jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
Welcome Jerry. I have both M6TTL and Digilux2 as well, and find I couldn't do without either of them. Post some photo's in the gallery soon!
Buying a Leica: How long did you dream about it?
- Thread starter boarini2003
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Replies 127
- Views 8K
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
Bertram2 said:
I feel we agree. But I meant to point out that purchase of a Leica (or a Stradivarius for that matter) does not automatically puts one in the ridiculous category...
Leicabug
Established
I want to have a Leica when I was 16, but I could not afford it. I got my first Leica, R6, when I was 31. 15 yeas of wait and money saving.
B
boarini2003
Guest
Of course the tool does not make the photographer, just like a great electric guitar doesn't make the musician. That's not the reason to want a Leica or anything else. That wasn't my premise when initiating the thread (which has been very interesting to read.) There are certain objects that have a mystique to them, just like a Custom Fender Stratocaster. I don't want a Leica because I think it will magically make my pictures better. I want one because I think it's a great design. That's it.
Bertram2
Gone elsewhere
jaapv said:
Actually a Stradivari or a Leica do NOTHING automatically, and I think i was clear enuff at this point. How could Anne Sophie Mutter turn into a stupid Moo by buying a Stradivari ? 😉
bertram
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
Ah- but it automatically enhances my status 😀, no matter that I can't photograph worth a damn.😉 And me playing the violon - cats in the heat ain't in it....
Will
Well-known
I did wait for one, but still dreaming of buying one.
The was a RF hater before I handle my M, I was using a pentacon six at the time. The first time I hold my father's M2 I just fall in love. No SLR shake, small, quiet, all the qualities that I was looking for. I was playing around with the camera with dad, until he jammed the shutter. Being 23 years old and just arrived in HK for real work/career, I had no $, and don't feel comfortable spending on the repair until 9 months later.
God had been kind to me for the past 2 years, I part exchanged my way (with the pentacon stuffs) to my f/0.95, saved for a month for the Canon 7S, saved for I don't know how long until I saw my adapters, and the Kern Switar, and I just brought my Prominent Nokton today. I didn't purchase any non-work related clothing in this 2 years, I don't even own a TV (just watch it on my computer) since leaving my last job (last one was a chinese made TV, brough locally in China when I was working there), no fridge/sofa in my last or current rental apartments.
Life is good, Alleluia!
I will dream for a MP 0.85 and a Noct for the next 5 to 10 years.
Cheers
Will
The was a RF hater before I handle my M, I was using a pentacon six at the time. The first time I hold my father's M2 I just fall in love. No SLR shake, small, quiet, all the qualities that I was looking for. I was playing around with the camera with dad, until he jammed the shutter. Being 23 years old and just arrived in HK for real work/career, I had no $, and don't feel comfortable spending on the repair until 9 months later.
God had been kind to me for the past 2 years, I part exchanged my way (with the pentacon stuffs) to my f/0.95, saved for a month for the Canon 7S, saved for I don't know how long until I saw my adapters, and the Kern Switar, and I just brought my Prominent Nokton today. I didn't purchase any non-work related clothing in this 2 years, I don't even own a TV (just watch it on my computer) since leaving my last job (last one was a chinese made TV, brough locally in China when I was working there), no fridge/sofa in my last or current rental apartments.
Life is good, Alleluia!
I will dream for a MP 0.85 and a Noct for the next 5 to 10 years.
Cheers
Will
Last edited:
wen
Member
I forgot when, one day, I saw, and hold a Leica at the camera store, and love it...can't let go after that.
Last year, I was struggle for a while (maybe couple months), should I or shouldn't I get it? And I end up getting my 1st Leica---Digilux 2 in Oct. 2005. It is my travel camera now. 2 months later in Dec. 2005, buying a Christmas gift for myself, I got myself another Leica--- Leica MP, silver chrome, 0.58. well, the bad news is, I haven't shoot with my MP yet, because I am having a hard time deciding which lens to get first, and I am still back and forth in between 28, 35, or 50.
At first, my bf got so mad with me after knowing I got myself a new Leica MP as a Christmas gift. but he did say that is really a beautiful camera 🙂
Last year, I was struggle for a while (maybe couple months), should I or shouldn't I get it? And I end up getting my 1st Leica---Digilux 2 in Oct. 2005. It is my travel camera now. 2 months later in Dec. 2005, buying a Christmas gift for myself, I got myself another Leica--- Leica MP, silver chrome, 0.58. well, the bad news is, I haven't shoot with my MP yet, because I am having a hard time deciding which lens to get first, and I am still back and forth in between 28, 35, or 50.
At first, my bf got so mad with me after knowing I got myself a new Leica MP as a Christmas gift. but he did say that is really a beautiful camera 🙂
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
So you'll have to get a Tri-Elmar 28-35-50. Then you can switch back and forth all the time 😉
steve garza
Well-known
up until yesterday.....
up until yesterday.....
when I ordered my 1st kit from Tamarkin. Now, for some reason I feel excited, but slightly nervous.
up until yesterday.....
when I ordered my 1st kit from Tamarkin. Now, for some reason I feel excited, but slightly nervous.
Mistral
Member
I bought a Minolta CLE with the three lenses made for it upon first release. (only sold it two years ago) I sold it with the 40 Rokkor but kept the 28mm f2.8 and 90mm f4.0 lenses. I had the 28mm wrked on seven or so years ago and have not had any problems with the coating, as have been noted elsewhere on the RFF.
Secretly, I desired a Leica M6 but could not afford it @ the time.
Then I came into a bit of $$ and bought a Contax G1 within six months of its release. Three lenses. AF as the readers know. Did not fall in love with it and continued using the CLE mainly. It was the zooming viewfinder that I found eliminated one of the principal benefits of the RF in the first instance. IMO. That and and slow AF performance.
Then watched with considerable interest announcements that Konica was bringing out the Hexar RF and persuaded my Dad to buy that. He never got his head around it. Sold it after a couple of years. I didn't buy it as it has the fixed lens.
Then several years ago I traded in the G1 for my Leica M6 and while I took a bath on the trade, I have never looked back. I had written a posting to the RFF about the M6 CLA that was pretty pricey, a while ago, but I can say it's now like new. Smoother than when I passed it in. I had a stuck frame line selector and while repairing that, they did a full CLA.
I have since bought an M7 and slowly have accumulated several lenses. I still have the M6. For no good reason, I still have the Minolta Rokkors. I do use the 28, but not really the 90.
So this was a long, circuitous road to Leica ownership. I should have listened to my heart a lot sooner and would have had a less expensive road to ownership, but that's how it worked out for me.
I had in the back of my mind that I did not want to spoil the desire. That actually owning one might be a let down, or that I would have reached the apogee and have nothing to hanker after thereafter.
(this is of course mythical, as there's always a big Rollei or Hasselblad tha one might own one day)
May I dare to pose a challenging question? I'm no longer a Leica novice but something's been troubling me.
Why don't I understand ?.....Well here goes...gulp.
What IS all the fuss about the MP? What in the view of readers distinguishes this model SO much from the M6 ?
I know I'm revealing my ignorance and lack of sophistication here, but confident I'll not get flamed. It is a genuine question.
I have not studied one in any great detail, but strictly on a functional or tangible level why are people so enthused by this model?
I'm not dissing it. Just seriously curious. Lke I said...GULP.
Secretly, I desired a Leica M6 but could not afford it @ the time.
Then I came into a bit of $$ and bought a Contax G1 within six months of its release. Three lenses. AF as the readers know. Did not fall in love with it and continued using the CLE mainly. It was the zooming viewfinder that I found eliminated one of the principal benefits of the RF in the first instance. IMO. That and and slow AF performance.
Then watched with considerable interest announcements that Konica was bringing out the Hexar RF and persuaded my Dad to buy that. He never got his head around it. Sold it after a couple of years. I didn't buy it as it has the fixed lens.
Then several years ago I traded in the G1 for my Leica M6 and while I took a bath on the trade, I have never looked back. I had written a posting to the RFF about the M6 CLA that was pretty pricey, a while ago, but I can say it's now like new. Smoother than when I passed it in. I had a stuck frame line selector and while repairing that, they did a full CLA.
I have since bought an M7 and slowly have accumulated several lenses. I still have the M6. For no good reason, I still have the Minolta Rokkors. I do use the 28, but not really the 90.
So this was a long, circuitous road to Leica ownership. I should have listened to my heart a lot sooner and would have had a less expensive road to ownership, but that's how it worked out for me.
I had in the back of my mind that I did not want to spoil the desire. That actually owning one might be a let down, or that I would have reached the apogee and have nothing to hanker after thereafter.
(this is of course mythical, as there's always a big Rollei or Hasselblad tha one might own one day)
May I dare to pose a challenging question? I'm no longer a Leica novice but something's been troubling me.
Why don't I understand ?.....Well here goes...gulp.
What IS all the fuss about the MP? What in the view of readers distinguishes this model SO much from the M6 ?
I know I'm revealing my ignorance and lack of sophistication here, but confident I'll not get flamed. It is a genuine question.
I have not studied one in any great detail, but strictly on a functional or tangible level why are people so enthused by this model?
I'm not dissing it. Just seriously curious. Lke I said...GULP.
F
former member
Guest
I don't have an MP; I do have the M3, M2, and CL.
Some people want to buy a new camera: You can buy the MP new, the M6 would be used.
The MP is all mechanical; the M7 is electronic. Many prefer the more traditional Leica, ie all-mechanical, all-manual.
The Finder of the MP and M7 is improved over the M6. When the M4-2 came out, the finder was simplified over the M4. RF patch flare is worse with the newer camera; at least when I compared a 0.72x M6 with my older M2. The M6 can be upgraded with the newer finder.
anyway, that is my answer to your question.
Some people want to buy a new camera: You can buy the MP new, the M6 would be used.
The MP is all mechanical; the M7 is electronic. Many prefer the more traditional Leica, ie all-mechanical, all-manual.
The Finder of the MP and M7 is improved over the M6. When the M4-2 came out, the finder was simplified over the M4. RF patch flare is worse with the newer camera; at least when I compared a 0.72x M6 with my older M2. The M6 can be upgraded with the newer finder.
anyway, that is my answer to your question.
Gid
Well-known
I never dreamed of owning a Leica until I came to this forum. I was more than happy with my RD-1, Olympus E1 and Canon F1. Then I thought about getting into MF and got the Bronica 645 RF which got me more into film and at the same time I was getting a bit frustrated with the low light capability of the Canon and the shutter noise. Then I had a choice of an M6 or a Hexar RF and thought that the Hexar was more bang for the buck (which it is), but I missed the manual film advance, so started thinking about another 35mm RF. Looked at Canons, Nikons (S3 at Robert White) and then Ms from M2 to M7/MP retail and *bay. Then this M6 came up - very shiny, very mint and a relatively good price. Just couldn't resist any more. It is a lovely camera, very much a RF version of my F1 in use. I already had the lenses, so my dream is over. Whilst I am sure I will get further bouts of GAS, there really isn't any other camera that I need. I don't need an M7 - the Hexar has everything that has plus motor wind (don't flame unless you own or have owned one of these). I don't need an MP - I see no advantage over the M6, but I am happy to be informed.
All I need now is some ability.
All I need now is some ability.
egpj
50 Summilux is da DEVIL!
Mistral said:
I would have to say that it is the all mechanical components of the camera. Not needing a battery to work. It is a throw back to the classic Leica and it is brand new.
I love my MP's but am lining my ducks up for an M3 with collapsible Summicron 50. That will probably be the only kit I take around with me for some trips.
Mistral
Member
Well that DOES explain a lot. One cannot find a new M6 plus the improved viewfinder. I must admit I'm going to examine that matter more closely, because I habitually use both M6 and M7 and don't really notice the vf changes Except for the obvious LED differences. Both are 0.72 and I don't ear glasses. Thanks for the explanation of the MP merits.
harmsr
M5 Nut
For what it is worth, I'll tell my story.
I started out years ago with a Canon T70, 35-70 & 75-200. This was reasonable size, simple to use, AE & manual focus. I LOVED taking photos.
Then I got caught up in the GAS and had to have something better which turned into and A2e and some new lenses. The size and all the different options for everything took the fun out of photography.
Next came the P&S cameras (digital and film). (Right size but slow lenses and no control of the photo) Once again, I forgot about photography.
I finally bought an M6 ttl and the old 50 lux. This started me on the path to enjoying photography again, however I hated my employment at the time and nothing could really be enjoyable. This was upgraded to the M7 with GAS striking, and layed virtually unused.
Next I went for a Nikon D70 (which my wife now enjoys) that still could not get me motivated due its size and plethora of options. I purchased a D200 recently for the required use of macro, telephoto, and product shots. This is basically a camera that does the job for product shots I need going into ads and magazine articles for a small company that I started privately.
Once I relocated to Phoenix and got my life back on a track where I can enjoy things again, I really started thinking about the old Canon T70 and the Leica M6 ttl. I wanted to return to simplicity, enjoying seeing a photograph before I look through the VF, seeing what is happening outside the frame, and getting a smile on my face.
I still have the D200 out of necessity. The M7 has been traded towards my current M5 and MP.
I have to admit the M5 and MP both make me happy and bring a smile to my face when shooting. My film scanner now gives me the flexability to have the images from my Ms in film and digital.
The M5 and MP have brought the fun back into photography and making it what it should always have been. I love these cameras because of the quality, durability, SIMPLICITY, great images they can produce when I do my part, and most of all for the enjoyment they have brought me. (Am I a Leica fondler? - Yes / Am I a Leica collector? - No / Do I shoot my Leicas - YES!!! / Do I care if others know that I am shooting a Leica? - No)
So in answer to the original question, it took me about 16-17 years to get my M5 & MP. That is when I started dreaming about a Leica even though I had an M7 which didn't get much use.
Best,
Ray
I started out years ago with a Canon T70, 35-70 & 75-200. This was reasonable size, simple to use, AE & manual focus. I LOVED taking photos.
Then I got caught up in the GAS and had to have something better which turned into and A2e and some new lenses. The size and all the different options for everything took the fun out of photography.
Next came the P&S cameras (digital and film). (Right size but slow lenses and no control of the photo) Once again, I forgot about photography.
I finally bought an M6 ttl and the old 50 lux. This started me on the path to enjoying photography again, however I hated my employment at the time and nothing could really be enjoyable. This was upgraded to the M7 with GAS striking, and layed virtually unused.
Next I went for a Nikon D70 (which my wife now enjoys) that still could not get me motivated due its size and plethora of options. I purchased a D200 recently for the required use of macro, telephoto, and product shots. This is basically a camera that does the job for product shots I need going into ads and magazine articles for a small company that I started privately.
Once I relocated to Phoenix and got my life back on a track where I can enjoy things again, I really started thinking about the old Canon T70 and the Leica M6 ttl. I wanted to return to simplicity, enjoying seeing a photograph before I look through the VF, seeing what is happening outside the frame, and getting a smile on my face.
I still have the D200 out of necessity. The M7 has been traded towards my current M5 and MP.
I have to admit the M5 and MP both make me happy and bring a smile to my face when shooting. My film scanner now gives me the flexability to have the images from my Ms in film and digital.
The M5 and MP have brought the fun back into photography and making it what it should always have been. I love these cameras because of the quality, durability, SIMPLICITY, great images they can produce when I do my part, and most of all for the enjoyment they have brought me. (Am I a Leica fondler? - Yes / Am I a Leica collector? - No / Do I shoot my Leicas - YES!!! / Do I care if others know that I am shooting a Leica? - No)
So in answer to the original question, it took me about 16-17 years to get my M5 & MP. That is when I started dreaming about a Leica even though I had an M7 which didn't get much use.
Best,
Ray
venchka
Veteran
Fitting that I post right after Ray. Next week I shall take possesion of my first Leica body and lens. Both acquired here at the RFF. The body in question is Ray's M5 with Sherry Krauter's Golden Touch applied. The lens is PaulB's 90/2.8 Elmarit he offered for trade. I didn't have the lens he wanted. Cash proved an equal substitute. I have also added SM-M adapters so I can use my Canon-Nikon-Voigtlander lenses on the M5.
How long has it taken? Way too long for sure. As near as I can recall, I purchsed a Canon IV-Sb with 50/1.8 lens in 1967. The shop was also a Leica dealer. Needless to say I drooled all over the place. I recall reading Altman's price list and dreaming of Leica cameras. I spent most of 1969 in Germany buying Nikon SLR and Mamiya TLR gear. I should have been buying M4s and 'crons. DUMB!
All's well that ends well. Better late than never. All those cliches. 196someting to 2006. Too darn long!
Gosh I can't wait.
How long has it taken? Way too long for sure. As near as I can recall, I purchsed a Canon IV-Sb with 50/1.8 lens in 1967. The shop was also a Leica dealer. Needless to say I drooled all over the place. I recall reading Altman's price list and dreaming of Leica cameras. I spent most of 1969 in Germany buying Nikon SLR and Mamiya TLR gear. I should have been buying M4s and 'crons. DUMB!
All's well that ends well. Better late than never. All those cliches. 196someting to 2006. Too darn long!
Gosh I can't wait.
Last edited:
harmsr
M5 Nut
Wayne,
I am glad to have helped in completing your Leica dream with the M5. Enjoy!
Just for the record, I STILL have my M5 50 Jahre which now sees the shooting duty along with my MP3. I don't think I could ever go without an M5 again. 😀
Ray
I am glad to have helped in completing your Leica dream with the M5. Enjoy!
Just for the record, I STILL have my M5 50 Jahre which now sees the shooting duty along with my MP3. I don't think I could ever go without an M5 again. 😀
Ray
jkelly
Analog hobbyist
I'd been thinking about getting a Leica for about 30 years. I've always used manual SLRs like the Pentax K1000, so a manual rangefinder was a logical next step, and the Leica is one of the best. So, last year I bought a good user IIIa and a Summar and Elmar. I immediately decided that the rangefinder was indeed for me, and recently acquired a user M3 and Summitar. I haven't spent more than $1000 for all this equipment, and the quality is unbelievable. My results have been improving as well. I'm very happy with my Leica gear; I need to watch out for GAS, though.
tkluck
Well-known
Wanted one ever sence I used them at work years ago. Decided lately that I supposed I can afford one (no more expencive than the BMW R60/5 I want...) Fondeled them in camera shops. Window shopped on ebay. Researched at the library and on the net. Inspired by the quality of my german made Minox. Read that Saburo Saaki had one.
Bought a Fed and got it out of my system. Back to looking for the motor cycle.
Bought a Fed and got it out of my system. Back to looking for the motor cycle.
Similar threads
- Article
