Just got a 500CM (late model) with 80mm lens 2 backs and a prism finder plus strap , the H500 has always been my dream medium format camera and its every bit as amazing in hand as I had hoped.
GAS is my problem. I have acquired so many cameras at this point, and I like them all for their unique traits, but if I were to keep the three, I'd only keep my M11, M6 and 500 C/M. These are marvellous cameras!
I just love trying new things, and fortunately buy/sell a lot of used gear without any financial impact. In fact… something is headed my way at the moment. 🤫
I think all of us suffer from GAS at some point and some of us never recover! Fortunately I think I have and am happy with what I have in the stable - the M11-P, MP, X2D and Z8 all of which serve a different purpose for when I shoot.😊
Ok so here’s my comment. I’m struggling with gear! I’ve gone from canon to Sony to Fuji to Leica. I was going from heavy to light. I struggle with Leica M 11 as I’m used to auto focus and zoom lenses, but I love the Leica look, menus and just the feel of the camera in my hand. I am considering going back to Fuji but don’t want to give up my Leica. I want to keep it simple and know if I go back the ‘GAS” will start again. Maybe that’s the answer. I always enjoy your work thank you for sharing and your honesty.
Great video! I completely agree with you. Having used a wide range of cameras, my favorite remains the M. I've never been a fan of Sony's ergonomics (except for the older Alpha DSLRs), but I've always found the images they produce to be stunning.
Sony cameras are kind small for my hands, but hard to beat their GM lenses and their autofocus capabilities compared to their competitors - which I wouldn’t say Leica is one of their competitors.
I'm slowing down my GAS, I think (hahahah! No one ever quits!). I've got a FEW categories nailed down: * Pocket - Ricoh GRIIIX (though I >could< argue swapping this for Sony RX100M..6? for the telephoto in pocket) * APS-C - Fujifilm X-T5. I think I'm in love. Have a 35mm prime on it. Own a 72mm prime that is a weird distance. But just lens quibbling * Film - I'm using a Fujica Auto M and it's from the 1960s and kinda fun, but also ... ugh. Film. (Feels like a black hole. Like owning a boat) * I only have two gaps: Full Frame - should I, shouldn't I? Mostly worried I'm missing out on quality. * Gap 2: Should I get a better video camera? Using the Insta360 GO 3S and that's "fine," but... Thanks. This was a fun video to watch, and made me think a lot.
Pretty well rounded kit! I tend to let my goal drive my gear. If you need full frame or better video to accomplish your goals, then go for it! Determine those goals and then match the best gear to the goal.
@@davidherring well you didn't have to go and be so logical and correct about everything, did you? You're supposed to tell me to just spend my money and devil may care and something. Darn it
I fall into Two camps. Sony & Leica. Like you I invested in Sony early on and had the A7Riii awesome camera. Moved up to the A7RV for its hybrid nature and autofocus capabilities. For the love of photography I have Leica Q2 M6 M11 and now the SL3. I love the Leica sooc look so much that I decided to pick up the SL3 w/ the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 which is super light and the Sigma 35mm F2. I also have the adapter to use my M11 glass when needed.
Nice. Great to see the run down of cameras… nice collection! When you’re trying to flesh out a new idea is there one or (are there) two you tend to pick up as you define the shot?
Typically if I’m testing something it’s 100% digital and on the M11. If I think I know exactly what I want and it will look better on film, I’ll take the Rollei or Hasselblad depending if I’m using handheld or tripod.
I have been shooting cameras since the 1980s so my list is too long. Minolta ⏩️ Canon AE-1 ⏩️ Leica M ⏩️ Nikon FA ⏸️ 2000s… ▶️ Leica D-Lux6 (JUNK) ▶️2015 Nikon D750… 850 Then came Fujifilm Xseiries and Nikon Z6, Z7ii, Z8 and Zf All that to say. Every current system makes amazing images! Love the Zf for the feel of my FA. The Nikon Z8 is the one when the big lenses and demand require it. If I were to splurge and get back into Leica it would be the M6 film because it’s the best film rangefinder ever. An maybe an M11. But these only would happen if I won the lottery (and I don’t play). Love the 🔴 but I cannot justify it with the amount of money invested in Nikon.
Interesting. Of these I own and shoot the Rollei (3.5 Planar), HSB 500c/m, and the RB 67, which I do carry around and shoot hand-head occasionally. No longer own a Leica ir shoot much 35mm. Dig is Fuji x-pro 2. And also shoot 4x5 occasionally, Will look forward to more on the northern plains content!
Intresting list of cameras, I have had the first A7, then moved up to a A9 & A9ii. These are really great for action shooting. Got bored with that and went and got a M11 (plus lenses). Also a TL2, great little camera with a 18-56 lens.
I have a Minolta X570 with a 55mm 1.7 for film and my canon R for digital with the 135mm F2, the RF50 1.8 and the EF 16-35mm 2.8L and other useful lenses that I don't use often lol
Awesome set of cameras Dave! I have had the Sony A7R4, also had the Leica SL2-S! Amazing cameras! My next purchase will be an M4-P or the M6! Have you been to the Hayward Camera swap meet! It was a pretty cool place! Anyway another great video, have a great week!
I have so many regrets from selling cameras over the years.. most of them film but a few digital. Two in particular were a Leica M3 and a Rolleiflex 2.8A. I’m not sure I want to begin scanning 35 again (so tedious), but I’m considering MF. I’ve never owned a Hasselblad, but always wanted to. I know a Rolleiflex and Hasselblad have totally different haptic experiences (and size), but if you could pick just one irrespective of size and only wanted to shoot one lens, which would you choose and why?
I’d choose the Rollei. Just love that experience, and size does play a role. It’s so easy to travel and walk around with it, and the shutter is a tiny “ping” vs the Hasselblad slap. Love and use both for different things, but if it was just one - Rollei.
You mentioned, one camera on your copy stand. Question? If you copy a 35mm slide ,or B and W neg. To digital. Can you reallly get a Great print from that digital copy,on your printer. If so, what type of light source,do you use for the copy stand? THANKS. I have thousands of slides,and negs, from over 45 years.
I do 35mm slides and negatives, as well as 120 slides and negatives. I use a full kit from Negative Supply. I get incredible quality scans this way and print them with no problem.
I own a very similar set as yours m6, m10, 500cm, rolleyflex (and a few Nikons fm2/f3). I’m now testing some positive film from ektachrome, do you have any advice? What can you tell me about you upgrade from m10 to m11? Are you happy with it?
I shoot Ektachrome often and the best advice I can give is to meter for your highlights and hope for the best! Super easy to blow it out, and when you blow out positive film, it becomes a transparency. Super fun but really grouchy film stock haha. I have several videos about the M10 line to M11 transition. Best improvements are battery life and USBC charging. M11 white balance is very magenta, so shoot raw and correct.
For those of us who aren't up-to-speed with Threads and who doesn't want to participate in the rest of the dumpster fire, is there a way to participate in photography/photographer part of Threads and if so, how/where should one look to do so?
You’ll need to join Threads, but curate your feed. Hop on #Photographers of Threads hashtag and contribute to conversations there. I don’t see much drama on threads. It’s nothing like Twitter.
GAS is a real sickness, and I am just coming to terms with it. Part of the problem is all the hype I see around certain cameras that lead me to invest in gear I ultimately didn't like. Call me crazy but..... I kind of hate my M6 😳. Ive realized that I am an Aperture Priority shooter, and I HATE fiddling with the shutter speed dial on my M6. I really should have gone with my gut and gotten an M7, but there was so much hate for it on TH-cam, I let it sway my decision making. Samething with my disgustingly expensive Leica Apo 50mm f/2. I realized too late that I am a 28 to 35mm shooter. Trying to find a way to sell my gear now without taking too much of a hit on it. Lesson learned, though I will probably buy plenty of stuff I regret because gosh, new camera gear is just so fun 😅
Yeah it’s nice shooting aperture priority. I’m not even use to that as I’ve shot meterless film cameras for so many years. I shoot sunny 16 all the time when I’m just out having fun, so that’s kinda like aperture priority… but it’s still a guess!
@davidherring could you PLEASE do a video on sunny 16? Ive heard it mentioned but I still dont fully understand how to make it part of my workflow. I feel like I have to fiddle with every dial on my camera before I take a picture, and the meters in M cameras are tricky to nail down. Maybe that is part of why I dislike shooting with the M6 when others swear by it? If you get around to it, I will be the first to click and comment 😂❤️
@RumoHasIt ha, it’s so easy my friend. Shutter = ISO (or close). Sunny, f/16, or f/8 if the film can handle some overexposure. Example of Portra 400 - Shutter 1/500 - Aperture f/16 (or f/8 if you want brighter) Not sunny? Lower the aperture a stop? Stormy? Another stop. Sunset? Another. Blue hour, another. Remember that most film can handle +1 or +2, so go out and try sunny 16 and make adjustments as needed for the next roll.
Seriously, it’s super easy. Don’t be afraid to be at +1 or +2, film typically has no problem there. Biggest thing - experiment and evaluate the results.
There is nothing like the Leica Look (3:24) :) My god, I heard that 30 years ago when I first saw a Leica in my father's hands. Please, it's 2024, everything you see that comes from a Leica is simulated and can be done with any digital file. Saying that someone recognizes a picture on the internet and knows it's a Leica... is a bit ridiculous.
Just got a 500CM (late model) with 80mm lens 2 backs and a prism finder plus strap , the H500 has always been my dream medium format camera and its every bit as amazing in hand as I had hoped.
Congrats! You'll love it!
GAS is my problem. I have acquired so many cameras at this point, and I like them all for their unique traits, but if I were to keep the three, I'd only keep my M11, M6 and 500 C/M. These are marvellous cameras!
I just love trying new things, and fortunately buy/sell a lot of used gear without any financial impact. In fact… something is headed my way at the moment. 🤫
I am very lucky, I could care less about gear. Now that's cool.
I think all of us suffer from GAS at some point and some of us never recover! Fortunately I think I have and am happy with what I have in the stable - the M11-P, MP, X2D and Z8 all of which serve a different purpose for when I shoot.😊
Ok so here’s my comment. I’m struggling with gear! I’ve gone from canon to Sony to Fuji to Leica. I was going from heavy to light. I struggle with Leica M 11 as I’m used to auto focus and zoom lenses, but I love the Leica look, menus and just the feel of the camera in my hand. I am considering going back to Fuji but don’t want to give up my Leica. I want to keep it simple and know if I go back the ‘GAS” will start again. Maybe that’s the answer. I always enjoy your work thank you for sharing and your honesty.
Have you considered an SL3 or SL2? Best of both worlds - Leica experience and autofocus.
Great video! I completely agree with you. Having used a wide range of cameras, my favorite remains the M.
I've never been a fan of Sony's ergonomics (except for the older Alpha DSLRs), but I've always found the images they produce to be stunning.
Sony cameras are kind small for my hands, but hard to beat their GM lenses and their autofocus capabilities compared to their competitors - which I wouldn’t say Leica is one of their competitors.
Killer setup Dave! I'm feeling inspired to make one myself as my gear is pretty close with a few odd balls thrown into the mix. Cheers!
Totally should!
I'm slowing down my GAS, I think (hahahah! No one ever quits!). I've got a FEW categories nailed down:
* Pocket - Ricoh GRIIIX (though I >could< argue swapping this for Sony RX100M..6? for the telephoto in pocket)
* APS-C - Fujifilm X-T5. I think I'm in love. Have a 35mm prime on it. Own a 72mm prime that is a weird distance. But just lens quibbling
* Film - I'm using a Fujica Auto M and it's from the 1960s and kinda fun, but also ... ugh. Film. (Feels like a black hole. Like owning a boat)
* I only have two gaps: Full Frame - should I, shouldn't I? Mostly worried I'm missing out on quality.
* Gap 2: Should I get a better video camera? Using the Insta360 GO 3S and that's "fine," but...
Thanks. This was a fun video to watch, and made me think a lot.
Pretty well rounded kit! I tend to let my goal drive my gear. If you need full frame or better video to accomplish your goals, then go for it! Determine those goals and then match the best gear to the goal.
@@davidherring well you didn't have to go and be so logical and correct about everything, did you? You're supposed to tell me to just spend my money and devil may care and something. Darn it
😂😂
I fall into Two camps. Sony & Leica.
Like you I invested in Sony early on and had the A7Riii awesome camera. Moved up to the A7RV for its hybrid nature and autofocus capabilities.
For the love of photography I have Leica
Q2
M6
M11
and now the SL3.
I love the Leica sooc look so much that I decided to pick up the SL3 w/ the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 which is super light and the Sigma 35mm F2.
I also have the adapter to use my M11 glass when needed.
Awesome. Leica and Sony go well together. You have a great kit!
i bought 3 vgp but soon i will get the new one, I use them all the time I love it!
Thank you!
Good stuff as always, thanks
Thank you!
@@davidherring you're welcome
Nice. Great to see the run down of cameras… nice collection! When you’re trying to flesh out a new idea is there one or (are there) two you tend to pick up as you define the shot?
Typically if I’m testing something it’s 100% digital and on the M11. If I think I know exactly what I want and it will look better on film, I’ll take the Rollei or Hasselblad depending if I’m using handheld or tripod.
I have been shooting cameras since the 1980s so my list is too long. Minolta ⏩️ Canon AE-1 ⏩️ Leica M ⏩️ Nikon FA ⏸️ 2000s… ▶️ Leica D-Lux6 (JUNK) ▶️2015 Nikon D750… 850 Then came Fujifilm Xseiries and Nikon Z6, Z7ii, Z8 and Zf
All that to say. Every current system makes amazing images! Love the Zf for the feel of my FA. The Nikon Z8 is the one when the big lenses and demand require it.
If I were to splurge and get back into Leica it would be the M6 film because it’s the best film rangefinder ever. An maybe an M11. But these only would happen if I won the lottery (and I don’t play).
Love the 🔴 but I cannot justify it with the amount of money invested in Nikon.
Thanks for sharing! You’re right - every system can make great images.
Interesting. Of these I own and shoot the Rollei (3.5 Planar), HSB 500c/m, and the RB 67, which I do carry around and shoot hand-head occasionally. No longer own a Leica ir shoot much 35mm. Dig is Fuji x-pro 2. And also shoot 4x5 occasionally, Will look forward to more on the northern plains content!
Good for you for carrying around that RB67!
Dave, do you have any tips on focusing with the RB67 or any film camera? I struggle with it.
Get your eye as CLOSE to the frame as possible. You can try using a prism instead of a waist-viewfinder, or use the magnifier on it.
Intresting list of cameras, I have had the first A7, then moved up to a A9 & A9ii. These are really great for action shooting. Got bored with that and went and got a M11 (plus lenses). Also a TL2, great little camera with a 18-56 lens.
Thanks for sharing!
Hey Dave, may I know what's the black tape you use to cover up the Leica logo?
Check the description, there's a link to it!
I have a Minolta X570 with a 55mm 1.7 for film and my canon R for digital with the 135mm F2, the RF50 1.8 and the EF 16-35mm 2.8L and other useful lenses that I don't use often lol
Better put it to use or sell it off! Unused gear is wasted gear. :-)
Awesome set of cameras Dave! I have had the Sony A7R4, also had the Leica SL2-S! Amazing cameras! My next purchase will be an M4-P or the M6!
Have you been to the Hayward Camera swap meet! It was a pretty cool place! Anyway another great video, have a great week!
Thanks! I have, but not for a couple of years. My friend bought some old lenses last time we were there.
Your 2.8F is beatifully preserved, not easy to find such. Is its lightmeter still usable?
Thanks! It’s mint for sure. Yep, meter works great!
the M6 gotta be the one i pick out of all the camera
It’s a good pick.
I have so many regrets from selling cameras over the years.. most of them film but a few digital. Two in particular were a Leica M3 and a Rolleiflex 2.8A. I’m not sure I want to begin scanning 35 again (so tedious), but I’m considering MF. I’ve never owned a Hasselblad, but always wanted to. I know a Rolleiflex and Hasselblad have totally different haptic experiences (and size), but if you could pick just one irrespective of size and only wanted to shoot one lens, which would you choose and why?
I’d choose the Rollei. Just love that experience, and size does play a role. It’s so easy to travel and walk around with it, and the shutter is a tiny “ping” vs the Hasselblad slap. Love and use both for different things, but if it was just one - Rollei.
I had Leicas, Hassys, Linhof, Mamiyas, Sinar …. Now i have a Ricoh GR3 and finally i feel liberate
It's very good. I have both versions. Stick them in your pocket and you are away.
Nice!
I too like you,over the years. Used 35mm,2 1/4, 4X5,8X10 Sinar since I’m 70 now,it’s down to M10R,M10M. Love the old style,manual everything.
You mentioned, one camera on your copy stand. Question? If you copy a 35mm slide ,or B and W neg. To digital. Can you reallly get a Great print from that digital copy,on your printer. If so, what type of light source,do you use for the copy stand? THANKS. I have thousands of slides,and negs, from over 45 years.
I do 35mm slides and negatives, as well as 120 slides and negatives. I use a full kit from Negative Supply. I get incredible quality scans this way and print them with no problem.
I own a very similar set as yours m6, m10, 500cm, rolleyflex (and a few Nikons fm2/f3). I’m now testing some positive film from ektachrome, do you have any advice? What can you tell me about you upgrade from m10 to m11? Are you happy with it?
I shoot Ektachrome often and the best advice I can give is to meter for your highlights and hope for the best! Super easy to blow it out, and when you blow out positive film, it becomes a transparency. Super fun but really grouchy film stock haha. I have several videos about the M10 line to M11 transition. Best improvements are battery life and USBC charging. M11 white balance is very magenta, so shoot raw and correct.
Have you ever used the Pentax 67? If so, how was your experience with it? Thanks. Love all the ones you have…
It’s huge. It’s heavy. Freaking love it. The 105 f/2.4 may be the best lens ever on a medium format camera.
Take a look at a Fuji GF670 if you want something light weight and pocketable. It's even smaller than the Makina 67, and much lighter weight.
Recently moved to SF, what’s the go to places for inspirations?
Check this: dave.online/writings/san-francisco-photography-tips-and-locations
Nice video. As always. What happened to the Leica q2 monochrome?
Sold it 😅
About a film camera you have. Why M6? The MP looks gorgeous, luxurious and perfectly functional.
Simply put, my 40yr old M6 was half the price of the MP.
At if you could only keep two? Which two? Nice video-great production!
Two questions. First, how dare you?
First One ;)
Greetings from Austria
Keep up your cool Work 🤙
Thanks!
So many medium format film cameras . . . why no X2D or GFX?
I can only afford to be all-in on one digital system haha.
For those of us who aren't up-to-speed with Threads and who doesn't want to participate in the rest of the dumpster fire, is there a way to participate in photography/photographer part of Threads and if so, how/where should one look to do so?
You’ll need to join Threads, but curate your feed. Hop on #Photographers of Threads hashtag and contribute to conversations there. I don’t see much drama on threads. It’s nothing like Twitter.
What happened to your Leica M8?
I sold it. I had bought it for something specific, and got what I needed and sent it back into the wild.
I still have my Mamia RB67. Nikon FE auto. camera.
Nice!
GAS is a real sickness, and I am just coming to terms with it. Part of the problem is all the hype I see around certain cameras that lead me to invest in gear I ultimately didn't like. Call me crazy but..... I kind of hate my M6 😳. Ive realized that I am an Aperture Priority shooter, and I HATE fiddling with the shutter speed dial on my M6. I really should have gone with my gut and gotten an M7, but there was so much hate for it on TH-cam, I let it sway my decision making. Samething with my disgustingly expensive Leica Apo 50mm f/2. I realized too late that I am a 28 to 35mm shooter. Trying to find a way to sell my gear now without taking too much of a hit on it. Lesson learned, though I will probably buy plenty of stuff I regret because gosh, new camera gear is just so fun 😅
Yeah it’s nice shooting aperture priority. I’m not even use to that as I’ve shot meterless film cameras for so many years. I shoot sunny 16 all the time when I’m just out having fun, so that’s kinda like aperture priority… but it’s still a guess!
@davidherring could you PLEASE do a video on sunny 16? Ive heard it mentioned but I still dont fully understand how to make it part of my workflow. I feel like I have to fiddle with every dial on my camera before I take a picture, and the meters in M cameras are tricky to nail down. Maybe that is part of why I dislike shooting with the M6 when others swear by it? If you get around to it, I will be the first to click and comment 😂❤️
@RumoHasIt ha, it’s so easy my friend. Shutter = ISO (or close). Sunny, f/16, or f/8 if the film can handle some overexposure.
Example of Portra 400
- Shutter 1/500
- Aperture f/16 (or f/8 if you want brighter)
Not sunny? Lower the aperture a stop? Stormy? Another stop. Sunset? Another. Blue hour, another.
Remember that most film can handle +1 or +2, so go out and try sunny 16 and make adjustments as needed for the next roll.
@davidherring I cant...... believe how easy that sounds. Omg, Im absolutely gonna try that, thankyou!!!
Seriously, it’s super easy. Don’t be afraid to be at +1 or +2, film typically has no problem there. Biggest thing - experiment and evaluate the results.
There is nothing like the Leica Look (3:24) :) My god, I heard that 30 years ago when I first saw a Leica in my father's hands.
Please, it's 2024, everything you see that comes from a Leica is simulated and can be done with any digital file. Saying that someone recognizes a picture on the internet and knows it's a Leica... is a bit ridiculous.
…. But, I can. Especially Summilux and Noctilux lenses.