I want a Leica.

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tkluck

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I want a Leica. There I've said it.
As I dropped off a new box of Depends at an assisted living complex, I caught a glimpse of the future and I realized that I am now of an age myself where putting things off is absurd.
I've always "wanted" a Leica. Same as I've wanted a Ferrari.
Now that my wife (and my orthopedic doctor) made it so clear that I no longer want a motorcycle... I CAN have the Leica. And I can have almost any one I want, including an M8.

And now and attempt at shameful honesty.

Problem is I want one for virtually all the "wrong" reasons. I want one the same way Donald Trump picks his wives, Elvis bought his suits, Diamond Jim Brady ordered lunch, Wierd AL writes a song, and Tom Lehrer sings one. Most of all the way Lenny wanted a rabbit.... And to take some nice pictures of the grandchildren. (a side benefit, any of a dozen cameras I already have will do that)

But which one? I pose this as a rhetorical question since I wouldn't ask any one to actually own up to reasons like I've given. But if several of the seven deadly sins were among the criteria, which would be the best Leica?

No way on God's green earth can my photography itself justify it. (you CAN do Lomography without a Lomo...) Good taste is obviously also ruled out.

Sigh... I want a porn star with her own bass boat and a Rolls Royce to pull it.
Which one be like winning both Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy?

Oh, and one non-shameful question. What are the odds that an M8 will become a "legacy" rather than a curiosity by the time my own kids are delivering Depends to the 'home'? A little estate planing at least can't hurt when practicality has gone out the window.
 
When I turned 43 I cast all good sense out the window and got myself in debt buying just one Leica. Soon I lost control and got another, and soon enough, I got a small bunch of lenses. The reason? Similar to yours: I'm not getting any younger, I had wanted them for the longest time, and it's still a lot preferable to a little red sports car. Hence, tkluck, go for it. If you're not too crazy about metering, it's even easier. If you want a meter, just plan ahead how to "repay" your indulgence (I did put some money on a Roth IRA account), so that you can enjoy it "guilt-free." 🙂
 
I've got problems too.

Trouble is I have several Leicas just because I like them, but I can't justify them as far as use is concerned. And yet! I'm looking to increase this little collection.
Buy one and you will want another - its an addiction!

Why not go for something basic that will extend your photographic skills?
How about a Leics Standard or one without either viewfinder or rangefinder - Ic for instance? Go LTM - go back in time - go back more than 59 years!

Enjoy the anticipation - drive everybody mad with your drooling over the possibilities!

Whatever, have fun!
j
 
tkluck said:
And now and attempt at shameful honesty.

Problem is I want one for virtually all the "wrong" reasons. I want one the same way Donald Trump picks his wives, Elvis bought his suits, Diamond Jim Brady ordered lunch, Wierd AL writes a song, and Tom Lehrer sings one. Most of all the way Lenny wanted a rabbit.... And to take some nice pictures of the grandchildren. (a side benefit, any of a dozen cameras I already have will do that)

But which one? I pose this as a rhetorical question since I wouldn't ask any one to actually own up to reasons like I've given. But if several of the seven deadly sins were among the criteria, which would be the best Leica?
Click to expand...
Buy an MP. For these reasons you stated, if you get something else, you will only end up with one leica after another, until you buy an MP. Same logic with the lenses. Buy the "best" and most expensive up front.

That should take care of at least a few of the seven. 😉
 
Lots of nice M bodies

Lots of nice M bodies

There are many nice M bodies on the market. So many that it is difficult to choose.

One thing is certain: Whatever you decide, don't buy the M5. It is the body that killed rengefinder production in Wetzlar. Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad Leica. 😱 😀 😉 🙂

Best of luck!
 
Sir, to you I'll say almost the opposite of what I just wrote on another *very* similar thread. In your case, I would also go for new MP or a pristine M3, I would steer clear of M8, the future of that camera is as clear as a muddy puddle.

Btw, I like your writing-style, and I like your signature 😉
 
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I agree, if you have always wanted one.......

I bought a lot of other RF stuff and one day was sitting on my floor surrounded by cameras and lenses......

Well, I sold a lot of what I had and got what I wanted.

Just do it.
 
If you're hoping that your grandchildren will someday use your Leica, I suggest that you avoid one that depends on electronics. Other than that, assuming film will still be available in the future, your choices are legion. If it were me and money was no object, I'd consider a new MP or a mint M4.
 
My first Leica was my very own present for my 40th birthday. I simply thought that was what I needed most. I still believe it was a good decision since I enjoy using it. My second leica was build the year I was born, so that is a very special relationship.

You will have to decide whether you are going digital with a M8 or whether you prefer the old fashioned way. That way the best you can do is to buy a MP !

Thomas
 
Thomas - too funny, my first Leica was a 40th birthday present from my wife (of course I picked it and the lens out for her).

I also had a "moment" when I realized that life is fleeting and there's no sense in depriving myself of something I've wanted for more than 20 years.

Cheers,
Alex
 
Ossifan said:
I also had a "moment" when I realized that life is fleeting and there's no sense in depriving myself of something I've wanted for more than 20 years.
Click to expand...

I think this is what is called "midlife crisis." This is the year for me, too. I was leaning more toward a canary yellow convertible, but a black MP sure would save me a bundle. 😉
 
I too have way to many cameras (wife is on a roll to help me lighten my load, but that's another thread), but here's my 2cents (worth every penny).

I got my first M, it was a M4P. It was a demo with Passport and I love it. A few years later the M6 was announced and as a 5th anniversary gift from my then wife. I love them both and am getting back into using them (after a few years off to protect them from my then new born boys).

First wife is gone, second wife is in place, I still have two Leicas that I love. If you are looking for something long term, I would go with an MP (get the winder too). While I am sure the M8 will be around for years, I know film with be here for years to come.

Now you mentioned your wife is an Orthopod, so you could afford to keep an M8 going in years to come, but will your grandchildren? I look to the CLE as an example of a camera that you can not find electrical parts for. The CL you can get most everything fixed on it. I do not travel in Leica SLR circles, so I can not tell you about the parts for their first electronic camera (I think it was the R3), but I think they are hard to find. No, mind you that is 20 some odd years later, 20 years out will you care? (I know, that depends….)

I agree, get the Leica while you can enjoy it. There is NOTHING like a Leica M. Nikons are great and in a few cases better, but they are not made any more. The M feels like one in your hand and that is what a good tool (any type) should. You should be able to concentrate on what you are doing, not the tool you are doing it with.

My father died of cancer 22 years ago. He was a photographer for Kodak almost all of his life. He loved photography and I wanted to get him a camera to enjoy, but never earned enough money to do that until he was too sick to enjoy one. My father always used to tell my Step-Grandfather to use his money to travel and enjoy or his sons-in-laws would!

Go for it, enjoy it, pass along your knowledge and love for photography to a few of your grandkids.

As always, your mileage may vary.

B2 (;->
 
shadowfox said:
Sir, to you I'll say almost the opposite of what I just wrote on another *very* similar thread. In your case, I would also go for new MP or a pristine M3, I would steer clear of M8, the future of that camera is as clear as a muddy puddle.

Btw, I like your writing-style, and I like your signature 😉
Click to expand...

Absolutely 100% agree, if money is no issue, either an MP or pristine M3 - or both.

+ 50/1.4 Asph, 28/2. There you go.

Roland.
 
It was my FAMILY who decided that at 60 I shouldn't put it off anymore! My daughter did all the research, and they bought me an M3 with a collapsible Cron 50/2. I'm in LOVE with them and my Leica! I wish I had done it myself at 20 when I first wanted to! Go for it and ENJOY!
 
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