Anybody want some Scala?

Since I've added the Leica M4-2 to my collection, I've been trying to dig up some film I've kept around even after I switched to digital. I've got rolls of Kodak Technical Pan, AGFAChrome 1000 RS and AGFA Scala among other things.

So I dropped a roll of Scala in and started shooting. I had somehow forgotten that Scala required special processing and was not your standard E-6 slide film. After doing a little research on the internets, I discovered that not only had a lot of labs stopped processing Scala films, AGFA had gone bankrupt! Gah!!! Yes, I've been living under a rock. So far I've found that there's pretty much only a couple of companies that process Scala film -- Main Photo in Santa Ana, CA and dr5-chrome labs in Denver, CO.

I'm contemplating shooting the rest of the Scala roll off and then dropping in another roll of B&W negative film but I'm still thinking about just ditching the rest of the roll of Scala and moving on.

Latest Acquisition

Well, there's actually nothing new about this acquisition since it happened back in November or so, but I finally got my hands on a Leica M series camera, specifically the Leica M4-2. It's basically one of the least expensive Ms you can get.

I also picked up a Leitz Summaron 35mm f/2.8 lens (chrome) for it. The camera itself is in BEAUTIFUL condition. It's a totally old-school camera -- all manual, rangefinder focusing, no light meter, and *gasp* it uses FILM!!

So why Leica? Leica (or Leitz Cameras) were the inventors of the 35mm camera. They've become known for their excellence in optics and precision mechanics in their cameras. They would be considered the Rolls-Royce or Bentleys of the camera world. Part brand, part craftmanship, part hype.

I took my very first photos with that camera on a business trip to NYC and posted them here.

Latest Acquisition

A Leica R4...though I am eyeing a Leica M3 or M4.