Getting to Know the Leica M3
Getting to Know the Leica M3
I’ve had my 1957 Leica for about six weeks now and I think I’m finally getting to grips with using a rangefinder camera after years of shooting SLRs. I have found that it really requires quite a rethink of shooting style, focusing technique, etc. to get comfortable with using one.
I took the M3 with me to meet a few friends at a local hostelry this weekend and I think it all finally clicked into place! Focusing seemed natural, and shooting speed (framing, etc.) all came together very well.
Here are a few of the results, shot with either 50mm rigid Summicron or 90mm Elmarit, on Kodak Tri-X film, processed in HC-110 dilution B.
The Leica M3 has the highest magnification of any M Leica unless you use a separate plug-in-the-top accessory finder. See what Ken Rockwell has to say about this point. The best lens to use is a 50mm.