kevin_baker___heidelberg_

Mine loses it's mind occasionally. Popping out the batteries solves the problem. Silly for sure.

<br><br>

I have an $80,000 BMW that does the same things.

<br><br>

I need a bicycle and an M3 instead...

Look at the new stuff from Nikon and Canon. With Nikon, you can use any lens made since 1959 (small exceptions) on anything from an F to a modern digital. Canon is more complex because the mount has changed.<br><br>

The R system is great for quality, but there are probably better choices until their digital problem is solved...

Ilkka must be on the Kodak Board of Directors...<br><br>

I think those are the last films to go based on what I see hanging on department store shelves...

Something along the lines of the FM2 series with 1/4000 and 1/250 sync. I used them to shoot high school & college graduation photos, and often shot 30+ rolls of film per day for weeks at a time.<br><br> The work was boring and results mediocre because of the subject matter, but families were ecstatic about their "grad." <br><br>

Other than an occasional rewind knob falling off, they were great cameras with little to fault. I thought the 50/1.8, 35/2, and the 105 Micro were my favorite lenses until I started using the M system...

If we spent less time misquoting each other and worrying about the demise of silver based films and paper, we could be out shooting more, developing more, and keeping film alive for our "niche" market...

<br><br>

Just trying to salt the wounds...

For what is worth, I collect old US postage stamps. Since I was a kid everyone said that with technology, there would be no need to make them anymore. But, the US issues more stamps now than ever before, although in smaller numbers. Since I have specialized in an area that is far past due, I enjoy the hobby more than ever. No new issues to keep up with, just what I like and have fun collecting. Leicas and film are becoming a lot like stamps, i.e. very little new stuff out there.<br><br>

Leicas and film may indeed go out of production, but there will always be a hobbiest market, so enjoy what you can. If you decide that digital will break your bank or your heart, start collecting stamps. Trust me, you'll still go broke, but will have a ball doing so...

I vote for the filter thing.

<br><br>

I wrote in a year ago when I scratched my Noctilux and got lots of good advice, but ultimately got it fixed because it drove me crazy...

Leica hands these out at Photokina in Cologne every other year. I received one last year as I sat down with my rep to discuss new models. I have seen them in English and German.

<br><br>

If you develop a good relationship with Leica in Germany (through buying, etc.) you would be amazed at the service they provide.

<br><br>

I once gave my sales rep my 135/f4 Tele-Elmar and he had it overhauled at Solms. Price: free without even asking.

<br><br>Buy the book. It is a valuable reference!

Simple:

If you want AE, buy the M7

If you don't care about AE, buy the M6.

I can't imagine the batteries being an issue. I put an extra set in my pocket before leaving on an important shooting project.

Easy stuff here...

Won't be at Indy, but I made it to Hockenheim this year. Advice for the M shooter as follows:<br><br>

1. Take your 90 and 135, forget anything wider unless you have high seats and want the panoramic view. A 21 or 24 would be perfect, but I have neither. <br><br>2. I shot color neg because I wanted prints for my friends. I would shoot Provia or Velvia to punch up the colors if you don't want snapshots. <br><br>3. If you have a set of Duovids they're the best. My 8x42 BNs are awesome, but the 12x on my friends set of 8/12x42 was good for the detailed stuff.

<br><br>

Have a good time!<div></div>

I put a rubber band around the barrel which keeps it from sliding. Putting the cap is a pain, but it works, and keeps you from hacking on your lens.

Good luck!

I can recommend who not to use:

<br><br>

<a href=http://www.malogcargo.com/>Malog Cargo</a>

<br>

<br>

This is a site a friend is creating to take business away from the company that really screwed him. He is trying to ensure it doesn't happen to anyone again. The actual company is: <a href=http://www.marlogcargo.com/>Marlog Cargo</a>

<br><br>

Good luck, but avoid Marlog Cargo...

Think about it this way:

Leica USA sells Passport and services without issue. But, you pay for it.

Grey goods are not a profit factor for Leica USA, so they may charge to service them. I would consider Sherry or others for non-USA items.

The decision is "do I spend money now and be covered" or "do I save now and pssibly pay later?"

To me, you are okay either way, but on a body like an M7 or MP, I would consider the Passport. Lenses seem to be less likely to require repair because there are no electronics and less moving parts...

Just some thoughts.

I can say, after 15 months with an M7, I have no complaints.

If there is an issue, I would assume it is a defect.

The plastic battery cover is fuel for this board I think...

Matt,

I always sandpaper the rear element on my new lenses. It really softens that irritating sharpness the Leica glass produces...

:-)

Seems kind of high to me. I remember seeing one in Frankfurt at Rahm Foto-Hobby for 6500 Euro.

Collectors have a different view on their stuff than users...

I'm glad this is not of use to me...

I'll keep using my M with Velveeta and Portra and be happy...

I have bought a few Novoflex items (Magicball, etc...) and have been very happy with everything.

No experience with what you are looking at, but their quality is top notch in my book.

Between B&W, Heliopan, and Nikon I would buy by price.

The B&W are made in Bad Kreuznach and Heliopan are made in Southern Bavaria. I've had a few Germans tell me one is better than the other, but I doubt you would see it even with technical testing.

If I had to pick one, I would say Heliopan because I like the beer in southern Bavaria better than in the central part of Germany. Now that's scientific!

If you can, deal with people on the forum first. We are a more honest group and will be more likely to help with a problem.

I have bought and sold items with several people here and it has always been a great experience.

Begin from Indonesia, expect people to want payment in certified funds or by some sort of transfer, and make sure you check out the customs issues first. Southeast Asia is more problematic than Europe or North America when it comes to sending and receiving goods or monies.

Good luck!

I have my cynics hat on tonight.

Don't believe the government.

Don't believe the press or media.

Don't believe the rumors you hear.

Don't believe the stuff you read on the Internet.

Don't be influenced by your family or friends.

Don't expect to be over or under impressed by anything.

What a boring, ill-informed existence we can lead...