Understanding Leica M Rangefinder Cameras. Essential viewing if you're buying a film or digital M

[@theblackandwhitefilmproject]

I have a Leica MP and use mainly hyper focal distance to focus. Works really well for landscapes and from f8 to f16 it almost becomes sa point and shoot. Cheers.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Nice camera! Thanks for commenting.

[@soundmixervegas]

Get Leica CL for that. Way smaller.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thanks for commenting

[@doverjaquesfineartphotogra4050]

Such great practical advice. I have just invested in Leica for the first time. I have the M2 and bloody love it. I shoot slow with my medium format and 35mm Canon, so the transition was easy for me.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thanks for commenting. The Leica M2 is a fantastic camera!

[@suivezlemir]

Another quality video, thank you Jonathan, always a pleasure

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Hope it was helpful!

[@theraven6836]

I learned to shoot w SLRs but after ten years I bought an M in 2010. It took me over a year to relearn photography but in the end I became very competent w the Ms and much more proficient and capable w an SLR. It made me a better photographer for sure.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Some cameras do require a deeper understanding of photography. Leica M cameras are a good example. Also, large and medium format. I think this often, as you say, leads to better photography. Thanks for commenting - appreciated.

[@MichaelQC]

Great video Jonathan. I have recently purchased an M4 as a daily carry, but it is only after I have used my Voigtlander Bessa R4M for over 4 years, as I wanted a meter-less equivalent. You're very right that the style of photography and shooting with a rangefinder are not for every layperson.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thanks - appreciated

[@markjohnson6179]

Great video thanks. I am just at the point where I am considering getting a Leica and it really made me think about why I want one and what kind of photography I want to continue with. Ive slipped in to using the phone all of the time. I popped into the Leica shop in Manchester this week for the first time and it is bewildering tbh but I will now try to hone down what I want.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Maybe borrow or rent something for a few days.

[@greggpedder]

Excellent vid Jonathan. I've been toying with the idea of a (film) Leica rangefinder for a while. I like SLRs but really nice examples are getting harder to find. I found an Olympus 35RC Mini rangefinder camera for not much money in my local camera shop, bought it and took it to London for the weekend and absolutely loved how the rangefinder works. So much so I went and bought a recently serviced, excellent condition Leica M4 and a voightlander lens and I must say, I absolutely LOVE the rangefinder system for 135 film. I much prefer it to the SLR, especially the compact size and lenses. It's definitely for me, but i completely agree that try before you spend (a LOT) of money is an excellent policy. Thanks for the vid 👍🏻📷

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thanks for your comments. The M4 is a fantastic camera and if it's serviced should serve you faithfully for years!

[@Gj_frames]

Agree, it's also a great camera to document life in general. Family, day to day walks and so on. I've had my M10 for almost 2 years now and it's lovely! I have it to shoot anything, portrait, wedding, events, street, nature, a bit of landscape.. In the beginning it's good to have some kind of static object, but when you know it, you can go fast :)

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

The Leica M10 is a beautiful camera!

[@jeanthill8555]

@@WorldwideCameraExchangeone of the best among all models!

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Amazing cameras I bought my Q2 over a year ago absolutely love it to bits. I’m a newspaper photographer using all the canon gear but on my own time that Q2 is so hard to beat. I really want a film M but not in my budget yet so I picked up a canon L3 with an elmar lens it is stunning my first use of it blew me away vid on my channel If interested. I love rangefinders I have a few now 35mm and medium format folders I still love and use dslr and slr kit but the RF cameras make me smile wider. Awesome presentation on here thanks

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Glad it was useful, thanks.

[@devroombagchus7460]

Thank you. You said it very well: a niche camera. A limited range of range of focal lengths, whatever lens you use, the view remains the same, for most types, nothing is automatic. The prices for bodies, lenses, etc are exorbitant. For the casual untrained shooter, the last camera you want. Except for making a statement? I have a Leica and I love it. I use it for street photography and for social gatherings. No need for long lenses, so at f8 or higher, depth of field is no worry. And after many years of trial and error, I usually know when and how much to adjust exposure. And my latest MP doesn’t have a red dot!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Yes, agree 100%!

[@thomasstapel6824]

I have switched from a Nikon Z9 to the M11-p. Wow what an incredible difference this M11 is - easy to use, light weight, incredible images from the lens, makes you think about photography not technology. I am loving this cmaera system. And of course I still have a Nikon Z8 for my macro and close up work. Another plus for this system. I have been a Nikon shooter since the days of the F#s and really took advantage of the lens with markings on them. BUT todays MODERN cameras have elimintaed this-so much for advancements. Plus these modern behemouths need a lot of battery power to provide all the features. Bigger and more batteries needed. My M11-P keeps going with just one small battery.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Enjoy! The Leica rangefinder system is fantastic.

[@johneast7987]

Thank you Jonathan, very informative.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nigellee7892]

Thanks for the video Jonathan … virtually everyone seems to be jumping on the Leica/Rangefinder band wagon at the moment. Your thoughts on the differences between SLRs and Rangefinder cameras are course true, although it could be added that despite the plethora of different cameras about, all cameras come in only 4 types (let’s not forget the TLR and View Cameras), and of course it’s all about ‘horses for courses’.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Yes, of course. But the 35mm SLR vs 35mm Rangefinder arguement is valid. Nobody every dabates 35mm SLR vs 6x6 TLR or 35mm Rangefinder vs 10x8. The needs served by the different systems are too diverse (like debating Ferrari Vs Hummer ... just pointless)

[@nigellee7892]

I’m not knocking your debate at all - rangefinder cameras (and not just Leicas) operate differently from 35mm SLR cameras and both as you rightly point out have their strengths and weaknesses. They both share the same small film format though and both types of camera are capable of producing quality pictures in capable and creative hands.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thank you for commenting.

[@SavedbybGrace]

I've had them all. From F3, F4 Nikons, Leica R series, Contax, Hasselblads, was an early digital adopter with the D30, D60, Eos 1DS1/2....M8, M9.... Now shooting with an M11P. Probably the best camera I've ever owned. I could have bought a top end AF mirrorless compact with a great sensor and quality glass. Cheaper than the Leica and probably give me more keepers. But... there is a special quality to the Leica that entices me to get out and create... yea create not shoot. It's the real deal!!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Yep, beautiful cameras!

[@davidtuwiner1372]

I have enjoyed using my Canon L-1 and Canon IVSB2 rangefinders which I feel could give you a similar experience to one of the Leica M models. Yet I still find myself tempted to purchase an M series model as they are beautiful instruments. With my budget, it’s a choice of the heart and not my head. 😅

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

The Canon rangefinder cameras are beautiful!

[@davidtuwiner1372]

Agreed!

[@DM-ti1yk]

great video - you should do more of this kind of thing !

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

More to come!

[@professionalpotato4764]

I picked up a Yashica Electro to give rangefinders a try. I'm having a bit of trouble with it. So we're supposed to see everything in the viewfinder clear and in focus. However, I find that when the view is in focus, the focus patch is a blurry blob. The image within the patch is still sharp and usable for focus but appears smaller as the patch edges are blurred. When I try to focus my eyes on the focusing patch instead, I get a solid patch with defined edges but now the entire scene along with the inside of the patch is blurry. When I try to look through without glasses, the patch is sharp and has clear edges, but I can barely see anything else as I'm nearsighted. Are rangefinders only usable by people with clear vision? Are there diopters I can buy to let me see both close and far in sharp focus?

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Talk to your optician. They’ll be able to recommend the best correction to use.

[@goodbokeh]

Excellent advise Jonathan. But I do still like my silver M10-R for travel ;-)

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

👍

[@smartwave9]

How does the rangefinder on M leica differs from rangefinder in Nikon Fm in term of usability and speed of shooting.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

The Nikon FM is an SLR not a rangefinder. They are very, very different cameras.

[@oCorvus]

One piece of advice I can give when it comes to buying a Leica lens for use with a film Leica. Do whatever you can to make sure you can test the focus calibration with a digital Leica that you know has a calibrated rangefinder. I recently bought a nearly mint 35 Summicron ASPH for my M6. I don’t have a digital Leica but the condition of the lens seemed phenomenal. Only after purchasing and shooting the first roll did I notice that the lens was out of calibration and needed to be sent for adjustment with Leica for $500. (I sent the m6 body in too and they confirmed it was the lens that was out of focus)

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thanks for commenting. Yes, both lens and rangefinder should be checked. The calibration of either or both can be out. This video explains more: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5Oxg4Ore5KInM0

[@emadfaizalsedawy4413]

عندي كاميرا لايكا اثريه من صنع ١٩٢٣

[@dominichiatt7640]

Great vide, really helpful.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thanks. Enjoy your Leica.

[@wheezzy101]

After using a rangefinder camera for a few years I get bored when I try to go back to an AF camera or even an slr.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Somebody described modern Mirrorless to me as soulless!

[@steved5518]

Left eye dominant, ehh? (6:45) Should mention the ability of right eye dominant people to use right eye to look through the eyepiece and the left eye to keep track of the overall scene.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Yes! Thanks for commenting!

[@steved5518]

BTW, excellent vid. Enjoyed it!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Thanks - appreciated

[@mehmethassan3254]

Brave man breaking out a Leica in the ghettos of Brazil

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Leicas are one of the few cameras built well enough to be used as weapons!

[@isabeaoctel]

You do NOT want to go to a Favela in Rio with a Leica as it would become a highly risky affaire.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Maybe not the best example!

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

Yes, and I live in Philadelphia. Scary

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

Yes, and I live in Philadelphia. Scary

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

Yes, and I live in Philadelphia. Scary

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

Yes, and I live in Philadelphia. Scary

[@BeareTube]

Too many camera channels focus on numbers. “I had an 80G then i went with 689fm but decided on The 47Y”. I’m interested in talking about photography, not numbers. Thank you!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Fair comment. This channel isn’t for you then. There’s plenty of excellent content on KZbin about photography. This channel is about the equipment. Some are interested, others aren’t. KZbin gives you choice … you decide what to watch.

[@周俊涛-x1v]

i love your voice

[@mxrclxst]

to me it goes like this: SLR = Work Rangefinder = Memories / Artistic Endeavors Phone = Throw-away / Sharing / Fun

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Sounds right!

[@allenblasdellphotos2502]

Absolutely why I've just bought an M9 !!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Fantastic camera - enjoy!

[@ianbartlett4083]

I’m often tempted, but I can’t imagine ever getting over the need to dismantle the thing just to load film. What was the problem they were trying to solve with that! 😂😂

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

That’s the problem with a camera that’s design is rooted in the 1950s!

[@wilson_law]

They're discreet because of their shutter sound and small size. But same does my phone, double tap the power button, and you're in camera mode. Only takes me less than two seconds to get the shot. Shuttle sound, what shutter sound? Its shuttleless. Mind you, i owned hasselblads, mamiya rbs, 645, rolleiflex, leica Ms, nikon canon minoltas slrs, digicams, m43s, graflex, bla bla bla... Nothing is much easier than a touch screen focus digital phone camera 😂

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

If it works you, that’s great.

[@steved5518]

I don' think I'd be pulling out my M6 in the ghettos of Brazille.

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Yes, you’re not the first person to say that! It wasn’t the best example to use! Thanks for commenting.

[@leonardkiefer57]

What a discrimination against the M5 haha

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

It’s not discrimination if based on fact! The M5 is a great camera when it works but the metering is incredibly unreliable. Sure, some work and some will never fail but sadly more fail than not. That said the shutters are fine so if you can find one at a good price and don’t care about the metering then it could serve you faithfully for years. Thanks for commenting- always appreciated!

[@nw_lhp]

And also if you’re not willing to learn how to zone focus, don’t buy a Leica!

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Yes!

[@georgez8350]

You show up with a Leica in the ghetto, you'll be lucky if you just lose your camera and wallet..

[@WorldwideCameraExchange]

Maybe I didn't use the best example!

[@nw_lhp]

People don’t even know what Leica is in the ghetto.