Leica LTM Gave away a Leica: am I crazy?

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
You did a good thing.

A while ago I gave away a near-mint D70 + 18-70 with less than 3,000 actuations on it because it'd been gathering dust (metaphorically) since I got a D300. Except for a lens test I literally had not used it for months. I have an old friend who is interested in photography but was going through a rough patch financially and I thought it might lift his spirits. He uses it a lot and I don't regret it for an instant.

Somehow, sometime, you will be rewarded for your thoughtfulness!

Scott
 
Nice story. Though personally, as a general principle, I don't give away anything for free because I learned a long time ago that when you give people freebies they don't appreciate it as much or get a weird sense of entitlement. So whenever I spot young photographers with talent, I sometimes sell them my old gear at a generous discount instead.

Good idea to get her to join RFF and post pics here. That would serve as additional encouragement to ensure she keeps using the camera.
 
>she saw it

from here I knew rest of story without reading :)

>after which the passion seems to have died

Sometimes people need some outer factor to trigger them...and sometimes I wonder if that ever helps. Generally, if anyone wants he just does it without excuses. Let's hope this is first case, she needed a little trigger.

>So my beloved IIIf (with Jupiter 8) has a new home. It's a
>camera I'd picked up very cheaply and have heartily enjoyed,

Wonderful act of detachment from things! Too many gearheads can't part from a single filter not to mention camera which shows mental desease. I'm trying this treatment from time to time but must admit I'm not most successful person in this, sadly.

As for karma, I don't think it works "one out, one in". It gives or returns what is best for a person, but parting with physical objects is easiest part of life, at least, should be. Salut!
 
Nice gesture Siracusa.

I recently sold one of my babies. It didn't really need to go, but a friend had mentioned she wanted a Leica. So I cut her a deal on a Leica III and a 50mm Elmar. She was quite happy and I'm glad it went to a loving home.
 
I think its right nice of you to do that! I got into rangefinders after a fellow RFF member gave me a Bessa R2 a few yrs ago. Hopefully your gifted Leica will get her back into photography and kindle a love of rangefinders too.
 
Are you crazy? No, you're a nice person. Sure, I've also seen what Ruhayat describes, Though personally, as a general principle, I don't give away anything for free because I learned a long time ago that when you give people freebies they don't appreciate it as much or get a weird sense of entitlement but it's a risk I'll take -- with the right person.

Cheers,

R.
 
As someone who was given a Leica IIf with a RS Elmar, I can tell you that you are not crazy.

I am personally very grateful for people like you. Even though I was attracted to LTM Leicas for years, I doubt that I would have ever bought one. Now I hardly ever leave home without it!
 
You may get it back

You may get it back

Very nice gesture I agree. If you would love both the camera and your friend just mary her; this way you could also use her camera.
Hey, just kidding here, but who knows...
 
Good karma for sure!

Even better karma to give a gift and not tell anyone. :)

That's what I was thinking too :). The inner workings of the human mind is a constant stream of moral contradictions...

"Crazy" would be to give something away, regret it and demand it back.

I have a black M3 that I never really use, I should give it away too! ( to whom I wonder... hmm... preferably someone hot... hmmm )

:D
 
Nice story. Though personally, as a general principle, I don't give away anything for free because I learned a long time ago that when you give people freebies they don't appreciate it as much or get a weird sense of entitlement. So whenever I spot young photographers with talent, I sometimes sell them my old gear at a generous discount instead.

It always depends on people. I would rather say that a Gift Intended is a Gift Accepted. So if your intentions are good your gift will be much valued.
 
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