Sell it all and finally get a Leica?

[nitrox1]

Yes. I did same and no regrets.

John...

 

[Paul Jenkin]

Johnny,

I recently did something similar with a Mamiya 7 (65mm and 150mm lenses) as well as a Nikon F3 (35/50/135/200 lenses) for an M6, 35 Cron, 28 CV 1.9 and CV75. I don't regret it one bit. The M6 is the most fun you can have fully-clothed.

However - and this is a big one - I was just very naughty and got my mitts on a new Nikon D300. Now, many will have you believe that SLRs are the spawn of Satan and that digital is punishable by burning at the stake - but the image quality is amazing - even at 3200 ISO. In the USA the D300 is also a fair bit cheaper (£ to $) than in the UK.

In your situation, I'd have to toss a coin to see whether I ditch everything (including the 20D) and go for a D300 and 17-55mm f2.8 or do what you were originally suggesting. You couldn't really go wrong either way.

Paul.

 

[Sam R]

The Canonet sounds like a rangefinder to me.

Cheers!

Abbazz

You should market the I use film as a sticker

 

[Sam R]

If you get a Leica, it will be like getting new golf clubs. You will be a better photog for a couple weeks; because now you have a Leica. But you will ultimately come down to your own talent. I've been there....work on your talent.

 

[Prosaic]

I have just picked up my new Ikon from the post office ... it probably de-valued $300.00 during the drive back home!

Thats the bonus you pay for the »smells like new«... 😀

 

[Prosaic]

go for a D300 and 17-55mm f2.8 ... You couldn't really go wrong either way.

Trading one consumer digital SLR against another which will lose about 40% of value within a year sounds quite wrong to me.

 

[Big Hairy Bee]

You WILL miss that Nikon kit eventually. I know miss mine.

 

[Eric T]

Keep it all and buy a Leica IIIf, particularly if all you want is one 50mm lens. The M6 is great but you can get a IIIf and lots of lenses for the price of an M6 and one M lens.
Eric

 

[ijohnnyz]

I'm starting to feel like a ping-pong ball. I really need to clarify my premise. A digital SLR(20d) is going to be my main setup. I can attain all the (zoom) focal lengths to replace my current setup. I bought the 20d because 1) I wanted to switch to Canon and 2) I could spend the remainder on decent glass, which I did.

Basically, this will be my last 35mm film body purchase. This will eventually be my only 35mm film body. The rest must go. Shooting film is still fun and I love the surprise developing last night's party.

Here's my math:
Work/School = Digital Slr
Personal/casual = Leica

I've decided to finish off my 5L of xtol on my current setup before I consider selling it.

Thanks for everyone's input. My girlfriend told me to do whatever I like which is extremely vague.
~Johnny

 

[MartinP]

The idea of one of the Barnack leicas is a good one - the contrast to your dslr is maximised and you can probably afford it without any selling trauma. If you want to sell the Barnack on after a year then you won't lose much value either.

EDIT: With a girlfriend like that you should be very happy (or wary 😉 )

 

[mfogiel]

I'd definitely keep the FN2+105/2.5 lens, and then I'd definitely NOT buy a Leica with the Planar, but a Zeiss Ikon with the Planar - You will get a better camera with less money.

 

[dacaccia]

yes, I would go straight forward to an M6 and cron (!) 50 (which you easily get used for a good price). - My husband did so, sold all his Nikon stuff for an M6 with 3 lenses.

Cheers,
dacaccia

 

[Uwe_Nds]

if you REALLY REALLY want a leica then go for it.
i have owned a few, along with quite a few other brands, and have come to realize that a leica isn't much different from a bessa r4 when it comes to actually taking photos.
they do weigh more which means i might carry them for less time than say a minolta cle, or r4a or even my zeiss ikon.
they look very pretty though.

That sums it up quite nicely.
It doesn't take better pictures than e.g. a Hexar RF, Bessa or ZI, but if you buy one of those despite really wanting a Leica, you will end up buying the Leica later anyway.

And yes, they look very pretty... 😀

Best regards and a happy and healthy new year,
Uwe

 

[Prosaic]

Here's my math:
Work/School = Digital Slr
Personal/casual = Leica

...exactly!

 

[richard_l]

You're getting a lot of interesting suggestions. If I'm reading you correctly, I think you're curious about what Leica imagery at its very best is all about. It's possible to experience this without necessarily breaking the bank. An M2 or M3 in good condition and the latest 50mm/2.8 Elmar-M can produce images which are about as good as one can get from Leica equipment, and the cost should be reasonable. (Moreover, the M2 is prettier than the M6, and the Elmar-M is seductively retro-looking.)

Of course, a IIIf and an Elmar 50mm/3.5 would be an excellent, inexpensive kit, but it would involve sacrificing some convenience in use and a slight (but noticeable) loss of contrast.

I agree with others that it might be a mistake to sell everything and switch entirely over to Leica, but of course that's your decision to make and really none of my business.

Richard