Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/09/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]CP, If you are happy to use a manual camera, and wish to use, rather than adore a machine, then rough Leicas are very cheap in comparison to good looking ones but buy from a reputable dealer who will know whether they are working well. They also know that they will fetch little money and are happy to have someone to pass the camera on to so that it won't have to be displayed in the shop! I started with a Leica II, and could still find that useable for 95% of my photography. But tell the dealer/s you want cheap and working. A LUG member bought something on ebay recently and found he had a dud, cultivate your local sources, by the time you can afford something, they'll have had a chance to find it for you! The Cosina camera is I believe a collector's item now, very few were produced with that name, or so I've been told. At one time it was going to be the other way around, (i.e. very few Voigtlanders). The camera is fine, though no Leica, it sounds like a cheap SLR but as mentioned works fine. Severel of the members here have one or both of the lenses, again, they are excellent for the money but not in the true modern Leica class. Jem - -----Original Message----- From: C P Wong [SMTP:cpwong@w3xs.com] Hi there, I was thinking of picking up a Leica from eBay but looking at things, it may not be wise considering that I'm new to Leica. Looking around, I'm thinking about picking up a IIIf b/d with a Elmar 50mm as membership to this "club". Any comment/pointers would be much appreciated here. (can't afford the M) BTW, going around my old haunts in town and happen to bump into the new Cosina 107-SW, the OEM of the Voigtlanger Bessa L (can't spell it right, forgive me but I think you know what I mean) complete with 15mm and 25mm lens together with the respective viewfinders for under USD800. Look's like a good buy... Anybody on this list tried this camera out? I would appreciate any of you Leica gurus' comment for this Leica wannabe. cpwong