Film Cameras: Leica M6

Whether amateur or professional part of our enjoyment of being a photographer is the satisfaction one gets from the camera they use.  No matter what, every camera is a different experience.  We all have our favorites, yet we are also willing to try as many different formats and brands as possible.

Some base their ownership on cost and exclusivity.  Others want to use the cameras that the pros use. For me personally, I have never been a ‘camera snob’, meaning I use what works best. Brand popularity doesn’t mean a hill of beans to me.  Results are what matters most.

In the camera world, especially when were talking about small format 35mm cameras, none have as much mystery or panache as Leica.  Maybe it’s because Leitz invented the 35mm camera or because of the German craftsmanship or that they seem to last forever?  There are so many reasons one can find to own a Leica.  Often still considered the finest cameras in the world.

 

My first Leica was a Leitz/minolta CL, then a Leica CL, then the M6 you see here. I had read all of the stories, all of the professional reviews and even my close friend photographer guru Bruce Starrenburg touted how the M6 was a camera he would never be without.  I think he sold his before I sold mine.

Purchased new, right out of the box the camera needed servicing. The lenses wouldn’t focus to infinity, that and the meter was off a good two stops.  Hmmm.

After a CLA (for a new camera.. really?) I was set.  I loaded some of my favorite Fuji film and went off to shoot.  

Things to like; the build quality is stellar, the viewfinder is crystal clear, the lenses are wonderful.  The shutter fire and wind is smooth, though not the smoothest.  (minolta XE holds the crown).  Easy to carry, fairly compact.

Things not to like; the ‘black chrome’ wears easily and looks ugly after a few hours of handling.  The viewfinder can ‘flare’ in some instances making it impossible to focus.  The bottom plate film loading is out of the Stone Age. Forget having to load in seconds, it’s going to take some time to learn to do this and it will never be quick.

There are also limitations using the rangefinder format.  Lens focal length is best kept to 50mm and wider.  Using a 90mm, the focusing patch is so small and the rangefinder length itself compromises the accuracy. 

  

I used mine regularly for about 6 years.  Diligently carrying it with me everywhere. But I never fell in love with it.  I hated having to remove my eye from the viewfinder to see the shutter speed. I hated having to load film into it.  Every time I had to wind a frame or release the shutter, I missed the precision and smoothness of my minolta XE.

While I did get many good shots, I also got as many over or under exposed images.  I never checked but I am certain that the metering is center weighted, as opposed to being bottomed weighted which yields better results.

I also came to realize why SLR’s took over in the professional field.  When you’re framing, you are actually looking through the picture taking lens, not an offset rangefinder.  

I also found that when I carry a camera for grab shots, I liked the 40-50mm focal length best.  The 45mm Rokkor pancake lens on my minolta XE-7 actually makes for a smaller package then the M6 with the 50mm Leitz Summircon attached. The minolta is also a much more enjoyable camera to use and the results are always perfect.  Always.

So it was an easy camera for me to part with.  Yes, I know some of you will die with your Leica M camera in your hands.  I won’t.  All in all the camera to me, was just another camera.  While I do enjoy using rangefinder cameras, this one really failed me in the ‘magic’ department.  It just didn’t have any. 

Creative Spotlight: Neff of Chicago

For several years I had the pleasure of working with Nancy Olive and Pat Borg, owners of Neff of Chicago.

It’s my understanding the both Nancy and Pat have moved on in their respective careers, but when they were heading up this custom design firm in Chicago, they stood among the top one or two in their field. 

Further, they were a joy to work with.  Especially Nancy.  Her level of professionalism, attention to detail and client satisfaction were evident with every project that we photographed for Neff. 

Here are a few shots of a project that we did back in 2015. 

 

 

Shot on Film: Metro

Taken at Union Station in Joliet Illinois around 2007.  To me this image evokes strength and power.  The massive steel wheels, the enormous braking system, the large coiled load springs and the big bell, rolled in and stopped right in front of me. Glistening in the afternoon sunlight was the radiant stainless steel panels of the coach car. 

This image was photographed using a Voitlander Bessa R rangefinder camera with a wartime era 50mm f2 Carl Zeiss Sonnar lens on Fuji black and white film. The image was scanned using a Minolta DiMage 5400 Elite scanner.  No image adjustments applied.

Creative Spotlight: Ryan LaHaie – 42 North Architecture

Last year we had the pleasure of shooting a Michigan residence designed by architect Ryan LaHaie.  This was our first impression of Ryan’s work and it was really outstanding.

The spaces are wide and open and yet they maintain a very cozy comfortable almost cabin like feel.   The main level of the home opens into a large gathering area with a spacious kitchen, dining and living room combination.  This is the perfect setting for large family gatherings where one can entertain as meals are prepared and conversation and drinks are enjoyed.

The home also is complete with private offices, sewing room, family room, bar area and home theater, and gym to name just a few of the spaces one can enjoy.

Below are a few of our favorite views from the photo shoot. 

 

 

 

 

 

So What Do We Do Now?

Like most all of us in the creative fields, we were asked to put our careers on ‘hold’ for a bit and stay home while the world tries to figure out how to handle the Covid 19 pandemic.

Hmmm, looks like some well-needed time off.  Recharge the batteries!  Stay home, cook, clean, finish projects that we never have time for.  Read, listen to music, relax, sleep in, and watch TV.  The possibilities are endless!  

Then comes day two.  What now?   Well, day two passed weeks ago and here we are.  Home.  

 

I am reminded of a time several years ago (remember 2008) when things here were slow and I was talking with a fellow photographer who was experiencing the exact same thing at his shop.  The difference was, is that I was beginning to exhibit obvious signs of stress and he was a cool as a cucumber.  So I remember asking him, why wasn’t he in a panic like everyone else?   He responded by saying that work always seems to come in cycles.  When things slow down, he takes that time to do all the things that he doesn’t normally have time for, like marketing his business through blogging and social media and giving his gear much needed cleaning and maintenance.  He had such a positive attitude that it was absolutely contagious. 

 

That is what we have been doing here, although mostly by remote home offices. It really is the perfect opportunity to concentrate on freshening things up.  We can stay busy writing and archiving blog posts to use now and for the future along with FaceBook, LinkedIN and Instagram feeds.

 

We can add too our websites, switching up and changing out the images in our on-line portfolios.  Most of all, we can keep in touch with our clients and workmates, using Face Time, Google Duo or Zoom for meetings, making plans for when activities open up again.  What we need to remember is to stay focused and positive by continuing to move forward with our businesses.  Make the most of this time to catch up and plan ahead.  

With that, be sure to carve out some time to do things that can keep our creativity and minds sharp.  For me, that’s been writing, enjoying music and breaking out the film cameras.   This pause in our work isn’t going to last, but while it does I am making the most of it.

Creative Spotlight: Hilary Bailes Design

We received a call from Hilary Bailes a couple of years back.  Her current photographer was out of town and she needed a project photographed on short notice.  Could we help? Absolutely.

I remember fondly meeting Hilary at a near North Shore Chicago home.  Her wonderful accent, big smile and enthusiasm were the perfect recipe for a fun day of shooting.

Hilary’s work really carries a European flare to it. Custom designed handmade furnishing, exquisite window treatments along with fine art that would not at all be out of place in London flat.

Hilary is available for both residential and commercial projects.  I would imagine as with most all-fine interior designers there might be a bit of a wait to get into her schedule.  As you can see below, good things come to those that wait.

Creative Spotlight : Marsha Jones Interior Design

Back in late 2017 I received a call from Marsha Jones office.  They were looking to have a few projects photographed.  I of course had heard about Marsha over the years and had always wanted an opportunity to photograph some of her work.

Marsha is soft-spoken, witty, funny and a joy to work with.  We met at one of her projects on a late summer afternoon. The home was beautiful and every space had a comfortable elegance about it.   It’s was one of those projects that you go too and realize that you could just move right in and not change a thing.   Such seems to be the case with most all of Marsha’s work. 

Marsha walked me through the house and said to shoot whatever I want.   There was no staging needed anywhere.  Soft inviting colors, warm spacious rooms and cozy elegant niches.  Outstanding in every way!

If you’re looking for elegant comfort in your home design, Marsha should definitely be on your short list.

Film Cameras: Leica IIIf

Back in 2015, I was picking up some prints from chemical and digital lab guru Bruce Starrenburg at his Light Box lab, when I noticed a couple of old Leica IIIfs on his desk. He said they were given to him recently and that there was some history attached to them.  They previously belonged to artist/photographer/journalist Florence Arquin.  I picked one up and was impressed by the solidity of the camera and the smoothness of the controls.  I asked if I could borrow one for a bit.  Sure his said, take your time with it. 

When I got back to the studio, I Googled Florence and was able to find quite a bit of information on her.  Several old black and white and color photographs of her travels through South America and even a few shots of her taking pictures with a Leica IIIf.  It had to be one of the cameras that I borrowed I thought to myself.  

The Leica IIIf came mounted with a series one Leitz Summicron 50mm f2 lens.  Some of the most famous images in history were made with this combination.  I was eager to try out the lens and wondered if it had the same character as my vintage Carl Zeiss 50mm f2 Sonnar?  I had owned and used a Leitz Summicron 50mm f2 with my Leica M6 and liked it very much.  I imagined however that the early version of this lens would give a softer image, with more character and color in the bokeh.  This was my experience with my Carl Zeiss 50mm f2 Sonnar, and the main reason that I still own it. 

Sadly, the Leitz lens was stiff and nearly frozen.  No doubt years of neglect and lack of use had caused the grease to hardened making the lens inoperable.  Nothing a skilled camera technician couldn’t take care of. 

I did take a couple of weeks using the Leica IIIf with my Carl Zeiss Sonnar and realized that using this camera made me think about my compositions.  Framing and focusing are done using two separate finders.  Setting lens speed and aperture requires taking incident readings with a hand held light meter, or relying on your knowledge of light and the Sunny 16 rule. I imagined as I walked around using the camera how different and deliberate photography was back in the 30s, 40s and 50s.  How one had to not only have framing skills, but also complete knowledge of how shutter speed and aperture will affect the final exposure.  Patience was also needed as no one was going to use this for grab shots. All of the controls worked smoothly, precisely and effortlessly.  An experience I have never forgotten. 

When I returned to camera to Bruce I let me know what a gem it was.  He smiled and said that he would likely never use them, as they do have quite a bit of historical significance.  Here are a few iPhone shots of the camera taken back in 2015. 

  

Random 004 : Mason Miller

This shot is from a photo shoot done for architect Mason Miller back in 2014.  Mason had done a fantastic job designing a complete, modern remodel of this 1940s home, opening up spaces and finding useful storage in the most creative ways.  Really, it was a total transformation.

Finishing up the shoot, we invited the homeowner and her daughter to pose for a few shots. This shot was captured by my business partner Mary Price. She used a Sony Alpha 7, with a Carl Zeiss designed 11mm lens. Lighting was a handheld SunPak 555 flash bracket bounced off the kitchen ceiling.

Creative Spotlight : Expressive Interiors by Marietta Calas

Marietta has been featured before in our Creative Spotlight and more than a few of her out standing projects are found in the galleries of our website.  Pictures are always better when their is a story.  And there is always a story.  

So last year I get a call from Marietta Calas of Expressive Interiors.  'Would you mind flying to Florida to shoot a project for me'? Hmm., let me think about that for a nano second. No!  I can't wait!  This one is special exclaims Marietta.  'The condo has such beautiful views and the sunshine just pours into every room'.  Sounds wonderful I thought to myself looking out at my snow filled front yard.

So, we book flights for mid March and we are off for a day of sun-filled architectural photography.  When we arrive, our homeowner host was excited to have us there.  Then she says, 'I can't believe its cloudy outside, it's never cloudy down here, not ever'.  Go figure.  I get one day in Florida and it's overcast.

No matter, the space was beautiful and very well appointed with custom furniture, drapes, carpets, tiles and wall coverings.  Everything you would expect from an exclusive interior designer like Marietta.  Here the transitional setting is elegant, comfortable, and warm.  Below are just a few of my favorite shots from the photo shoot.  Oh and when I left the following day, it was indeed warm and sunny.

Shot on Film: Longtemps oublie' - (Long forgotten)

Again we visit the abandoned Midwestern Home.  This one in central Illinois.  The structure tells us that the home was built in the mid to late 1800's, sitting on hundreds of acres of prime farmland.  Every time I come across a sad home like this I feel compelled to photograph it.  In this instance, I am glad that I did as it was thoughtlessly destroyed days later to make room for the enormous industrial parks that now covers all the land seen before you in a mass of blacktop and concrete.

So who will remember this humble house?  The generations of children who filled the home with memories, tears and laughter are long gone.  We can look at this image and lose ourselves into a way of life that is passing.  A time when things were simple and a life of hard work rewarding and gratifying.

Photographed in January of 2001 using a minolta XE-7 and a Rokkor 24 mm 2.4 lens wide open on twenty year old Kodak Tri-X film.  Film was scanned full frame using a Minolta DiMage 5400 film scanner. 

Shot on Film: Je peux encore e'tre utile - (I can still be useful)

Here in the Midwestern United States much of our history lay in the ruins of our abandoned farms.  The eerie loneliness one feels when approaching a home or barn that was once useful and full of life can be over whelming.  I personally think about the structures age, the hands that worked hard building them because they needed  them.  And they stood strong and proud for years upon years until that fateful day the their usefulness was replaced or they were simply abandoned.  That is the case with our image here.  Large timbers, hand cut are still solid.  The panels on the exterior have weathered badly with time, the roof that once sheltered the animals that lived inside no longer can.  I can stare at this and imagine the men, women and children that worked here.  The children who played in and out of it when the daily chores were finished.  Je peux encore e'tre utile : I can sill be useful if only someone wanted me to be.

Photographed on a cold December morning in 2003, using a minolta XE7 and a Rokkor 35mm 1.8 prime lens wide open on twenty year old Kodak Tri-X film.  Image was scanned full frame using a Minolta DiMage 5400 film scanner.

Random 003 : Joanna K. Roumanis

This fantastic break room was photographed back in 2015.  I was really impressed with how functional, practical and fun the design was.  We have a few of the images from this shoot featured on our website under commercial projects. 

The interior design was done by Joanna K. Roumanis.  We met on site and she took some time to stage a few shots for us.  Joanna was great to work with as she explained the challenges she had to over come to get such great results.

The shoot took place in the mid to late afternoon in late November.  The timing was perfect as the afternoon advanced giving us a powerful shot of cobalt blue through the windows. 

This particular shot was done using a Sony A700 camera with a Carl Zeiss designed 11mm lens at 5.6.