Is getting a Leica SCNOO worth it?

Worth is an individual decision. For me, no, not worth that price.

I don't need additional winding speed, additional weight and additional size; all those compromise a barnack. Plus there are other things for which $538 USD can be used. 😉

I would only buy one if it were very cheap, just to resell, not to use.
 
Why is it not worth it?

There are only two reasons not to get one. First, you don't want one. Second, you can't afford one. Neither equates to "not worth it".

Cheers,

R.

Roger,

What makes it worth 500+ US dollars? The 1fps advance? The chrome finish? Leitz engraving?

The OP question is a very vague "is it worth it" considering the commentary already it's a easy no. You will gain zero advantage shooting "street" or whatever else by adding an expensive relic to the base of your camera. Instead we could be honest with ourselves and admit it's just "cool" to have.

If we are just encouraging sheep, go for the MOOLY its way faster!

I say buy it! Hell I bought a IIc just to paint orange.

You should post a snap of your black III!
 
. . . What makes it worth 500+ US dollars? . . .
Simply, it's a nice thing to use: quicker and easier than the knob. Why did anyone ever buy them? I don't think that "cool" was regarded as a wholly rational response in the 1930s. I know it wasn't in the 1960s when I bought my first SCNOO.

A better question is, what STOPS it being worth $500+?

As I say, it must be one (or both) of two answers:

You don't want it

You can't afford it.

Cheers,

R.
 
As part of the fetish outfit it is absolutely worth it. Leather case (doesn't have to be black, but smelly brown, saddle like one) and this hooky thing will give you great success among steam punk boots and else wearing ladies.
Non fetish alternative is much more boring. Spend half of it on CLA and camera will be advancable with the single and quick stroke of the index finger.
 
As part of the fetish outfit it is absolutely worth it. Leather case (doesn't have to be black, but smelly brown, saddle like one) and this hooky thing will give you great success among steam punk boots and else wearing ladies.
Non fetish alternative is much more boring. Spend half of it on CLA and camera will be advancable with the single stroke of the index finger.
So the original buyers were fetishists too?

Yes, I learned the trick of running my finger along the knob, some 45 years ago. And I still prefer SCNOO. Just as I prefer Leicavit and RapidWinder.

Cheers,

R.
 
Exactly, Barnacks are to be savoured and enjoyed. Otherwise buy a fully auto everything and a few batteries.

Regards, David
 
Of course the best answer is, "Given that you felt the need to ask, probably not, but you might care to try one before you decide. It's a personal decision, and the fact that someone else doesn't need or want, or can't afford, a SCNOO does not necessarily mean anything for you personally."

I sold my last SCNOO (I had two, one after the other) to help fund my switch to M-series Leicas in the 70s. If I hadn't needed the money I'd probably have kept it. If money were no object, I'd probably buy another. But that's me, and my money, and my experiences -- though I'd guess that quite a few of those advising you not to get a SCNOO have never used one to expose as little as a roll or two of film; that plenty more have never handled one; and that quite a few have never even seen one.

Cheers,

R.
 
So the original buyers were fetishists too?

Yes, I learned the trick of running my finger along the knob, some 45 years ago. And I still prefer SCNOO. Just as I prefer Leicavit and RapidWinder.

Cheers,

R.

I have no idea what people in the West were up to 45 years ago.
Personally, I prefer camera, lens and neck strap.
Vits&Winders, external viewfinders and grips, all of it is fetish, IMO.
But I have original half-case on M4-2 now. 🙂
 
I have no idea what people in the West were up to 45 years ago.
Personally, I prefer camera, lens and neck strap.
Vits&Winders, external viewfinders and grips, all of it is fetish, IMO.
But I have original half-case on M4-2 now. 🙂
Well, there you are, you see. I'd say that a half case is a far worse case of pointless fetishism: a way of adding unnecessary (and ugly) bulk and expense, and slowing down reloading. For me, a SCNOO or a Leicavit makes the camera quicker, easier and more agreeable to use -- the exact opposite of a half case. And with (say) an 18mm lens on a Leica, an 18mm finder scarcely qualifies as a "fetish".

Also, the finger-along-the-wind-knob was just as easy (or difficult) 45 years ago, or indeed 75 years ago, as it is today; so I can't quite understand why you are so proud of your ignorance of "what people in the West were up to 45 years ago." Or indeed the relevance of the comment.

Cheers,

R.
 
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