Dave16

<p>Nice one Harry!<br /><br /><br /> May I challenge you to 1/20th? :-)</p>

<p>Many thanks for contributing guys - it's interesting to read different opinions of what can and can't be achieved hand-held.<br /> Arthur has described my technique nicely. Although in my example I didn't lean the camera on a chair, rather I leaned (my lower back) on a chair. Otherwise elbows into sides, breathe evenly and wait until the heart slows a fraction (which you can feel with practice). As I have said in a previous post, it's similar to shooting a rifle - where imperceptible movement at the barrel can mean the difference between hitting the target and missing altogether at 30 yards.<br /> I think the choice of camera is very important - the 111c fits my hands nicely and lends itself to slow shooting. The shot itself wasn't a fluke btw. There are four shots of the same effigy on this roll, all similarly sharp, all shot at the same speed. I chose to post this shot because it's the best composition, I think.<br> Here is another.<br> <img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00017%20copy_zps5mmjjpmk.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="685" /><br /> Needless to say, since this was available light in a church, the lens was wide-open. The old 3.5/5cm uncoated Elmar is an excellent and versitile lens, I am coming to realise.</p>

<p>This is my best.<br> 1/20th of a second. no tripod, but I leaned against a chair.<br> <img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00018%20copy_zpsu34guduc.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="681" /><br> Leica red-blind 111c, 3.5/5cm uncoated Elmar - no filter.</p>

<p>Allan, thank you.</p>

<p>To add to this, I learned this week that some Leica (and other quality-made) lenses were colour-corrected in their computation from about 1936. Elmars evidently were.<br> I think this is self-evident looking at colour redition with an old Elmar, even with modern film.</p>

<p><img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00007%20copy_zpscalxpm9c.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="628" /><br> Leica 111c, uncoated 3.5/5cm Elmar.</p>

<p>Even simpler is the Olympus Trip with fixed Zuiko 40mm. Still available for around £15.00 and easily self-refurbished (unless the meter is dead). A remarkable lens for the price.<br> I'm not in the market for a new Leica, whatever the occasion.<br> I can certainly see the attraction in a digital Standard, but I prefer film, and when I buy another Leica to join the M6 and 111c it will be a CLA/d pre-war camera.</p>

<p>1. The lenses are not really comparable.<br> 2. The Elmar is very good. I have no experience of the others.<br> 3. Take Stephen's advice.</p>

<p><img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00032%20copy_zpsgegb7hen.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="649" /><br /> <strong>Leica red-blind 111c, 3.5/5cm uncoated Elmar - no filter.</strong><br /> The latest offering from this lens. It's superb! It's so good I went out and blew £60 (including postage) on an uncoated 9cm Elmar. I have the set now.</p>

<p><img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00032%20copy_zpsgegb7hen.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="649" /></p> <p>I did a series of these, trying to get a shot which emphasises the brutality of the 1000cc Guzzi Spada engine mounted in what appears to be the fairly flimsy chassis of the Triking three-wheeler.<br /> This is without doubt the best shot.<br /> Leica 111c, 3.5/3cm uncoated Elmar. High St processed.</p>

<p>It's still a poky finder compared to an external finder.<br> Good information - thanks for sharing.</p>

<p>Leica told me that the serial number on my 1940 111c was actually from a different model. Malcolm Taylor told me that the records from that era can be mixed up. I checked back with Leica who then thought my camera was a 1940 111c.<br> Don't know whether that helps - hope so.</p>

<p>If the type of camera is not a concern, you could do worse than an old Oly Trip. Between £10 and £20 on the big auction site.<br /> 40mm lens, and yes, it's point and shoot (zone focussing), but the lens is fairly decent.<br> <img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00024copy_zps114d26e3.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="655" /><br> Action shot - Oly Trip, XP2 - shop processed.<br> Moving up a notch, the Yashica J is still around on the big auction site. Its fully manual with a good rangefinder, but the lens is fixed. The lens ok ok stopped down. Same sort of price.<br /> If I were you I'd buy one of the above, and save for a Leica - an old Barnack one. The lenses are not expensive if you choose carefully, and the results can be very good indeed.</p> <p> </p>

<p><img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00020%20copy_zpsmsi07qwz.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="686" /></p> <p>Moto-Guzzi engine detail on a Triking. M6, 2.8 50mm Elmar.</p>

<p>M6, 4/90mm Elmar - no filter.<br /> <img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00008%20copy_zpsdnbatpur.jpg" alt="" /><br /> This is my 'occasional' car - a 1989 Series One Triking three-wheeler.</p>

<p>Big-block Guzzi engine in a Triking - detail.<br> <img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00020%20copy_zpsmsi07qwz.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="686" /><br> Leica M6, 2.8/50mm Elmar.</p>

<p>I'll be 75, so still in me prime :D .<br> I think Leica will be busy re-inventing <strong>M</strong> film cameras. Let them - I have no intention of buying new Leica film equipment anytime soon.</p>

<p>Very concise explanation. Thanks.</p>

<p>I'm in. Red-blind Leica 111c, 3.5, 5cm uncoated Elmar.<br> <img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00021%20copy_zpsasrlqhkf.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="741" /></p> <p><strong>Tudor window detail at the Castle Lodge, Ludlow Castle 2016.</strong></p>

<p>Damn! just when I thought I'd stopped spending……. :-)</p><div></div>

<p>I'm delighted to report back that the little 3.5 5cm Elmar exceeded my expectations by a good margin.<br> This is a test shot wide open. The subject is my kitchen table - messy, as usual.<br> The lens is very sharp even at 3.5, and the colour is very nice considering this is an uncoated lens.<br> To say I'm delighted is an understatement!<br> <img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00008%20copy_zpsmseiktqi.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="686" /></p>

<p>Bill,<br> Tis as you said.<br> At 1/20th the camera is steady (best of three)……..<br> <img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00009%20copy_zps7snsivzd.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="686" /></p>

<p>"Lily". Leica 111c and 3.5cm Elmar. The film had been in the camera for several years, so this pic was a nice surprise. She's still around, but a little older, a little stiffer, and a little more grizzled. A bit like me…..<br /> <img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00003%20copy_zpsjvvfo3cy.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="799" /></p>

<p>Hi,<br> The camera is mechanical, so the film counter will keep on going until you finish the film. If you started at 20 and you have a 36 exposure film it will carry on past 40 and back round to 16.<br> Focussing on these cameras is pretty easy, provided everything works ok. However it is an old camera and lens, and may simply not focus close enough for you just to include the head and half the body of your kitten. <br> Good for you for trying film, and for taking a class to learn.</p>

<p><img src="http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/xx221/dogbloke/CNV00011%20copy_zpsyi3gpftg.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="236" /></p>