Is that a full size people carrying or model sailplane?

Nice shots for an old manual focus lens.;)

Hi Scott,

In my case, it went from people carrying around point and shoot film cameras vs. me with my Canon 10D and L glass. The difference was amazing. Then came the 30D (same glass), then the 1D (same glass), but it got to a point where the public in general was "happy enough" with the images coming out of an iPhone. This in the local auto racing scene. Photo filters "built in" and no need to actually print images, much less at a large scale, became the norm, thus, no need for "pro-level" equipment.

I firmly believe that pro-equipment has its place, but whereas it would be something that would distinguish you from the rest the vast majority of the time, now it has become a very, very very, niche market, especially when you take into consideration the cost factor. I did it as a hobby, one that pretty much paid for itself, but I don't see how these days it would work that way. This coming from a father of teenagers that think that as soon as you post a crappy YouTube video on the web, you automatically become a millionaire.... Seems like anyone with an iPhone (or Android equivalent) and a few generic filters, all of the sudden becomes a professional. Call me old fart, call me what you want, but I love photography for what it truly is (capturing a moment in time to relate a message) and not a proof of how artsy fartsy you can be in Photoshop or some other editing tool. I'm all for change, but I do appreciate more the "old ways". This coming from an digital photographer, not film, but one that is amazed regarding the skills of the original film masters (think Jeff Zwart).

oooh! That is a nice rig !!!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixRKeQMa7Nc" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I cheated, it's the 70-210/4 AF lens.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1590571100.jpg

Just noticed that spot on the lower edge is actually another flying object :cool:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1590572700.jpg

Phone cameras are amazing especially in difficult light I think. If you will only ever look at the picture on a phone screen, that's pretty much all you need, isn't it?

Thanks. The camera usually has my Sony 24-105 f4 lens on it. It's a formidable piece of kit as that lens is one of the sharpest lenses at all focal lengths I've ever had the pleasure to use. Most people would shy away from an f4 lens as not being fast enough. But when paired with the high ISO capabilities of the A7iii it isn't a detriment at all in low light situations.

Yes it is all you'll need.

Do all conversations about cameras eventually lead to Leica?

Thread resurrection! The lockdown and the ensuing need for a distraction has been good for my photography hobby. The unexpected disposable income from mostly working from didn't hurt either.

It started with a small collection of DDR lenses in M42 thread mount. They go really nicely with the 5D Classic. I love the "quality" of photos this combination produces. Not sure how much of it is in the camera, the lens or my head. So, hooked on vintage lenses.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612393938.jpg

Then came, perhaps predictably, film. We have a 50s Voigtländer Vito B that was handed down through my wife's family. Her great uncle who lived in Belgrade bought it. It sat on her aunt's shelf for many years and came with film that was stuck. I didn't have the sense to try to save that roll and get it developed! Shame. It then lived a happy life as a decoration on our shelf until one day I thought I would just see if it works... Good old Kodak Gold 200, first time using a fully manual camera (last attempt with my mom's Nikon FM didn't turn out too good) and also zone focusing. By the way, did you know there has been a shortage of various film stocks lately, and even the multipack rolls of Kodak Gold were becoming scarce at some point?! Anyway, I got the first roll developed without any expectations, and was blown away again by the "quality". Film is real.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612394788.jpg

I never had a rangefinder camera before, so naturally made the progression to another Voigtländer, this time a Vitomatic II with a working selenium light meter. Amazing that they came up with this technology back in the 50s. It has a bright viewfinder/rangefinder combo with a well-regarded Color Skopar 2.8/50. What more do I need, right?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612394967.jpg

Well, apparently if you spend enough time reading about cameras, all roads do lead to Leica... I didn't want an M camera, because my Vitomatic does everything it does. But I have never seen a Barnack Leica before, and the whole idea of bottom loading and film lead trimming, knob winding exercise was something I had to experience. I'm sure as Pelicans, many of whom drive outdated aircooled cars, you can appreciate where I'm coming from. And so I've come to own a Leica IIIc, and just to get me going, an Industar 26m lens that came with a Fed 2 camera. Having both cameras in had, the difference in build quality and fit/finish was as shocking as the fact that ultimately they both do the same job and probably equally well. Typically, I tend to be happy with things that do the job and no more, i.e. the Soviet approach with the Fed 2. But I thought my "Leica" deserved a "Leica" lens. Enter the 3.5/35 Summaron. At this point, I couldn't just put any 35mm viewfinder on it, so I also found a 24/35 bright-line viewfinder originally sold for the Leica version of Panasonic LX-3/5/7 cameras. Incidently, I own both the LX-5 and 7, another pair of cult cameras which came into near-disposable price range after a decade. Anyway, the IIIc is loaded with standard issue Ilford HP5+. Nearly done with this roll and looking forward to seeing the results. There is a photo shop in the town centre and I'm happy to have them and to support their business. In fact, being in the shop reminded me of the excitement I used to feel whenever I visited RC model shops as a kid. Only this time, I can actually afford to buy whatever I want in the shop! Only my marginally good sense stops me from doing so.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612395727.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612395727.jpg

In true PP spirit, I had to open it up for "preventative maintenance". It didn't need anything, really. At every turn, I'm constantly blown away by the quality of engineering of these objects.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612395727.jpg

Finally... Sick of waiting to finish the roll, I got an adapter to try out the 35mm on my Canon mirrorless. Crop sensor, so 56mm focal length equivalent. Is there really something in these old lenses? Can't say much about rendering, but the drop in corner sharpness with basic optics definitely gives me warm and fuzzy feelings.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612397856.jpg

I know many here would have already lived through everything I've written above. After all, I'm only doing now what people used to do back in the 30s and 40s with cameras. But I find great joy in learning things that are new to me. The experience of 1) film photography, and 2) film photography with the IIIc is so fundamentally different than digital photography. It feels like every shot takes 5 minutes to frame, check the lightmeter app on the phone, check the camera settings, recompose and repeat. I love it. Funny thing is, even knowing how much more enjoyable this slow process is, as soon as I pick up my digital cameras, I still come home with 100 shots after a short walk. I thought at least 20 shots out of the 24 exposures in the first roll were keepers. I spend so much time sorting through the 100+ digital photos to end up with probably less than 20 keepers. I could spend that time instead on developing film at home, which is what I'm planning next! Oh, and a nice 50mm Leitz lens - I'm not picky which model.

PS I don't think I'm taking this thread too far off topic, since the IIIc is, technically, a mirrorless camera!!

Nice Barnack!
Here's mine:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612397989.jpg

All camera threads eventually lead to Leica. Everyone who has ever enjoyed taking pictures has always want to own a Leica one day. Period
That being said a camera is just a tool. The person behind the instrument takes the pictures.
Steve

I ended up talking to a former PCA president in my area, because he wanted to talk about my Cayman S. He was the chapter photographer also. I asked him what he primarily shoots with....and that led the conversation to Leica. We had a terrific conversation about collecting lenses and cameras after that. He's an old-school guy, so he shoots in Manual mode all the time.

I'm presently shooting in Aperture mode, trying to get good at that. Using a Vario Elmarit 24-90 lens.

How many people on this thread actually own and use a light meter to take pictures? Ambient and spot.

I don't need to use a light meter. I see what the camera reads it to be then adjust it manually from that. If there is a whole lot of back light I get up close to the subject (naked girls tits for instance - just joking :) ) and adjust the light manually for that.

I am behind the tech curve on camera stuff. My wife is a talented hobbiest.

What I do know? Of the 10ish lenses that she owns, one is frickn magic.

If I am looking s pics and there are some from the magic lens, I usually comment on how great they are. Then, she says it was the magic lens. Then I say. Oh, should have known.

The takeaway? A truly great lens is a game changer.

Maybe down the road for me, but that's like asking how many people use back lighting and cross lighting for portrait photography.

I'm just starting out in this hobby, so it's a bit over my head still.

Messing around in the shop a few weeks ago:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612425310.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612425386.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612425661.jpg

In pre- digital days I used to lug around a Canon A1 and 3 lenses, and annoy my wife by stopping to change lenses, and be sparing with film by carefully composing the shot and setting up the camera which took yet more time. In hot countries the weight of the camera bag strap digging through the T shirt into my shoulder got really irritating .
All of a sudden, digital bridge cameras became available and my life on vacation changed for the better. I bought another one about three years ago with a 65x Zoom lens and found that it was more than good enough for my purposes.
Last year on our cruise we got friendly with a couple who are pro photographers and they went on every shore excursion with a large roller bag, and had problems with it on rough ground , and every shot took an age. My bridge camera just got on with the job and then I would sit down and wait, and wait.

Vash, it sounds like you're suffering GAS (Gear acquisition syndrome - I've been afflicted many times. :rolleyes:).

If your Fujifilm X-E2s is still working well then why not keep using it? - So anyway, if you want something new then go for a Canon. Their mirror-less range is really good and they take the standard EOS Lenses. I've had several over the years and they really are good cameras... Nikon's have always been overrated IMO. (Ducking)

Also Pentax may be worth a look. Again really good cameras.

(I still shoot mostly with film so I'm probably not the best person to advise you on anything photographic.)

Nice one Scott! I initially wanted a VIDOM viewfinder, for that complete 30s shooting experience with upside-down image, etc. And it just looks cool!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612429647.jpg

I also learned that all internet discussions about cameras and lenses eventually lead to Ken Rockwell. He is a special one - reminds me of a few other special characters on PPOT. He also argues that equipment doesn't matter - which is absolutely true. By this logic, no one needs a Porsche either... I didn't get a Leica thinking that it would automatically make me a better photographer. I wanted to experience a rangefinder. Had I just got a Soviet rangefinder like I originally planned, I would have been underwhelmed and left wondering what a real Leica experience would be like.

In the process of all this, I learned about the Sunny 16 rule (or Sunny 8 in England ;)) which I can practice on digital (for free!) and use on film. For the first couple shots on film, I used my digital camera with the same settings for instant feedback, after which I got a bit more comfortable shooting with no meters. Definitely more practice needed there. I might want a proper, retro light meter around my neck, or one of the shoe mount ones. For now, a phone apps seem to work well, and I always have my phone with me anyway so there is nothing extra to carry.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612430584.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1612430584.jpg

We haven't been able to take a proper trip since my GAS fully came on, so it will be interesting to see how much of a photowanker I have become. The routine of dog walking or local outings has changed already. I will always have a camera, maybe two (film+digital), every time we leave the house. Now that I have collected a few nice lenses, do I need a full compromise, "walkabout" lens as a single lens solution on trips? Should I get a bridge camera or a compact superzoom? Decisions, decisions...

I will admit that I inherited my Leica's. They sat in a box for over ten years before I figured I had enough time to delve into them to see what I had. Retirement will do that for you. Once I learned what I had, I couldn't wait to experience the Leica 'experience'.
Well, to say I was underwhelmed would kind of be an understatement. First off, I haven't shot film for a lot of years because of the cost. I also really like the 'instant' gratification of digital. I got my M3 working properly and shot a roll at one of the Wilhoit open houses during the Lit show. The first thing I noticed was that my hand would cramp holding the camera. It really hit home with me that today's camera's really have come a long way in the ergonomic department.
What I fell in love with was the way the camera lens rendered the images, when I got things 'right'.
This prompted me to figure out a way to use the lenses on a digital body. Sony to the rescue!
I've been able to adapt all my old manual focus lenses to my Sony bodies. Doing this has also given me a more 'film' like experience because it caused me to slow down (manual focus) and think about the exposure (camera says it isn't set properly, adjust speed/aperture accordingly).
I really enjoy shooting this way.
Now, with grandkids, manual focus just doesn't cut it. They move too fast. The auto focus of the Sony's is amazing. Eye auto focus is really nice to have. My go to lens now is the Sony 24-105mm lens. It is one of the sharpest lenses I've ever had the pleasure to use. I just have to work on getting my stamina back to the point I can carry it on the camera without thinking maybe I should have put a lighter lens on it.

I have a digital Lumix with a Leica lens.
Model DMC-FZ3 with 12x zoom
Works perfect...any takers?