lencap
Established
Greetings!
I'm reintroducing myself to the joys of 35mm film photography after a lapse of many years as, like many, I journeyed down the digital path. This isn't a post about digital versus film, but rather a post about the "journey" and the "bigger picture", something that is critically important to me as it's so easy to waste time and effort without knowledge or a plan.
The purpose of this post is to acknowledge the help that an experienced gentleman provided me, Ken Hansen, which gave me the opportunity to reenter film photography, a step that I may not have taken without his help.
I am an official "senior citizen", and have the luxury of thinking about what it was about photography that has kept my interest over many decades? While I'd love to say it was my skill at capturing images in my mind and translating them to photographs, that's not it. It has been the "Zen" of doing something so engrossing and enjoyable that I was able to fully engage in the present moment and be fully content right where I was.
I've realized that for me those moments came most frequently with film photography. I'm not an accomplished photographer, but I enjoy the rangefinder experience in general, and further enjoyed using Leica gear. It's been several years since I owned a rangefinder camera and I wasn't sure if the expense or effort were worth the energy. Despite my reservations I decided to retry film - a media that I enjoyed for many years in the past.
With that in mind recently began my search for my "last" film camera. I have a perfectly useful Nikon F3 HP, but as nice as that camera is, I didn't bond with it. I missed my Hasselblad and Leica film gear from years ago. At my age and skill level I thought it best to use the 35mm format, even though I love holding Hasselblad negatives, because there is more opportunity for me to use 35mm gear on most occasions.
As I was browsing eBay I came across what was advertised as an "as new" Leica M-A along with a new 35mm Summarit f/2.4 lens. I became interested in the ad and realized that the seller was Ken Hansen, someone whose name I've read many times on this and other forums. A quick search convinced me to contact him, and I'm glad I did.
Ken was very generous with his time and knowledge, patiently answering my question about his eBay items in particular, and film in general. Without any pressure at all he invited me to take my time and decide if the M-A was "the one". Turns out - it was, and I completed the auction after speaking with him and bought the M-A and lens combo.
The transaction was simple, quick and enjoyable. The camera arrived in two days, with full tracking info, and if anything it's in even better condition than Ken described. It looks to be new in every way. The price was very fair, and Ken's expertise, patience and friendliness were above and beyond my expectations.
My points are twofold: (1) If you are thinking about photography and you're not sure if this "is the right time", there may never be the exact "right time", and all that's gained by waiting for it is lost opportunity; and (2) if you do want to ignite what had been a past photography passion, or at least an enjoyable hobby, the pathway that made that possible for me involved working with a true gentleman, skilled and knowledgeable about photography, but also gracious in his time and love of photography to rekindle my passion and guide me to the right gear. For me, I found that with all the information and misinformation on the net having such a guide is invaluable.
Whether I succeed in creating "the photograph" isn't the point, nor is the price of what I bought ultimately the key to happiness. For me it's the knowledge that by dealing with a professional from the start I have the confidence that I'm on the right path with the right tools - and for me that's far more important to long term success and contentment. You may find that it's also true for you.
My thanks to Ken, and to this forum for all of the information and support that has now given me the tools I need to take the next steps.
I'm reintroducing myself to the joys of 35mm film photography after a lapse of many years as, like many, I journeyed down the digital path. This isn't a post about digital versus film, but rather a post about the "journey" and the "bigger picture", something that is critically important to me as it's so easy to waste time and effort without knowledge or a plan.
The purpose of this post is to acknowledge the help that an experienced gentleman provided me, Ken Hansen, which gave me the opportunity to reenter film photography, a step that I may not have taken without his help.
I am an official "senior citizen", and have the luxury of thinking about what it was about photography that has kept my interest over many decades? While I'd love to say it was my skill at capturing images in my mind and translating them to photographs, that's not it. It has been the "Zen" of doing something so engrossing and enjoyable that I was able to fully engage in the present moment and be fully content right where I was.
I've realized that for me those moments came most frequently with film photography. I'm not an accomplished photographer, but I enjoy the rangefinder experience in general, and further enjoyed using Leica gear. It's been several years since I owned a rangefinder camera and I wasn't sure if the expense or effort were worth the energy. Despite my reservations I decided to retry film - a media that I enjoyed for many years in the past.
With that in mind recently began my search for my "last" film camera. I have a perfectly useful Nikon F3 HP, but as nice as that camera is, I didn't bond with it. I missed my Hasselblad and Leica film gear from years ago. At my age and skill level I thought it best to use the 35mm format, even though I love holding Hasselblad negatives, because there is more opportunity for me to use 35mm gear on most occasions.
As I was browsing eBay I came across what was advertised as an "as new" Leica M-A along with a new 35mm Summarit f/2.4 lens. I became interested in the ad and realized that the seller was Ken Hansen, someone whose name I've read many times on this and other forums. A quick search convinced me to contact him, and I'm glad I did.
Ken was very generous with his time and knowledge, patiently answering my question about his eBay items in particular, and film in general. Without any pressure at all he invited me to take my time and decide if the M-A was "the one". Turns out - it was, and I completed the auction after speaking with him and bought the M-A and lens combo.
The transaction was simple, quick and enjoyable. The camera arrived in two days, with full tracking info, and if anything it's in even better condition than Ken described. It looks to be new in every way. The price was very fair, and Ken's expertise, patience and friendliness were above and beyond my expectations.
My points are twofold: (1) If you are thinking about photography and you're not sure if this "is the right time", there may never be the exact "right time", and all that's gained by waiting for it is lost opportunity; and (2) if you do want to ignite what had been a past photography passion, or at least an enjoyable hobby, the pathway that made that possible for me involved working with a true gentleman, skilled and knowledgeable about photography, but also gracious in his time and love of photography to rekindle my passion and guide me to the right gear. For me, I found that with all the information and misinformation on the net having such a guide is invaluable.
Whether I succeed in creating "the photograph" isn't the point, nor is the price of what I bought ultimately the key to happiness. For me it's the knowledge that by dealing with a professional from the start I have the confidence that I'm on the right path with the right tools - and for me that's far more important to long term success and contentment. You may find that it's also true for you.
My thanks to Ken, and to this forum for all of the information and support that has now given me the tools I need to take the next steps.
lencap
Established
Ken Hansen - Another Perfect Buying Experience
Ken Hansen - Another Perfect Buying Experience
This is an update to my post of nearly a year ago. After a year's experience I found myself unsure if my Leica M-A needed a "partner". Since I bought the M-A from Ken I found that my "Senior Citizen" eyesight created several problems with missed focus. The camera isn't the problem, it's my eyesight.
I still love the "idea" of film, but I also want a camera that will help me capture what I want to capture, and do so time after time. So, naturally, I emailed Ken. We exchanged some emails (even though he readily provided a phone number to chat with him) as I described what I was trying to accomplish. I was pretty sure that a full size digital M body would serve me well.
But Ken kept asking questions - what subjects do I shoot, what am I trying to accomplish, and more. Simple questions, but asked by a master who not only knows all there is to know about Leica gear, but also knows what it takes to make sure that you wind up with gear that serves your needs, and takes all the time necessary to ensure that you're happy.
To my surprise Ken suggested that the Leica Q would likely be a great match for what I was trying to accomplish. Knowing Ken's expertise from my prior purchase I was very pleased that there was a solution for me, and trusted his judgement totally.
After discussing models and options I decided that I wanted the Leica Q Titanium - a model that isn't made any longer. Ken said that he had one, but that it was being offered to another client first since he had inquired about it before I contacted him. I hoped that the camera would be available for me, but the client knew a great camera when he saw it and bought it. I was disappointed, but realized that Ken's integrity was to honor his word. He offered the camera in good faith to a client, and until that client made up his mind, as far as Ken was concerned, the camera wasn't available for anyone else. Although disappointed, I asked Ken to try to find another one "in mint condition". Knowing Ken I knew that "mint" to him was just what it implies - a perfect camera. Ken said he'd let me know when he found one, and I said that I'd wait as long as it took.
To our mutual surprise, Ken contacted me in about a week, telling me that he found the exact camera I was looking for - a single owner Titanium camera, only a few months old, and "as new" in every way. I didn't hesitate a second and told Ken I'd take it.
Ken, being Ken, sent me the camera immediately - going out of his way to get the camera in the mail that same day, even though I contacted him after 4PM! He made a special trip so that I'd get it before the holiday rush. Amazing.
Even more amazing he never asked for payment, focusing on my needs and trying to do everything he could to get the perfect camera to me ASAP.
My payment arrived over a WEEK after I got the camera. The mail to NYC was delayed with the holidays, but Ken never emailed, called or even mentioned payment. In fact it was only after I asked that he emailed me to let me know that he just got payment, 10 days after my order was placed!
There may be other dealers who provide consistent quality and service to their clients, but for me Ken Hansen is "one in a million". He has a depth of knowledge that I've never found in other Leica specialists, is the most pleasant person I've ever dealt with, and his generosity of time and knowledge is without peer.
Ken doesn't know I'm writing this, nor has he asked for any commentary about our dealings. I just want members of this forum to know that there is still a dealer that values service and relationships above all else.
Ken is "Highly Recommended" in every way!
Ken Hansen - Another Perfect Buying Experience
This is an update to my post of nearly a year ago. After a year's experience I found myself unsure if my Leica M-A needed a "partner". Since I bought the M-A from Ken I found that my "Senior Citizen" eyesight created several problems with missed focus. The camera isn't the problem, it's my eyesight.
I still love the "idea" of film, but I also want a camera that will help me capture what I want to capture, and do so time after time. So, naturally, I emailed Ken. We exchanged some emails (even though he readily provided a phone number to chat with him) as I described what I was trying to accomplish. I was pretty sure that a full size digital M body would serve me well.
But Ken kept asking questions - what subjects do I shoot, what am I trying to accomplish, and more. Simple questions, but asked by a master who not only knows all there is to know about Leica gear, but also knows what it takes to make sure that you wind up with gear that serves your needs, and takes all the time necessary to ensure that you're happy.
To my surprise Ken suggested that the Leica Q would likely be a great match for what I was trying to accomplish. Knowing Ken's expertise from my prior purchase I was very pleased that there was a solution for me, and trusted his judgement totally.
After discussing models and options I decided that I wanted the Leica Q Titanium - a model that isn't made any longer. Ken said that he had one, but that it was being offered to another client first since he had inquired about it before I contacted him. I hoped that the camera would be available for me, but the client knew a great camera when he saw it and bought it. I was disappointed, but realized that Ken's integrity was to honor his word. He offered the camera in good faith to a client, and until that client made up his mind, as far as Ken was concerned, the camera wasn't available for anyone else. Although disappointed, I asked Ken to try to find another one "in mint condition". Knowing Ken I knew that "mint" to him was just what it implies - a perfect camera. Ken said he'd let me know when he found one, and I said that I'd wait as long as it took.
To our mutual surprise, Ken contacted me in about a week, telling me that he found the exact camera I was looking for - a single owner Titanium camera, only a few months old, and "as new" in every way. I didn't hesitate a second and told Ken I'd take it.
Ken, being Ken, sent me the camera immediately - going out of his way to get the camera in the mail that same day, even though I contacted him after 4PM! He made a special trip so that I'd get it before the holiday rush. Amazing.
Even more amazing he never asked for payment, focusing on my needs and trying to do everything he could to get the perfect camera to me ASAP.
My payment arrived over a WEEK after I got the camera. The mail to NYC was delayed with the holidays, but Ken never emailed, called or even mentioned payment. In fact it was only after I asked that he emailed me to let me know that he just got payment, 10 days after my order was placed!
There may be other dealers who provide consistent quality and service to their clients, but for me Ken Hansen is "one in a million". He has a depth of knowledge that I've never found in other Leica specialists, is the most pleasant person I've ever dealt with, and his generosity of time and knowledge is without peer.
Ken doesn't know I'm writing this, nor has he asked for any commentary about our dealings. I just want members of this forum to know that there is still a dealer that values service and relationships above all else.
Ken is "Highly Recommended" in every way!