The Mask

 

The Mask, by Reed A. George

Leica I Model C, Leica Summar 5cm f2 Lens

Kodak Tmax 100 film

 

I prefer for this one to remain a little mystery.

 

It was part of the first roll of film I put through a nice little Leica I Model C. The camera was serviced by Don Goldberg some time back, before I purchased it. It works nicely, and the Summar produces quite a nice image as well.

 

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Quick Test of an Old Leica

A couple of months back, I had the fortune of finding two Leica IIIC cameras, separate but very close together in time, both manufactured at the end of World War II. Coming from separate sellers, the cameras are extremely similar, both having the wartime "stepper" design, and having been manufactured in 1945. In both cases, according to the best source on wartime Leicas anywhere (James Lager, my colleague in the LHSA), they were most likely sold to allied soldiers in Europe at the end of the war.

 

One of the cameras came with a date-matching Elmar 5cm f3.5 collapsible lens (the standard lens of the day). I used that lens for the images below.

 

I've now had both cameras serviced by Youxin Ye, and they're working as-new. I took the second one that I purchased out for a walk and test roll recently. You see the results below.

 

I happened onto a model yachting event in Reston, Virginia. These images are straight from the camera, Walgreens iso 200 color print film, processed by The Darkroom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the shot above, you can see what I believe is internal reflection in the lens/camera. I was not using a lens hood.

 

This final shot is my favorite of the bunch.

 

No Pulitzers here, I'm sure. However, I did accomplish my goal, which was to test the camera and lens. I kind of like the rather low contrast result, especially as the light was quite harsh. I'm not sure how much of the low contrast comes from the lens (most, I suspect), versus the film. The cheap Walgreens film tends to have this sort of look on its own. Most of these were shot at f8 or smaller aperture, and relatively high shutter speeds.

 

The images are plenty sharp, and I think the color representation is quite nice.

 

It's amazing to me that such a piece of photographic history, made well before I was born, still works and yields results that are at least as interesting as modern cameras. Certainly the technical performance of modern cameras and lenses is better, but I'm quite happy with the look this camera and lens produce. And that's what matters to me.

 

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Leica USA Service on my M9 - How Did It Go? Details, Dates, Prices

Image Source: http://us.leica-camera.com/service/service_and_repair/

After using my Leica M9 reasonably heavily last year, most significantly for my Whole Lotta Leica series, I decided it was time to send it off for a nice cleaning and checkout at Leica Service USA. I don't believe in cleaning my own sensors, though I know many people do it with no problem.

(Click Here) to see all of my Whole Lotta Leica posts from last year.

(Click Here) to get to Leica's service page.

I know that I was curious before shipping my beloved camera off. How long will it be gone? How much will the service cost? What else should I expect? So, in an effort to help anyone else with these questions, I'll describe my experience in some detail.

First, am I satisfied with my experience? In brief, yes. I got everything I expected, basically in the manner that I expected. I now feel that my M9 is as good as new, in fact certified so.

Here's a brief timeline of what transpired:

December 26, 2013 - I packed the M9 up in its original packaging, and shipped it off to Allendale, New Jersey, via Fedex Ground (I live in Virginia, so it's a relatively short distance).

December 30, 2013 - delivery exception. I didn't anticipate it, but Leica Service was closed the entire week between Christmas and New Years.

January 2, 2014 - the M9 is delivered to Leica Service USA.

January 13, 2014 - having not heard anything, I send an email query to get the status of my estimate.

January 14, 2014 - I receive a prompt, very polite response and estimate ($475). This is probably a minimum, as my camera was working just fine and only needs routine service and cleaning.

January 15, 2014 - I call Leica Service USA to give them my credit card number and authorize service. I am informed that service would take 3-4 weeks from this point.

February 7, 2014 - Leica ships the M9 back to me via UPS.

February 11, 2014 - I receive the camera back, in great condition.

A few questions I had during the process:

1. If I hadn't inquired on January 13, how long would it have been before I received an estimate? No way to tell.
   
2. Would they automatically process my 15% service discount for being a member of LHSA (International Leica Society)? Answer: Since this is a relatively new program, they didn't seem to know right away what I was talking about. However, the discount was applied correctly. Note that this is a major benefit of being an LHSA member, and even with a minimal service order price, the discount compensated for my LHSA membership for a full year.

(Click Here) to explore and join LHSA.

Other things to note?

I was informed that the covering on my M9 would be replaced with a different material, as the original is no longer available. I was a little concerned about this, especially since I use the accessory M9 grip, whose covering matched the original camera covering. Not to worry, the new covering is better in my opinion, and looks just fine with the original grip covering.

I feel quite comfortable with the experience overall, and will not hesitate to use Leica Service USA in the future. My camera is clean, certified in 100% good operating order, and ready to go!

Thanks, Leica Service USA!

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My Leica M9 Goes Home to Leica US Service For a Checkup

Image Source: http://us.leica-camera.com/service/service_and_repair/

Happy 2014! I'm Glad You're Here at DMC-365!

Well, 2013 was a great year for me and for my blog. Readership has steadily increased over the year, and I've really enjoyed the Whole Lotta Leica and Skeletons From The Closet series I did throughout the year.

My Leica M9 has been integral to the WLL project, and deserves a nice cleaning and check-up, even though it's performing like new. So, off it went yesterday in its original packaging to the Leica Service Department in New Jersey.

(Click Here) to find Leica US's Service page.

And here's another great reason to join the LHSA (International Leica Society) - 15% off on Leica service! I'm sure that will more than pay for the price of membership for this year. LHSA offers an excellent quarterly magazine (available in hard copy or electronic versions), a nice Google+ page, national and local events, and much more.

(Click Here) to go to the LHSA and join!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Another Ricohflex TLR!

My New Ricohflex

 

My Mom sent me a couple of old cameras. The first is this Ricohflex (Dia L, I believe). I really have a soft spot for TLRs. This Ricoh has a light meter built in, and is more advanced than my other Ricohflex (Super). The shutter works but is a little sluggish. The lenses apperar to be in great shape.

 

I have emailed Mark Hansen (ClassicCamera@comcast.net) for an estimate on service. I've since removed the rear element from the lens of this camera, applied a very small amount of lighter fluid, and gotten the shutter back to normal. I also cleaned the lenses. It's ready to go, at no additional cost.

 

This may be a future Skeletons From The Closet camera!

 

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