RE: [Leica] Age Poll

["Bergman, Mark A." <mabergm@nppd.com>]

I agree wholeheartedly.  Back in the hard times of the mid 80's I was
unemployed and finally ended up selling my M4 outfit.  Once I got back on my
feet I couldn't really justify buying another Leica and started building up
my Nikon gear.  However after a couple of years of that I couldn't take
anymore and I picked up an M4-P outfit that served me well.  Just recently I
did some swapping and traded the M4-P for my much missed Leica M4 (mintish
no less).  Then I turned around and bought an M6.  Still think the M4 is the
best built Leica ever and lately find myself wondering if I actually don't
like the MR4 meter better.  It has some definite advantages over the built
in meter.

- -----Original Message-----
From: Craig Roberts [mailto:croberts@zoomtel.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2000 2:18 PM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: Re: [Leica] Age Poll


"The interesting thing about the BD poll thus far is the number of long-time
users who still have an avid interest in the camera system."
 - Bill Larsen



Bill got me to wondering how many "prodigal sons" there are among us.

For various reasons...many economic...some of us have wandered away from
Leica since our introduction to the camera several decades ago.  A Leica is,
after all, a luxury...especially to a family provider.  I bought my first
Leica...an M4...in 1968 but opted to sell it and the rest of my modest Leica
collection in the early 1980's.  I didn't regret the decision since the
proceeds met family needs, but I did miss my Leica gear.

In the years after the Leica sale I acquired examples from several other
(more affordable) camera makers.  But, none of the cameras seemed to handle
as well or produce pictures as nice as the Leicas had.  I say "seemed"
because my perception of Leica quality is wholly subjective.  Do my Leica
"chromes" REALLY look appreciably better than my Nikon or Olympus slides?
Maybe...maybe not.  But I sure THINK they do!

It doesn't matter.  When I was young and relqatively carefree I was
"spoiled" by owning what was...and still is...considered the finest example
of production camera crafting.  A few years ago, as my circumstances
permitted, I rejoined the ranks of Leica users.  It was a happy reunion.

For many of us, I suspect, a Leica camera represents much more than a
mechanical device.  Its true value may not be as a superior photographic
tool, but as a symbol and reminder of "good times."

Whaddya think?

Craig
Boston

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