Podcast Interview with Dan Tamarkin

[maigo]

Two hour long interview with Dan Tamarkin on the Classic Lenses Podcast episode #130:
https://www.classiclensespodcast.com/e/130-dan-tamarkin-and-the-leica-hysterical-society/

From the show notes:

We are joined by none other than Dan Tamarkin of Tamarkin Camera in Chicago, America's Premiere Leica Specialist. We take a deep-dive into rangefinder photography and all things Leica. Dan is an amazing conversationalist and storyteller, and even Simon manages to enjoy this complete immersion into the fascinating world of the Red Dot!

 

[Godfrey]

I don't have time right now, but I look forward to listening to this interview! I've been doing business with Dan Tamarkin (and before him, his father Stan!) for at least twenty-five or thirty years. Never a moment's worry when it comes to honesty, candidness, quality of goods, quality of service: ALWAYS the best Leica dealer in my book.

G

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I went to his store while I was in Chicago (2019). Nice place.

 

[raydm6]

If I recall correctly, I believe Stan had a store in Connecticut at some time? I seem to remember going to his house to pick up a Leica item probably in the late '80's.

 

[raid]

Thanks. I have started to listen to it ...

 

[Horatio]

That was an interesting conversation. I now know why M2R and M2S models are rare.

 

[rfaspen]

Dan sure is a nice fella. He gave me a quite good deal on my first digital Leica -- an M8u.

I'll try to find some time to listen. Thanks for the link maigo.

 

[Godfrey]

If I recall correctly, I believe Stan had a store in Connecticut at some time? I seem to remember going to his house to pick up a Leica item probably in the late '80's.

Yes, Tamarkin Camera was started in Connecticut around 1971. Dan grew up there, and bought the business from his father in 2010, moved the business to Chicago in 2012-2013 or so.

It's amazing how long I've known them. I bought my second Leica CL from Stan in the early '90s, and Dan remembered that camera when I called him about something else in 2011, after a long absence. Now that's a dealer relationship...!

G

 

[Bingley]

Listened to the interview y’day... fun and informative with an emphasis on Leica.

 

[Doug]

Those guys are sure enjoying their conversation, and they brought up some interesting stuff. One thing that caught my attention was the subject of the M2S and M2R variants of the M2. Seems the main difference was the addition of the Quick-Load system later found in the M4. In this (around minute 45-50) they did not mention that a customer could buy the Quick-Load (including appropriate instruction sticker) as a kit and install it themselves... which is what I did.

 

[Miles.]

Great podcast - always like hearing Tamarkin, too.