New York NYC March Meet-Up

John, the R6.2 cameras on ebay are priced anywhere from $550 to $1995 (with several under $1000). Tamarkin, Igor, and KEH don't have any to compare in pricing.

I'm shocked that Tamarkin has a few R8s for less than $500. I hadn't realized those came down so much.

John,

R8's are not expensive at all, and at around $500.00 a R6.2 is a really cool and good camera for "no money."

For me buying old SLR bodies for no money allows me to use Leica glass. Some lenses like the 35 Elmarit version 2 can be had for $300-$400. People avoid these old 3-Cam lenses due to the series 7 filters, but the version 2 has the same optics as the version 3 that takes E55 filters and has a built in hood. Avoid the version 1 35 Elmarit, low contrast, not as good optics, series 6 filter and the dead givaway is the round detachable hood. BTW these lenses sell at these inexpensive prices with the hood and caps.

For me the Version two is cooler due to the rectangular hood. This lens is said to have lower distortion than the 35 Cron. Kinda like buying a Summaron instead of a 35 Cron: stunning results if you don't need F2.0.

The guy in Adorama who just bought one got an insider deal and only paid $375.00 and it was a clean camera. The size is in the realm of an Olympus OM meaning mucho small and compact.

Cal
 
John, the R6.2 cameras on ebay are priced anywhere from $550 to $1995 (with several under $1000). Tamarkin, Igor, and KEH don't have any to compare in pricing.

John,

I put a "Sold" filter in eBay's advance search, the recent transactions are more between $400-600. That's a more reasonable price range. Thanks for checking.

John
 
Cal, I've found with printing that the best tool is your eyes. I'm sure the 13x19" prints are great... since you are an IQ stickler.

I've seen plenty of exhibition prints that aren't that great out there. There strangest being this show:

http://www.laurencemillergallery.com/herzog_in_color.html

The 20x30" inkjet prints from old slide film just weren't up to par. Great photography none-the-less.

John,

I remember that show we saw where the shooter did Piezography with film he developed in Rodinal. WTF? What was the poit of that? To be silly?

I love the tonality Rodinal and even the grain on medium format, but to make high definition grain like noise or a raster on a television made no sense to me. Oh-well.

You are correct: I'm a real jerk when it comes down to IQ. Always been known for high standards of quality in everything I do. The 13x19's look stunning, but I see the imperfections that others might not see, the smallest stray dot, a speck of dust, just one small thing and it is not perfect in my book. One of the reason I am printing proofs is to see any imperfection.

I think you are correct in that my eyes have been the best tools. I know a good print when I see one.

Cal
 
SMUT: It seems that Brian, who bought my legendary M3-DS that has a fresh "L" seal due to factory service at Leica Germany, now ejoys VIP status at B&H and Adorama. LOL.

He gets shown all the good stuff that is hidden away and gets the insider pricing like me. LOL.

Cal
 
John,

R8's are not expensive at all, and at around $500.00 a R6.2 is a really cool and good camera for "no money."

For me buying old SLR bodies for no money allows me to use Leica glass. Some lenses like the 35 Elmarit version 2 can be had for $300-$400. People avoid these old 3-Cam lenses due to the series 7 filters, but the version 2 has the same optics as the version 3 that takes E55 filters and has a built in hood. Avoid the version 1 35 Elmarit, low contrast, not as good optics, series 6 filter and the dead givaway is the round detachable hood. BTW these lenses sell at these inexpensive prices with the hood and caps.

For me the Version two is cooler due to the rectangular hood. This lens is said to have lower distortion than the 35 Cron. Kinda like buying a Summaron instead of a 35 Cron: stunning results if you don't need F2.0.

Thanks for the explanation. I'm more of a 28/50mm guy these days... 35mm rarely gets used. I do notice that certain R 50mm Summicrons go for "no money." Any lemons in that range? Also, if I were to get a Leica SLR, it would have to be an early one.
 
John,

I remember that show we saw where the shooter did Piezography with film he developed in Rodinal. WTF? What was the poit of that? To be silly?

I love the tonality Rodinal and even the grain on medium format, but to make high definition grain like noise or a raster on a television made no sense to me. Oh-well.

Yeah, some people fetishize grain. I used to use Rodinal during college... but didn't develop for maximum grain. I guess it depends on your thing.

You are correct: I'm a real jerk when it comes down to IQ. Always been known for high standards of quality in everything I do. The 13x19's look stunning, but I see the imperfections that others might not see, the smallest stray dot, a speck of dust, just one small thing and it is not perfect in my book. One of the reason I am printing proofs is to see any imperfection.

Nah, not a jerk... you just want what you want. That's normal.
 
Cool...so, are you getting one? :D

Unfortunately, I don't have my R glasses any more to go with a R6.2. I am contemplating to get rid of my Nikon DSLR system and narrow it down to 3 brands for 3 formats: Leica M, Fuji X and Hasselbald. But, the Nikon SLR bodies (F2, FM2, F6) are holding me back. Hmm ...

John
 
Wow, John will get rid of his Nikon DSLRs just when I get into them? Honestly, where I see my gear deficiencies is in the digital Leica realm. While it is no longer the best camera for my photography... the M9 was really fun to use. Your plan doesn't sound bad to me. You could always get rid of the digital bodies and keep the film bodies. I'm a three brand guy right now too... Sony, Nikon, and Ricoh.
 
John,

Here is my current thinking. Size has become more of a factor to me. I probably would let go the Trinity f/2.8 zooms along with the Nikon DSLRs but keep the assorted brands F-mount primes (so I won't regret). When I have the need for a tele zoom, the XF 50-140 will probably do. Yes, M9 is a fun camera. But, the Typ 240 opens up more possibilities for me admitting that it gives different color rendering. So, I may even off load the M9, now that it came back from Allendale, NJ with a new sensor. With the cash, I can pick up another M lens or two. Tung has inspired me that exotic glasses make better investment ;-)

And Tung, I am trying very hard to resist A7II. Don't pull my leg please!

John
 
John, the R6.2 cameras on ebay are priced anywhere from $550 to $1995 (with several under $1000). Tamarkin, Igor, and KEH don't have any to compare in pricing.

I'm shocked that Tamarkin has a few R8s for less than $500. I hadn't realized those came down so much.

Nobody's buying Film Leica SLR's anymore so the prices come
down. I had a R4 at one time with a 50mm F2 summicron and
it was a sweet combo and the lens was the typical Leica
fantastic colors.

Bob
 
** Gear Alert **
I got a free lens today, there's a bit a fog in it and other things wrong with
it so the seller told me to keep it and he refunded the money.
 
Sounds like I hit the right spot, John ;-) imaging using your new 35 Lux FLE at 30mm CFD

Correction: 14 inches CFD
 
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** Gear Alert **
I got a free lens today, there's a bit a fog in it and other things wrong with
it so the seller told me to keep it and he refunded the money.

You can't say this without saying what the lens is!!! Cal has spoiled us in this regard...he's thorough! ;)
 
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