Have you ever bought a 'brand new' Leica camera? If so, which one(s)?

<p>The problem with any new camera, car or whatever is that for a while we are afraid of a scratch or nick. It was when my M9 got a minor scratch through removing an external viewfinder, did I settle down and start using it as I should, as a tool, and not as a possession.</p>

<p>The other problem is that while it makes little difference to have a new or used Leica lens or film body, provided it is functional and performs to our expectations, the purchase of a digital Leica is often based more on where it is in terms of performance, an evolving parameter, and therefore the new model may be what we need. Happily, the digital models (perhaps the Monochrom aside) depreciate much faster than the film cameras, and a new camera is not the only choice and a used camera is possible and often advantageous.</p>

<p>Arthur is right-on, as usual. My new M6ttl, bought in 2006 I believe, possessed me instead of the other way round. It also was, IMHO, the least well-made Leica I ever owned. Give me my lightly-used M2 and SL2 anytime!</p>

<p>Paul, most of us get fuzzy eyes thinking of the thought of using an SL2, possibly the summit of Leitz engineering and production. But not having R lenses limits that desire. The closest I came to a virtually new Leica simply as possession was the purchase of an Australian collector's M4-P in like new condition, a spartan like Leica. After nearly 30 years of inactivity under its original owner, I needed to exercise the slow speeds to coax them back to operation. My objective then was to simply keep it and resell it some day. My wife just smiled as she usually does when confronted with strange behaviour. And also it was the choice of a strange collectable perhaps, as there are other generally more coveted M cameras. However, as a Canadian, knowing a few technicians that worked in the plant, and having visited the Leitz Canada factory (unfortunately just after its sale to Raytheon) in Ontario, simply possessing the camera was sort of a sense of mild pride in North American camera and lens production. Since then, I have decided that life is to short to cocoon a Leica, that film may not be around long and I therefore try to use it at least a small percentage of the time in doing what it was made for.</p>

<p>I only buy used cameras and lenses. Usually, they are very lightly used and well taken care of. Else, I could not afford Leica cameras or lenses.</p>

<p>I bought a new Leica MP back in 2004. My dealer had a once-in-a-lifetime sale where he was selling all Leica cameras and lenses for 10% less than dealer invoice. I couldn’t pass it up.</p>

 

Started with MP/BP & 35BP nearest to new with no signs of use - the

prev. owner did not even mount the equipment (lever & strap) to

prevent scratches ...

Unpacking was magic - will never ever forget this ...

All lenses and a M6 bought used ... - I just enjoy the service of ebay to

grow the collection - they show the "market price".

M6 is just the perfect camera - just don't bang the lever, which is quite

vulnerable.

MP/BP and M6 all bought used - there are first signs of use, which

prevent (just a trndency) to be too hysteric about the ariving patina :-)

 

MP nearly unused - M6 mega used, which came with coating

scratched 75/1.4 for about 800eur. Had to have it as my travel camera.

 

Found that 2 M's are necessary to have BW & Color ready all the time

... 5 more lenses all bought used ...

 

A high for Film from Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Munich)

Robert

<p>All the digital M bodies, because of warranty coverage (well worth it).</p>

<p>I bought both the M8 and M9 new because they are computer cameras. Sold them both for the same reasons and now just have one M3 and a 50 lux, all a real photographer needs....</p><div></div>

<p>Pretty chrome, Daniel</p>

<p>Something like that was good enough for Cartier-Bresson and many other photographers of his era. If you shoot color all you need is a nearly new Leitz projector or japanese film scanner, but if you shoot black and white the Leica M3 could be well coupled to a nearly new Focomat enlarger. But then, I am probably pushing the retro advantage a bit too much (despite my love of my Focomat and the occasional escape to the other world of the darkroom). </p>

<p>Arthur, I have the top of the line Leica RT-s projector with the 90 Super Colorplan lens and a Saunders LPL4550XLG / VCCE with both a Rodagon 50mm 2.8 Apo-N and 50mm Rodagon G mural lens for 35mm, I'd say I am about set..:-)</p>

<p>New? Only my minilux. I still have it. great lens. 3 of the others I have were made before I was born and my M6's are 1998 models. Got them used. My focomat also used.</p>

<p>Bought a new black 0.72 MP in 2006 and have used it frequently ever since, almost exclusively with black and white film. Can't really imagine my photographic life without it!</p>