john da

<p>The Tiltalls are truly "great tripods". Not to mention being very sturdy, especially for 35mm work. I've had one (a Black version labeled "Rockleigh: Mfd. by E. Leitz, Inc., Rockleigh N.J. USA") ever since about the time I purchased my first new Leica M. A black M4-P, of which, I still wish I had that camera. I traded it in for a new M6 when they first came out.<br>

The Tiltall is still working flawlessly to hold still my three M6's (two 72 VF and a 85 VF) bodies; not to mention the Nikon F2AS, F3T, FM2n; as well as 500CM, ELM and SWC/M Hasselblads. Although, I did graduate some years ago to a Gitzo G1349 MK2 tripod and Manfrotto Proball 469 head to use with the Hasselblads.<br>

Lastly, another less know Tiltall is the mono-pod which I also have and use occasionally. It to is a black version "labeled" Rockleigh: Mfd. by E. Leitz, Inc., Rockleigh N.J. USA; of which I purchased from a Photo.Net member, of which I believe may have been Paul Neuthaler a couple of years ago.<br>

Great quality and sturdy tripods... <br>

J D'A</p>

<p>The Tiltalls are truly "great tripods". Not to mention being very sturdy, especially for 35mm work. I've had one (a Black version labeled "Rockleigh: Mfd. by E. Leitz, Inc., Rockleigh N.J. USA") ever since about the time I purchased my first new Leica M. A black M4-P, of which, I still wish I had that camera. I traded it in for a new M6 when they first came out.<br>

The Tiltall is still working flawlessly to hold still my three M6's (two 72 VF and a 85 VF) bodies; not to mention the Nikon F2AS, F3T, FM2n; as well as 500CM, ELM and SWC/M Hasselblads. Although, I did graduate some years ago to a Gitzo G1349 MK2 tripod and Manfrotto Proball 469 head to use with the Hasselblads.<br>

Lastly, another less know Tiltall is the mono-pod which I also have and use occasionally. It to is a black version "labeled" Rockleigh: Mfd. by E. Leitz, Inc., Rockleigh N.J. USA; of which I purchased from a Photo.Net member, of which I believe may have been Paul Neuthaler a couple of years ago.<br>

Great quality and sturdy tripods... <br>

J D'A</p>

A. Shoot with classic M6's. Also, Nikon F2AS, F3T, FM2n and Hasselblad 500CM, EL/M and SWC/M CF version. B&W

and color slides. Scan selected images with Flextight Precision Imacon.

Peter,

I really like your photos titled "outside the GPO" and "planes of focus". Great eye and composition!

One aside question (if you don't mind), about your 35mm F1.4 M ASPH lens, not relating to it's wonderful imaging qualities. What

state and/or dealer did you purchase it from? I ask this, because I have the same lens and the serial number on mine is

"very close" to yours. Just curious. But, you don't have to answer if you'd rather not say. I'll understand.

Again, nice images...

J D'A

Hi Debra,

I purchased a Nikkor lens from KEH about a year ago. They seem to be a very reliable company, but I didn't realize that

they did repairs. Thanks for the tip.

As mentioned previously, I'm going to run some slide film through the F2AS to see what I get prior to sending it anywhere.

Thanks.

Hi Vincent,

I'm hoping the test roll of slide film will show no problem(s). But, I'd still be concerned about the small shiny silver portion on the shutter

that looks as if it might be rubbing the edge of the film frame. Time will tell.

I have heard of Sover Wong not to long ago, somewhere, so I will checkout his website. As well as contacting Judy Bievenue.

Thanks.

Unfortunately, I haven't used my Nikon F2AS (serial # 795XXXX - which I purchased new) for at least a year or two, as I also shoot with an

F3T and Leica Ms. So, when I took it out today and was giving it a quick once over check, I found what may be a potential shutter

problem. I've looked at many of the previous (photo.net) posts relating to Nikon F2 shutters and problems; but naturally Nikon F2 shutters

seem to be pretty rugged and continue working flawlessly, even if they have some sign of damage or are wrinkled as I've read.

I can't remember ever having any image problems (especially relating to the shutter, other that my own induced mistakes) with this camera

body in the past. I am going to run a roll of Kodak E110G slide film through it to see if any thing out of the ordinary shows up.

What concerns me is the type of flaw I just discovered on the inside curtain of the F2AS (looking in from the bayonet mount). The flaw

looks like it is being created by rubbing as the shutter travels through it's cycle. It is roughly circular in nature (about 1/4" across max.) and

has a shiny silvery spot in the middle of the flaw (roughly 1/8" in size); which also looks like it protrudes slightly forward, towards the lens

bayonet mount opening. Almost as if something has pushed part of the curtain outwards. I suspect that the shiny silvery portion of the

curtain is rubbing on the edge(s) of the 35mm frame as the shutter is released and travels it's path.

Looking at the shutter curtain "through the back of the camera", all I see (prior to advancing the shutter curtain) is a "very very slight

vertical line indentation" of about 1/4" in height in the same lower center position as the curtain flaw on the front side of the shutter,

mentioned above. As I advance the shutter viewing it from the back of the camera as it travels through it's cycle I don't see any other

flaw(s). Hopefully it is still light tight.

I can't think of what I may have done physically to cause any problem to the shutter as I try to always be careful while loading/unloading

film... but one never nows.

My question is, even if nothing shows up on the test roll of slides, who might you recommend to send the camera body to for review and

checking. As it has never been serviced, as it has never been worked that hard either.

Thanks in advance.

Contact Sherry Krauter of Golden Touch Quality Camera Repair. She only works on Leicas and has serviced some of my

M equipment and does outstanding work.

118 Purgatory Road, Campbell Hall, NY 10916, 845-496-8834

Tim,

Unfortunate that you couldn't wait, Sherry is the best. At least in my book. She's always sent my cameras and lens back

working and looking like new. You probably wouldn't have gotten Leica USA or any other reputable camera repair service to turn it

around any faster.

Lastly, I've seen first hand how many Leicas are delivered to Sherry every day. It's a lot, and there is a reason.

Best of luck with your Leica repair, and keep us posted on how you make out.

I second William Kahn's advise. It is also what I adhere to. If your using a tripod when shooting 6x6 (which is about 75% of

the time for me) then you might as well take the extra couple of steps.

Chris,

You have a lot of very good suggestions above regarding which 35mm lens to mount onto your MP-4. Keep in mind,

whichever lens you finally choose will work creating images. The most important thing to remember is that the camera and

lens choice are only the tools.

You are the one seeing and creating the images.

Chris,

I started out with the 90mm Summicron which started production in 1980 (I believe), which looks very similar to the

current 90 Summicron ASPH; both have a collapsible lens hood. Keep in mind that both of these 90mm lens are fairly

heavy and physically "much larger" than the 35mm Summicron 4th version, or any other Summicron for that matter.

Which makes the 90 sometimes feel very unwieldy. Although, as mentioned earlier, the 35 and 90 were all I used for

quite sometime; and all I felt I needed. It made for a nice small package to carry around and photograph virtually any

subject matter without lugging tons of additional lens. Be forewarned though, Leica lens can be addictive.

I did finally upgrade to the 90 Summicron ASPH because I wanted "more sharpness and contrast" at the larger

apertures. Which it does deliver. But, I can't remember ever really being disappointed with the original 90, although I

think it may have vignetted a bit. You might want to try and find a dealer that has both in stock and see if they'll allow

you to shoot a few frames with both so you can compare the difference. You may not want the extra

sharpeness/contrast of the ASHP, or higher price.

I my case, even though I love the look from my 35 and 50mm 4th version Summicrons the sharpness of the 90mm

Summicron ASPH gives me more of what I want from that focal length.

You might also seek out info and opinions regarding the 90mm Elmarit-M 2.8 which also has a retractable lens shade.

And is smaller and lighter than the Summicrons.

The 4th version 35mm Summicron is one of 2 lens I purchased upon my entry into the Leica M world in the 80's. The

other lens was the 90mm Summicron along with a M4-P body. All as a package, and all brand new at the time. The

package was a wonderful combination, as I didn't feel the need to own any other lens for quite some time.

Over time I upgraded the M4-P and 90mm, but the 4th 35mm Cron has stayed with me. It is just a wonderful lens and

produces a look that I really like and enjoy. The boken is amazing... while the lens is extremely sharp. The lens did

develope a little looseness over time, but never came apart in my hands; nor did I ever see any image problems. A

couple of years ago I sent it to Sherry Krauter of Golden Touch and she sent it back to me in virtually new condition at a

mominal cost.

A few years ago I also purchased a 35mm Summilux ASPH, which I also enjoy when I feel the need for a little more

speed. But... they are "entirely different animals (at least to me)" and produce quite different looking images. The only

other M lens I have in my arsenal that I think gives a similar look and feel of the 4th version 35 Cron is my 4th version

50mm Summicron which also has the concave focusing tab and detachable lens hood. Both are Leitz Canadian vintage

models.

So, long story short, I really don't think you'll be disappointed if you pick up a 35mm 4th version Summicron in good

condition. If it happens to feel a little loose, you can always send it to Sherry. Good luck in whatever you decide.

Tim,

If your looking for a very reputable and qualified Leica repair specialist, just send

your camera to Sherry Krauter of Golden Touch Quality Camera Repair. You can call

her to describe your needs. She is a "Leica trained" repair specialist with a reputation of the highest degree. She's always CLAed/repaired my M6 cameras and

lens.

She is located at:

118 Purgatory Road,

Campbell Hall, NY 10916

Phone: (845) 496-8834

Tell her that John from New Jersey recommended her. She repaired the film rewind

crank on my M6 "0.85" a few months ago. I occupied way too much of her time

talking about way too many subjects not related to Leica cameras.

Hope this helps.

David... thank you for posting the link to your website. The images you captured are

just wonderful!

George,

Thank you for being a part of this forum. "The Old Fud", as you refer to yourself, has

helped make it a better place. Stop by and visit when you can.

All the best to you and Pat

Make sure you're comfortable around horses before even thinking about photographing

them. And, if possible, spend some time with them so they can become comfortable with

you. Never put yourself in a small confined area with a horse which could become

dangerous if you have no exit plan. Even the most friendly horse can be spooked by some

insignificant noise, shadow, movement or something they see in the corner of their eye.

Oh yeah, here is a photo of our horse I shoot with a Hasselblad handheld.<div></div>

Check out the photographer Keith Carter and his book "EZEKIEL'S HORSE". Also, his website www.keithcarterphotographs.com which also shows the book.

He shoots with Hasselbald.

very ominus...

but very excellent work!

The last few rolls of Kodachrome 25 that I shoot (about a year go) were processed at

Dwayne's Photo in Parsons Kansas; as the Fairlawn, NJ Kodak processing center stopped

doing that quite some time ago. I'm not even sure if that processing facility is even open

any longer. What a loss!

I can only hope that whomever has a stash of Kodachrome 25 film (in their freezer) will

still be able to shoot it and find a place that can develop (process) it.

What a wonderful color film! Especially, when projected via high end projector, lens and

quality projection screen.

That makes me think of my other favorite film.... Panatomic-X!!! Those were the days!

Hard to think about "digital capture" in the company of those two magnificent films..

A few years ago I had a Kodak Carousel with a Schneider lens outfit to view my slides which I

had for years. But when I picked up a Lieca Pradovit RT-s projector with 90mm f2.5 Super-

Colorplan-Pro lens and a very good Da-Lite screen... it was a night and day difference. The

detail, color and sharpness of my slides were truly amazing. So, if you come across s similar

Lieca Pradovit RT outfit... don't hesitate to pick it up. You won't be sorry.

Here is Sherry's website address:

www.sherrykrauter.com

She does great work!

You might want to check out the Imacon Flextight scanners. Now owed by Hasselblad

company.

They'll scan 35mm thru 4"x5". You'll get top notch, uncompromising scans.