Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/04/13
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Daniel, I used to love Lionel trains, and watched that market's prices soar, and there too, was much talk about greying demographics. I have not done any research, but it seems to me that for postwar gear (1946-1954) prices rose sharply into the the mid-80s, and seemed to stagnate from that point, so in real terms, the prices have actually declined some. I'm probably on the bottom end of Leica's marketing demographics (in more ways than one!) and yes, I'm fascinated by digital, but I simply do not consider it to be in the same class as 35mm yet. I'd love to try Nikon's E2, but I believe the price still far exceeds even a trio of M6es!! I could surely use a (now $6K and falling fast) digital scanning back for product photos, but this is not a standalone device, intended to go out in the field, except at considerable inconvenience (How's about duct-taping a flatbed scanner to the back end of an 8x10 view camera, he asked!) For all of the complaints about it's "classic" design, it remains a simple, compact device which demands--and rewards--skill, on the part of it's user. At least in the US of A, now seems to be one of the best times in years to acquire an M, as good exchange rates, weak sales elsewhere, and competition from Contax have conspired to drive down prices, and this has (usually) had a domino effect on the price of used gear as well. Regarding the M4 vs M6HM: I took my M4 to the local dealer's, and thought the 35mm framelines were a bit easier to see in the HM. The M4 eyepiece might be best replaced with the plastic M6 part, the better to protect eyeglasses. M4's a fine user: You can get one for under $900, though it won't be minty at this price! Jeff PS: I have benefitted from collectors who were unloading gear, but have found that often, it needed servicing, as the foam had gone crumbly, the lubes had aged, etc, so price it accordingly. - -----Original Message----- From: Daniel Ho <hod@idirect.com> >How do you see the prices of Leicas being affected as the portion of the >demographic that collects Leicas (my guess is older, wealther, males that >were raised with the Leica mystique) ages? My impression is that many in >the younger generation, coming into more disposable income, are more >interested in digital cameras and may not even know what a Leica is. My >guess is that besides the asian economies being soft (contributing to less >prospective Leica collectors/users) that more and more collections will come >into the market and that the prices will drop. Will it drop to the level >where used equipment becomes more in line with other quality marques so that >I can afford more Leica toys?