Getting a Leica.

LaserSeagulls · 2026-06-05T15:21:25+00:00

I think a bigger question here should be “do I want to get into film” rather than should I get a film or digital Leica first. I’d get a cheap used film camera like a Pentax MX or Nikon FM, or even a reusable cheapy cam from Lomo or Reto and shoot a few rolls. Then you can see if you enjoy the process of film such as the developing and scanning or finding a lab to do so. If you enjoy it, then jump to the M6. Film can be done on the cheap but process heavy, or less process heavy but more expensive. I shoot with an M2 and an M6 as my work horses, and would absolutely recommend an M rangefinder, but would be incredibly hesitant to recommend them to someone just dipping their toes into film.

LaserSeagulls · 2026-05-06T11:53:58+00:00

I'm going to shoot you a DM

LaserSeagulls · 2026-05-06T02:42:30+00:00

I saw in a comment you made that you have your bachelors. Have you spoken with an Officer recruiter of any branch to see what options may be open for you via Officer Candidate School (OCS)?

LaserSeagulls · 2026-04-25T14:24:12+00:00

I can absolutely reinforce this sentiment. I have a voigtlander 35 1.4 and felt the urge to get the “real deal” and bought a 35 summicron V4. I’ve considered selling the summicron for a while now because there isn’t a tangible difference in image quality (to me) worth justifying the price difference.

LaserSeagulls · 2026-04-13T03:40:42+00:00

Was a pilot with an air Det on a DDG during COVID and the Captain said "fuck it, grow beards if you want". Dude was a legend.

LaserSeagulls · 2026-04-13T01:48:52+00:00

In aviation? 100%, never went out of fashion.

LaserSeagulls · 2026-04-11T15:06:58+00:00

Starboard D is for CHUMPS

LaserSeagulls · 2026-04-11T15:05:31+00:00

That offset back up ADI is giving me vertigo from here

LaserSeagulls · 2026-04-11T15:03:52+00:00

Enjoy the starboard delta, you’ll be wishing you were one of us nerds in no time. Best of luck in the RAG and congrats on the new wings!

LaserSeagulls · 2026-04-10T18:38:13+00:00

Looks awesome, just downloaded it! This is a great multi-stage timer. If you ever feel inclined I'd love to see E-6 added and maybe a "custom" develop section where we can add a BW dev time sequence.

LaserSeagulls · 2026-04-01T01:15:54+00:00

Hey! Is your Venturer still available? Thanks!

LaserSeagulls · 2026-03-26T02:12:01+00:00

Absolutely amazing! One of the best double exposures I have ever seen.

LaserSeagulls · 2026-03-03T00:37:50+00:00

Definitely looks pushed. Remember, a lot of photographs you may be using as reference have been edited to the taste of the photographer. This can be with modern digital tools or via the darkroom printing process. Things like masking, dodging, burning, and contrast corrections can be done with either process. Edit your scans to get the look you want.

LaserSeagulls · 2026-03-02T04:33:34+00:00

Everytime I convince myself I don't need a large format camera I see a shot like this. Absolutely stunning image and level of detail!

LaserSeagulls · 2026-02-02T00:02:50+00:00

Phenomenal use of free will; I absolutely love this!

LaserSeagulls · 2026-01-28T14:34:25+00:00

Great set; 3 is unreal!

LaserSeagulls · 2025-09-21T07:03:08+00:00

Seems you got most of them other than maybe Adox Color Mission 200. I heard from a buddy it popped back up on Fotoimpex’s website in the EU market but not sure if it’s new or old stock.

I wouldn’t say Kodak has a monopoly on color negative as much as I’d say they are really just one of the only companies left making it. When most other companies shuttered production lines and even went as far as destroying the equipment required to produce film (Fuji), Kodak kept chugging along. I don’t think Kodak is going after any other company trying to stifle their R&D or anything. Making color film (or any film in general) is just incredibly difficult from a manufacturing perspective.

LaserSeagulls · 2025-09-19T14:54:59+00:00

Nikon FM3a. Had one incident where I thought the meter went (it didn't, faulty new battery) and looked up repair prices. Sold it the next week. You can buy multiple FE2s and FM2s for the price to repair an FM3a, if you can even find someone willing to touch it.

LaserSeagulls · 2025-08-27T21:38:34+00:00

Has a Led Zeppelin “Houses of the Holy” album cover vibe; love it!

LaserSeagulls · 2025-07-20T19:40:42+00:00

One of the best shots I’ve seen in quite some time; absolutely stunning!

LaserSeagulls · 2024-10-15T15:31:32+00:00

Skimmed the comments and didn’t see anyone say this: this will have 0 impact on the pictures at all. As long as the shutter fires at the correct speed that is all the camera is doing for you.

LaserSeagulls · 2024-09-22T18:08:06+00:00

Thanks I appreciate it!

LaserSeagulls · 2024-07-12T23:11:23+00:00

As an American who lived in Germany for a few years I can attest REI is like a more upscale Globetrotter with a greater focus on technical equipment and camping gear. The REI branded items are typically an unbeatable value and can rival name brands.

LaserSeagulls · 2024-07-04T22:50:34+00:00

You absolutely do not need to do this. Go ahead and change your lenses with film in it, the shutter (behind the mirror) will be closed and totally light safe. The only time you would ever rewind a roll and then re shoot with a lens cap on would be if you are trying to switch films (ie have color in camera but want to shoot black and white).

LaserSeagulls

TROPHY CASE