Is that a rangefinder in your pocket? ⇒
8 December 2004, the wee hours
A thread on old cameras I posted at Metafilter.
This is a post from my link log: If you click the title of this post you will be taken the web page I am discussing.
8 December 2004, the wee hours
A thread on old cameras I posted at Metafilter.
This is a post from my link log: If you click the title of this post you will be taken the web page I am discussing.
I was browsing MeFi and as soon as I read the first sentence I skipped down to see if you or Mezan had posted it. Good job.
by Dave on December 8 2004, 2:20 am #
Thanks. I thought there were too many lame threads today. People don’t post anything original on the site it seems, just stuff they saw on other peoples blogs. So many of the links on Mefi I see earlier in the week on various blogs I read.
by ramanan on December 8 2004, 2:56 am #
I will have a Leica MP with the Tri-elmar lens, thank you.
I recently used one at a photo dealer. Leica is just awesome. Its built like a tank but one made by BMW. Its just beautiful. The purest camera design in the history of photography.
by Sunny on December 8 2004, 5:53 am #
BTW, Ram as you mentioned the Digilux2 at MeFi, I am guessing you are interested in it.
I would recommend that you wait a couple of years since its expected that the M range will get digital backs (so they will be both film and digital). Now that will be incredible.
They already do that with the R range (Leica SLRs). Expensive like fuck though.
If you want a whole digital SLR, D70 is prolly the way to go. You get the widest possible choice of lenses for the Nikons.
by Sunny on December 8 2004, 5:59 am #
I forgot to comment because I was at work, but I was going to say something like: “You have a Leica? You song of a bitch.”
by ramanan on December 10 2004, 11:05 am #
Oh I read wrong, you’re going to get one. How much is the MP vs. the M7, and what are the differences?
by ramanan on December 10 2004, 11:06 am #
Both are ridiculously expensive. But the differences are enormous.
MP is the updated version of the M6 and the legendry M3. Its an all manual camera but has a built in light meter. Virtually no electronics (only the lightmeter uses batteries), so camera will work anywhere, anytime. Also, this one is really built in Germany, not in Japan as the rest.
M7 is a M for a new generation. It breaks from tradition by being entirely driven by electronics, eats batteries, is a bit heavier. Leica even managed to make it work without batteries at certain shutter speeds. But like modern SLRs, if the batteries are dead, the camera will be hardly usable.
Unless, you are filthy rich, you will have to buy second hand. Usually people buy these things on whim, and then sell without use. So many can be found in mint condition. But the price is definitely more reasonable.
The M6 is actually a very good camera in its own right. And will be cheaper in the used market. It has a built in light meter as well. Of course all the Leica lenses work on all the M series cameras.
More information about all Leica cameras can be found at this excellent FAQ. It covers all the models and their distinguishing features and quirks.
Another site is of course the Leica site itself. Google it.
Yes, these cameras are really expensive but they are well worth it. Sure you can get feature packed SLRs or Digitals for half the price, but you won’t get anything built like a Leica. Its just a joy. I would recommend that you try one at a dealer. Its a very specialized tool and for certain tasks such as street pictures, close ups of people, candid shots, landscapes, its an ideal tool. Its not exactly for telephoto lenses. Its for people who like to get close to their subjects.
Review of the MP. Reasons why I like the MP.
But I know, I cannot afford it at the moment.
Another one that I am interestd in (and one that is more reasonable is the Hasselblad XPan II. A rangefinder that can even take panoramas in the same 35mm film! Composing in cinemascope!
A review of the XPan II.
Instead of all this gear talk, a good camera is a good camera. What you can do with it is up to the photographer. The Leica puts you into creative control. After seeing that winter landscape from you, I am positive that you should get one. The Leica is legendary for a picture like that: sharp pictures in low available light.
My Christmas wish: Leicas for all of us!
by Sunny on December 10 2004, 7:32 pm #
Wicked comment, thanks for all the information. I didn’t realize the M7 was such a big change from the older models. I’m not sure where you can get Leica’s in Toronto, but I’ll have to look into it.
by ramanan on December 10 2004, 8:01 pm #
No problem Ram. As you can tell I have been doing a bit of research into it. I cannot afford one right now, but I will definitely buy one. Its sad that Nikon and Contax got out of the Rangefinder business. Leica could surely use some competition. Hopefully, Hasselblad can do that with the XPan.
Another reason why these Leica’s are so outrageously priced is because of their cult status. Most of these are just ransacked by Japanese collectors who never even use them! I can assure you that 90% of Leicas are never used, which is rather unfortunate. I would carry it with me everywhere. The size of the thing makes it seem like a point and shoot camera.
I really would love to have a rangefinder. Until I get my hands on a Leica, I may look into some old Kievs.
BTW, on a historical note, the M5s were manufactured in Canada to lower production costs. This was also the time when Nikon launched its F SLR and the Japanese cameras took over. They are not as pricey in the used market but a Leica is a Leica. In other words keep your eyes and ears open! Also, you buy a Leica for a lifetime. It will truly last that long. So overtime, its worth the expense.
It seems that the MP will be the last manual Leica. Circumstances and changing markets mean more electronic sophistication and incresed realiance on batteries. Its already happened with the M7. It will only continue. That’s why they call the MP – Mechanikal Perfektion. I am convinced!
by Sunny on December 10 2004, 11:41 pm #
Boy! Does this look retro cool or what?!
by Sunny on December 10 2004, 11:50 pm #
Sorry abt these disjointed comments.
More on the Yashica rangefinders (and the Electro 35).
by Sunny on December 10 2004, 11:52 pm #
Funny you should bring up Yashicas, because I actually just won a GSN 35 on eBay. I’m looking forward to getting it. And Shima, before you say anything, it was too good a deal and the camera is actually nice! And yes, I know I have a problem. And admitting is the first step. The next two steps involve an Olympus RC and a Canon Canonet G-III QL117.
by ramanan on December 11 2004, 12:26 am #
Wow! How much did you get the GSN for? I was checking ebay as well!
Well it seems that this Yashica model is quite the poor man’s Leica.
BTW, where do you find all this info about old models?
by Sunny on December 11 2004, 2:25 am #
More Yashica love with the Electro GX.
Ram, your GSN was in prodction for close to 17 years and outlived the GX. The GX is just a little smaller in size and weight and the lens is wider. BTW, you prolly not only bought your GSN for less than the real price in 1973 but also less than the nominal price! Now that’s incredible. Let us know the price. I can’t wait for your review on this camera.
I have read that some GSNs were also made in Hong Kong. I hope your’s was a Japanese one. From what I am reading, there is not much of a difference anyway. And the best part is the lens. That just rocks!
by Sunny on December 11 2004, 2:44 am #
Well, I was looking for Lomo alternatives originally, and found a few of the sites through that. Photoethnography for example had a page on the Keiv. Reading about the cameras that author uses, I ended up searching for them on google, and came accross all the other camera sites. Most of the links I posted I have posted here earlier.
I got a Yashica GSN for $20.50. Assuming it works, that will be a wicked deal.
by ramanan on December 11 2004, 2:48 am #
Shit! You gotta be kidding me! The one’s I was looking at were close to $70. That’s not a bargain; thats free. Hopefully, it works fine.
by Sunny on December 11 2004, 4:21 am #
BTW, did a bit of research on the Kievs. Bad news all around. The Russians got the Contax parts and design as war reparations. And then they relaxed design standards. Well Zeiss lenses is a sweet spoils of war!
So I have placed in a bid for Yashica GSN for a princely $10.59. We will see how it goes.
(There is an excellent opportunity for cornering this market!)
by Sunny on December 11 2004, 7:23 am #
....honey, you do have a problem.
I had something else to say, and I’m almost certain Gary would agree with me, but I don’t think it’d be appropriate to say it online! he he he…
by sh!ma on December 11 2004, 8:05 pm #
Hi I’m new here and just passing by. I’d like to share some of my experinces with the Yashica Electros. My first Electro 35 was a GTN in black. Actually it’s a GTN body with a GT top and bottom plates. Reason being when I got my black GTN, the top and bottom plates were in really bad shape so I had to scavenge around for a Black Electro with decent looking top and bottoms. And voila ! I found this GT with near mint top and bottom but shot electrics. So I switched and is now working and looking like a dream. And just to add insult to injury, just a few weeks ago I ran into a mint black Electro GX ! I found at a second hand furniture store. I think they were using it as props or something. Anyway I got it for $70 not cheap but definitely worth the condition. That’s what I use now wherever I go. It’s perfect for lowlight and street shooting. I installed a screw in metal lens hood ( for a Nikon 35mm wide angle lens ) fits perfect.
by vclpantoja on October 26 2006, 10:15 am #