Leica Cameras Archives - Page 3 of 3

Leica m2

Simple cameras make street photographers happy

Time is an amazing thing, isn’t it? It’s the invisible sculptor that quietly changes everything in the world in its own unique way. And nothing is more subtle and far-reaching than the changes in people’s hearts and the reshaping of aesthetics. Once upon a time, the Leica M3 was my absolute favorite. It was more than just a camera to me—it was a symbol of the pinnacle of photographic technology and the perfect camera that art seekers could only dream of. The classic body design, the smooth lines, and the iconic viewfinder all emphasized the unique charm and exquisite craftsmanship of the Leica brand, which I just loved! Over time, though, my perspective and state of mind have shifted a bit.

In recent years, I’ve noticed the Leica M2 popping up more and more in my field of vision. I’ve been really drawn to its unique minimalist aesthetics, and it’s slowly but surely become a more and more important part of my heart. The M2’s design language is inspired by the M3, but it’s stripped away a few things here and there, keeping the essential elements and removing any extra decorations. I just love this minimalist design style! It makes the M2 look so much lighter and more elegant, and it touches my deepest desire for purity and simplicity.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane! The Leica M3 made its grand entrance in 1954. It was a pivotal moment in Leica camera history and a true landmark in the annals of photography. Its advanced mechanical structure, precise metering system, and excellent image quality have won the hearts of countless photographers. Just three short years later, the Leica M2 was introduced as a simplified version of the M3. It was positioned as a more approachable model, but it showed its unique charm and advantages in certain aspects. It shows Leica’s deep understanding and love for photography in a really direct and pure way.

When I look at these two cameras again, I feel so many emotions! The Leica M3 will always have a special place in my heart. It represents a glorious past and endless memories.

Built-in 35mm Viewfinder Frame

The M2’s simple yet classic design is just the beginning of its charms. Its built-in 35mm viewfinder frame is a big part of why photography enthusiasts love it so much! The 35mm frame gives photographers a wider perspective, which is great for including more of the environment and story clues in your images. It’s also a great way to capture those fleeting moments of vividness!
35mm lenses have a unique perspective that can really inspire creativity. They’re also a great choice if you’re looking to include more of your surroundings in your images. In the wonderful world of photography, the combination of a Leica rangefinder camera and a 35mm lens is often praised as the “storyteller’s camera.” Together, they can tell a richer, more subtle, and more compelling story. So, as more and more people have fallen in love with 35mm lenses, it’s become clearer than ever that the M2’s viewfinder is one of its best features. It’s no wonder it’s held in such high regard!

Voigtlander Bessa R2a

Shrewd and capable indeed

The reason why Voigtlander is still alive is that it is smart not to directly compete for Leica users, but to make up for the low-end market that Leica does not want. Voigtlander is Leica’s entry-level product, because Leica itself does not produce entry-level products. Although many people say that second-hand Leica is the entry-level product for Leica, not everyone likes to buy second-hand lenses. But that’s where Voigtlander comes in! It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking for a great camera at an affordable price. After all, second-hand stuff may have unknown problems, but Voigtlander is targeting this market and they’re doing a great job of it!

The Voigtlander M-mount lens is similar to the Leica in terms of specs, but it costs about one-tenth as much. Plus, the Voigtländer Bessa has a bunch of limited editions in special colors that are pretty cool. A lot of people buy Voigtlander fuselages because of the colorful fuselages. My favorite is the gray painted version because the Bessa’s leather trim is black, and it goes well with gray.

The German Voigtlander Bessa II was a big hit back in the day, but it’s since faded into obscurity. These days, the Voigtlander brand is owned by Cosina in Japan, where all new products are made. Needless to say, Voigtlander products still have a lot going for them.

What sets the Voigtländer Bessa R2a apart from the Leica M?

The Leica viewfinder frame is controlled by a complex and precise mechanical system, which allows it to automatically select the frame according to the lens in use. In contrast, the Voigtlander frame is selected manually and does not have automatic adjustment functions, which allows the manufacturer to save costs.
The shutter speed is a crucial parameter in photography. The maximum shutter speed of the Voigtlander is twice that of the Leica, at 1/2000.
It is evident that the metal shutter utilized by Voigtlander is naturally louder than that of the Leica.
With regard to the issue of the focus baseline being shorter than that of the Leica and the resulting lack of accuracy, it is important to note that this is not a problem that is apparent in actual use.

The Voigtlander Bessa cameras, manufactured in Japan, are compatible with Leica L39 lenses and M lenses. The specific models of these fuselages are as follows:
Bessa-L, Bessa-T, Bessa-R, Bessa-R2, Bessa-R2S, Bessa-R2C, BessaR2A, Bessa-R3A, Bessa-R2M, Bessa-R3M, Bessa-R4M, Bessa-R4A, Rollei 35RF.

The nomenclature employed in the designation of the model allows us to discern its principal characteristics. The camera with the letter “A” is an electronic shutter camera with an A-speed aperture priority setting. The camera with the letter “M” is a fully manual mechanical shutter camera. Furthermore, it can be inferred that, in the absence of the letter “A,” the camera is fully manual and operates with a mechanical shutter. In addition, the following features are noteworthy:
Bessa-L, no viewfinder, L39 port,
Bessa-T, no viewfinder, M mount,
Bessa-R, with viewfinder, L39 port, wire frame 35, 90, 50, 75
Bessa-R2, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 35, 90, 50, 75
Rollei 35 RF, R2 Rollei version M port, wireframe 40, 50, 80
Bessa-R2S, Nikon s rangefinder version S-mount, wireframe 35, 50, 85
Bessa-R2C, Contax rangefinder version C-mount, wireframe 35, 50, 85
Bessa-R2A, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 35, 90, 50, 75
Bessa-R3A, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 45, 50, 75, 90
Bessa-R2M, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 35, 90, 50, 75
Bessa-R3M, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 45, 50, 75, 90
Bessa-R4A, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 21, 25, 28, 35, 50
Bessa-R4M, with viewfinder, M-mount, wireframe 21, 25, 28, 35, 50
Summarize

If you’re looking for a great deal on a high-quality lens and body, look no further than Voigtlander! Both the lens and the body are fantastic, and at such an affordable price, it’s a no-brainer.

Leica IIIG

Old Camera

The passage of time has made people forget about film photography, but I still enjoy using old cameras. They remind me to enjoy the present, which is the best day. I take photos on the streets with my Leica IIIG, a retro mechanical camera. When I hold it up, people recognize it for what it is and aren’t offended. Maybe this old camera will remind people that time flies and things change, and that they should enjoy what they have right now.

old-fashioned

These days, mobile phone photography is pretty impressive. Even the compact Leica M camera seems a bit outdated. But I still prefer using my Leica IIIG for its retro style. Even though photography isn’t as cutting-edge as it used to be, I still love it and appreciate the classic Leica. My Leica IIIG camera is in perfect condition, and I can only imagine how much its previous owner cherished it.

street photography

Street photography is all about having the right camera for the job. The equipment you use makes a big difference to the photos you take. People react differently to different cameras, which is an important part of street photography. The retro iiig style often gets a knowing smile from passers-by and is rarely rejected.

Leica IIIG

The Leica M3 came out in 1955, followed by the IIIG in 1956. The IIIG was in production until 1960. As Leica M-mount lenses were developed, Leica screw mounts gradually fell out of favor and were phased out of the market. The Leica L39 mount camera is a classic Leica.

The IIIG is the last Leica L39 mount camera. It has a lot in common with the M3. This camera has a lot of fans, and some people even use it with Leica M mount lenses. Some people even think that Leica should make a digital camera based on the iiig.

What’s the difference between iiig and m3?

The iiig has two observation windows: one for framing and the other for focusing. The Leica M3 puts the viewfinder and focus in one window.

The iiig has two shutter speed dials, one for high speed and one for slow shutter. The Leica M3 has a single dial for the shutter speed and slow speed settings.

But the IIIG is just as good as the M3. For many people, the IIIG also has some features that are pretty hard to beat:

The extra-large magnification focusing window makes it easy to focus with a 90mm lens.

It’s super lightweight and doesn’t feel heavy when you’re wearing it around your neck or in your pocket. This is what Leica is all about.

You can’t adjust the diopter on the M camera, but you can on the iiig, which is really useful when focusing on the macula.

90mm lens

I like to use it with the Elmar 90mm f/4 lens. The Leica M model isn’t as good as the iiig for focusing at 90mm.

50mm lens

I like to use the Leica iiig with the Leica Summaron 50 f/2 lens. They have a nice balance and fit in well with the overall design. This kind of camera makes you feel like you’re holding something special when you hold it in your hand.

LEICA 0 Series Oskar Barnack Limited Edition camera w/Anastigmat 50/3.5 lens

Slow

If you’re looking for a truly unique photography experience, the Leica 0 series camera is the one for you! It’s the perfect blend of classic Leica style and cutting-edge technology. Capture stunning images with the “slow” and “portable” philosophy at the heart of every Leica camera. It may be a bit slow, but I sell this camera quickly.

My story

I found the Leica 50mm/0.95 around my neck to be too heavy, and it caused my neck to hurt for days. So I missed out on the smaller Leica, the 0 series replica is compact, even smaller than today’s smartphones, but it still has a solid case and pure Leica lenses, so I bought one to free my neck.

This is a replica of the Series 0. The original Model 0 sold for $2.16 million at auction, making it the most expensive camera in the world at the time. This special edition Leica camera has a gorgeous black lacquer finish and brass top. I had planned to use this camera for a while and then let the black paint wear off naturally.

Before I started using it for photos, I really liked the design. If you could carry it around with you, this camera could last a lifetime. The reality is that it’s really difficult to use, so you have to cover the lens every time you switch to the next negative.

Of course, it’s not the camera, it’s me! This limited-edition camera is meant to be a collector’s item, not a tool for street photographers like me.

Slow Philosophy

The concept of “slow” is relative and depends on the context. Back when the Leica 0 was first introduced, it was seen as a fast photography tool. Just like computers, you can’t really compare CPU speeds from 20 years ago to today’s standards.

Just a few more things to keep in mind when taking pictures with this camera. For instance, you’ve got to put the lens cap back on before you can switch to the next picture. Also, you’ve got to hold down the shutter while rewinding the film.

Just a heads-up: Once you’ve finished winding, the shutter speed is fixed, so it’s important to set it first.

How to use

To get the most out of this vintage camera, it’s important to develop good operating habits, like:

When you’re ready to stow the camera away in your bag, leave the shutter on release so you can adjust the shutter speed for your next shooting need.
Trim the spare film in advance before using it.
When installing a new roll of film, ensure that the protrusion on the film aligns with the notch on the spindle to ensure proper installation. Instead of using the spindle to locate the notch, you can use the notch to locate the protrusion on the spindle.
Always remember to open the lens cover before taking a photo, and cover it after winding the film. This simple mantra is worth remembering.
It may take some practice and skill to use a 0-type camera effectively, but the stunning results make it all worthwhile.

The Leica 0-series camera used the Anastigmat 50 3.5 lens, which was originally designed by Berek in 1920. Despite what some people said, the lens only had four elements in three groups, which is similar to the Elmar lens. The new version of this lens has four elements in three groups, but it’s got a new design and coated glass. It’s said to offer better contrast and sharpness when used at full aperture, and it’s pretty similar to the Summicron 50 f2.

The lens is really excellent. However, I really think that this camera is not suitable for use, only for collection.

LEICA M8 REVIEW

The Leica M8 is a digital rangefinder camera that has been around for almost twenty years. It’s not just a technological marvel for me, but also a great emotional support and creative partner. Whenever I pick it up, it’s like I’m embarking on a special photographic journey, and every click of the shutter is a part of my deep connection with the world. The Leica M8 is more than just a classic camera to me – it’s an indispensable companion and a constant source of inspiration in my photographic career.

I just love the M8 because it’s so reliable and pure, and it never goes out of style. In this day and age, where cameras are getting more and more advanced with each new generation, the M8 stands out for sticking to the traditional manual operation and rangefinder linkage. I really admire this return to the essence of photography! It made me realise that the value of photography doesn’t depend on whether it’s technologically advanced or not. It’s about how the photographer captures and conveys their emotions and thoughts through the lens.

I find that using the M8 to shoot black and white photos is a kind of emotional catharsis and artistic pursuit that I really enjoy. The world in black-and-white shades, fading away the noise of colour, leaving behind pure light and shadow and deep emotions. The M8 with its excellent control of shadow, so that each photo is full of power and infectious. They are not only visually enjoyable, but also touching the heart. It was such a wonderful feeling, like I was travelling through time and space! I felt connected to those classic black-and-white photographs and I could really feel the eternal charm of the art of photography.

Do you remember that gorgeous black and white ad for the Leica M8 by Wim Wenders?

When I first saw Wim Wenders’ beautiful black-and-white ad for the Leica M8, I was really moved. It was so much more than just a display of images. It touched my heart and resonated with me deeply, as if it truly understood the art of photography.

The black-and-white images unfolded slowly, and every detail seemed to have been carefully crafted over time, revealing an indescribable purity and depth. I was completely captivated by the moments of light and shadow, feeling the emotions and stories behind each frame. Wim Wenders has done an amazing job! He has such a unique perspective and exquisite skills. He has brought out the charm of the Leica M8 in the best possible way. I’m now yearning for and loving this camera like never before!

I know that black-and-white photography is all about playing with light and shadow to create something really special. It lets the photographer focus more on the composition of the image, the layers of light and shadow, and the emotion in the picture. The Leica M8 is a fantastic camera for black and white photography. It has excellent image quality, precise focusing ability and unique German colours. I would absolutely love to have a camera like that so I can capture every single moment of my life and record all those beautiful, heart-melting moments that just seem to pass by in the blink of an eye.

That advertisement just fills my heart with so much longing and love for the Leica M8 whenever I think of it! It’s not just a camera, it’s my best friend! It helps me pursue my passion for photography and express my inner feelings. I truly believe that in the days to come, I will grow with the Leica M8. I will explore the infinite possibilities of photography together with it and interpret the beauty and sorrow of the world with black and white images.

CCD Advantages of the Leica M8

Let me tell you about the amazing CCD sensor in the Leica M8! This digital rangefinder camera has a CCD sensor that offers some truly unique advantages. CCD sensors are a type of image sensor that have been used in early digital cameras for a long time. They have some great features that really make a difference, and you can see all of that in the Leica M8!

Produces high-quality images: The APS-H format CCD sensor used by the Leica M8 has 10 million pixels, but thanks to the high sensitivity and low noise characteristics of the CCD, it still produces great images. In bright light, the M8 can capture more details and reduce noise, producing a purer, more delicate image.
Ideal for black and white photography: You were right about the Leica M8 performing well when shooting black and white photos. This is down to the CCD sensor’s ability to capture light accurately and restore it effectively, which makes black and white photos look richer in tone and more contrasty. It can even capture infrared light.

Leica in Babylon Berlin Season 4

Babylon Berlin has reached the fourth season, a lot of night scenes, indoor light sources, certainly used Leica film lenses …… This is a very careful about photography episodes. Already to the fourth, very good oh, full of details. The first episode showed a Leica camera, and flash.

Leica M6

I’ve always cherished Leica cameras for their blend of beauty and utility, and the Leica M6 stands out as a masterpiece. It’s intuitive, reliable, and—for me—the heart of my collection alongside the M3, M2, and CL.

Metering Magic

In film photography, exposure is everything. The M6’s built-in TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering system is a revelation—precise and stable, reading light off the shutter curtain with uncanny accuracy. Forget the “Sunny 16” rule’s guesswork; this camera gives me confidence to nail every shot, especially when transitioning from digital to film. It’s a trusted ally for capturing fleeting moments without second-guessing.

Iconic Design

The M6’s look is pure Leica: sleek lines, a bold red dot, and a choice of silver TTL or black Classic finishes. I started with the silver TTL, but the black body’s mystique won me over—its understated elegance keeps my focus on the frame. At 580g (body only), it’s hefty yet balanced, a tactile reminder of German craftsmanship.

A Personal Passion

My Leica journey began with the groundbreaking M3, moved to the compact CL, and peaked with the M6. That red dot isn’t just a logo—it’s a symbol of my devotion to photography’s art. After a decade with these cameras, the M6 remains my go-to for its blend of legacy and function.

Tech Note:

Metering: TTL, center-weighted
Shutter: 1s to 1/1000s, mechanical
Weight: 580g (body)
Price (2024): ~$2,500-$3,500 used