Age to get a Leica?

I wanted a Leica at 16, nobody that I knew knew what it was. I had to wait until I was 21 to 'finally' get one. That was in 1963 and I still have it and use it often.
 
I got my first Leica at 14 (in 1957) and I probably learned more about photography in 6 month with that camera, than any other camera I could have imagined. It was a beaten up, ex-press M3 with a collapsible 50f2 Summicron on it. No meter, a small card taped to the back with basic guide lines on exposures - and, most importantly a LOT of film (big. brown paperbag filled with tri X). i got a 15 minute lecture on how to load and unload and focus and set aperture/speed.
I never looked back after that - OK, the M3 was traded off for a M2 and a 35f2 Summicron as I preferred that field of view.
So, if you can get it - get it and use it. What you dont know now - you will learn. As for not being "good enough" for a Leica - you will soon be and realistically -it is just a light tight box with some controls on it and a lens at one end - just like any other camera. I hope I never get good enough for any camera as that would probably stop me from shooting. After 50+ years I hope I haven't taken my best picture yet - that would be depressing! Each roll will offer up surprises, some pleasant some not, but it is all part of the learning curve. The day you get blase' about unrolling film from a processing reel and dont have "butterflies" in the stomach - its time to do something else.
Good luck.
Tom
 
Of course no qualification is needed.
Buying an M6 to stick it a J8 doesn't make much sense to me, unless you are sure you will get a better lens (and by better I include build and ergonomics) very quickly.
If I was limited budget wise (who isn't?), and it was a camera to be used for a couple of years, I would opt for something between a bessa and a canon P, and add it a canon 50 (1.8 or 1.4, can't go wrong there) and a 35 (canon, skopar, ultron etc..)
Just my 2c...
 
If your F5 is in good shape you should be able to trade it against a good M2.

Not too young for a Leica, but too young for heavy GAS :)
 
sanmich said:
Of course no qualification is needed.
Buying an M6 to stick it a J8 doesn't make much sense to me, unless you are sure you will get a better lens (and by better I include build and ergonomics) very quickly.
If I was limited budget wise (who isn't?), and it was a camera to be used for a couple of years, I would opt for something between a bessa and a canon P, and add it a canon 50 (1.8 or 1.4, can't go wrong there) and a 35 (canon, skopar, ultron etc..)
Just my 2c...
Click to expand...
I'm thinking to use the J-8 for a year or two, until I save up for a nice 35mm Summicron, or that wicked 12mm F5.6 lens! I think I'd rather go with the Leica and a russian lens for a year or two, than to buy a Bessa which, while good, just isn't the same. A meter is a interesting topic, learning on a Pentax Spotmatic taught me how estimate the exposure with my eyes, and now I'm always correct within a stop, so I guess I don't need a meter for most situations.

How much would I expect to spend for a good working condition user M6 or M3?
 
My opinion is age is not significant. What is important is you will not appreciate the fine lenses and mechanical excellence unless you have used some lessor cameras.

I tried for years to make really nice monochrome prints from 1960/70 Pentax gear refusing to believe Leica was better. I was finally loaned one and the problems disappeared. Pentax lenses just don`t have the sparkle I was looking for. It is a subtle quality that many do not see, but I assure you it is there.

Film cameras are cheap today so buy a slr and use it while you save. You will then have a better appreciation.
 
The Leica won't make you better, nor will you make the camera worse. In fact, the camera won't care one bit about your experience.

I do think you're on the right track in getting a solid camera that will stay with you. Adapt to what you like,and I think you'll do great things.
 
If you can afford a Leica and aspire to one, get it. Don't wait. You'll quickly find out it won't make you a better photographer and then you can get on with the task of becoming one. Whether you stay with an RF or not, you won't spend your life wondering if had you only had a Leica you would have been truly great! ;)
 
Get it kid. There's no substitute. I started with a Yashica GSN and in six months I had a Leica. Yea it was expensive, but if I'd settled for a Voigtlander, I'd still want the Leica. Taking the plunge has probably saved me money. And the age thing, Mozart wrote his first musical piece when he was five. Picasso's first word was "piz" (pencil), and he started drawing when he was seven. Never too early to start. Art loves youth.
 
Trust yourself mate ....you are worthy of a Leica

Buy one with your own hard earned money and enjoy ... post photos for us to enjoy.

I recommend getting one in very good condition or better and have it serviced by people who care :)
 
I would actually like to get one in user condition on the outside, but as long as its running perfectly inside, its all good. A few plusses of this is I don't have to worry about being overly careful with it, and the price is also lower.
 
I started shooting with my dad's Leica in my early teens. It was a II, later exchanged for a IIIf, which I took with me to the Air Force, until I bought my own M2 around age 20 or so.

No, you are not too young for a Leica.
 
Age does not really matter when buying any camera, even a Leica. Just buy it when You got the money, I'm sure that You'll enjoy it.

And I would personally recommend You to get the Leica M6 as your first Leica ;-)
 
Too young, heck no. Save the cash up and get the camera and lens you want. The M2 is a great camera and Leica has made many. I was very happy when I got my Nikkormat years back with my own cash, saved for many months. I got my first Leica some years later once I was a DINK (Double Income No Kids) and cash flow as better.

It's a great time if you can save some money to get one, prices are depressed and they are more affordable than ever. While the J-8 can be had for a song, sometimes you get what you pay for. Lots of great options out there for a bit more. While 'Crons are great lenses, there are many other great ones out there. I sold all my Leicas as I found I like Nikons and Nikkors more. One of the best things about an M is that you have access to LTM and M glass and there's lots of options out there.

B2 (;->
 
One other thing. It's not important at what age you get your Leica. What's important is that you keep using it. Keep challenging yourself, expand, learn, make mistakes and look to make it better.

B2 (;->
 
I wanted a Leica when I was 16 and I got my first Leica when I was 41. The only thing I regret is not having started earlier using Leicas so ... you are not to young ! :)
 
MarkoKovacevic said:
I feel that its too early because I'm not good enough currently to shoot a Leica, and I haven't made a name for myself yet in photography.
Click to expand...

One of the big mistakes one can make is to assume a Leica is a badge of some sort. It is not, it is just another camera.
The only true requirement to owning one is, that you can afford it, and assume the effort is worth the outlay.

The worlds most beautiful prose could have been laid down with a pencil stub, yet, some of the most pretentious swill composed with word processor.

Oh yeah....I really do like my Leicas.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom