Time passing, and passing it on

<p>To my close LF friends for many years now, my age and arthritic hands are telling me it's time to pass on my Leica treasures.<br>

I have been fortunate to have so many of these wonderful instruments -- 6 LTMs, 5 R's and my beautiful M2. Lots of lenses, accessories, books, etc. -- all, as those who know what I have, in beautiful condition.<br>

Call my cell: 914 588 5204 and we'll talk. If I'm with patients, leave your number and beat time to call.<br>

You won't be sorry. Although I am sorry to have to do this...<br>

Paul</p>

<p>NNNNOOOOOOOOOO. Paul - at least keep some of the gear. When I ran into financial difficulties a couple of years ago, I sold off most of the Leica gear I had accumulated and treasured for years, and just used my other stuff. But that Leica itch wouldn't go away, and I finally came back, although mostly to LTM gear due to costs. I went thru the age, arthritis, and stroke issues...but the strength of the photo hobby was overwhelming, and probably one of the strongest motivators for me. So, as you lighten up, keep your absolute favorite/s, if you can,...you won't regret it.</p>

<p>I looked at your photo. You definitely don't look old enough to give up Leica. As for books, really? And, you can practice medicine you can still use a Leica.</p>

<p>Paul, at the very least keep your M2 with 35, 50 and 90mm lenses. That's all you really "need". All the best. John</p>

<p>Can't you keep a couple? maybe your favorite R and your M2 and a couple of your favorite lenses for each. I'd call, but I have a couple of film Leica's that I don't use enough. You can always dispose of stuff at a later date. But an incredible offer, hopefully those who really would cherish and use these cameras will be the ones that contact you. </p>

<p>Though I don't own a Leica, I'd treasure it for the family, who may one day come up with one or two that could be interested in photography. With the photographs/memories/thoughts of the cam and the man who used it, the spirit lives on.....................</p>

<p>Paul - keep the M please - we got years ahead together here ...</p>

<p>Stay strong !</p>

<p>Cordially from Munich<br>

Rob</p>

<p>Many years ago I had the opportunity to spend some time with Ansel Adams in the field. He had arthritis so bad he could no longer handle his view camera. However, he could still conceive and compose the photograph. He let others (a dedicated assistant in Ansel's case) handle the camera. One of the great lessons this taught me is that it is not the hand on the camera that matters. It is the vision behind it. If you have someone who can work with you, that is what I would do.</p>

<p>Thank you all for your supportive comments. They are greatly appreciated. Thankfully, my seeking to sell my Leicas is not related to a financial issue. Perhaps I should keep a favorite -- although someone is considering purchasing everything I have.<br>

It will be hard to turn down an offer for everything.</p>

 

<p>Just remember Paul, if I may, if you sell everything and then decide you want one back it will cost you much more to reacquire another good condition camera and lenses. Just wanted to put that out there.</p>

I'm sympathetic to your idea here. I hate the idea of the burden I'll leave my family knowing how valuable my gear might

be and how precious it has been to me. I've been keeping boxes and receipts for years in case my children need to sell

my stuff for money after I crack my skull skiing or something. I now hope that I'll get rid of most of the cameras and lenses

in my 70s while I'm well and just keep the M2 and the collapsible 50 Elmar. And maybe not even that.

<p>Since the 20th Century, Paul has contributed many fine articles, pictures and coments to the forum. He has shared his extensive body of Leica knowledge with us and I directly benefitted. He not only uses his Leica gear, keeps it in mint condition, but has created special applications for his Leica equipment that is beyond what Leica ever put on the market. Paul and his comments are a large reason I continue to vist this forum. Unfortunately age and physical issues are catching up to not just Paul but many of us and limiting our ability to go out and capture the images that exist in our imagination. There are two sides to this: Paul wants to place his equipment where the items will be appreciated and used for hopefully years and for so long as 35mm film is made. We can both help him with this goal and continue the use of some very nice and unique Leica items. Secondly, Paul may have discussed this with his family members and there may not be any individuals in his next generation that share his enthusiasm and love for Leica photography. This is unforunate so he is taking another direction and giving us first choice. Paul researched and amassed a collection of items we rarely see. If I am fortunate enough to buy something special from Paul, it will only be on the condition he can buy it back at any time. I hope this works out the way Paul intends.</p>

<p>Seems a terrible shame, Paul. I'm 59, so I am getting age, and arthritic hands too - seeing a consultant next week. It simply hasn't occurred to me to give up, in fact I feel I'm only just getting going. Fixing a new weather door on my darkroom this weekend, and looking forward to less work in years to come so that I can pursue more photo opportunities.</p>

<p>Paul, your gest is admirable. I have a 300 year old "historic" home (I am in N.A. so that may sound like little to European or other readers) and farm buildings that I love but want to pass them someday on to someone who has similar appreciation, so I fully understand your desire that is not connected to money.</p>

<p>Perhaps if you sell all your equipment (film photography and mechanical-optical cameras are a vey real form of imaging) you may wish to keep your hand in on photography by occasional field trips or photo projects using a lighter and even more automatic form of camera. We have been brought up with all the controls of excellent mechanical cameras but it can be rewarding to put aside that technology and application and just seek out subjects that we would like to provide a personal perspective of. That, in my case, is my dream for the days when I have less energy to devote to more demanding approaches with my aging and heavy film cameras. </p>

<p>Hello Paul:<br>

I am a newcomer (8 months now) to the interesting Leica world, and enjoy using my retirement present to myself - a classic IIIf. I am a bit of a collector-historian, and admit to having added a couple of lenses, some accessories, and older literature to study. There is lots to learn and it is an adventure.<br>

I hope you are not inundated with replies to your posting; I left you a phone message indicating some items I would like to add to my Leica hobby, and will await your response.<br>

From what I see in this forum, whatever you decide to pass on to others in this hobby, will be well-appreciated by fellow enthusiasts.<br>

Regards,<br>

Jim in Montreal</p>

<p>Paul: Like you, I have enjoyed Leica gear for 40 years and am looking to the future when I will no longer be able to use the gear. I recently purchased a Sony A7, 24MP body. With a Novoflex adapter, I can use ALL of my M and Viso lenses on the body. This evening I put a 90 V2 Summicron head on the Viso III, Bellows II and appropriate adapters. I enjoy the signature of the various lenses and choose based on the desired result. The A7 has been in my hands for 10 days and I haven't shot much, but I enjoy being able to use the full range of M accessories on it. My hands start to shake some, but using the body and boosting the shutter speed and ISO, I can still enjoy taking and viewing photos. Good luck with the future and I hope you continue to post.</p><div></div>

<p>Paul, this is off-topic, and I am not an expert in nutrition (though what I do know is sadly more than what most people do), but perhaps your arthritis can indeed be mitigated or reversed. Could be that your diet is too acidic. Could be that you include modern wheat strains in your diet (wheat in general causes inflammation). So see a dietician or nutritionist or naturopath and compare notes. You´d be amazed at what small changes can do to our physiology. I speak from experience (but not arthritis).</p>

<p>Paul, you have been a valuable and valued member of this forum for many years, and your observations have been helpful to many of us. I agree with the suggestion that, if possible, you ought to keep at least your M2 and your 35mm Summaron. Age and physical and medical conditions are things that all of us must deal with in our own ways. It may no longer be enjoyable (or perhaps even possible) for you to carry much equipment with you, or to spend much time or walk more than moderate distances outdoors. One hopes, however, that your life will still include occasions on which you can enjoy time with family, and appreciate the changes in seasons as they occur. As you have been doing photography for a long time, my guess is that if you give it up completely, you may find that you miss it more than you anticipated. Cutting back to a manageable minimum of equipment, and finding good homes for the majority of your equipment, sure -- but I hope you will consider keeping at least a few essential pieces of equipment, so that you can still take some photos when the desire to do so comes. I hope, too, that you will visit us from time to time on this forum, and let us know how you are doing. We have never met in person, but I think of you as a friend, and I am sure there are many others on this forum who feel the same way. Whatever decisions you finally make about photography, and whether you continue here with us or not, I hope that the coming years treat you and your family well.</p>

<p>I want to thank all of you for your friendship, support and understanding of my thoughts re: passing on my Leica treasures.<br>

As of this morning, I have not parted with a thing -- mostly because I am too lazy to sell and pack individual pieces and no one has shown interest in taking everything!<br>

Chris Junker has been incredibly kind in offering to refer me to some collectors, etc.; but I guess I'm just not motivated to pursue his leads.<br>

Not a terrible problem to have; however, I continue to wait for someone to sweep down and grab it all...</p>