david_werbeloff1

Hi Stephen, I use my 50mm DR on a

Panasonic GX1 M4/3 body. It's true

that the field of view is that of a 100mm

lens, no longer a 50mm, but the

advantages far outweigh that change.

GX1 bodies cost about $250 now.

The Leica M mount to M4/3 adapter

was about $100.

No need to alter the lens in any way.

You can use the close focus range

without the goggles by shifting over the

"hump", and depressing the lock

button.

Because of the crop factor the close

range gives quite significant macro

capability.

The results are astounding. Check it

out for quite a small investment!

Best wishes,

David

<p>Caught at Bar Harbor last summer. This is probably as close as I will ever come to the "decisive moment"... Just in the right place at the right moment. This was taken with a Panasonic GX1 with Leitz Telyt-V 200mm.</p><div></div>

<p>Caught at Bar Harbor last summer. This is probably as close as I will ever come to the "decisive moment"...</p>

<p>Hello, All,<br>

<br />I often wander over to the Nature forum from Leica & Rangefinder Land and am awed by some of the images that are posted in this great thread. Recently I have started using a Panasonic with heritage Leitz lenses, exploring the many possibilities which the digital medium offers. This is an image from yesterday of a Black-Capped Night-Heron fishing below a weir on the Charles River in Boston.</p><div></div>

<p>Hello, James,<br>

When I bought a thread mount Telyt 400mm lens many years ago, it came with an OUBIO (aka 16466M) attached. Honestly, until you mentioned the mechanism to change from horizontal to vertical I have never used that function since the lens mount on the 400mm also allows for that. I can report that there is absolutely *zero* play in the OUBIO. It sounds like you may need to find another one or have a competent repair person adjust yours. They are fairly ubiquitous online. I hope that helps...<br>

<br />Best wishes,<br />David</p>

<p>Hello, Anthony and All,</p>

<p>Mea Culpa. I missed your mention of the GX1 in your post. Do you have one? Do you use it with your Leitz glass? What do you think?<br>

<br />Best,<br>

David</p>

 

<p>Hello, Robert,<br>

<br />I can't believe that nobody has been screaming this from the rooftops. Having come from the background of using two Barnack and two M film bodies for most of my life, I wanted to investigate the digital body option also. *Of course* an M, ME or M9 would be the first choice, but these are more expense than I can justify. In August, after much research I settled on the little Panasonic GX1. This model has just been replaced by the GX7 so the GX1 prices are as low as one could imagine. Along with the camera body I bought the EVF2 electronic viewfinder dedicated to this model, the Panasonic M to Micro4/3 adapter and an M Visoflex adapter from a third party manufacturer. With this combo I am able to mount every Leitz lens I own from a 1938 Summar 50mm up to the 400mm Telyt onto the GX1. Because of the crop factor of the Micro 4/3 format, the focal length of the lenses is effectively doubled. I intentionally decided not to buy Panasonic's 14mm lens (35mm equivalent to 28mm) so that I could and will keep using the Voigtlander 28mm on the film bodies. The results of this digital/ analog combination are absolutely awesome, beyond my wildest expectations. Check it out.<br>

<br />Best,<br />David</p><div></div>

<p>Hello, Stephen,</p>

<p>Thanks for your response which makes perfect sense: just mount the bellows straight to the camera via M adapter. I understand that the EVF2 which fits that camera is fantastic. The shortest Viso-compatible lens head I have is the 90mm Elmarit, so with the 4/3 factor = 120mm.<br>

It could be an interesting experiment and cheaper than an M9</p>

<p>Best wishes,<br>

David</p>

<p>Hello, All,<br>

<br />I have been toying with the idea of macro work using Viso III and Bellows II on a digital M body. However, the cost of even a used M9 or ME is just too much to bear.<br>

<br />I have no idea if this idea is viable at all: Is it possible to slap a Visoflex II or III onto the front of the above-mentioned Micro 4/3 camera with the correct adapter if necessary? Even if the lens mount is compatible, will the Viso release arm line up with the Panasonic release button? Anyone tried?<br>

<br />Curious for opinions.</p>

<p>Best wishes,<br>

David</p>

<p>Hello, Tony, I really enjoyed looking at your portfolio. You obviously have a good eye and an ability to capture the moment. The amazing resolution of the Monochrom photos add detail and textural interest. I particularly enjoyed your photos from South Africa, having grown up there. It's interesting to see an outsider's view of what to an insider is mundane and every-day. I wondered if your photo, "Tree in Sweet Light" taken in the Kruger Park was captured with an uncoated, pre-war lens like the Summar; it has that kind of signature. Thanks for sharing! Best wishes, David</p>

<p>Hello, Paul,<br>

I use the CV 28mm/3.5 on my IIIa and the same is true: the rangefinder is inoperative below a certain distance. The depth of field is so great on the lens though that it doesn't really matter if it's focused precisely especially stopped down. I love the lens and its signature. It's a great pity that the production was discontinued.<br>

<br />Best,<br>

David</p>

<p>Hello, All,<br>

Official word back from Fujifilm U.S. today: 800Z is gone, only 800 Superia X-Tra in 24 exp. rolls for 35mm consumption. Better stock up for the freezer now...<br>

Best,<br>

David</p>

<p>Jeff, Thanks.<br>

Portra 800 it is.<br>

Best,<br>

David</p>

<p>Hello, Gents,</p>

<p>Thank you so much for your responses. It sounds like all of us 800Z addicts are changing over to Portra 800... for as long as *that's* on the market. Am curious to try pushing the Portra 400 just to see what happens.<br>

Best,<br>

David</p>

<p>Hi All,<br>

I have read all the back correspondence on this topic, and, as of today, I see that 800Z and Superia 800 are still listed on the Fujifilm website, but none of the major retailers list it or have any in stock. What's the word?<br>

If 800Z is in fact gone from our universe, does anyone have experience of rating 400H at 650 and push processing at 800? <br>

Curious for responses.<br>

Thanks,<br>

David</p>

<p>Hello, Mark,<br>

I'd like to suggest the M-Classics bag, available here: http://www.mclassics.com/<br>

I have their smaller version which holds one body with short lens, enough space for another couple of lenses in the main part of the bag, small binoculars and gadgets and extra film in the front pockets. Not relevant to your needs but a special little pocket which holds a Leicameter MR or VCII just right. Also a handy pocket in the back for maps or travel documents. Beautifully made and perfectly waterproof for a summer deluge.<br>

Best,<br>

David</p>

<p>Gentlemen,</p>

<p>Thank you for your responses. It's too bad that we must mourn the loss of the Fuji 800 Press. I'll experiment with the Kodak Portra.</p>

<p>Best,<br>

David</p>

<p>Hello, All,<br>

Over the last few years my cameras have gotten used to a steady diet of Fuji Press 800NPZ. Yesterday, I went online to top up my supply and found to my dismay that all the usual places seem to be either out or no longer stocking it. In fact, one was selling expired stock. I then went to the Fujifilm site and they still have some version of both the 800 and 1600, but not the Press. Are we one step closer to film oblivion here, or is this a result of the Tsunami and consequent disaster in Japan? I'd be interested to have some opinions.<br>

Best wishes,<br>

David</p>

<p>Leica IIIa, with Voigtlander 28mm and Fuji 800 Press</p><div></div>

<p>Leica IIIa, Voigtlander 28mm, Fuji 800 Press @ 650</p><div></div>

<p>Hi Bill & All,<br>

There is an interesting article on early M3s here:<br>

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/Leica/Leica-M3/1954-60/LeicaM3-700131/index.htm<br>

This should give some landmarks. Also, I notice in one of the photographs which you posted, that the middle part of the rewind knob (which rotates when you wind on to show that the film is advancing) has a slot/line.<br>

I have a very early M3 which has one red dot; later ones have two red dots. I believe the line is very early on in the production. Despite the very early serial number, my camera also has the pre-selector lever.<br>

Best,<br>

David</p>

 

<p>Leica IIIa, Summar 50mm, Fuji Press 800 rated @ 650.</p><div></div>

<p>Hi All, plenty of old Leicas out there. What we REALLY need is a new crop of first rate camera techs to keep them going in ex-factory condition. Maybe Leica could make more money offering really comprehensive service for all the models they ever made. Best, David</p>

<p>Hi Gabor, thank you for your response to my question. I know of Essex; sounds like they're worth checking out.<br>

Best, David</p>

<p>Hi All, I happened across a reference to this place in NJ. Their site seems very professional. Having done a search to see if the firm had come up for discussion here before, I find some references from a few years back. Does anyone have a good recent experience with Leica equipment? I look forward to your responses.<br>

Thanks, David</p>