Leica M Series 35mm Film Cameras

35mm Leica M Series Cameras

Leica M series cameras were first introduced in 1954, and apart from the addition of Leica M Series Digital Cameras, the basic concept of the original film camera hasn't changed. These cameras are finely crafted and robust. Leica 35mm film cameras feature a unique bayonet lens mount coupled to the rangefinder, an optical viewfinder, and the ability to accept all M type lenses.

Characteristics of Leica Rangefinder Cameras

Rangefinder cameras have a cam-operated prism that superimposes a double image in the optical viewfinder. With the camera pointed at the subject, turn the lens focus ring until the two images are in perfect alignment, at which point the lens is in focus. Viewfinders on Leica film cameras are bright, and the lens image area shows by horizontal and vertical bright-line frames. These automatically adjust for parallax so you always see exactly what the lens sees even though the viewfinder isn't in line with the lens. Film cameras are manual, with the focus, shutter speed, and aperture all set by hand. Built-in light meters are available on some, but not all models.

Lens Selection

Leica film cameras are compatible with the full range of Leica M Series lenses. With the exception of ultra wide-angle lenses, the viewfinder automatically selects the image field lines to match the lens. Separate clip-on viewfinders are available for lenses wider than 28mm. As a composition aid, it's possible to manually activate the image field lines for lenses of different focal lengths. The full range of Leica M series lens accessories includes filters, close-up lenses, and lens hoods.

Choosing Film for Leica 35mm Cameras

The revival in film photography means there's a wide range of 35mm film available from companies such as Agfa, Kodak, Fuji, and Ilford. Film cassettes have 24 or 36 exposures, and film types include:

• Color negative
• Color positive (slides)
• Black and white negative

Film speeds range from 20 ASA (ISO) right up to 3200 ASA. Low ASA film has excellent grain and color, while faster film is better for action and low-light photography.

Accessories for Leica M Cameras

Customize your camera with leather protectors, cases, carry handles, and straps. Useful Leica M series camera accessories include viewfinder diopter correction lenses and viewfinder magnifiers that enlarge the viewfinder image when using long focal length lenses.

Enjoy the sheer pleasure of taking photographs with Leica 35 mm film cameras from B&H Photo and Video.