Sorry for the dumb question here, but I thought most cameras used TTLM. I guess the Leica’s don’t? (Ive always lusted for a Leica BTW 😊).
The older mechanical Leica’s had no metering whatsoever. I think M6 was first to have TTL metering in Leica.
When I lived in Tokyo 2006-2011, there was a place (a few lanes) in one of the areas (I can’t remember where it was unfortunatel) that specialised in selling vintage cameras. It was all film stuff of course but full of Miyama, Pentax, Canon, Yashica gear covering the whole gamut from standard 35mm film to full frame and more lenses than you could shake a stick at. Fascinating place.
Have you used one and compared to other light meters? I could use one of those.
I found this light meter roundup and comparison very useful:
https://www.35mmc.com/03/05/2021/shoe-mount-light-meters-which-one-is-right-for-you/
https://www.35mmc.com/03/05/2021/shoe-mount-light-meters-which-one-is-right-for-you/
When I did visits to Tokyo on biz which required a weekend stay-over, I would always pay a visit to Akihibara.
Not to thread-jack, (ahem) but the bond salesman from Salomon Bros and Goldman were in the Ark Mori building near (iirc) the ANA Hotel. A number of them had binoculars with which to spy on the ladies sunning themselves at the ANA Hotel's pool just below.
This is the original, which is probably nicer but... I'll take one of each to compare.
The TTartisans is 1/3rd the price. You could check it against a camera with an average weighted meter to see how it compares.
I have a really old one from 1960’s that’s self powered (needs brighter light) with a photocell powered galvanometer needle. Haven’t used it in years since I got the Nikon FE with TTL metering.
For big umbrella flash photography in a studio, a Seikonic with a white dome gives superb accurate results when placed at subject facing the flash.
I have a really old one from 1960’s that’s self powered (needs brighter light) with a photocell powered galvanometer needle. Haven’t used it in years since I got the Nikon FE with TTL metering.
For big umbrella flash photography in a studio, a Seikonic with a white dome gives superb accurate results when placed at subject facing the flash.
I'm no expert, so cannot comment on the viability of the choices listed. I do know that you will find lens choices somewhat limiting by choosing an LTM camera rather than M mount. It's really not too big a deal, but something of which to be aware.
I’ve always like the 3F. There is Leica mystique, but those old lenses with early anti reflection coatings, dust, fungus, etc may give you low contrast images. If you want to shoot film in a rangefinder, something more modern from 1970’s and made in Japan might be a more practical choice, not to mention, more reliable and less expensive to service.
For example: A near mint Canon QL17 with 40mm F/1.7 lens serviced and tested and guaranteed to work well is about $140.
For example: A near mint Canon QL17 with 40mm F/1.7 lens serviced and tested and guaranteed to work well is about $140.
The ones you are showing pics of Bonsai, are the more expensive CLA in that list.
Speaking as someone who has had both... If you get an early IIIx in already superb shape they are fun but you won't be lens swapping most likely. There are conversions but the range finder is not going to adjust for all of them. Fact of matter is that any range finder with swappable lenses is more expensive. You can find vintage Canon LTM mounts (M39) that are better if your only worry is quality. Any changes in lens focal length means a viewfinder mounted to it as well, and a separate light meter.
The Canon XRK has linked is fun. The Yashica Electro 35 GTN is nearly the same. Just be warned while fun these feel like absolute toys in quality compared to Leica, Nikon, etc. (I was not satisfied with mine) The market right now does not have cheap rangefinders sadly.
Comments about vintage lenses being low contrast are horse ****. The only problem with good ones is a lack of coatings means with color it can be off. When it comes to B&W many vintage lenses are good by any standards.
If you are not thinking about B&W you should be. You can literally go into a closest to get the film on a reel and process it with water, developer, and a thermometer. (I can make sure you get the right reels, otherwise it is semi hard). Then you just scan on a computer a nice scanner and film holder, viola!
I'll help you with anything Rangefinder, just ask.
Yashica Electro 35 is a nice camera. My grandfather had one and it took some great pix.
I just saw a Yashica YE - looks like a Leica III something.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/204770844555?
I just saw a Yashica YE - looks like a Leica III something.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/204770844555?