[Leica] Dangerous Noctilux

[Ron & Beelian Miller <rkmiller001@earthlink.net>]

Nathan,

Yes, the LUG is addictive. We do the most damage when we take that short
break from the LUG and the eyes start to wander through the Leica
equipment display cases of the camera store. Just today, only planning
to test out the Billingham bags, narrowed down to Alice or hadley, and
the loupes that everyone has helped out in their suggestions, i felt
this delirious mad feeling take over as my eyes and feet take me to the
Leica section of the store. My initial nervousness when asking to see
the goods (knowing how dangerous this first step is!) gave way and i
felt sure i was going to walk out the door with a lens!! Luckily the
prices brought me back down. But now I'm more determined to get that
darn lens in the new released version!! 

I tend to shoot wide with my 35mm Summicron asph., going for the evening
or night street scenes, as well as pushing the limits of hand holding
abilities and film sensitivity, does this mean I'm ready for a Noctilux.
I know the new Asph. 90 Summicron is definitely on my list. Just called
Leo's in Vancouver (at Ted's suggestion) and Mark says the price on this
new baby is C$2799. Add to that a 14% tax (half of it reclaimable to
U.S. persons) and a C$70 shipping/brokerage fee and $? import duty (if
there's one?).  Despite the new lows in currency exchange rates, this
seems pretty pricey. Does anyone know of a better price elsewhere for
U.S. buyers?

Hooked,
Bee Lian