Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/05/23
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Our friend, Takeshi Hashimoto has contributed the following helpful answers: > > You can by and M6 for $1699 new. For less used. What's the problem? > >Cost doesn't really enter into it. You'll spend how much on gasoline this year? > >Take out a loan. > Perhaps I can expand on these tidbits of wisdom. My first Leica was a used M2 with a used 50/2. It was not a pretty camera but it worked well and the 50's glass was clear. It cost $520US, and, unfortunately, I was getting around by bicycle then and unable to further reduce my gasoline consumption to help to pay for it. I purchased a Sekonic Studio Deluxe light meter (no batteries) for about $100US. Within two years the M2 required a CLA (about $175US) and then I was basically set with an excellent camera for the next 15 years or so (till the next CLA). Total investment $795US. If anyone is not as financially able as our friend Takeshi, please consider a used older M camera. It may need some maintenance but, as long as the camera was not trashed, it will out last you and possibly your grandchildren as well! My financial circumstances have changed, though I still mostly get around by bicycle, and I am fortunately able to indulge my self somewhat these days so a few more Leica odds and sods are scattered about the house. Unless you are a professional, I feel going into debt for a hobby is not such a good idea. Do not forget that film and processing costs soon put hardware expenses into there proper perspective. John Collier