M7

[mattinasi]

Micheal, what's 'worse' about a collector?

When people suggest that there is no need to worry about cosmetic blemishes on a camera I wonder - what do their cars look like? Do those dents in the fenders and the peeling paint on the hood show that they are real drivers instead of ghastly collectors?

I know, cameras and cars are different, but think about it. And then get a nice chrome M7 and shoot lots of great pictures ;-)

Cheers!
- marc

 

[Colin645]

As a Leica owner and "user" I take care of my cameras when I use them. As a car owner and "user" I take care of my car when I drive it.
I do this this for 2 reasons; 1.Neither will let me down because of abuse or neglect;2. When I eventually trade them, I will receive a better allowance. There is of course the additional pride of ownership in a good looking, well kept camera/vehicle regardless of age.
Colin

 

[oskar_b]

It’s like having a brand new 4 wheel drive (I think they call them RVs in N. Am.). Many people own them and would never consider taking their pride and joy places where the machine is actually designed to go. Because even with the utmost care, to do so comes with the risk of spoiling the look and value of the vehicle. At best the world is then only seen from the perspective of the Motorway or Interstate Highway. It is much safer to leave the 4 wheel drive in the garage. But the world is much more interesting when you go off road.

A 4WD is show room condition looks all shiny and beautiful, but one that has the tell tail signs that it has been used for the purpose it was built for is better IMHO. Less gloss but much more character. Which is fine if you don’t expected to get a better monetary return when it comes time for a trade. To me the value of a 4WD is where it can take you and the experiences it can bring.

For me using Leicas (like my silver chrome M7 just to keep things OT) adds appreciably to the pleasure of photography, the equipment is well designed and made, giving me the confidence to go out into the big bad world to make images. Hopefully good meaningful ones. I like nice things too, but I also hate missing a good image.

Personally I buy my Leicas with the philosophy that they will do me for life, so there is no trade price to consider. But hopefully they will be passed on to the next generation in close to the condition in which I found them.

Ah, how to balance these competing interests utility verses investment?

Craig

PS A book in poor physical condition is probably well read.

 

[ruben_blaedel]

I go with Craigs on owning the cameras for life - I have no intention of trading in my M6 for anything - it is always around my neck or in my bag or on the car seat and it looks great and most important it works great - like my car - wich by the way is a 1985 mercedes stationwagon - it cost less then the M6 housing when I got it used in germany in 1999! I maintain the mecanics of the car - wash it ocasionally but I will not be alarmed over a dent or a scratch - Im going to drive that car until it falls appart because it is a great car - by the way my buissiness partner has a Landrover 4W drive(series III from around 1980) and it has a special look that wil only be more beautifull if mother nature gives it a run for its money of the main roads - enjoy shooting your leicas - take care of them because the a great tools and let them get the traces of time they deserve

 

[photobike]

Where do you buy and see Leica gear in Ft. Lauderdale florida area? Can someone give me some info?
Walter Griffin

 

[slroti]

The Leica website (see below) lists this place:
Precision Photographics, Inc.
561-391-2777
22191 Powerline Road, #1C
Boca Raton, FL 33433

I've been there. They have a limited selection.

Colonial Photo in Orlando has a good selection 800-841-1485

I hope this helps.

Scott

http://www.leicacamera.com/markt/adressen/usa/index_e.html

 

[kace]

I was toying with the idea to own a M for quite some time. over the weekend, my wife and me misplaced our minilux!? what a shock... we spent 2 hour driving round searching fruitlessly, we guessed it must be stolen... **sob**

and now we are in major withdrawal

. we love our summarit taken pictures...

Could anybody provide suggestions/pitfalls to cross the barrier from minilux to m7? thanks a lot, cheers!

 

[lstl]

I bought an M7 three months ago and I must say that my affection for it is extreme. I also own an M4 to which I'm no less devoted. Some will prefer the new MP, which looks more "classic" and has some subtle engineering improvements. But having an M4 already, I decided to "go modern" with the M7 and it's auto exposure mode. As it turns out, I keep it in auto-exposure mode most of the time, using the exposure lock to ensure that I'm metering an area with the right tones before recomposing and shooting. The M7 is a gorgeous piece of machinery, quiet as a mouse, and ... hmmmm,... why am I sitting here at my computer when I could be taking pix with my M7? Well,... bye!!!

 

[dkhaw]

I am traveling presently and my M7's batteries are flat. It is difficult to get a new DL 1/3N battery where I am now. Is it possible to use 4 pcs of SR44 or 4 LR44 batteries as an alternative? These batteries are 1.5 V each.

Thank goodness there are still two mechanical speeds left for me on the m7!

Thanks a lot.

 

[msadat]

yes, u can use sr/lr 44 batteries. but u should have taken extras with you daniel