Re: [Leica] Black paint classic

[Steve Beyer <steve@beyerphoto.com>]

Hi Mike,
    Are you interested in the .58 finder because you already have a .85 or
would you like to use just the .58?  I find that I still use my .72 finder
M6 because I can't really see the 35 frame lines on my .85 since I wear
glasses.  I do like the .85 for my longer glass.

Steve

> From: Mike Johnston <michaeljohnston@ameritech.net>
> Reply-To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> Date: Fri, 20 Oct 2000 23:47:41 -0500
> To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
> Subject: [Leica] Black paint classic
> 
> 
>> So, if they were to offer, say, an M6 "classic" in some reconfiguration,
>> perhaps even
>> in black paint, at a reasonable price (like the LHSA edition) - how many here
>> would
>> be tempted? If we ask loudly enough and in numbers, we may get it!
> 
> 
> I find myself in the rather odd position of not being particularly
> interested in any of Leica's current products. I do like black paint and the
> .58 finder, but I'd rather not have a TTL--I'm used to the smaller shutter
> dial and the traditional direction, and I find the taller top plate
> disconcerting. I'm not saying the TTL's worse--I'm sure it's very nice. Just
> that I'd rather not own one.
> 
> I'm also interested in a couple of the older lenses more than the new ones,
> although I'll probably end up getting a 35/2 ASPH at least for a while, just
> to get to know it. Again, no judgement implied, just that it tends to be
> older things that happen to attract my interest.
> 
> On the R side (which I'm not currently shooting, but I've just bought an R
> lens so I will be again soon), I'm totally, completely uninterested in the
> R8--again, I'm sure it's a lovely camera for those who are interested--it's
> just very definitely not my cup of tea. (Yes, I have shot with one, albeit
> briefly.) I think I would not be interested in using an R8 if it came my way
> for free. It just doesn't suit my tastes and my style. So, I find myself
> looking at older R cameras.
> 
> A classic M6 in black paint would suit me perfectly. Particularly if it had
> three framelines (35, 50, 90) instead of 6 and no capability for the motor
> drive, thus restoring the brass gears and the silken feel of the M4.
> 
> For this reason (i.e., that I want it), no product of this description will
> _ever_ see the light of day <g>.
> 
> But I *would* like to see something...subversive. Unabashedly utilitarian.
> Anti-collector. Again, nothing against the collectors. I just get a bit
> overstuffed with all the limited-edition, carriage-trade marketing gimmicks,
> one after the next. It's all so damned...precious. I know, I know, it's what
> they feel they need to do to survive, and that's fine with me. I just don't
> feel I'm being served.
> 
> It would be nice if there were a workingman's Leica.
> 
> It does kind of bug me that I don't really covet any of the products Leica
> is currently selling. I don't know why it should, but there it is.
> 
> Late night musings after a long but interesting day.
> 
> --Mike
> 
>