Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/03/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dante, The customization you describe is nothing compared to what Harley motorcycle buyers do--I read somewhere that the typical customer spends another 50% to 100% of the price of the bike on aftermarket accessories. So our little Leica additions pale in comparison. When I had my Leica M's, I did have Tom's soft releases on them as a matter of course, as well as his Rapid Grip. I find a Leica M difficult to hold comfortably without some kind of grip, and Tom's was by far the best out there. I also put on a film reminder on the back of the camera. I think all three modifications made the camera more usable, the cosmetics were irrelevant for me (just as I never cared about whether my bodies matched my lenses w.r.t. black vs. chrome--I did not care as long the price was right :-)) Nathan Dante Stella wrote: > Let me bring this back on topic with a question - > > Why do people go crazy re-engineering cameras, 45 caliber pistols, > cars, etc., with so much aftermarket stuff? Is this a male urge? > > -- A Leica M is pretty and functional in its own right, but then we > see ostrich leather. And modified battery caps, trigger winders, M4 > takeup spools, M3 wind levers, etc. > > -- A Colt army 45 automatic pistol is pretty simple and functional, > but in the past couple of weeks there has been a lot of discussion > about changing various parts (leading to some interesting visual > results). > > -- Most cars have an integrated design when they come off the line. > But then you see the add-on big wheels, big mufflers and whale wings. > Witness the rise of the $45,000 Honda Civic that still only goes from > 0-60 in 8 seconds or so. > > The common thread seems to be a desire for self-expression through > modifying mass-produced goods. But none of these items was inherently > unsuited for its purpose as sold, and even where they have some > deficiencies, you can always get a "better" version than the original > in prepackaged form at a lower price (M6, Colt Gold Cup, Corvette) > than modifying one thing into another. > > I know the argument is that they are tools being adapted for the job, > but you don't typically regrind the face of a hammer you use to drive > nails. Or custom grind your screwdrivers. Or change the gear ratio > on your electric sander. > > Also, why doesn't anyone re-engineer whisky? Or is that what club > soda, dark vermouth, and sours are for? > > Dante > > NO ARCHIVE > > > On Mar 9, 2006, at 3:25 PM, B. D. Colen wrote: > >> Funny, when we discuss pens, hats, scotch, guns, women/men, music, cars, >> computers, politics (we get sent to bed, or to the Forum ;-) ), weather, >> children, we don't feel compelled to "stay on topic." ;-) >> >> >> On 3/9/06 3:21 PM, "Scott Gregory" <s_gregory1@mac.com> wrote: >> >>> B.D. >>> >>> Likely just because this is a Leica forum and we wax nostalgic about >>> the name >>> and products and we have to keep the E330 discussion on topic >>> somehow I guess! >>> >>> Scott Gregory >>> London, Ontario >>> >>> _______________________________________________ >>> 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 > > -- Nathan Wajsman Almere, The Netherlands SUPPORT FREEDOM OF SPEECH, BUY DANISH PRODUCTS! General photography: http://www.nathanfoto.com Picture-A-Week: http://www.fotocycle.dk/paws Seville photography: http://www.fotosevilla.com Stock photography: http://www.alamy.com/search-results.asp?qt=wajsman http://myloupe.com/home/found_photographer.php?photographer=507 Prints for sale: http://www.photodeluge.com Blog: http://www.fotocycle.dk/blog