Leica for the "Poor"

[richard_l]

For the purposes of this post, "poor" just means "not rich." Yes, I know these are relative terms.

This is not exactly a rant, just a different point of view about Leica gear.

Most Leica threads seem to be about buying an M7 (or MP) and the latest ASPH lenses. It is nice to be able to afford those things, but it is possible to enjoy this rangefinder system without spending a small fortune.

I innocently got into the Leica M cult by purchasing a Minilux to replace my ailing Olympus XA. Although it developed the dread Minilux curse (which was repaired under warranty), I was so impressed with the camera and its amazing 40mm Summarit lens that I felt compelled to delve further into the depths and heights of Leicadom, particularly the lenses. The initial result of my delving was the purchase of a used M6 and a 50mm Summicron. (At that time the only feasible way to use M lenses was with a Leica M camera.) I got the Cron because it was one of the best Leica lenses available at that time, and it was not outrageously expensive for Leica equipment, around $1K for a new one.

Since then I have gotten the latest 50mm Elmar and discovered that I like it as well as the Cron, possibly even better, and a new one is several hundred dollars cheaper than the Cron.

Other fine (almost affordable) lenses are the 35mm/2.8 Summaron (which, stopped down, is difficult or impossible to distinguish from a pre-ASPH Summicron), the 40mm/2.0 Summicron-C (or 40mm M-Rokkor), and the 90mm/2.8 Tele-Elmarit (skinny version).

I know I'm a weirdo, but I have distanced myself from the "latest-and-greatest syndrome" which aflicts so many DSLR (and some Leica) users. If a certain lens pleases me, then I'm happy. If Leica comes out with an ASPH version of a favorite lens, or a faster version, I don't feel that I absolutely must get this new thing. The likelihood is great that I wouldn't be able to tell the difference in images between the latest-and-greatest and my own humble version, except perhaps at the widest f-stops (which I seldom use anyhow).

Of course, if a Leica user be heavily into available darkness photography, then the obsession with the latest lenses is understandable. Meanwhile I enjoy to the max my humble but excellent Leica equipment and have absolutely no lust for the latest-and-greatest.

Richard

 

[Spyderman]

Nice idea, but please nex time you use "poor", think about homeless, about africa, about middle east and then decide to use other term 🙁 Leica and "poor" simply can't appear in one thread. Except maybe in FSU forum... 😉

 

[sleepyhead]

Spyderman, don't be too hard on Richard, he put poor in quotation marks.

As to Richard's posting, I couldn't agree more with the sentiment that the newest and most expensive lenses aren't always the best for everyone. There are numerous threads here on RFF about the "signature" and "soul" of the older vs. the newer lenses, endless discussions, etc.

In the end, everything comes down to personal taste and budget.

I like the dreamy results from my 10 dollar Jupiter-8 at f/2 better than the latest Summicron 50mm ASPH at f/2 that I tried out. Good for me, I saved a thousand dollars. On the other hand, I recently got a 90mm Summicron Apo ASPH as a gift, and the results are so sublime that I will probably never never use my other 90's again!

I'm sure people here on RFF can cite a thousand examples such as these. THE IMPORTANT THING is to try to be happy with what you have, use it, and keep learning and improving. So, cheers Richard - go man go!

 

[ghost]

note to self: richard is happy with his gear. post hallmark card tomorrow.

 

[Didier]

You may even have a good 'Leica feeling' with a IIIf and 3.5/50 Elmar. A used M6 with a 50 Summicron was my first Leica gear, too, a 75 Summilux followed later. The rest of my M/LTM gear is from other brands, see my signature.

But Leica is a luxury brand and the combination with "affordable" just does not work for me (I prefer this term to "poor"). If there are "Leicas for the less privileged", then, in my opinion, it's Cosina Voigtlander that deserve this title. They have introduced a entry level market for Leica-mount rangefinders while photography is going digital. A remarkable performance in two senses.

Didier

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[rover]

Yet with a Bessa and RFF induced GAS, Leica becomes a reality too. I too was intimidated by the entry price of (used) Leica gear and entered the RF world through Bessas. One day though I sat down trying to figure out what kit to take shooting with me, did some math, and decided to sell it all and buy an M6TTL.

Affordability is a relative statement, and Leica gear is not the right stuff for everybody, but once we start into this hobby, with some knowledge and smart shopping, your kit is a lot closer than the prices you see advertised for new gear in the magazines. And as we have learned from our discussions about gear, the greatest may not be the latest.

 

[richard_l]

Nice idea, but please nex time you use "poor", think about homeless, about africa, about middle east and then decide to use other term 🙁 Leica and "poor" simply can't appear in one thread. Except maybe in FSU forum... 😉

While I understand your concern, Spiderman, I don't think we should make "poor" into another PC-ism. "Poor" is a relative term. According to the 2006 HHS Poverty Guidelines, I am officially poor, yet I am wealthy (another relative term) in comparison with others less fortunate. Anyhow, I put "poor" in parentheses to indicate that I wasn't necessarily referring to literal poverty.

Richard

 

[ScottH]

I like the 'sentiment' of the post Richard. I'm a 2 month-old in the world of RF's, in part as an ongoing move away from my prior technological-acquisition mentality since I started this hobby 8 years ago. I love the darkroom, and my last 3 camera purchases are high quality bargains from the late 50's/early 60's. After a lot of research into RF's, and Leica in particular, I took stock of my wallet and bought a Canon P (my version of the "affordable" Leica). It's nearly the twin of the M3, the only difference being the mount. As mentioned above, CV has done a great job reinvigorating the film market as well. Someday I'll likely invest in a 'modern' Leica, but I'm a pretty happy camper at this time - other than wanting a wide angle to compliment my Canon 50mm...

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

40mm rokkor-m and 40mm summicron-c

poor, proud and ready to kick ... and take names

 

[FrankS]

I'm "poor" in the same sense: I can't buy a $1200 35mm f2 Summicron, but I did buy a $135 35mm f3.5 Summaron. I highly doubt that I'd ever buy a new Leica anything.

 

[peterc]

I have a Hektor 135mm in LTM. No Leica body to use it on, but it works fine on my Bessa R and Canon 7. And, because it's a little on the rough side, I paid only $10 for it.

Peter