Well, I succumbed to a la carte...

[StuartR]

With the impending price increase and the more devastating price fixing, I decided to get the leica a la carte camera that I have really been wanting. Though a la carte's price is not going to change, I am still getting it a significant discount compared to what it will be after July 1st. In any case, I decided on a chrome .85 M7 in an MP form factor. I liked both the blue and the green leather, but I decided to go with the blue. I am really looking forward to getting the camera and putting it to use. I think it is supposed to take about 8 weeks. I actually might be in Europe at the time, and if I am, I may just go and pick it up at the factory. I guess you can go watch them put on the finishing touches and get it when it is done. I would like to take the factory tour, so if I am anywhere near Germany, I will see if I can arrange it.

Oh, and please don't flame me for doing something like this. I fully intend to use this camera until I can no longer buy film. I realize that what extra I am paying has nothing to do with the utility of the camera, but I am ok with that. Photos or artwork aren't utilitarian either, but no one questions their value. I am happy to pay extra to have a camera to both take excellent photographs and express a part of my style.
Well, here is what it should look like:

 

[back alley]

stuart, will you adopt me? please?

ok not very funny.

but that is a very pretty camera and if you can afford it, more power to ya!

i might have gone for something in red myself...

joe

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

More power to you. Send pictures of it when it arrives.

 

[StuartR]

Joe -- I don't think you would fit with my crazy bachelor life style. No kids, no wife = more income to expend on cameras. I am probably going to be selling a Hexar RF though, if anyone is interested. I liked the red too, but I couldn't afford 3 (blue, green and red), so I am going to stick with blue.

 

[jbw]

it's beautiful... i thought the green leather was pretty cool too.... but the dream camera i built was black w/red leather...... hot stuff.... it's a fun fantasy doing the configurator...
lucky guy...

joanie

 

[parks5920]

I am sitting here, totally jealous, looking at that beautiful camera...and all I can say is....CAN I BE YOUR BEST FRIEND? I'm really low maintenance, dress well, kinda funny and will always tell you how AWESOME your new Leica is.

 

[hth]

Very cool and stylish!

I would have choosen the same model, but based on an MP. But I do not have the cash for a new Leica, so I went the low budget approach and got some pale blue leather cover for my M2. I still have to put it on though...

 

[parks5920]

So, how much do you want to sell that Hexar RF for to your 'new best friend'?

 

[Roger Hicks]

Congratulations. I would do exactly the same (but with a different configuration, of course) if I could afford it.

Interesting quote from Jean-Jacques Viau at Leica: "Half our customers baby their cameras. The other half just use them"

Cheers,

Roger (www.rogerandfrances.com)

 

[jorisbens]

I've made my dream leica, a leica MP with classic engraving, a 0.85 finder and cognac colored leather.

If i sell my Pen EES, actionsampler and my agfa CliCK-I (In near mint condition), I probably can afford it

Stuart: Enjoy your Leica, it looks awesome

Joris Bens

 

[unsharp]

Soo Coool!

Descrete street photography?

This camera will be a party magnet, and your batchelor days are numbered, be sure ! Buy a Summilux for it while you can.

 

[rover]

stuart, will you adopt me? please?

joe

You stole my line!!!!

I have to admit to have configured a camera or two with the Ala Carte online dream machine.

Enjoy the camera!

 

[jorisbens]

The leica a la carte configurator is so much fun that I play with it instead of those boring computer games And now I'm able to say "I have a dream..."

Joris Bens

 

[sgy1962]

How long until you get it?

 

[Nikon Bob]

No flaming from me only a congratulation. I hope you are able to pick it up at the factory, it would be the icing on the cake. Hope you enjoy it,

Bob

 

[berci]

Yeah, it would be great to get your camera at the end of the factory tour.

 

[ray_g]

Congratulations, that looks really great! I am at work and they can hear my sigh in the next room.

 

[Fred]

Well done Stuart for getting the one that you wanted. I confess I speak with more than a little envy.

Interesting point from Roger, "The other half just use them" That may well be higher proportion being used than some other cameras that only creep out of the house for the odd event or vacation. All Leica owners I have known exercise them at virtually ever opportunity. I don't know of a single one that was for display only.

 

[Tim]

You know, but it's funny.......I can't configure my ideal Leica with a la carte.......

cause why?

well, it's because not being a long term Leica user, the M6TTl/M7 shutter speed dial just makes so much sense. But I really want the MP mechanicals/rewind knob. (hey, is it just me, or is the rewind crank a PITA???? When I borrowed Michelle's M2 the rewind knob was WAY easier than my M6's crank)

My ideal M would be:
- Black leatherette
- Rewind Knob, not crank
- M6TTL/M7 shutter speed dial
- Fully manual
- .58 finder

so basically an MP .58 with a M7 shutter speed dial.........which doesn't exist.......

I guess I'll stick with the M6TTL!!

(But I still think you're lucky to get a custom made one that suits you!)

 

[peter_n]

That is just a beauty - good for you Stuart! Wow, I'm hoping to get an M7 myself this year but with two kids at college it is tough, believe me. Try and get to the factory, I hear its a really interesting visit!