Some time ago I used to do an occasional feature called 'Whats on the Shelf'. This showed what I currently owned in terms of cameras and lenses. At this moment in time things are a bit crazy as I currently own 29 cameras and 61 lenses. And they are no longer 'on the shelf' but have their own dedicated cupboard / shelf unit. I did the count for a tax review with my accountant in order to assess what value I have in my 'photographic assets'. I was somewhat stunned by the amount all this lot is worth (worked out on ebays average price) and while the actual amount will remain known only to me, my accountant and the Inland Revenue, suffice to say it's A LOT.
Now I keep on saying that enough is enough and I must sell some of this, however I never seem to get round to it. The reason is obvious, I don't want to sell anything and I probably won't until I have to. In the meantime I thought I would photograph each outfit and write about it, purely for entertainment purposes. Now there is no way I need all of this, but I do use it all, so nothing is sitting unused just gathering dust and loosing money. And I should point out that at least 50% was bought 'pre-owned' so the loss in value is minimal.
So, I thought I would start with my favourite camera.
LEICA M7 RANGEFINDER FILM CAMERA
DESCRIPTION
- Rangefinder design
- Manual Focus
- Has internal metering (needs battery)
- Bought Second Hand
- Has Leica handgrip fitted (see above)
- I also have the Leica battery grip but that's currently not working and needs a repair.
- I just love using this. Feels like history in my hands.
LENSES
I currently have -
Voigtlander 10mm f/5.6 Hyper Wide Heliar
Orion-15 28mm f/6 Pancake
Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.1
Leica Elma 90mm f/4
POSITIVES
- It's a Leica !! And if that makes me sound like a fanboy - so be it.
- Small light and quiet
- Is actually still current and made by leica
- Aesthetics - classic and classy
- Uses 35mm film - so picture taking is expensive and can't reach the resolution heights of modern digital
- Film loading is a pain - Way too fiddly
- Not exactly the cheapest camera out there
- I'm no fan of the rangefinder system. Frame lines aren't accurate and sometimes in low contrast conditions accurate focusing is almost impossible
- It's slow to use
HOW DO I USE IT?
In terms of what I do, shooting stock, the M7 gives me no advantages and in fact a lot of disadvantages, but this isn't about efficiency and specs., this is about engaging with a piece of history. Leica invented 35mm 3:2 ratio film cameras and that is still with us almost 100 years later. And M series cameras have created some of the worlds best known photographs. As I've written many times before, if I don't enjoy using a camera then it's doubtful that I will create anything decent with it. And despite cursing the M7 when I'm trying to change a film with cold fingers, I do love using it. It's retro, it's a classic design and it's something I love owning and going out to create images with.
It's not an expensive toy, it's not male jewellery and neither is it some attempt by me to impress others. In fact most people would think it's something I got out of the attic and pity me for not being able to afford something better. It's my favourite ever camera and I look forward to many more years using it, since I doubt whether it's ever going to be 'upgraded'. The M8 was after all Leicas first digital camera. Leica do have two other film cameras currently available, the M-A (Typ 127) and MP but I'm sticking with the M7.
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