Joffre Lakes Trail #2

Another view of the creek that exits Upper Joffre Lake, July 2011

Joffre Lakes Trail #1

On the trail between the second and third Joffre Lakes, July 2011.

Nairn Falls #2

Nairn Falls, July 2011

Nairn Falls #1

Nairn Falls, July 2011.

Along the trail to Nairn Falls

Nairn Falls area, July, 2011

Hornby Island #21

Hornby Island, June 2011, I think this is the last of my Hornby Island images.

Hornby Island #20

I made this picture of reflective pools of water on Hornby Island this past June not far from where I was camping at Ford's Cove, located on the south-east side of the Island along Lambert channel. I took advantage of the low tide which happen to occur during the early morning, even thought it was somewhat cloudy, I didn't mind the clouds at all for my style of work. The reflections remind me of this time of year when I hope everyone has quiet and peaceful holiday season.

Leica III gets a Thumbs Up ( Part 3 )

Here is the completed project, I got my nickel plated CSEP-2 Thumbs Up back from Specialty Plating yesterday and I must say that they did a great job, people that I have shown it to say it looks like it's an orginal part of the camera, if you like what you see please send an email to Tim of Match Technical Services and let him know.

Leica III gets a Thumbs Up ( Part 2 )

Here is the Thumbs Up ( model CSEP-2 ) that has been stripped of paint and is all "brassy" I am now waiting to get it nickel plated. The platers tell me that it should be ready by January 16th, 2011.

Leica III gets a Thumbs Up ( Part 1 )

My Thumbs Up ( model TU-CSEP-2 ) arrived in the mail today. This model is made for the Leica X1 but I am planning to use it on my 1936 Leica III film camera, it fits just fine and I feel it really adds to the handling of the camera, I wouldn't want to be with out it. Although it looks nice in the black finish ( and comes in gray too ) I have a special little project for this one, as I am going to have it nickel plated, when I get it done I will post some more pictures. First IN have to get the paint stripped off…..

Hornby Island #19

I am back to posting my black and white images for the next while, this is Hornby Island, I visited the island for a couple days earlier this year in June, I felt I made a lot of good images while there. Now I have a large back log of scanning to do, my scanner needed repairs as it was not focusing properly, that has now been fixed and I will chip away at my stack of 4 x 5 negatives that need scanning, I am looking forward to seeing them, I will post here and on my facebook page, the website will be updated early next year.

1936 Leica III: Shelf Queen or User ?

So what would you do with this camera ?

Although its not a particularly rare camera in anyway, it's just your usual run of the mill 1930's Leica, no gold plating on this one ! it's also not "brand new" like out of the box nor do I have the original box, but others have said it is in beautiful shape for its age, comments I have have received are "It looks like it came out of a time capsule". it shows some very minor wear here and there. I have had it recently CLA'd so it operates as good as it looks.

I recently picked up the little Leica III with nickel finish including the 50mm Summar lens and leather case, also included was a import card with serial numbers for both the lens and camera body from E. Leitz, London England dated 1936. I don't know a whole lot about the history of the camera, I bought it at a used camera store and was told that the camera had been brought in by the granddaughter of the original owner. I am intrigued to know who owned it and how did he keep in such good condition all these years? I was not looking for a shelf queen when I bought it, as I would rather put it to good use and make pictures with it but it was just so enticing and beautiful so I bought it. The little Leica is really a joy to use, despite using 1930's technology, I have had fun using it.

A good friend commented, that life is too short, that I should just use it and enjoy it. In my mind cameras are made to be used, although I can see why people want to collect them and put them behind a glass case or on the shelf, especially a beautifully built camera like the Leica or other well engineered cameras of the 20th century. Before I got the camera serviced I asked if I should have it worked on as some might think that it would have diminished value, in its "original" condition. The answer was pretty clear, get the camera serviced and use it. Someone suggested though that I should use it sparingly, do not use it daily because wearing off the finish does diminish "value". I thought that was an interesting answer, but then the question arises, so just how much do I use it ?, I would like to carry it around with me on a regular basis but then there is more of a chance of wearing off the nice finish.

No sense in leaving it at home I say, where it would get the most amount of protection, I may as well use and see what kind of pictures I can create with, as the saying goes your best pictures are the ones that come from the camera that you have with you.