[Leica] Classic Leicas still available

[leicamania88 at gmail.com (Leicamania)]

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.
> 
> 
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