AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

I never could afford a Leica as a student, although the person who really taught me to shoot black and white had a couple of M4s. He guided me and I purchased two Canon Rangefinder bodies, a VIT with the trigger advance and a 7 and Canon ltm lenses except a Nikkor 50/1.4. Learned to shoot during critical period of time, from 1968-1972, and now I have a collection of my images at UC-Santa Barbara and they are all over this new Chicano Latino museum that just opened up in Seattle a few weeks ago. The Canon cameras were fabulous, the last of the competitors with Leica. I am on Pinterest and many of the Leica images have the Canon 0.95 or 1.2 lenses on Leica bodies. I never liked the Leica film loader, "faster" only being relative to other Leica bodies.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

A bit of nostalgia for those interested in Leica gear. An old post from not long after I joined UHH I think.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-131231-1.html

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

I do have to agree with you on the darkroom stuff. It's a lot more fun to site in my easy chair working on my laptop, and I can accomplish much more in Lightroom than I could in a darkroom.

That's why I've gone to a hybrid workflow. I get the pleasure of taking photos with that beautiful old film gear, but with the convenience and speed of my digital darkroom. Maybe you should pull out some of those beautiful old machines and give it a try?

Andy

MichaelMcGrath Loc: Ireland

Yes, just like Hasselblad slapped their name and grips on a series of Sony's and charged treble for them!

Lexartiste

Even though I enjoy the extra detail and sharpness of my Leica Q2 and Sony A7r4, I feel the Ektar film shots from the M2 have an emotional impact that digital can not match. It is like a vinyl record compared to an mp3. Analog is smoother and more natural. Find a good used M2 and enjoy

BHamp00 Loc: Las Vegas

I picked up a Leica CL about a year ago with the 18-56mm f3.5-5.6 and the 23mm f2 lenses and enjoy its simplicity. I have a Sony A7R3, A7M3, and several A6xxx's with a couple dozen lenses when I want complexity. I could have added an A9 and another GM lens for the cost of the CL and its lenses but became obsessed with having a Leica although not an M something. Do whatever makes you feel good.

wweary

Don't forget late model screw mounts!

MichaelMcGrath Loc: Ireland

Yes and I use the old Agfa Rondinax daylight developing tanks that have no need at all for a darkroom, unless you want to print under an enlarger. I just sit as I rotate the tank and look at TV. I don't know what anybody has against film development, it's so easy, and essential for the best black and white that beats digital by an Irish mile.