Rolleiflex, Summilux or M3?
Just like most hobbyist photographers, I suffer from a nasty condition known as G.A.S or “Gear acquisition syndrome”. You could argue that photography is as much about the process of taking photos as it is about the finished result, so using gear that I find inspiring, is important to me.
After saving up for many years I was finally able to purchase my dream camera a couple of years ago - the Leica M10. I have already created many happy memories and lovely photographs with my Leica and still relish going out shooting with it. This does not stop the thoughts of trying other camera systems out though. I am regularly tempted by a YouTube video or a nice photo I see online, to try something new and see what results I can get. There are so many cameras I would love to try but these ideas are at direct odds with my desire for a simple one camera, one lens life.
As we are now coming into summertime, I am starting to think about my big purchase for 2024 and what it could be. My thoughts and opinions often change but luckily for my wallet, I am not a very impulsive person. Over these last few months, off the top of my head, the cameras I have thought about buying are: Leica Q, Hasselblad 500C/M, Leica Sofort 2, Fuji X Pro, Sony A7 III, Leica T, Rollei 35, Leica M9, and Olympus OM1.
These camera obsessions come and go but there are three items that remain constant objects of desire for one reason or another. Two camera’s and one lens. All of them with the chance that they won’t live up to the hype and image I have built up in my head after so much research but all three that, hopefully, when I’m lucky enough to own them, I’ll create many memories with and hold onto for many years.
The only question is, which should I go for first?
Rolleiflex 3.5F
The Rolleiflex TLR. An iconic camera that many people will recognise. The huge 6x6 negative that come out of this thing, combined with the amazing Zeiss optics, produce such high-quality photographs in the right light. The shooting experience will be the biggest difference to what I’m used to - surely similar to getting used to a rangefinder after using a DSLR - and will hopefully train my creative eye in new ways. And just look at it - is this the most beautiful camera ever made? Surely a contender. I would love to own something of real quality that was made in the 1950’s or 1960’s that still works flawlessly today, I think the Rolleiflex could be it. My dream is to pick up a perfect condition 3.5F model and use it to capture classic car shows in the summer and street portraits in the winter.
Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH
The 50mm ‘Lux is a lens I have lusted after for many years. As a predominantly 50mm shooter, the combination of the world class optics, small size, fast aperture and attractive design, make the Summilux seem like the ultimate lens for me. I’ve also recently been drawn to its unique flare that can really make an image stand out when used correctly. This particular model - the aspherical version 1 - was made from 2004 until 2023 when it was replaced by the new (in my opinion inferior) version. Just vintage enough to be interesting but modern enough to stand up with any lens made today and produce better images.
When I first got my M10, I paired it with the Chinese knockoff of this lens, the TTArtisan 50mm f1.4. Though I am fond of the images I was able to capture with that lens, the size and weight always put me off carrying it and, to me, it looks so ugly on the front of such a beautiful camera. I really do love my 50mm Summicron but until I try it, I am always going to wonder if the Summilux is the perfect companion to an M for me.
Leica M3
The legendary Leica M3. One of the world’s most famous cameras. Responsible for many of history’s most famous photographs and is still renowned for its build quality, innovations it brought to the camera world and smooth and simple user experience. To own an M3 would mean owning a piece of history and to find out for myself if it really is the pinnacle of Leica rangefinders. This year marks the M3’s 70th birthday in 1954 so what better time to pick one up, while they are still being serviced and while prices still have not gone stratospheric! I’d pair it with my 50mm Summicron and roam the streets like Henri Cartier-Bresson, keeping both eyes open and composing shots through its gorgeous 0.91 rangefinder.
I really do want to add all three of these items to my camera cabinet but for now I’m thinking about what will get used the most, what will give me the biggest difference to what I shoot with currently and what I will be able to produce the nicest images with.
It might be a case of which one I come across for a good deal/good condition first.
Currently though, I’m leaning towards the Rolleifllex.
