]

<p>Since October 2010 I am used to run with my M9 and MS Optical Super Triplet Perar 35/3.5, the bag was € 7,50 on e*ay :-) I would not risk possible mechanical damage to the camera by wearing it with a belt, and carry the Leica in my hand. Kind of running with dumbbells. I made some of my best shots running, great not to miss an opportunity.<br>

<img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/5151248240_09f4a381a5_o.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="480" /><br>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/38068178@N08/sets/72157622516629433/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/38068178@N08/sets/72157622516629433/</a></p>

[Gus Lazzari]

<p>Carsten, that's some wild light fall-off / vignetting. <br>

You've got some really fine images in your "flicker".<br>

Thanks for sharing...</p>

[chris_mearns]

<p>That's nuts!</p>

[sean_schmidt]

It seems like the consensus is that hand hold the leica is the best route... Yes? Can't be any more harmful then war

time photography and travel, right?

[sean_schmidt]

It seems like the consensus is that hand holding the leica is the best route... Yes? Can't be any more harmful then war

time photography and travel, right?

[kparratt]

<p>The only Leica M that may be vulnerable to damage from excessive vibration would be the M5, with it's internal swinging arm, light meter mechanism. The movements of a jogging human are not exactly the same as leaving the camera to bounce around in the back of a pickup on a rough road - sharp metal to metal knocks and real 'vibration'.<br>

If you're happy with the weight, go for it, if it's only a fun run. But you wouldn't win any races with that handicap. I have an M3 as well as a Rollei 35. I would take the Rollei, and even then, only if I'd missed the bus, and running was the only way of getting there. ;-)</p>