amateriat
We're all light!
Taqi, you rock. 
- Barrett
- Barrett
KM-25
Well-known
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.
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b.espahbod
Optophile
While Audio industry is drowning in Foolish Fetishism and obssesions and showoffs photography is drowning too and the lead captain is Leica. I know alot of people who listen to Speaker sharpness and Subwoofer hum and getting satisfied by listening to a squeak made by a pianist on his chair instead of listening to MUSIC. Its very sad. I like anton bruckner alot and when i realized Leica made a camera for his anniversary... its foolish why a camera should celebrate a composer?! its like Fed camera having a radio isnt that silly? now this noct is the climax of septic technophilia, camera fetishism and god knows what Sigmund Freud has to say about it.
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O. Pyykkö
Member
RichardB
Well-known
No sale!
I'm surprised the bidding got to $15,101.00! Now the seller has an expensive piece of inventory costing him money.-Dick
kevin m
Veteran
That's true, Fred. I owned an M6TTL that had been used by a PJ photographer who switched to digital, and it was lovely. (it's the camera in my avatar, FWIW) Finish worn shiny in places, a few dings and scorch marks on the shutter curtains. But the patina of use gave the camera some charm, I thought, and it was certainly the smoothest M6 I owned. Funny thing is, it's the one M body I actually miss.
pfoto
Well-known
OTOH, because there is buyer expectation for minty cosmetics, if you do use your equipment you're more than likely going to take a loss on it because the buyer will whine about the wear or want to bid you down because of it.
I once read some sage advice on a dealer's site that advised the purchase of worn-looking lenses, because if they have been heavily used they are almost certainly good. I've found that to be pretty accurate.
I once read some sage advice on a dealer's site that advised the purchase of worn-looking lenses, because if they have been heavily used they are almost certainly good. I've found that to be pretty accurate.