Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2013/06/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Jim quite possibly you do have the right idea! Scott On 2013-06-28, at 9:36 AM, Jim Shulman <jshulman at judgecrater.com> wrote: > I manage to post about one half decent picture a day doing exactly that: an > incredibly reliable classic mechanical camera, all the shooting I want with > 15-30 bucks for film and processing in my basement (The higher end when I > shot 8 rolls of 120 at a recent festival, a $180 Epson scanner from b+h > that's good for five to ten years, and I get both high res scans and nice > negs from my "monochrome only" sensor. > On Jun 28, 2013 9:30 AM, "Leicamania" <leicamania88 at gmail.com> wrote: > >> Nice. Well said. >> >> On 27 Jun, 2013, at 22:59, lrzeitlin at aol.com wrote: >> >>> Those of you that want to return to the glory days of film Leicas, take >> heart. There are plenty of classic used Leicas around at very reasonable >> prices. Some for less than a dinner at a gourmet restaurant. See why the >> old timers liked the uber reliable mechanical cameras. You can still buy >> good B&W film and develop it in your bathroom. With a scanner you don't >> even need a wet darkroom. >>> >>> >>> Here is a partial list of NYC camera stores. There are dozens more. >> Every city has a few old time stores. Disregard the new equipment on >> display. Walk to the back of store and look at the used equipment >> moldering >> away on the shelves and drawers. It helps to ask the oldest employee in >> the >> store or perhaps the owner. Most will be happy to get rid of that old >> stuff. >>> >>> >>> The best hunting ground is in NYC's photo district, the region between >> 14th and 23rd street, east of Park Avenue. Check out the pawn shops too. >> Many photographers simply hock their old film equipment in order to buy >> the >> latest digital technology. I picked up a nice M3 and a decent IIIc that >> way >> for less than the price of a Broadway play ticket. Lenses too. >>> >>> >>> The secret to getting cheap Leica equipment is to disregard the >> appearance of the camera. Despite the prejudice of the LUG, most tatty >> looking Leica gear is not cherished by casual buyers. Especially when new >> digital stuff is so cheap. Cracked or missing vulcanite, scratches, minor >> dents, and obvious wear marks markedly lower the value for collectors. If >> you find a good camera candidate, make sure all the shutter speeds work, >> especially the low speeds. Check to see that the viewfinder is clear and >> that the rangefinder image is easily visible. Fit a trial lens and make >> sure that the rangefinder focuses. There should be no stiffness in the >> winding lever or knob. Lenses should not be fogged nor should the >> diaphragm >> bind. Focusing should be easy. You can ignore a few cleaning scratch marks >> and even a small chip if you can get a reduced price. It helps to bargain. >> There are so few buyers for old film cameras. >>> >>> >>> A decent first or second edition collapsible model Summicron can be >> bought for less than two hundred dollars. A DR rigid model costs a bit >> more. If you cannot find a good Summicron, opt for a Summitar. Erwin Puts >> claims that it is just about as sharp as the Summicron and a lot cheaper. >> Both the 35 mm Summaron and the 90 mm Elmar are outdated but still will >> take excellent pictures.? >>> >>> >>> Of course the real way to get into Leica photography on a budget is to >> opt for the older screw mount cameras. The IIIC and the IIIF cameras take >> pictures every bit as good as the M cameras and the bodies and lenses are >> MUCH less expensive. Besides you will have the pleasure of using a >> classical Leica. Sure there is a demand for the IIIG and pristine late >> model IIIFs . But remember that Leica made over 270,000 IIIC and IIIF >> cameras, most of which are sitting unused on closet shelves. And plenty of >> optical firms made screw mount lenses that would work just fine on the >> cameras. Among the best are the Canon screw mounts, often much cheaper and >> better performing than Leica lenses. The Canon 100 mm f3.5 is regarded as >> one of the sharpest short telephotos ever made. Where else can you find a >> 50 mm f1.2 lens for less than the sales tax on a Noctilux? >>> >>> >>> Good hunting. >>> >>> >>> Larry Z >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> 17th Street Photo New York (photo) >>> 42nd Street Photo New York * >>> 47th Street Photo New York >>> Adorama New York (photo) >>> Alkit New York >>> B&H Photo-Video >>> J&R New York (photo) >>> Kurland Photo New York >>> Penn Camera >>> Tamarkin New York. Leica specialist (photo) >>> TriState Camera New York * (photo) >>> Willoughbys The oldest camera dealer in Manhattan. >>> >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> Leica Users Group. >>> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Leica Users Group. >> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information >> > > _______________________________________________ > Leica Users Group. > See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information