I took my Leica Rangefinder for a PHOTOWALK early evening... I'm so glad I went out!

[@stevest55]

Roger, the only camera that I am aware of, where it is best to store the camera with the shutter cocked is the Hasselblad 500 system. My sense is that all other cameras (including Leica) it is better to trip the shutter before storing the camera away as a tensioned shutter for long periods of time may weaken the springs. Of course I could be wrong, so I'd be interested to see what others have to say. Regards, Steve (New York)

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Cheers Steve. Yes the comments have rested the Hassy already! And that also keeping other cameras stored advanced can take tension from the springs. Interesting thought! Off to check all my cameras now! Except the Hassy. I don't have one 😂

[@stevest55]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Roger, you need a Hassy in your arsenal! I have the 501cm and the 503cw (both mint). I'll never sell them. Made like Swiss watches (but from Sweden) 🙂

[@davidottman9501]

Thanks for posting this! I live in a small town in the upper left corner of the USA. Even though it's rather picturesque, I find it hard to photograph in an interesting way. You're helping a lot!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks for sharing! Many of us feel that way David.

[@mikesmith-po8nd]

Really nice lighting in these. Even the cloudy shots had good light. The two boats were an excellent shot and the street lighting at 8:34 was lovely. And good on you for giving the photo to the lifeboat guys. I'm sure that they will hang it in the office or squad room. Btw, as I recall, the average age of the boys that took the beaches on D-day was 21. Amazing.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Mike. It was a good evening for light. I will probably frame it and take it over there. Yes those guys were very young. Brave.

[@petervanorsouw]

Hi Roger I'm still amazed at how you come up with content almost each week. You have a great imagination. Thank you.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Peter. It's not easy trying not to repeat stuff. Appreciate that.

[@somegeezer]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Sometimes, it's worth going back over older topics, to both see what's changed in the way you do things, and just for anyone new finding you, who might not have gone all the way back to earlier vids. There's only so much new ground to tread in photography. But many years worth of new experiences on the same ground.

[@smiffy5467]

Always keep my shutters uncocked to keep the tension of the spring… Great images Roger..

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Cheers Smiffy!

[@cnicolo]

Beautiful pictures Roger … 🍻

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks mate!

[@timothyplatt6053]

Great Video. As always. I store mine uncocked, batteries if they use them, out

[@ianlainchbury]

I prefer to leave mine not-advanced. Love the two boats in the sunset!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Ian! Yes that photograph surprised me.

[@cabbelos]

Lol Rog, look at the diagram to load the film. They knew men don't read any instructions, so they tried to make sure we see at least that part. It's easier to load the simpler you keep it, just drop the film leader in through the nearest gap in the takeup spool so the end reaches about half way across. The plastic piece on the bottom plate pushes the leader where it's supposed to go.

[@sputumtube]

Making photographs of your own locale can be boring to you, the photographer (and maybe others in your town), but for people further afield who've never been there they can be very interesting.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Absolutely. There are a few towns I want to visit where I've never been.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Older mechanical cameras are best stored uncocked. The tension might damage the shutter over time. However, I was told somewhere that newer cameras, with built-in motor drives have shutters built differently, so those are not susceptible to those tensions...

[@attrell64]

You managed to catch some of my relatives in the Medina Marching Band!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Ha Ha awesome. They were great!

[@RandyRanson-d5x]

You are really good and very likable. All the best, and what you brought up is significant and interesting. Thanks.

[@gonzoexpress9885]

Really enjoyed this and subscribed. The Isle of Wight is still quintessentially English and safe. Would love to photograph there one day.

[@Nuka_Gaming]

Went ahead and purchased the print with the two boats, I love high contrast scenes and that photo is beautiful

[@mikesmith-po8nd]

Congratulations. Yes, that was excellent all the way around - lighting, composition, etc.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Nuka! I see. On its way soon and signed.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Mike.

[@Nuka_Gaming]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Great to hear, looking forward to having it on my wall

[@nigelwalton4863]

put a half inch fold in the film leader when loading so it catches. works a treat.

[@rjbiii]

My SLR's I never leave advanced, but my zeiss ikon I always advance it to the next frame immediately after taking a shot.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I guess that's to avoid double exposure. My ikon had a DE prevention. I can override it.

[@stevencook4548]

I had some trouble with loading my Leica M6 when I first got it. But after a few rolls I got the hang of it. Love that camera. Great video!!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Cheers Steve.

[@wayneclayton5426]

I took photos at the local flag raising ceremony for D-Day 80th. Weather was fine until halfway through then it chucked it down with hail (which stopped just as the event ended) Everyone ran for cover, except for soldiers stood to attention and the drenched sound engineer.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Come rain or shine! I'm glad it didn't rain for the band!

[@JanivarNorbeck]

Thanks great video nice photos.Not advanced when stored.Nikon just bought a M3.😊

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Enjoy the M3!!

[@kdj.imagery4317]

I liked the photograph of the shop bike outside of the bakery, I can't help but think of our Glanville and that squeaky thing between his legs! How long does it does it take too get from the east coast too the west? Cheers

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Takes about 40 minute drive. Maybe a bit less without traffic. I liked that old bike, unfortunately there was that poster behind it! Would have looked good if it was just all brickwork.

[@blaxton2]

For some reason I have decided that it is important for me to walk about four miles a day. I always take a camera and try to shoot at least half a roll of 100 speed b&w film. It was a pleasure watching you do the same. I have never used a Leica M camera so I don't know about loading one. My Leica is a IIIF from 1953. My guess is that it is even dicier to load. It took me a while to get the hang of it so I can usually load it on one try but slowly-definitely not like a photojournalist would have done back in the day.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I enjoy those walks. Often something unexpected happens. I have snapped many films in my IIIF. Photojournalists of the day were shooting and loading all day long. Like muscle memory to them.

[@Jixer56]

Agree on the loading situation. I have an M3 and I never feel 100% confident it hasn’t popped the sprocket holes. It’s only after about 6 shots does the film take up start to turn after the film slack has been taken up. My OM10 is a dream in comparison at a fraction of the price (I have owned the Olympus since 1985 so the price comment is a little unfair).

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Once it's loaded I hit the rewind switch on the front, rewind the film a bit to take up the tension, flick it back and advance and the rewind crank starts to turn. Just a tip.

[@rick-fstop-lewis]

Cocked and ready to rock when out and about. Uncocked when stored. Anything with a spring should never be stored while tension is applied. The spring loses it's springiness. I imagine that could cause improper shutter operation. IMO....lol. Very well composed images. Sometimes I struggle with the closer shots when shooting with my rangefinders. I am going to have to burn a few rolls for practice in each one of them and compare parallax error.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Cocked and ready to rock 😂, like that! Yeah I did a few experiments and it gave me more idea how it frames. Using a tripod I took the photo and using my phone took a photo of inside the viewfinder. Then compared. It helps to have something in the background as apposed to a plain wall. Markers.

[@MarcoRoepers]

So relatable. It is what I am doing. Not with a Leica but with a a Canon FTb Q:

[@lensman5762]

Lovely photography, Roger. I don't find any difficulty loading my M6, though the M2 and the M3 are a little more fiddly. All this reminds me, I got a 50mm Voigtlander F1.2 for the old Leica the other day, so if the weather holds up, I might make my way to Manchester tomorrow. As for Leicas, I have always said that they are not for everyone, in fact 90% of photographers are better served with a DSLR or an SLR rather than a rangefinder, and a super expensive one at that. Sadly, the brilliant marketing is making everyone think that a Leica make them a better photographer, or even a photographer!!! Good of you to point out some of shortcomings of this camera. Take care

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Cheers lensman. Enjoy that lens! One of my first Film cameras was a Yashica 35 Electro. A fine camera and great lens! I got stopped a few times people asking me if it was a Leica. It broke! Electrics blew up.

[@lensman5762]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Thanks Rog, sadly no joy today. Pissing down again, that fine drizzle driven by the wind that gets everywhere. What a summer we are having up here, joy! Right now it is mounted via an adapter to my EM1 MKII, this is about the only time you get shallow DOF with an MFT camera. Shame about the Yashica electronics. Sadly, a curse that followed them even when they became part of Contax, as evident from my two dead G2s. PS: Please don't leave the Leica without a lens cap facing the sun, this one will ruin your day if you got a hole in the shutter curtain.

[@mattah]

Having only loaded an M2 I think I'd be spoiled by the later M loading fork. I wish I could remember to leave the shutter un-cocked, but winding onto the next frame is just habit at this point...

[@Answersonapostcard]

Photography is photography. Its important to create and to document what is around us.

[@tedphillips2951]

Forgot to mention I had a Leica M3, & it is also a pain to load, & switched to a Canon 7 & love it except for the screw mount. If you shoot 35mm lenses the framing is perfect.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I've heard the Canon 7 is a great camera 👏 I had the Yashica Electro 35 but it broke!

[@wetdogdryflyphotography]

I store cameras with the film not advanced , that way there's no unintended trips of the shutter ( and no need to remember to unlock the shutter on those that have shutter locks) I doubt it makes any difference to the camera mechanism, but at rest is certainly not going to cause an issue, My don't leave home without it is one of two Leicas (often both) an IIIf and/or an M3. never had much issue loading the M3, took a few times to get used to the longer trim on the IIIf, but its pretty easy once you've done it a bit as always, nice video of a day out with your camera

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Wetdog! (My old nickname!)

[@wetdogdryflyphotography]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I'll bet there is a good story there 😀

[@theblackandwhitefilmproject]

I have a Leica MP & M2. From the video It appears you are not loading it correctly. The negative should slot between the prongs as per the picture not wrap around. Cheers!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I have so much trouble loading the bugger! Sometimes I get it in one. Other times it's a fiddly! As long as it gets in there I'm happy.

[@jw48335]

I couldn't handle the bottom loading, even after ~20 rolls through an M5. Ultimately I sold it, and now I favor the Konica IIIA - every bit as solid without the loading frustration. Cheers.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I'm not the only one then!

[@captaindebug]

Store uncocked - it's supposed to release the tension on the springs, which is apparently good....

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Captain!

[@TomNorthenscold]

I usually have a film camera with me as I go about my day. When people ask me what I photograph, I tell them that I photograph life. As to your question, I leave my cameras uncocked with batteries removed and body caps on. The only exception is the Rollei 35S which requires you to cock the shutter before retracting the lens.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Tom. Thats the thing, with these older cameras there is no instructions. I have the 35LED which is the same as yours. I actually thought it was broke as I couldn't get the lens out! Like you when people ask me I just say I am photo documenting the streets for a self project.

[@TomNorthenscold]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Funny thing is, nobody asks me what I’m photographing if I’m using my iPhone. I guess seeing us out with these old cameras gets people curious.

[@limmlimmed]

If you load the film exactly like it is on the diagram on the bottom of the camera then just put the bottom on and advance it it will work almost every time first go.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Always hit and miss! Sometimes It is perfect, other times not so!

[@Jeroenk1975]

I prefer to store the camera with the shutter uncocked. older camera (medium format) where the shutter is not linked to the rest, I always advance the film. I should walk through my own village more often... in the Netherlands they are not as good at preserving old things as on the British Isles......

[@georgesealy4706]

I always say, "If you go looking, you never know what you will find."

[@jakobolszewski6034]

Great content as always! What type of handgrip it’s on your MP?

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

It's from Kamerakraft.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Under the bottom plate it also holds spare batteries.

[@jakobolszewski6034]

Thank you. Unfortunately all grips seem to be sold out. At least for the time being

[@BGazzah]

I have an M5 & and M6 - I do prefer the 5. The film loading does get easier over time..

[@donald5378]

That's exactly how I want to spend my retirement - wandering around, shooting film and making darkroom prints. I also went out today with a MP and 50 APO-Lanthar. However, to me you are not loading the Leica correctly; you should let the rear plate drop clear and not use it to push the film in. I use my finger, right of the film gate, to push the film on to the sprockets, complete the first wind and apply some rewind tension, before closing the pressure plate.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks Donald. The back plate was open to show how the film sits. It was closed when I loaded the film. Still always touch and go Donald. Sometimes it works and other times it's fiddly! I don't use it everyday though.

[@lindkvist88]

Lovely video. All the best from Reykjavik

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks :)

[@nevillewatkins4997]

I think in theory they should be un-cocked. But if I'm halfway through a film I often forget and wind on. Then you're stuck.

[@AwesSome-z7x]

I always bring my camera with me

[@tedphillips2951]

I definitely don't leave the camera cocked when it is stored.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Cheers Ted!

[@photoparalysis]

Just bought my first leica. Had to sell half my camera stuff to afford it but so far totally worth it. Do you have any leica glass? Is it much different from voigtländer? Im starting of with voigtländer but will be looking in to the 35mm summicron in the future.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Nice! No I don't have any Leica glass for the camera except a lens with my IIIF which is the old Lietz Elmar but that won't fit. Enjoy the camera!

[@donaaghoconnell]

I leave my film camera's not advanced. I also turn off auto focus on the digital camera lens I personally think if the lens can move while walking they shouldn't be in the locked position as It will give me one reason not to fix anything.

[@sophietucker1255]

No Leica and I rather doubt in the future either. I do have a Canon P and a Canon 7. They are way more affordable and easier to load. The only camera i leave cocked is my Hasselblad, in fact that is how they recommend you store it and the lenses.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Interesting re the Hassy! Cheers.

[@richardjames3022]

Leave them non-advanced. By advancing them you are leaving the springs under tension. For my Olympus OM4's I take the batteries out.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Good shout Richard!

[@mikestanavech7858]

Not advanced with Hasselblad being the exception.

[@captaindebug]

I have to shamefully admit that I always faffed around loading my Leica... until I watched a KZbin video on the subject and now I'm a a changed man....

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Awesome!

[@75rush]

Hell Yeah Nevada!!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Sold here in the UK

[@75rush]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss I'm from Nevada, was excited when I saw you wearing it. Keep uo the great work brother!!

[@Dwarvenchef]

I try not to leave my cameras advanced, the Canon TX can be damaged if left advanced. No Leica in my collection they are way out of my peanut range 😢

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I've read the same! It's bizarre

[@TJCampie]

hard to load leica? looks like in the video you're loading it wrong. do it exactly like the picture on the baseplate!

[@mrSmith-lc7hk]

Typical leica user: I can't load film - just follow the instructions

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

😂

[@user-ve3gh5xg9q]

nice bo🇬🇧ss 👍. I just bought the second edition of Yashica Mi🇯🇵nister -D. It will be on Tuesday. What a nice and solid rangefinder😍

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Nice! Those Yashicas have very good lenses! I had the Yahica 35 Electro and that lens ws so sharp and nice contrast too! Enjoy!

[@user-ve3gh5xg9q]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss yes. I know Boss. 35 GS have too. But Minister D looks much better. Full manual😊

[@iainmc9859]

I preface this by saying I've got almost no experience with rangefinders ... but what I cannot get my head around is how does it 'mechanically' know which part of the image you're trying to get in focus. With an SLR your depth of field defines what plane of the image it is possible to have in focus, I can't get my head around how a rangefinder does this. If someone could point towards an 'idiots guide' that uses real images, not graphic cutouts, I'd appreciate it ... its just a nagging lack of understanding of the underlying practicality of the process. I know it works, but I don't UNDERSTAND how.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

It's magic! 🧙🏻‍♂️

[@iainmc9859]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Yeah, really helpful😊 😁😆

[@michael195b]

Image comes in from a second window a distance from the main one, the mirror on the second image moves with the focus ring so the image moves left and right in the main window the image is reflected into. The angle of the moving mirror reflects the distance the image is away so the two images merge when the moving mirror is at the angle that represents the distance. I think 🤣🤣

[@iainmc9859]

@@michael195b Yeah, I've got the general principle ... but if you look at your explanation above how does the mechanism know what the 'image' is that you want in focus. Is it the mountain (a mile away), the tree (30 yards away) or the yeti (ten feet away). I still don't understand -yeap, I'm dumber than I look - the only thing that irons it out for me is the mountain looks like its in focus because the two mirrors are so close, the tree looks sort of in focus, because its in the middle distance and the yeti is still out of focus because you can't have an in-focus shot of a yeti, sasquatch or the Loch Ness Monster. Is it really just a matter that rangefinders are only good at focusing on things within a certain 'range', everything beyond that is just ... good enough; which is why you don't get telephoto lenses for rangefinders ? I hope that makes sense, as I said I've got very limited experience with rangefinders.

[@CarlWicker]

Why is it Leica owners always point out they are using a Leica. "Early evening photo walk" would be fine, 🤣

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Why not? The video featured that camera for anyone interested. You could say the same for my other videos where the camera model is in the title. "Early Evening Photo Walk with my pinhole camera" For anyone interested in Pinhole. Actually... Thats a good idea! 😂

[@CarlWicker]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss Don't forget to namedrop the manufacturer of your pinhole.🤣

[@Adi-hj3nd]

I took my Pentax slr for a photowalk and made much better photos

[@Femmypixel]

I really like you and your videos but the video footage looks not good, its so overprocessed and crunched, looks like very low res footage upscaled with cheap AI.

[@jerzyjablonski1432]

Your movies are dangerous for my wallet. I shot film for long time, but I only scan and now I want to buy enlarger.

[@bondgabebond4907]

How about a little background. Who is recording your actions? There's you and your camera, but there is this other person with a video camera of some sort. Tell us about that? BTW, I have finally written off film after bad experience after bad with labs. It will be me and my Sony A7CR doing the same thing but digitally. I have shot literally thousands of rolls of film since the 70s, no problem with me developing B&W or labs developing color. Today, it is a sh*t show. No more chemicals, thankfully. Just my computer and printer. It's a whole new world today in photography and I am enjoying the heck out of it.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Just me. Digital is far easier.

[@SloopJohnBeeRockabilly]

I love my film rangefinders particularly for street photography. Can’t quite stretch to a Leica unfortunately 🙄🥲 Can you buy me a coffee?!🤣👍📸

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

😂 I can't afford a Leica either!