I used to work with Leica cameras for 20 years, particular my first M3 and later the M6 that traveled with me around the world. One of my students gave me her M9 and two lenses for an evening to play with. I was very curious what would happen after working so many years with a digital SLR system and only occasionly using the Hasselblad, Leica and large format Linhof camera that I own. The M Leica used to be my camera of choice for reportage and travel and this tool helped me to create great photos whereever I was.
I went down to Portmagee harbour to take a few photos whe I noticed one of the fishing vessels coming home. The subject always interested me and the moment I raised the camera I was back in a different world.
When you look trough the viewfinder of a M Leica you see everything clear, which means you need to have a bit of an idea what depth of field your aperture will create. The shutterspeed is somehow different too, without a mirror inside the camera body the gentle click of the curtain allows you to work with longer shutterspeed. I just love the way you see a framed image in the viewfinder, it is all about the image and the only help to get the exposure right is a set of little red lights that you see when you press the release button slightly. I´m wearing glasses and found it difficult to see the 35mm frame but the 50mm that I would use as my favourite focal lenght should be no problem.
The camera allows you to get close to the action without beeing intrusive due to its total understatement and very low noise level. It is the most perfect people camera that I have ever used and it took me about 5 minutes to get used to it. The biggest surprise came late that evening when I looked at my photos on the computer. I could not believe the level of detail and sharpness in my photos even with a shallow depth of field. I could see all the eye lashes on one of te fisherman that I photographed with the 90mm lens. Just amazing. It knocked me out, how good this camera is. The handling, the way it sits in your hand and the way you work with this tool is all about photography and beeing a creator of images. Would I buy one tomorrow if I had the money?
Yes I would. I´m sure it would change my way to see and create photos again. Full stop.
Thank you Sharon for the chance to experience this camera for some hours. It was great and joyful, like the visit of an old friend.
