The five images herewith are from my last shoots with the Leica M7, before I sold it. Leica, and rangefinders in general are typically associated with reportage and street photography. So to some it may have appeared an odd choice of tool for portrait work. Rangefinders do have many practical advantages being smaller, quieter and less inconspicuous/intimidating. They allow you to see beyond the frame lines assisting with compositing drawing you into the scene. More importantly than all of aforementioned however – I enjoy shooting with a rangefinder. Hopefully this came across to my subjects putting them at ease, that and feeding them vast quantities of cake – who doesn’t like cake after all?
If you’re thinking about purchasing an M7 don’t let those who insist a mechanical Leica is the only option sway you. The M7 was a delight for the few years I owned it. Like all analogue Leica’s it can be shot in full manual yet with the added advantage of AE for when the mood takes you. My only one criticism of the camera is the plastic ISO dial situation on the back, which quite frankly feels a little bit rubbish even if it did do the job. Did I ever run out of battery? Not once. Although I admit I always did carry spares.
Will I miss the M7? Well I guess that will depend on how I fair with its replacement. All images here were shot with a 50mm Summilux Aspherical on Portra 400 film.
You can find my latest work and credits to the models, agencies, and MUAs on my Instagram – here
Or alternatively on my website – here
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Comments
Alex Hakimi on 5 Frames With a Leica M7 – by Adam Laws
Comment posted: 07/02/2018
Great shots! Particularly nos. 1, 2, and 4.
Comment posted: 07/02/2018
Alex Hakimi on 5 Frames With a Leica M7 – by Adam Laws
Comment posted: 07/02/2018
As long as we're discussing Leitz/Leica glass, here are my top 5 lenses:
1. 50 Summicron V1 (collapsible) (for BW)
2. 35 Summicron V2 (pre-asph) (for Color or BW)
3. 35 Summilux V2 (pre-asph) (for BW)
4. 50 Summilux V2 (pre-asph) (for Color)
5. 35 Summaron V2 (f/3.5) (for BW)
I think you'll find yourself coming back to the M system. There are so many unique and wonderful things about shooting it.
Comment posted: 07/02/2018
David on 5 Frames With a Leica M7 – by Adam Laws
Comment posted: 07/02/2018
Comment posted: 07/02/2018
jeremy north on 5 Frames With a Leica M7 – by Adam Laws
Comment posted: 09/02/2018
Just a comment on your opening paragraph, I think you meant to say less conspicuous not what you wrote.
I like the picture at the head of this post, those Kodak film cans are lovely, I must look for some. Also the Contax special edition, you must put up a post about it.
Comment posted: 09/02/2018
Karl Valentin on 5 Frames With a Leica M7 – by Adam Laws
Comment posted: 15/02/2018
but the Black & White male character portraits on your homepage are just outstanding !
Comment posted: 15/02/2018
theo vervloet on 5 Frames With a Leica M7 – by Adam Laws
Comment posted: 26/04/2020
. Would like to could have the same results. Congratulations.