frederick_muller

The Leica 39mm clip-on cap definitely fits on the back-end of the 12585 hood when it is reversed on the 50mm Summicron. When the hood is off the lens, the clip on cap fits securely on the front of the lens or filter. It won't fit on the front of the hood - at least I haven't tries, because it would have to go inside the reverse flared front. So bottom line - it fits on the back of the hood when the hood is reversed on the lens, and it fits on the front of the lens when you are walking around hoodless.

Not entirely so ... the question is how much shock is transmitted to the lens. That's what bumpers are for. There is no question that different materials transmit shock differently. There's a difference between the amount of shock that gets through to the camera innards when you ding a zinc top plate as opposed to a brass top plate. I imagine same for metal versus plastic hoods, different types of metal hoods, and so on.

 

Nothing wrong with nostalgia, either. Newer isn't always better.

Looks like a pretty detailed site. But I still think there's no substitute for physically trying the lens on. I wouldn't doubt there's sample variation and physical differences even among the same type of lens that's had minor changes in manufacturing design made to it over the years.

Harry's math can't be faulted ... and I still love the 12585. Yes, a rectangular hood might be more effective. So might the Elmar's screw-in hood that I use on my collapsible and dr summicrons. But the 12585 is a Leica Classic. And Trevor, if you ever sell that summicron, keep the hood! Everyone has a story about a lens they regret selling ... I would bet you'd regret selling that hood. I have two, and I won't part with them.

I have a VC Bessa R2 which looks like the same "family" as the RD-1. Be very cautious and moderate your expectations regarding compatibility with the full line of M lenses. Look at the Cameraquest site on the Bessa R2 which lists lenses not to use with the R2. I would bet they will not work with the RD1, the Rollei 35, and other cameras from the same VC family. I was not surprised my DR Summicron would not mount. Neither did my Collapsible Summicron though apparently some people have mounted samples of the collapsible on the R2. I wonder if those were screw mount examples with adapters - mine is an M-mount collapsible. My 21mm Pre-aspherical elmarit mounts on the R2 but does not positively lock on the mount. Does not seem to affect the pictures, though I need to be very careful it doesn't fall off. I was very surprised that my 35mm Summilux pre aspherical would not mount on the R2 either. More modern Leica M lenses mounted without problems, but I've seen enough problem cases to urge caution. Try your lenses on the camera before buying, and don't force anything! Good luck ...

I have seen some opine that users trading up from M6's to M7's have caused a technical softening in M6 prices, and there may well be some truth to this. However, I have not seen many used M7s, so I don't think a similar swap from M7's to MP's is occurring. I myself did not swap an M6 for an M7, instaid viewing the M7 as an additional M6TTL with an automatic feature.

Forget about being unobtrusive with that strap. And don't go shooting any bullfights either.

Bill, thank you for your estimate. I find it interesting that the MP is outselling the M7, which I find a really practical machine, an M6TTL, really, with an autoexposure feature which I have always found very convenient in fast moving situations. But it is not too surprising as Leica hounds do value mechanical quality. Given the "digital revolution" I was also curious at to what kind of rarity value the MP might acquire over time if demand for manual cameras (and consequently the rate of manufacture) slows ... I do not think demand for quality Ms will ever completely die as they seem to have a following all their own. Based on your estimates, I'm not sure MPs will become true collectibles. Nice machines though.

It's not a great angle, but I don't see the lens lock button ... might be obscured by the lens, but I don't think so.

I did go through a paranoid phase where I thought the chrome lip around the front element might be contributing to flare ... that's the only time I really wrinkled my brow much about lens color ... I got over it. God the things one can obsess about!

That's a lot of cameras. This is not going to be a rare bird, is it?

Many don't like the combination. I like the look and don't have much choice 'cause I like to use older Leitz lenses I've only seen in chrome - collapsible and DR summicrons. And chrome VC lenses because the black paint VC's look so cheap and wear terribly (really. I'm not even sure it's paint). But I think the color combination is catchy and sharp and maybe, just maybe, stepping out and being eclectic will help stimulate creativity! God knows color coordinating your body and lens is not going to mechanically affect your pictures!

 

I also think chrome lenses look good on Titanium bodies. For what it's worth ...

Does anybody know (or be willing to make an educated guess) how many

new MP's have been built to date? Black paint MP's? I heard they

were outselling M7's.

Ben, thanks ... those straps do look good and practical, the wrist straps too. I think it is the same company that makes the CV ones. Like everything else in Japan, they probably just contract out. Thanks!

Whoa ... the fourth one was with the f2.5 pancake II, not the Nokton.

Actually, some of these contrastier shots would be a gas if solarized.

I apologize ... he SAYS those were done wide open at 1.4, and I do like them. The gradation is great, they look smooth, and there isn't a lot of flare. The Delta 3200 shots also have that smooth gradation. Some of the other shots ... for effect or otherwise, are really contrasty, from the harsh light, and they are virtually two-tone. Like a Man Ray solarization almost. Yes, they can work, but the effect is very, very different. It's a matter of mood, taste, subject and light. That's all I'm saying. And yeah, that lens is not bad wide open. Truth to tell, I've looked at them now on two monitors, and their appearance is different. So fact is, it's hard to judge a shot on a PC monitor, but I stand by my original assessment.

I apologize ... he SAYS those were done wide open at 1.4, and I do like them. The gradation is great, they look smooth, and there isn't a lot of flare. The Delta 3200 shots also have that smooth gradation. Some of the other shots ... for effect or otherwise, are really contrasty, from the harsh light, and they are virtually two-tone. Like a Man Ray solarization almost. Yes, they can work, but the effect is very, very different. It's a matter of mood, taste, subject and light. That's all I'm saying. And yeah, that lens is not bad wide open. Truth to tell, I've looked at them now on two monitors, and their appearance is different. So fact is, it's hard to judge a shot on a PC monitor, but I stand by my original assessment.

You know, this is what the R2 shutter sounds like: it sounds like an SLR shutter without the mirror action. If you imagine the mirror flip-flop and overlay it onto the R2 shutter, that's an SLR. Now fade the mirror flip-flop and you are back to the R2.

 

btw, I wish I could find one of the olive and brown professional VC straps that are now discontinued ... it would go great with the Leica M6 TTL Titanium's brown leather cover.

Huw, great shots. Those VC's perform, don't they? Were you using the Nokton wide open? For the other shots, I'm surprised at the quality of those high speed films. I've been meaning to try Delta 3200 and will give it a whirl soon.

 

With respect to Donald's original post, it does seem natural that "existing light" uses strongly localized light sources , and that would tend to drive contrast up, so shots like those on the Neopan look super contrasty. By that yardstick, the shots Huw took seem most natural, with a lot of detail covering the frame. The Delta 3200 shot also seems to show more gradation than the Neopan, but it's impossible to tell if that's the film or exposure and darkroom technique.

 

One last thought .... don't know where I'm goin' with this one, but have you guys ever thought about the difference between photographing SUBJECTS and photographing LIGHT? There is a difference, and from time to time, I have done both ... and there is a place for both. Looking at these shots, some shots are of subjects, and others are of light .... cool.

I just thought I'd share this little jewel with everyone. I

recently bought an olive VC Bessa R2 to complement my Leica kit. I

think it's a great camera and have had a lot of fun with it. I took

it out on a London Walks Tourismo stroll with the 28 Ultron and

75mm. There were like 20 or 30 people on the guided walk. At one

point, I spotted a great shot of a narrow alley lined with original

19th century gaslights. The guide was speaking to the group, and I

quietly slipped to the edge of the crowd, framed my shot, and

squeezed the shutter release. CLUNK! One of the advantages of

rangefinder photography is the ability to use your peripheral

vision. I could see 20 or 30 heads turn towards me all in

unison ... it was so surreal I almost laughed out loud. A whisper-

quiet M7 it ain't!!!!

 

I still like the R2 and think it's a blast. Might even check out an

R2A. I love the VC lenses. But the R2 is not a candid camera. Use

it for everything else, but not when it's important to be discrete!

I haven't seen an M6 marked like that, but my M7 is. I kinda like having the word "Leica" on there. If they don't engrave the top, they can at lease put it on the front.

Consider the following: rather than rent a leica camera or lens, go buy one used, use it for as long as you like (use, not abuse),and when you get tired of it, sell it. You will likely lose the bid-offer, or the dealer's 10 - 15 pct commission, which you can look at as the cost of rental. Thoughts?

THAT revolution? I'm not sure that's gonna do it ...

If you are new to rangefinder photography, I suggest you investigate the Voigtlander R2 option (check out cameraquest.com). It's not as quiet as an M, or as well built, but you will learn a lot and it will be great experience. And all the lenses you buy will be usable on an M if you go that route in the future.