Advice for A New Leica User!

[melvinneo]

Hey guys,

I've finally succumbed to the poison and got hold of a Leica MP which happens to be in immaculate condition!

I have some questions I hope some of the more experienced Leico bros in CS can help answer:

1. What are the must-buy accessory(ies) for this camera?
2. How do I keep the camera in pristine condition as long as possible?
3. If could only afford one Leica lens, which one should I go for?
4. Any other things I need to look out for?

Thank you so much in advance for your advice! I appreciate it.

In the meantime, here are some images of my new beloved! (;

 

[Riotbmx]

1. What are the must-buy accessory(ies) for this camera?

Film

2. How do I keep the camera in pristine condition as long as possible?

Don't use it.

3. If could only afford one Leica lens, which one should I go for?

No answer for this

4. Any other things I need to look out for?

Photo op

Sorry. Hope Leica fanboys can give you some answers you're looking for. Enjoy your new camera

 

[raytoei]

1. What are the must-buy accessory(ies) for this camera?

A Soft-release button is very useful, especially if you shoot in available light.
There are a few types, a tall one, a short one. Google around and test it.

2. How do I keep the camera in pristine condition as long as possible?

Carry it in Billingham bag everywhere you go but don't use it.

Or make it a shelf-queen.

On a more serious note, many who shoot regularly use a half-case, either a luigi or zhou's (?) half-case.

Actually, your MP looks even nicer when it is worn, and the black paint comes up showing a well sheen of brass.
Quite a few users have been known to encourage the wear.

3. If could only afford one Leica lens, which one should I go for?

The popular ones are 35 Summicron ASPH, 50 Summicron ASPH and 50 Summilux.

My favorite is the 50 Summicron "tabbed" version.

If your MP is for bragging rights then go straight to the Noctilux.

4. Any other things I need to look out for?

Learn to take good pictures with the MP + Lens. Get a good book on how to use the Leica M.
Buy photo books from people who use the Leica Lens + Camera:
- 35mm Lens / Anton Kusters who use it to capture Yakuzas Yakuza | Anton Kusters
- Street Photography / Bruce Gilden
- 50mm for nude pictures / Ralph Gibson
- 28mm lens for Fashion Photography / Guy Bourdain
etc

hope this helps...

raytoei

 

[magicianhisoka]

1. What are the must-buy accessory(ies) for this camera?

Film, film and more film. Lots and lots of it. I'd get a comfortable neck/wrist strap if I were you

2. How do I keep the camera in pristine condition as long as possible?

Buy a user condition MP to use and keep this one at home. Regular handling of the camera will lead to brassing that raytoei mentioned due to oils coming from your hands.

3. If could only afford one Leica lens, which one should I go for?

Honestly, a 50mm summilux asph would be nice.

4. Any other things I need to look out for?

Poison from the other bros here. Enjoy the camera while you can

 

[melvinneo]

1. What are the must-buy accessory(ies) for this camera?

A Soft-release button is very useful, especially if you shoot in available light.
There are a few types, a tall one, a short one. Google around and test it.

2. How do I keep the camera in pristine condition as long as possible?

Carry it in Billingham bag everywhere you go but don't use it.

Or make it a shelf-queen.

On a more serious note, many who shoot regularly use a half-case, either a luigi or zhou's (?) half-case.

Actually, your MP looks even nicer when it is worn, and the black paint comes up showing a well sheen of brass.
Quite a few users have been known to encourage the wear.

3. If could only afford one Leica lens, which one should I go for?

The popular ones are 35 Summicron ASPH, 50 Summicron ASPH and 50 Summilux.

My favorite is the 50 Summicron "tabbed" version.

If your MP is for bragging rights then go straight to the Noctilux.

4. Any other things I need to look out for?

Learn to take good pictures with the MP + Lens. Get a good book on how to use the Leica M.
Buy photo books from people who use the Leica Lens + Camera:
- 35mm Lens / Anton Kusters who use it to capture Yakuzas Yakuza | Anton Kusters
- Street Photography / Bruce Gilden
- 50mm for nude pictures / Ralph Gibson
- 28mm lens for Fashion Photography / Guy Bourdain
etc

hope this helps...

raytoei

Thanks! They sure help! A Leica lens will be next on my list. Hopefully soon. I'm currently using Zeiss C-Biogon 2.8/35 & Planar 2/50. The guy, a nice one for that, who sold me his MP also sold me his A&A half case. It's also like brand new. Still can smell the leather! I will go get the soft release today if time permits. I'll also look out for the books.

1. What are the must-buy accessory(ies) for this camera?

Film, film and more film. Lots and lots of it. I'd get a comfortable neck/wrist strap if I were you

2. How do I keep the camera in pristine condition as long as possible?

Buy a user condition MP to use and keep this one at home. Regular handling of the camera will lead to brassing that raytoei mentioned due to oils coming from your hands.

3. If could only afford one Leica lens, which one should I go for?

Honestly, a 50mm summilux asph would be nice.

4. Any other things I need to look out for?

Poison from the other bros here. Enjoy the camera while you can

Haha thanks! I've already got poisoned deep deep. This is one poison that won't cause death and the poisoned one actually enjoys it. Sick, right?

 

[sinned79]

1. What are the must-buy accessory(ies) for this camera?
2. How do I keep the camera in pristine condition as long as possible?
3. If could only afford one Leica lens, which one should I go for?
4. Any other things I need to look out for?

congrats to your new toy! i just got my Konica Hexar RF recently too and loving it! No budget to get a Leica body now haha.

1. like they say, films is all you need now to start off.
2. ermm... if you want pristine then dun use it? once you start using it... sure cfm no more in pristine. but u can use half cover. I am using a Mr Zhou for my Hexar RF now. Keep in your bag when not in use, dun lug over your neck.
3. Depends what length u like to shoot. For me is a 35mm. But recently I am in love with 50mm (but only on RF and not digital, sounds weird?)
4. understand how your new toy works!

 

[Benji77]

4. You need the lust to shoot. And shoot. And shoot. And keep on shooting.

 

[oceanpriest]

The guy, a nice one for that, who sold me his MP also sold me his A&A half case. It's also like brand new. Still can smell the leather! I will go get the soft release today if time permits. I'll also look out for the books.

A&A half case is really nice. It fits nicely so you won't brass your top plate when you c0ck the shutter. :thumbsup:

a&a

zhou

luigi

pics taken from google search

 

[larrytok]

Hey guys,

I've finally succumbed to the poison and got hold of a Leica MP which happens to be in immaculate condition!

I have some questions I hope some of the more experienced Leico bros in CS can help answer:

1. What are the must-buy accessory(ies) for this camera?
2. How do I keep the camera in pristine condition as long as possible?
3. If could only afford one Leica lens, which one should I go for?
4. Any other things I need to look out for?

Thank you so much in advance for your advice! I appreciate it.

In the meantime, here are some images of my new beloved! (;

1. Soft release would be ok. As for half case.. I think it is kinda a hassle.. particularly for film cameras. 1 more extra thing to remove when u need to remove the used film canister..
But it is imo

2. Dry box and the usual camera things? Don't drop it lol.

3. Depends on what u shoot.. personally I prefer 3 focal lengths 21 35 50. Elmarit lux n noctilux.. previously I was using a 50mm lux asph. That was a great lens. I would suggest that or 35mm cron asph.. if weight is no issue. I would say a noctilux is very fun to use

 

[FBA]

You may also wish to start searching for a good developer and scanner for your films -- especially if you plan to shoot slides. Not many good E6 developers out there nowadays.

FARI

 

[newghost]

If you're meticulous (read vainpot), then its nothing but lenses finished only in lacquered black paint will do!

And if you do decide to go along this line, there's the leica millenium lenses, Hexanon UC (pic below) and perhaps even the canon cron just to name a few!

 

[melvinneo]

Woah, thanks guys for the Leica love! Appreciate all your suggestions. Will be going to HK tomorrow. Good place to test out my MP!

 

[hookonclassic]

Welcome to the world of film Leica MP...

1. What are the must-buy accessory(ies) for this camera?
My recommendation: Soft release, camera sling, good dedicated film scanner, film development kits if you shoot B&W.

2. How do I keep the camera in pristine condition as long as possible?
My recommendation: Don't worry about it. Just use the MP more often to keep the mechanism in buttery smooth condition. As for me, your black paint MP will look much better with some brassing. Not abused dings and dengs.

M6TTL black paint with some brassing, a soft release and a comfortable sling

3. If could only afford one Leica lens, which one should I go for?
My recommendation: 35mm Summilux ASPH (Non AA and non FLE for cost saving) which is a very lovely all round lens. A 35mm focal length gives you more coverage for tour and street shoot than a 50mm. A smaller size than a 50mm Cron or Lux. The square hood just stand out and look distinctive. For film, this lens produce a very smooth bokeh with 3D pop out isolation without the clinically sharp look of digital. The faster f1.4 gives you an edge above a f2 Summicron.

M9|35 Lux ASPH

4. Any other things I need to look out for?
Look out for shooting outings, gathering, photography exhibition, friendly photo forums and books to inspire you to shoot more.

RF.SG outing and gathering

We gone through the similar phase like you. Enjoy it.

 

[melvinneo]

Welcome to the world of film Leica MP...

...

We gone through the similar phase like you. Enjoy it.

Thanks for the advice bro. By the way, your photos simply POP!! More poison, please. More!

 

[articulate]

1. Other than film, I'd say a comfortable strap that can do double-duty wrapping around your arm and over your shoulder/chest.
2. Don't use it, keep it in the dry cabinet or in the display case.
3. Subjective. Assuming you can only use one so cost is irrelevant since you only want one. Either the 28 'cron, 35 'lux asph fle, or 50 'lux asph. The noctilux is a bit too specialist and heavy for me to be my one and only. And I absolutely adore my CHROME 50 'lux.
4. Buy a couple more batteries for the meter. And as for bags, I don't find them helpful. A couple of rolls in your pockets, plus the 2 spare batteries in your wallet. If you want rain-resistance, then buy a Luigi full case.

 

[ALFREDC]

Congrats.

A good strap is important. And of course the normal essentials, film of course.