Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2018/09/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]There was a time when I used Leica gear exclusively, albeit bought used.? My first real camera was a Leica IIIa (originally a III, factory converted to IIIa), to which Leica New York had added a flash synch baseplate and flash gun, flash bulbs only. As a young USAF Lieutenant, stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, I explored the camera shops and pawn shops in Dayton.? In the basement of the Salem Camera Shop, near the intersection of Salem and Lexington, was a used camera shop run by a real character named "Trader" Horn.? Since it was close to our apartment, I visited the shop frequently, and, finally bought the Leica IIIa, complete with a coated Leica Elmar 50/3.5.? It was my only camera for several years.? It produced wonderful images. But, as my family grew, and my eyes got older, I started looking for a more friendly viewing system.? Finances would not allow me to consider the Leicas of that era.? So, I strayed. I did buy a used Leica IIIf as a graduation gift for my youngest son, because he had an interest in photography.? He still uses a Panaleica. Here are three images from 1952, all made with my Leica gear. http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/20070810-Art+Institute+1952.JPG.html http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/20070708-Wide-Gear+Monocoupe+Dayton+OH+04+52.JPG.html http://www.gallery.leica-users.org/v/OldNick/20070706-Vicki+at+the+Piano+52.JPG.html Comments and critiques welcomed and appreciated. -- Jim Nichols Tullahoma, TN USA