Topic: I should know this but don't...

[gregor]

I've been shooting 35mm on and off for the past several months, something I haven't done for years. I've been trying out a friend's leica M3, to see if I want to buy it, but it's out of my immediate price range.

I do have a canonet ql17 giii. Since I prefer manual mode, the question is: with no battery can I ignore the ISO setting entirely and shoot 1600 & 3200? That would make that camera a decent carry around!

Skorj? Read your review but wasn't entirel clear on this. Online resources haven't given me an answer, and most all mention the 800 ISO limitation...

[mijonju]

I have a Giii

yes you can use it manually, the shutter speed and aperture all manual, but you have to calculate the speed in your head or a light meter
hope this clears it

[choppert]

Sell a kidney.
Get the Leica 

[gregor]

Light meters I have plenty of - so good news to 100% manual mode on the canonet.

Indeed, sell a kidney. I'm probably going to sell my hassy since I'm none too short of pro 6x6 cameras.... We'll see how it all plays out.

[K. Praslowicz]

Yup. Pick your ISO shoot happily in manual mode. I used my G-III for a few years and never once even put batteries into the thing. after the first one went dead.

[gregor]

looks like it will be a somewhat tattered but mechanically sound M2 w/50MM f2 Summicron for half the price of the M3.  I'm happy....

[Skorj]

Correct! The Canonet, works in full manual. Selecting shutter speed and aperture with the two rings in accordance with any metering - machine or guestimated.

There is no need to touch anything on the ISO setting as this only effects the meter sensitivity, which is not active without a battery. It is the Canonet's electronics that are ISO limited to 800, and not the lens or shutter, thus you can shoot ISO3200 with appropriate manual settings.

I would start with the Canonet, and enjoy its near perfect configuration, before moving onto an interchangeable lens RF. As I did.

For the money though, the Canonet will give you near Leica performance for nothing like the price. Bessa too are near as good...

Results regardless please! See ya. Skj.

[choppert]

looks like it will be a somewhat tattered but mechanically sound M2 w/50MM f2 Summicron for half the price of the M3.  I'm happy....

I've got an old 50mm 'cron whose barrel looks muchos tatty.  And it's absolutely bloody wonderful!  My desert island lens!

Do it!
Do it!
Do it!

[gregor]

I would start with the Canonet, and enjoy its near perfect configuration, before moving onto an interchangeable lens RF. As I did.

This is my 2nd Canonet and the switch from MF to 35 was at first odd - never happy with the results.  Now it (35mm) is starting to make sense from a compositional point of view. I'll grab the M2 and keep use the Canonet for an everyday carry around !  The fully manual mode is a big plus.

Thanks!

[gregor]

went with the M3 & a 50mm 1/1.5 summarit.  just a quick test roll shot..... scan from proof sheet.

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