First Roll with my Leica M-A – Lndnwlk 3.0

Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 11/05/2015

Cheers Dominik - I'm fine with "toy" ;)

Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/05/2015

I do sometimes, but not with the moving crowd shots, most of them were shot at f/2 - f/4. Nothing more than practice I'm afraid. I don't always hit though - the shot of the waiter outside the restaurant is a missed focus, but I'm always getting better at focusing quicker and more accurately I think What camera do you use?

saptarshi replied:

Comment posted: 12/05/2015

Hello I use a leica m7( inspired by you). I used to use a bessa r3a but th focusing was always unsatisfactory. It is true, the leica has way better focusing and the feel is nicer. Though the bessa is actually a very nice camera save for the focusing. Often I feel I got the focus correct (on the leica) but my situation is like stealing cake icing. After nicking a bit of icing, I adjust it here and there till I've finished the icing ( missed the moment). I should take more pictures. You're right about practice. Last, those were at f2/f4 ? Do you use nd filters? Or is London that cloudy?:) here in San Francisco I rarely get a chance to use f4 even with films I've rated at 200. Cheers again. Your blog is a pleasure to read. I think what I like about yours and Johnny Patience's blog is that they both have a sense of humility.

Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/05/2015

Glad you like the blog, and I am especially pleased there is a sense of humility in my posts! :) I don't use an ND, just rely on overexposure latitude ... Try shooting Portra 400 (or pretty much any modern neg film for that matter) in the midday sun at f2 for a couple of shots, you will see there really is no need to worry about overexposure - Have a read of JP's post on the subject here - this post is also useful! :) On focusing, I have thought about writing a post on rangefinder focusing a couple of times, but I'm not sure I have enough to write ... My main tip is just allow yourself trust in your own instinct and judgement rather than spend so much time looking through that patch. Press the button when you first think it is right rather than double checking a few times. Sometimes it goes wrong, but at least you are shooting quicker. I bet you miss less than you expect you might!

Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/05/2015

Oh and the M7 is a gem - the best AE RF in my books - and thats including the Zeiss ZM. I've not been using mine a lot lately, but it has just gone to Leica for a service :)

Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/05/2015

Thanks :)

Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/05/2015

I have literally never seen so many Leica's in one place ... When we met the other 30 odd people, at least 50% had a Leica! Thanks Ray - Nice to hear from you as always!!

Hamish Gill replied:

Comment posted: 12/05/2015

Thanks... My secret is not one that is going to reveal much I'm afraid, I just use my local high street D&P. They just happen to do a pretty good job most of the time... I can't recommend the M-A enough, it is a lovely thing, and so nice to own a Leica from new! I'm pleased you enjoy the blog :)