francois_gaboury

Thanks for all your comments, switched the 40 to another M and currently trying an old screwmount summaron 3,5. I'm trying to find a

compact kit to carry with me.

My question should read: Do you know of a replacement lenshade for a voigt 10 1,4 that would not block the rangefinder window? (I know

that it's almost and heresy to use a voigt lens on a Leica body!)

Maybe it's just me but I find it hard to focus my voigt lens 40 1,4 when I have the lenshade on, looks like the shade is blocking part of the

window. When I remove the shade it focuses fine.

BTW I just had a CLA made by Sherry.

I have used a G2 and a G1 with a 45mm and I had focus issues with both cameras, could be

me but since I read it happened to others, well... The G1 also had a problem with the shutter,

every 3 or 4 pictures I would have a blank picture.

Anyhow, really liked the camera but I don't have them anymore.

I guess using it with a wide angle could have solved my focus issues.

About 12 years ago I bought a Leica Kit from a retiring photojournalist from La Presse

(French daily in Montreal). He had bought it in 1962. At the time, he was starting out, and

the editor gave him a letter confirming his employment and he went to the bank got a loan

for $2000 (about his salary) to purchase what would become his tool (2 M3 bodies, 28,35,50

and 90).

Now, I doubt there is a single editor that would suggest to a photographer to go out and

purchase an M8 + lenses.

Very nice work. In "Christmas Eve, Rockefeller Center" the guy looked familiar, I took this one

on Easter day last year. I guess, he likes to dress up for the holidays.

I also got one from Heavystar. Works great with my 50 summicron collapsible (1955) + Leitz

UV filter. Comes with the cap and is very well made... and is about $16...so order one! the

only thing is that they print "For Leica summicron 39mm" on it but at that price I can live with

it.

I have just bought a beater M5 which I'll send for a CLA. I can send it to Kindermann in Toronto (they

always did good work on my cameras/lens). DAG, who by reading recent posts is quite busy and Sherry

Krauter who is also excellent. Any other suggestions short of sending it to Leica in Germany. Any insights

from M5 users would be appreciated.

Thanks

I have an M3 (851xxx), probably 56 with the old style speeds. I recently bought an MR-4

meter and had it revised by Kindermann. Anyhow, I tried it and here's what I found: When

using B, 1 or 2 they lined up, when reaching 5 the arrow stopped between 4 and 8, at 10

arrow between 8-15, at 25 arrow between 15-30 , at 50 it showed the red dot on the

meter, 100 a bit below 125, 250, 500 and 1000 lined up.

The way I see it, I can use the meter and I can always bracket if I'm not sure.

I read that Cartier Bresson usually only took a reading in the morning and made

adjustments during the day and Cartier Bresson's wife Martine Franck who's a

photographer for Magnum told a journalist when asked about her use of a meter: At my

age I should know my light by now.

Here's two pictures that I took with the Coll summi. A summicron-C is good alternative in the

250-400 range. You can also get the lens cleaned and if you still doesn't like the results, sell

it back. A Leica lens that was cleaned shouldn't be very hard to sell.

Kindermann in Toronto can make the repairs, they're quick, easy to talk to and excellent.

Gerry Smith was telling me that business was slower than it used to be and he's coming in a

couple of days a week (he's semi-retired).

I wonder if there are any younger guys making repairs these days?

follow-up

I got a call from Kindermann in Toronto, it seems the previous owner had soldered the

internal contacts to have the lightmeter always tuned on (hence bypassing the lever). They'll

fix it to make it as new.

Start a blog, I did (about 18 months ago) and I manage to load a photograph five days a week

with a small text ... And always carry a camera!

www.photogab.blogspot.com

In your price range, you can find a decent Leica and lens. Don't waste time with the other

brands and if you don't like the Leica, resell it here or on E...y.

Sorry, I should have provided the answer. I'm in Canada so I called Kindermann in Toronto

and was talking to Gary (Service Dept) and yes the lever should bounce back in similar

fashion to the battery test lever on front of the meter.

So, I shipped the meter to them for repairs.

I use to have the voigtlander meter, it was excellent but just not up to par with Leica in term

of feel and workmanship. Leica

had (and probably has) the ability to create beautiful and well made objects. As long as they

can be repaired, I

think it's worth it. (Mind you, I haven't receive the estimate yet!)

Not sure if I make sense on this question: Just purchased an MR-4 meter, should there be a certain

amount of tension/resistance when pushing the actuation button/lever?

Mine slides without any resistance whatsoever, I thought that the lever is similar to the battery check lever

in front of the meter where it feels like a spring. The meter works, the battery is responsive.

Does my question makes sense?

Thanks

Fran篩s

Just a follow-up on the 11e. I bought it and sent it in to Radu of 3R camera as suggested by

Vick and Radu did a great job on it at a reasonable price (in line with Leica). I really like this

camera and the 50 Macro Switar 1.9 is a beautiful lens. I agree with all the coments that were

said, excellent camera but probably not as your main camera (I now use the D200...)<div></div>

This Easter, I was in NYC for the week-end. On Suday, they have the Easter Parade and at one point I

noticed an elderly gentleman with a Leica and a wide-angle lens. He kind of look familiar but I was not

sure and by the time I wanted to go see him, he was gone...

www.photogab.blogspot.com

Strange how we often read about such and such lens and very technical analysis. I used Kodak 400NC, and ask the lab not to calibrate every picture. Just formated them and no additional work on photoshop.

Also did the test with a couple of Feds. If the Russian lens had been better build (except the Jupiter 35mm which is very nice)I would use them more often.

Conclusion: Keep your lens open at F8 or F11, adjust speed accordingly and use whatever lens you feel comfortable with. Bulk wise, an Elmar screwmount with an adapter on an M is almost impossible to beat.