Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2013/06/28

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Subject: [Leica] Classic Leicas still available
From: scottgregory at mac.com (Scott Gregory)
Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 09:49:07 -0400
References: <8D0415E1AD7B66D-1038-365D5@webmail-d276.sysops.aol.com> <D13DF8B9-8E7B-4305-B590-3B6D2930C5AF@gmail.com> <CANzMCD-QL8d=s2LeCJgH01RpAnHN8jabbnhDJanbZv_tuwpsbw@mail.gmail.com>

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


In reply to: Message from lrzeitlin at aol.com (lrzeitlin at aol.com) ([Leica] Classic Leicas still available)
Message from leicamania88 at gmail.com (Leicamania) ([Leica] Classic Leicas still available)
Message from jshulman at judgecrater.com (Jim Shulman) ([Leica] Classic Leicas still available)