Leica under xmas Tree

I got an M4. It was the best Christmas present I ever got.
For about half a year now I've been using a Nikkormat I've picked up off craigslist for 20 dollars. I thought it might act as a rangefinder for me, being small and tough. Definitely not. at the end of the day, it's still too big and still an SLR.

When I got this M4, I loaded a roll of TMAX 400 film, and shot all the exposures, and knew something in my photography would change from this camera. Theres nothing like a rangefinder.

I have no idea where this came from. I told my parents that Nikon's 10.5 fisheye would be good. Later, I wrote my NYU application on Henri Cartier-Bresson, and how he changed photography. I sent that to my mom to read over and she later called me (I attend a boarding high school) and asked if she could hold off on the 10.5, and get something really special. I said "sure," and didnt really have any suspicions. A LEICA was WAY out of my thoughts. I was so happy. I felt like I was 4 years old again on Christmas.
 
A Leica M4 under the Christmas tree ?? I am very impressed !! That must have been a very nice surprise ! :)

Me, I "found" a Rapidwinder for my M2 ... :D (a present to myself)
 
I found a new copy of Bruce Davidson's "East 100th Street" under the tree, courtesy of my children.

When I dropped the hint about what I wanted and suggested that it be a gift from all four children, several said "oh, just a book, I will get by myself." It was only after they found a copy and saw the price that they realized why I suggested it be a gift from all collectively.
 
Leica M6 Classic in pristine condition. It arrived a couple of days early, but I didn't mind that ;)
 
Ha, the only way anything nice photography related would come my way would be if I got it myself.

This year, my mother got me a book about cycling, and said "well, the title sounded really bad but I got it anyway - then I read it and the guy doesn't write very well, sorry" ;)

The blurb on the back starts:

'That was exactly Bernie Friend's attitude when he ditched medication and group therapy to overcome a very unwanted companion - paranoia.'

Great.
 
kentdunne said:
I got an M4. It was the best Christmas present I ever got.
For about half a year now I've been using a Nikkormat I've picked up off craigslist for 20 dollars. I thought it might act as a rangefinder for me, being small and tough. Definitely not. at the end of the day, it's still too big and still an SLR.

When I got this M4, I loaded a roll of TMAX 400 film, and shot all the exposures, and knew something in my photography would change from this camera. Theres nothing like a rangefinder.

I have no idea where this came from. I told my parents that Nikon's 10.5 fisheye would be good. Later, I wrote my NYU application on Henri Cartier-Bresson, and how he changed photography. I sent that to my mom to read over and she later called me (I attend a boarding high school) and asked if she could hold off on the 10.5, and get something really special. I said "sure," and didnt really have any suspicions. A LEICA was WAY out of my thoughts. I was so happy. I felt like I was 4 years old again on Christmas.
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I loved reading this story. awesome! I'm excited for you, & never never sell it.
 
Well, I got several :) Of course they were presents to myself.

I received 3 restored Leica's I sent of to be painted by www.rangefinderrestorations.com that I bought the last couple of months.

1. A M4-P painted semi-gloss black with griptac. The advance lever was also replaced with a M3/M2 style.
2. A M2 painted semi-gloss black with griptac
3. A M4-2 customized. It started as a black chrome version. I had the top and bottom plates replaced with chrome versions along with the sync rings. The advance lever and VF lever replaced with M3/M2 versions and painted semi-gloss black. I had the rewind crank, rewind lever, hot shoe, shutter dial, shutter release and frame counter painted semi-gloss black (latter with white letters). I installed a pine green leather cover from www.cameraleather.com. Finally, I installed a chrome rapidwinder from Tom. Boy this maybe my favorite Leica so far.

I had hoped to receive several bodies I sent to DAG in August, but they are still sitting in a UPS trailer somewhere in Portland OR. I had Don send them 2 day Air, but due to the snow here in the PNW they didn't make it. Upsetting since the earliest they can be delivered is Monday, but then I will be out of town for two weeks...

They are a Chrome 2 lug M5, a Canadian Chrome M4 and a Chrome M3 SS. The first 2 I was giving to my Dad and Brother for Christmas. They will get them, a bit late I guess :(
 
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