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Another film shooter here. I shoot film about 99% of the time. I only shoot digital when a client requests it or when I need instant turnaround, as is the case for the product photography I do for my wine & spirits shop for example.
I use B&W in my M3 exclusively and I rotate C41/B&W/E6 in my M6 but mainly it's Fuji Pro 400H, Superia or Ektar. For B&W I use a lot of Tri-X of course, all the Ilford films, some of the slow Rollei super-high-res stuff and lately, Arista Premium because I got it so dang cheap from Freestyle Photo. Devs I use are D-76, Ilford stuff again and with the Rollei stock, the SPUR Acurol-N developer per Mr. Puts' recommendation. I'd already used some of the other SPUR devs but Acurol-N is a noticeable improvement over their other offerings. I used to roll my own but once I found that bunch of Arista Premium for about $2/roll, it's no longer the cheaper option.
I've always had a film camera of some kind. I learned properly on the F2 and later, the F4. I continue to shoot film for many reasons but mainly because of the results and the pleasure I have in shooting it. The challenges are part of that pleasure. I suppose since I grew up with film cameras I have no anxiety over having instant feedback. Sure, I still bracket and take safety shots but I enjoy a certain confidence in pre-visualizing, executing and moving on without any coulda, woulda, shoulda. I certainly recognize the convenience and place for digital but I prefer taking the more “difficult” path, content in knowing how much work goes into making my images and cherishing all its unspoken rewards.
Every 50 Leica has made is special in my opinion but the Lux ASPH stands out for me because it's such an amazing performer in so many different situations. It's got the speed for low light. It has amazing sharpness. It is very well corrected and it has delicious bokeh. The pre-ASPH Luxes are also wonderful, with amazing bokeh and character, but the ASPH pulls off next-level sharpness and pop at every aperture.
The rigid and dual-range Summicrons are very close behind. They require no introduction. They were the resolution benchmark for decades. They possess unparalleled build quality, they have great character and bokeh, and after all, they built some massive pillars that Leica stands upon to this day. Sure, the new lenses are superb but my rigid Summicron and M3 are my favorite pair of jeans, my chicken soup. Never mind the analogies about it being an extension of yourself. Some things they just got right the first time and the M3/Summicron combo is one of them!
