[Leica] New to Group

[fkh1950 at frontiernet.net (Fred Holzapfel)]

Hello,

 

I've been lurking around on the fringes since before Christmas.  I had not
put my old 35mm gear to use in quite some time.  Watching the work all you
folks keep sharing, especially the 2006 annual, (which resides in a
prominent spot in my living room) inspired me to work back into the old
hobby.

 

I'm a 57 year old, life long Minnesota resident.  My Leica background
consists of a IIIC/50 mm Summar 2/50mm lens that my father took over seas
during WWII and gave to me in High School.  Many rolls of B & W went through
the camera as I submitted pictures for three years of year books as well as
the weekly school newspaper.  In 1968, summer after graduation I picked up a
used IIIf with red dial and an electronic flash.  I used it the next three
years until dropping out of college and entering into the work force.   Used
them both off and on for a few years and finally put them on the shelf since
time needed to go else where.  Just before Christmas they both went to DAG
for CLA.  I got the estimate today.  I can't believe how reasonable it is
and even more so that equipment this old can be repaired, cleaned and made
fully functional again.  Both were stiff and the IIIf shutter would not
fire.  From all I hear I expect to find them working better than they did in
1968.    

 

My questions are probably too simple and straight forward, but I'll enjoy
your comments and look forward to advice and critical advice as I start to
shoot and post to with you.  

 

What is the suggested B & W film of choice today for general photography?  I
use to use Tri-X and develop with D-76 or Rodenal (I think).  Today, I'll
just take it to the local Lab, not a Kodak kiosk or drug store.  We have a
number of excellent labs in the Twin Cities that will develop, print and put
the photos on DVD/CD.   Any thoughts you will advise about lab work and /or
DVD VS CD for the developed photos?

 

Lastly, my wife presented me with a V-Lux 3, Digital this week as a birthday
present.  What advice would you give to starting this move into digital
photography?  Any suggested first steps, besides, just take pictures?  

 

Thanks.  I'm looking forward to getting the old stuff back and learning the
new media tools.

 

Fred Holzapfel