and he's looking for a MP3 set in black paint (Does anyone have one that they would like to sell?)
After years of wondering, I finally decided to try out Leica back in mid 2006. Even though I started with an M6 classic and a 35 summicron, I was curious as to what Leica was making now and for how much.
So I started paging through the different models at B&H. When I saw the black MP3 kit, the price shocked me for "35mm film camera and a 50mm lens." But it also struck me as perhaps the most beautiful camera I had ever seen. I knew at that price though, I could never "collect" one so I just dreamed.
So now, two years later, I am actually quite suprised at just how rare these sets are on the used market. The chrome ones pop up now and then and Kurland even had a few chrome kits go for 6K, but not the black paint.
I was lucky enough to notice one for sale on here one night for $5,000 brand new in the box last year. I thought about how much money that was for a moment and then pounced....it felt like the only time I would ever have this kind of opportunity. When I got it, I, like the original owner, struggled to decide to either use it or keep it in a safe deposit box.
I have not seen the box in over a year as it is safely put away. But the camera, lens and Leicavit all get used often if not daily in my work.
That is what this stuff is for, to get used.
This is the one and only purchase in my business that I have pampered my self with. It will also most likely be the only purchase of it's kind for me.