by Johnny Martyr Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to use their aged or damaged Leica equipment... In 2019, I posted the aptly titled 2019 Leica Repair Tech List. Since then, I've dealt with some other techs and a few shops, sadly, have closed their doors. So here's an updated list for the new year,... Continue Reading →
I thought it might be useful to do a blog about a lens that I just sold on eBay this week. It was a Nikkor 135mm 2.8 AIS that I'd owned and used fairly sparingly for probably around 15 years. It was a useful lens but nothing I was ever in love with, hence the... Continue Reading →
In November of 2021, with work picking up again from the COVID lockdowns, I decided to pay a visit to my local camera repair shop and get a few things things back in order. I took my Nikon 35mm 1.4 AIS and 105mm 1.8 AIS in for service and was inspired to write an article... Continue Reading →
Mailing out cameras and lenses for maintenance can a harrowing experience. On one hand, I'm excited to get equipment back to 100% but on the other, I get so nervous about loss or damage in the mail. Or just plain bad news from the repairer. And then, of course, I can't keep using the camera... Continue Reading →
If you currently own or are interesting in buying a Nikon FM2n, you'll want to know about the three common issues that I've found with these cameras. As previously noted, I'm a big fan of the Nikon FM2n. I've owned five and have whittled down to just two black FM2n's. I've been shooting on them... Continue Reading →
One day, you feel inspired to take some photos with your trusty old K1000. That old camera never lets you down! You open that cool, old case you've been lovingly storing your Pentax gear in, load some film and head out the door filled with high spirits. But when you uncap the lens and look... Continue Reading →
UPDATE: on January 8th 2023 at 4pm EST my NEW Leica Repair Tech List will go live. Please be sure to get the current-most information! When I was visiting New York City this past year, to photograph MY LIFE WITH THE THRILL KILL KULT, I accidentally damaged my 1930 Leica. I stopped by The Leica... Continue Reading →
Let me begin by admitting that I'm sick and tired of film photographers telling other film photographers not to worry about their light seals because they're not necessary. This is complete and total bullshit and the inspiration for this post. There's nothing more infuriating in the world of film, for me, than the spread of misinformation.... Continue Reading →
A while back, I dropped my Leica M6 TTL on concrete. The camera was fine but it's full weight came square down onto the Voigtlander 50mm 1.5 Nokton ASPH that had been my go-to 50mm for years. The focus ring became very tight from the impact. Because I'd had this lens rebuilt once before and... Continue Reading →
Early Leica rangefinders were so small that focusing their tiny lenses with the conventional thumb and forefinger method was cumbersome. So Leica came up with a simple, elegant solution, as Leica often does; a focus knob. Many classic rangefinder lenses have a focus knob to aid in speedy, accurate focusing. The focus knob allows for... Continue Reading →
The Thoughts & Photography of Johnny Martyr 