To use or not to use... that is the question.

[maddoc]

Why did you buy the camera in the first place ? Nice looking or helpful (necessary) for your photography ?

EDIT: I just saw Pablito had the same question as I have.

 

[axiom]

I'm similar, I have a mint Rolleiflex E3 and a Leica MP3 and use them both and don't think about it. If you don't want to "sully" the camera either sell it or put it in a case and move on. You apparently have plenty of other bodies to use so no need to agonize over it.

In case you are interested.
I found a Rolleiflex Aurum here at a local store for cheap. They probably haven't kept up with the price hike.

 

[dnp]

This was a total impulse purchase. A deal that seemed to good to pass up. And now I think I'm going to turn that impulse into shooting some old slide film after a stiff cup of coffee tomorrow morning.

 

[philipus]

This was a total impulse purchase. A deal that seemed to good to pass up. And now I think I'm going to turn that impulse into shooting some old slide film after a stiff cup of coffee tomorrow morning.

😀 good luck!

 

[Dralowid]

If it is your one and only M then you have to use it. If you have several it is your own fault...

What is it they say about cats? ...one cat fine, two's OK, but three??? MAD CAT PERSON!!!

With profuse apologies to those who own many cats...and humble reflections on glasshouses and stones...

Michael

 

[Vincent.G]

I won't keep any equipment that make me agonize over it. I want to keep those that make me happy! 😉

 

[shadowfox]

I'm pretty close to putting her into regular service and really just needed that extra push I think... maybe she'll become one of those beautifully brassed heirlooms combining utility with art.

I've really enjoyed the community here over the years, despite not being very vocal.

-Dan

Dan,

What's special about it?

(Not trying to be funny, I really don't know anything about those special editions).

 

[kshapero]

I have an M3 that just got back from Solms. It now looks and performs so perfectly, I, sometimes, hesitate to use it in times when their might be weather, etc. So I will pull out a ratty Nikon and shoot away. Oh what have I done?

 

[peter_n]

In case you are interested.
I found a Rolleiflex Aurum here at a local store for cheap. They probably haven't kept up with the price hike.

I had no clue what a Rolleiflex Aurum was and had to go look it up. Thanks for the tip but I'm not a collector, I bought the E3 for the (interior) condition, and it's wonderful and smooth to use after a CLA. It just happens to look new on the outside too. The MP3 had a big scratch on the back when I bought it so it was already a user so to speak.

 

[philipus]

I have an M3 that just got back from Solms. It now looks and performs so perfectly, I, sometimes, hesitate to use it in times when their might be weather, etc. So I will pull out a ratty Nikon and shoot away. Oh what have I done?

🙂 What you've done is tune the M3 to function perfectly for another decade or two. So keep using it and then send it to Solms again in 2030 or thereabouts. 😉

 

[dnp]

Hi Shadowfox,

There are those here that will have more knowledge than me by far, but this particular run of M6 "LHSA's" can be read about on Steven Gandy's site:

http://www.cameraquest.com/lm6lhsa.htm

There appear to be many Special Edition's of Leica's over the years. How special is really up to the market I guess - or the individual.

Anyway, I shot two rolls of film through her this morning and inn terms of difference in feel than a regular M6, it's identical. It'll get some character over time but that's really about it I think. That's a lot to me though and a pleasure to use.

Happy shooting all,
-Dan

Dan,

What's special about it?

(Not trying to be funny, I really don't know anything about those special editions).

 

[presspass]

The obvious answer is, whatever makes you happy. I have a couple of lenses that I use, but sparingly. One is a nice Noctolux 1.0 that doesn't belong outside in the rain, getting soaked by a fire hose. Yes, I use it. But only when I can control the conditions. It's yours, do what you like.

 

[Timmyjoe]

I'm a lover of beautiful mechanical things, and I can see owning a pristine (read Black Paint) Leica M and not using it as a daily camera, keeping it pristine and beautiful. Just to look at and appreciate. Not for any monetary value. I find beautiful mechanical things inspiring.

I would need to also have a beater Leica M that would get regular service so it was mechanically pristine. Can't have a camera fail me in the field.

But yeah, if I could afford a pristine Black Paint Leica M, I could see not using it regularly and keeping it inspirational.

Best,
-Tim

 

[sepiareverb]

My MP3 has the least finish on it of any of my cameras. Just use the dang thing.

 

[dnp]

Just closing this one out - thanks to everyone for their contributions and thoughts. Here's the working duo that greets me each morning now. The M3 is done shooting it's second solo show, and the M6 LHSA is on it's first. Mush, you cameras, MUSH!.

Big shout out to Don Goldberg at DAG Camera for mating the M3/Abhrahamsson Rapidwinder2. Don's work was clean and the camera is better than ever - buddha ears!

-Dan