[Leica] Classic Leicas still available

[jshulman at judgecrater.com (Jim Shulman)]

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
>
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