Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/04/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Jeffrey, Two rules that I consider essential: bring lots of film (although you can buy it locally very easily) and have comfortable clothing and shoes for walking a lot., I've had the pleasure of going to Germany four times in the past year, on business. Whenever I can, I schedule at least a day or two to sightsee. Recently, I spent a day in Frankfurt. Equipped with an M6, 24mm lens and 90mm lens, it was easy to follow prescribed walking routes to tour the altstadt (old town). I used the Frommer's chapter as a guide, but you'll easily get information at the airport. In terms of "deals" on Leicas, the only place I've found which sells Leicas is Foto Hobby in Frankfurt. Due to the exchange rate, I would consider the purchase of new items quite a bargain at the moment, compared to US prices. The shop offers "tax free cheques" which you redeem at the Frankfurt airport (or whichever airport is your last EU departure point when going home). It is essentially a refund on the VAT which you pay when purchasing items locally. However, I have found that purchasing remotely means I don't get charged the full VAT of 16%, but I pay for international shipping; when buying at the store, I pay the full 16% but only get 9 or 10% back with the "cheques". It's worthwhile if you make use of your new gear while in Germany. If you have a car, a visit to the Leica factory in Solms is a nice diversion. I didn't plan carefully and missed the factory tour. It had happened that morning, and I arrived there in the afternoon. Nevertheless, there are beautiful, huge Leica derived photos at the visitor center. There is also a display of every Leica made. If you have a Leica item which needs a minor adjustment or repair, they will offer to perform the service for free on the spot. You can also buy Leica boutique items there. Solms is approx. 60-90 minutes north of Frankfurt. My work takes me south of Frankfurt. Heidelberg is 1 hour south. It's one of the few towns which wasn't totally destroyed during WWII. It also has a beautiful altstadt and a castle on a hill which is a good hike or a tram ride up. Heidelberg can be reached by a convenient train ride from Frankfurt as well as driving. There's obviously a whole lifetime to enjoy in that country, but that's what little I have enjoyed as a working tourist. Best Regards, John At 12:21 PM 04/21/2000 -0700, Jeffrey Peterlin wrote: >All, >Besides the obvious answer of "taking pictures," what >can one do in Frankfurt, keeping an "all-things-Leica" >mentality? This will probably be my first and last >trip to Germany, so I want to take advantage of it. >Are bargains next to impossible there? Thanks in >advance. And, since I do not yet own any "M's," would >my IIIF be a better travel choice, than my bulkier R7? > >Jeffrey >Boston, MA > >__________________________________________________ >Do You Yahoo!? >Send online invitations with Yahoo! Invites. >http://invites.yahoo.com >