The "Sexy" Leica - 2000 LHSA TTL .85 Black Paint

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LeicaTom

Watch that step!
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Well I took the plunge this week and acquired a 2000 LHSA TTL .85 Black Paint Leica M6 - (only one of 440 ever made) I have never owned a TTL camera before and I've always wanted to see how the .85 finder is, so this camera was an interesting choice, while I almost always shoot with 50mm lenses only.........

The camera was NIB/Deadstock never registered new condition, I found it at Koh's in New York, many thanks to their owner Jimmy Koh for making me an attractive deal and now I have a camera where I can earn my badge of honor by wearing down the paint to brass :D

Since at the momment I can't afford a BP Summilux 35 or 50, I settled on another good deal a pampered "Poor Man's Summilux" a BP Voightlander Nokton f1.5/50mm Asph lens, with VC screw to M adapter all in original boxes and really fine condition. (Thanks John from evilbay!) :)

The two make a real "sexy" pair ~ they look really nice together and I've read the lens has a really good reputation, so I think it's a combo made for each other, I can't wait to put some rolls of film though her soon.......

I have an original late model Leica M6 ER case coming in the mail as well as a BP soft release, I might also buy a BP Thumbs Up for it, once I get the case here on it. ;)

The camera has a real stealthy look and according to what I have read, it was the only Film Leica that had the "Black Dot" issued/licensed for use from the factory, not added later.......

Speaking of stealth and use, it has already crossed my mind to possibly add a MP/M3 style BP film lever (I have always found the M4 film lever odd to use- feels strange, a MP/M3 lever feels more durable) and a Millennium/Swedish News Press style "Black Out" shutter dish and film counter dial, but then I have to break the original Leica sea, uggh! .........AH P00! :(

Who else here at RFF is USING a 2000 LHSA TTL BP? ~ .58/.72 or .85 doesn't matter, please stop by and post a photo of your camera and what lens your shooting on it now? :)

Enjoy!

Tom
 
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Ha ha ha, I had to laugh when I read this.

When I was a student at university, there were three camera stores that sold Leica and I used to frequent all of them. It sure fanned my lust for Leica, and at a time that I couldn't afford it.

Thanks for reviving that old memory.

And, I don't have a 2000 LHSA, but do have a 2000 Millenium. Beautiful camera; it is my shelf queen.

Vick


Double Negative said:
...Hey, I know Jimmy. I was just in his shop last week to pick up my SHOOC from him. He's conveniently located between home and work... :D
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Just sold my .85 version last month. I'm a bit bummed, but I reckoned I only had room for so many film cameras. Beautiful camera.
 
Yes she is a beauty, Tom. BTW you don't need a thumbs-up on a film Leica--or was that a joke? :rolleyes:

You haven't been selling off your IIIc K bodies to finance this, have you? :eek:
 
Rob-F said:
Yes she is a beauty, Tom. BTW you don't need a thumbs-up on a film Leica--or was that a joke? :rolleyes:

You haven't been selling off your IIIc K bodies to finance this, have you? :eek:
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Hmmmm, I though they were for all M cameras? To rest your thumb on while it's across the back of the camera? - Don't know never used one.....so I don't need it afterall.

I think I will get a eye protector around the eyepiece in the back, that's also a place where the camera comes in contact, with skin and sweat alot.

I'm going to preserve the paint as much as I can, as I did with Leica IIIC K Grey's I never really worn any paint out on them, I protected the paintjobs very well.

I just got a full ER case for it and it's coming in the mail, I should TRY to shoot a roll or two of film through it next week :)

No, I only sold/traded the Sharkskin Chrome IIIC K, a "wartime" Elmar 50 and that 1948 MOOLY C Black Paint motor last week, for this camera and some new lenses :D

The (3) IIIC K Grey's have a permanent home here in Florida! ~ Not selling them anytime soon....

Tom
 
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Michael,

I like the M7 a lot more with the old style transport lever and frame preview lever!


Tom,

Your camera rocks! I bet you will love using the CZJ Sonnar LTM and Biogon LTM on that one! Looking forward to seeing your pictures somewhere next week! Congrats on your camera!
 
Thanks Johan!

Yeah, I might have to learn to live with the M4 style film advance, though I always wanted to change the lever on my old M6 Classic to the MP/M3 styled version, I really donlt feel like losing the Leica Factory Seal..............also even though I'm a big fan of the Millennium/Swedish News Press style "Black Out" shutter dish and film counter dial, you have to break open the camera to swap out these parts :/

Ohh well, still debating on if I swap out those parts and keep the original parts in a baggie someplace ;)

Still can't wait till I can get some lenses and different films through this camera soon........

Tom
 
useless generation said:
these are so damn nice! How much would one expect to pay for a BP M6TTL LHSA??
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Anywhere now currently between $2,800 to $3,500 depending on who's got the deal?

0.58 and 0.85 are the rarest versions, with 60 and 440 made respectfully and 500 0.72's were made as well......

Tom
 
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LeicaTom said:
Thanks Johan!

Yeah, I might have to learn to live with the M4 style film advance, though I always wanted to change the lever on my old M6 Classic to the MP/M3 styled version, I really donlt feel like losing the Leica Factory Seal..............also even though I'm a big fan of the Millennium/Swedish News Press style "Black Out" shutter dish and film counter dial, you have to break open the camera to swap out these parts :/

Ohh well, still debating on if I swap out those parts and keep the original parts in a baggie someplace ;)

Still can't wait till I can get some lenses and different films through this camera soon........

Tom
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Tom,

the lever can easily be changed without taking the top plate off so the seal will remain intact.
It just requires the correct ring tool to grip the chrome release ring. DAG or YY can do it for you in <5 mins and in the same run can change the release ring to a black paint one too.
 
I had a really nice LHSA but sold it before even shooting a roll through it. It was just far too nice to risk scratching. I think certain Leicas belong with those collectors.
 
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