RE: [Leica] If Leica is too expensive what would be the best alternative?

[Alan Ball <AlanBall@csi.com>]

On Sunday, July 19, 1998 6:55 AM, Mark [SMTP:mark@steinberg.net] wrote:
 > a secondhand f3 or fm with a 50/1.8 makes a fine first camera 
(understatement).

I agree with that, and so does my 9 year old daughter. I bought her a nice 
2nd hand FM w/50mm f1.8 for less than 300 USD vat incl (here in expensive 
Belgium) for her birthday in June. Last week, she went through a 
photojournalism summer class, where she learned quite a few things, 
including darkroom procedures. She is very happy with her tool. Takes her 
time to shoot, thinks about light and composition, and gets very nice 
results. She even jokes 'bout her mates parents using 'automatic cameras'. 
I watch her without feeling paranoid that she might let the camera fall or 
that someone could steal it from her. And what she learns, she will be able 
to use the day someone, probably herself, might be able to buy her a 
(digital) Leica. She will probably receive either a 100mm f2.8 E series or 
a 70-150 E for the summer holidays. Cost is around 150 USD, quality is VERY 
high...

Friendly regards,
Alan
Brussels-belgium.