Leica R Film Camera Vs M

[Leica M] Very sharp, very contrasty, perfectly smooth bokeh, even for a 35mm. The build feels pretty much perfect, and focusing is precise. It's a big lens on a rangefinder, but the performance more than makes up for it. It is as good on film as it is on the M 240. Being that it's a Distagon design, it also performs pretty well on Sony bodies. Of course, it was made the M mount, and it's best on a Leica or Zeiss Ikon. For a fast 35 your only other options are the Leica, and 2 Voigtlanders (not counting the 'classic' 35/1.4 because it's a special effect lens in essence, and the modern optics just do a different thing). Vs the 35/1.2: The Zeiss is sharper with more modern Bokeh, and better contrast. Though if you like classic character you may prefer the 35/1.2. Size is the same. Vs. the 35/1.7: I would say this lens is the only real competition. It's a lot cheaper and has 85% of the performance. But it's not a 35/1.4, and doesn't have the Zeiss signature with color images. Vs. the Leica: The Summilux FLE is very good, but not better. It's main advantage is size. Is that worth double the money? Not to me. I'm going to get years and years of use out of this lens in both professional and artistic applications, and I can't really imagine wanting more from a 35/1.4. Buy with confidence.

[4.35 lb] This is the goat when it comes to 35mm film camera. I 'm glad Leica is still making it. Love it!

[0.02 lb] I own a Leica MP film camera as well as the Leica M11-P digital camera. Thanks to this diopter I can now focus my rangefinder cameras in lightening speed.

[Plastic] Why Leica M-A when we have the M3, M2, M6, MP... It is more a philosophical discussion and less a technical one. I am sure there is no possible technical way you can justify creating a new Leica M unless you would dilute the lineage by introducing frivolous digital-type technology. For the film Leica M purist Leica M-A is a completely new camera that is fully mechanical and does not have a meter and needs no batteries - hence it is closer to the M3/M2 in lineage. In my opinion even though it is not different than an MP, if you have, like me, shot used Leicas in the past, this gives you an opportunity to shoot with a brand new M body. Every thing is buttery smooth and it feels like a new M camera - which is an experience probably my dad had when he got his Leica M 35 years back and I never had. That may not mean much in terms of imaging quality as I am sure you can get same images from any of the Leica M bodies with good glass. But considering the big picture it shows that Leica is committed to the film fraternity and is investing in this space. I have the Leica M2, M3 and an M6 and I still got the M-A because it just felt like a modern take on every possible good thing from past Leicas (Like the deviation from the plastic ISO dial at the back to a metal one - small detail but makes the camera look and feel so much better). If we read regular blogger reviews that delve in the technical mumbo jumbo of camera bodies, surely you will come away feeling underwhelmed. I love the pull-up grater style film rewind and some people just hate it. So most of your decision will be based on what you feel the M-A is worth. Technically it is not a better camera than MP or an M3 or even and M2. The Leica M-A has that Je Ne Sais Quoi as the french say - something pleasant but hard to describe. I would recommend going to a Leica store and holding this beauty in your hands - It looks and feels much better in person.

[39 mm] If you're shooting a Leica Monochrom or a film camera loaded with black and white film, using colored filters allows you to change relationships among tones without having to do selections in post. This filter lightens foliage just the right amount to differentiate it from other tones. Here's an illustration: No Filter, Red Filter (also very useful), Green Filter. And, as other reviewers point out, this Leica filter fits under Leica hoods and is lighter than B+W and Heliopan filters.

[400] In the old days, a slow speed film such as this tended to give extremely high contrast. I bought this film out of curiosity, loaded it in my Leica M4-2, and then I forgot what film I had loaded in that camera. I thought that the camera contained an ISO 50 film. So, I shot the entire roll at ISO 50, and only after I unloaded the camera did I realize what happened. I sent the film off for push developing 1 stop. I was expecting a soot and chalk type of contrast. Instead, what I got back were beautifully sharp and detailed images, with very finely nuanced tonal gradation from black to white. It scanned very easily also. When I lightened up the tones in the shadows, more and more detail would crop up. I took some photos of my office manager at her desk, and you can literally read the letter on her desk, even though the letter is in the bottom right hand corner of the frame. (Leica 35mm Summicron ASPH also helped). I'm really impressed with the tonal breadth and high resolution of this film.

[Standard 35mm] This is simply an outstanding film rangefinder camera, but let's be honest, most of the Leica film bodies are wonderful. The build quality is top notch. The MP viewfinder is improved over the M6 (classic) with less/no flare, smoother operation and quieter shutter. Overall such a joy to use.

[Zipper] Perfect size to carry my Leica. One camera with lens and additional lens. A few rolls of film. Zippered pocket in the back for my phone, some paper and pen. Side panels for SD cards when shooting digital. Nice leather, stitched well. I do recommend if you want to travel fairly lightly.

[-0.6 m] I use this with my Voigtlander 15mm lens on a Leica film camera and a Leica digital camera. It is an essential tool if you want to see what you are taking pictures of with this equipment. The viewfinder itself is very well built, made of brass with a black finish. It looks good. It presents a very clear frame that is easy to see for those of us who wear glasses. Just be careful not to loose it. I was using the 28mm version of this when It came out of the hot shoe. After retracing my steps for several blocks I found it on the pavement, somewhat scraped, but otherwise fine. (now it looks like I've been in a war or two!)

[Approx. 0.32x] I use this lens on my Leica CL. The images are amazing. I'm going to use it on my M3 and see how the lens does with film.