raid
Dad Photographer
An $18,000, leica is not a "fantastic deal" in my life. But that is my life, not someone else.![]()
I know what you mean. If it were 18,000 Pesos or Iraqi Dinars, we may not have had this thread!
Huss
Veteran
After seeing that retow bought his for $14,140, I may need to edit the title of this thread!

retow
Well-known
Oh, and the $14,140 price you found, Retow, is great! What country did you import to, and how did the process go? Also, where did you find out about the unit at that price? Certainly not the big online auction site.
Eric
I bought it brand new from the Leica boutique in Vienna, sticker price Euro 15,000 incl. 20% VAT, and Euro 12,500 excl. VAT. The latter price applies to exports outside of the EU, including, of course, on shippings to US based buyers. Courtesy to the EZB, the weak Euro allowed to exchange USD 14,140 to pay for the camera. Quite a difference to the US sticker prices. Maybe it`s time for US dealers or for Leica to reconsider their pricing strategy for some markets (on all products) in view of the strengthening USD.
_goodtimez
Well-known
I bought it brand new from the Leica boutique in Vienna, sticker price Euro 15,000 incl. 20% VAT, and Euro 12,500 excl. VAT. The latter price applies to exports outside of the EU, including, of course, on shippings to US based buyers. Courtesy to the EZB, the weak Euro allowed to exchange USD 14,140 to pay for the camera. Quite a difference to the US sticker prices. Maybe it`s time for US dealers or for Leica to reconsider their pricing strategy for some markets (on all products) in view of the strengthening USD.
Congrats for this new camera.
So I'm curious: are you going to use it hard and will it get scratches and bumps or is this a collectible/money investment ?
retow
Well-known
Congrats for this new camera.
So I'm curious: are you going to use it hard and will it get scratches and bumps or is this a collectible/money investment ?
It will get used. I would never buy a camera as an investment.
Kwesi
Well-known
It will get used. I would never buy a camera as an investment.
Bravo!
I had mentioned earlier that a user review along with some images would be nice. No pressure of course. just curious about little things like what does the M button do? Enquiring RFF minds want to know
steveclem
Well-known
Don't forget to let the forum know what part fails first. Enjoy
Emile de Leon
Well-known
I think its a real nice camera..but ...I have become totally dependent on a viewing screen..
But it would be real nice to use..
But it would be real nice to use..
ferider
Veteran
I bought it brand new from the Leica boutique in Vienna, sticker price Euro 15,000 incl. 20% VAT, and Euro 12,500 excl. VAT. The latter price applies to exports outside of the EU, including, of course, on shippings to US based buyers. Courtesy to the EZB, the weak Euro allowed to exchange USD 14,140 to pay for the camera. Quite a difference to the US sticker prices. Maybe it`s time for US dealers or for Leica to reconsider their pricing strategy for some markets (on all products) in view of the strengthening USD.
Congrats on the new camera.
How much did you pay for customs ?
Roland
Godfrey
somewhat colored
It will get used. I would never buy a camera as an investment.
I'm reminded of my favorite Ferrari sighting oh those long years ago. There was a guy who lived in the house down the street from us who had a '60 250GT. I remember talking to him about it in 1972. The car was ten years old and had 85,000 miles on it.
G: "Wow, that's a lot of miles for a Ferrari!"
Him: "Why do you say that? It's a car. I bought it to drive it. I don't take it out to go to the grocery store, unless it's already warm, but I use it like I use any car, the way any car should be used. It's a Ferrari, but it's just a car."
Him: "Why do you say that? It's a car. I bought it to drive it. I don't take it out to go to the grocery store, unless it's already warm, but I use it like I use any car, the way any car should be used. It's a Ferrari, but it's just a car."
The nameplate on the trunk had the telltale little scratch arcs under it from when it had come free and pivoted around on one post for half a year before he noticed it. He bought a clip at the hardware store to fix it and left the paint as it was.
That Ferrari, then, cost about four times the average price of a car in the USA. His attitude became mine when it came to cars, cameras, motorcycles, et al. I'm just sad to see that attitude when it comes to Ferraris today is completely gone.
I'm glad to see someone else with that attitude towards the M Edition 60. It's a camera: you take care of it and you use it. Otherwise it isn't worth having.
G
borge
Established
It's a digital camera... It won't last.
I can't fathom why people would even consider collecting digital cameras.
I can't fathom why people would even consider collecting digital cameras.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
It's a digital camera... It won't last.
I can't fathom why people would even consider collecting digital cameras.
I don't know about that. My E-1 is 11 now, still working perfectly. Same for my Sony U60, DSC-F707, K-M A2, and a couple others. They're old and slow, eclipsed by more modern cameras, but they seem to be in no risk of imploding and falling into the Sun...
G
Huss
Veteran
I don't know about that. My E-1 is 11 now, still working perfectly. Same for my Sony U60, DSC-F707, K-M A2, and a couple others. They're old and slow, eclipsed by more modern cameras, but they seem to be in no risk of imploding and falling into the Sun...
G
You obviously are not using them correctly.
Pioneer
Veteran
I think the Edition 60 is a terrific idea. Just far beyond what I am willing to spend.
But I hope others will find the money.
I have spent my own "silly money" on my M-A and am thrilled with it. It doesn't have a screen on the back either but I have been able to make some magnificent photos with it. I don't understand why the same cannot be done with a digital camera?
Leica has finally given a few of us a chance to shoot digital as we would the M3, if you have the skill to try.
But I hope others will find the money.
I have spent my own "silly money" on my M-A and am thrilled with it. It doesn't have a screen on the back either but I have been able to make some magnificent photos with it. I don't understand why the same cannot be done with a digital camera?
Leica has finally given a few of us a chance to shoot digital as we would the M3, if you have the skill to try.
VertovSvilova
Well-known
I think the Edition 60 is a terrific idea. Just far beyond what I am willing to spend.
But I hope others will find the money.
I have spent my own "silly money" on my M-A and am thrilled with it.
You do raise the whole issue of what's relative in respect to spending money. To someone without 'Edition 60 kind of cash' to spend on a camera, it seems foolish. And one will make all sorts of reasons why it's foolish. But for those with the money to spare on such items, then why not? It's like Raid said in his post, there are plenty of high-end cars on the road that appear to be foolish purchases. People often spend lots of money in foolish high end restaurants on foolish food, too.
And so in your case, you were a fool for spending $4500 on a foolish film camera with a 61 year-old design and no meter. There are plenty of less expensive options that will perform the same thing: making a photograph.
I think the question isn't whether buying the Edition 60 is foolish (or the M-A.) But simply whether you have the funds or not and whether it is of value to you (and emotional value is important to humans, too.) If you do, then why is it so foolish. And what does it really matter if you decide to stick it in a closet or use it everyday. People buy lots of expensive stuff that just sits and does nothing. But it still has value to them personally....
Huss
Veteran
Very well said Pioneer and VertovSvilova.
I think some of us old geezers shooting for many years with cameras missing that electronic screen on the back got into the habit of not looking at the back of our camera after making a shot. So we don't even think of looking at the back and are none the worse for that.Funny I have been shooting digital since my I got a Quicktake, not sure when rear screens first appeared, but I have never once looked at the screen after I took a photo.
I do tether my Canons. And I look through photos on my iPhone when having lunch that sort of thing.
I completely miss how others are working I guess. I just take photos like I always did. Just wondering -- I have never actually talked to anyone about this.
I do review the "take" after I get back from wherever I was shooting, as I make notes on the computer. So I find the screen useful for that and would probably not be a customer for a future production version of this special edition.
It is puzzling though that those who say they prefer not to look at the screen and therefore would prefer a camera without one... it would seem not to require a lot of discipline to simply ignore it.
VertovSvilova
Well-known
If a camera has a viewfinder, I never use the screen. I just keep it turned off and don't chimp either. It breaks my concentration and disrupts my flow of working. I do use the screen to set up the camera and check on functions, of course. But I learned on reversal film (in all sorts of conditions) and feel comfortable with digital exposure, and also with focusing (good eyesight with manual lenses and I trust focus confirmation with AF lenses.) Also with the flexibility of current digital post processing, a lot can be fixed later.
But that doesn't mean I don't understand and respect the value of the screen. Especially if one is doing commercial and/or studio work. After all, before digital we used Polaroid backs and did snip tests with the film at the lab (and when making a motion picture; video taps have always had their place with motion picture film cameras.) A screen certainly has its place. I think it just depends on one's own methodology as to whether or not the screen is a priority.
But that doesn't mean I don't understand and respect the value of the screen. Especially if one is doing commercial and/or studio work. After all, before digital we used Polaroid backs and did snip tests with the film at the lab (and when making a motion picture; video taps have always had their place with motion picture film cameras.) A screen certainly has its place. I think it just depends on one's own methodology as to whether or not the screen is a priority.
froyd
Veteran
As a mediocre (on a good day) flash photographer, I would love a screen to act as a modern-day Polaroid back! Can't think of an easier way to quickly learn flash balance and modifiers.
But this thread seems to have steered a little off topic, no?
But this thread seems to have steered a little off topic, no?
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Older digital cameras are collected, just like older computers. But it is unlikely anyone much cares about this particular Leica. It is not likely to increase in value, I would think.
LOL! And why would that be? Seems every time it's mentioned, there's a huge spike in posts on threads about it. That usually indicates a lot of interest...
G
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