Should I buy a Leica 1a?

Should I buy a Leica 1a?

 

Here's what I have :

 

BP Leica iii

Rolleiflex K4A

Collapsable Summicron 50/2

Sumaron 35/3.5

Canon 50/1.2 (Might sell it)

 

Going to be getting a Voigtlander Color Skopar 21/4 this weekend. Should I buy a 1a for some reason? Or just shut up and just go take pictures? Thanks :)

If the Canon is OK, keep it, you will never get another lens with it's speed without paying a lot. Of course you get a 1a, you need it. That's a nice model of Rollei. What condition do you chase with equipment?.

I think the rule for cameras is very similar to this rule from the cycling world:

 

'While the minimum number of bikes one should own is three, the correct number is n+1, where n is the number of bikes currently owned. This equation may also be re-written as s-1, where s is the number of bikes owned that would result in separation from your partner.'

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

Good quote right there :) But I don't really see the point where I need to have a 1a or another SM model haha. I usually get ones with not much scratches/paint losses.

 

Huh, well looks like I'm gonna keep the Canon! I usually use it at night using f1.2

It sounds like you're moving into collecting rather than using what you have to take pictures. Why not take a break on the buying & selling side of things and spend some time learning the nuances of what you already have. It will help you make better choices in the future if you know exactly what is needed to fill the holes. I speak from experience in this matter, as at one time I had a pretty large collection of Leica (M & R) lenses, and then seemed to agonize which ones to use to achieve the looks I wanted. As I analyzed what was and wasn't being used vs the value of the unused ones, things came into better focus (pardon the pun) and I got rid of the ones not used and really worked hard with those I kept. Yes, occasionally I ended up rebuying something I previously sold, but it usually was for a specific task I hadn't anticipated.

True. Other people also told me to just go shoot with what I have! Not sure with buying an item I sold previously tho hha

If you are going to shoot film, you would be far better served with an M-series body. I recently picked up a near-mint M6 (vintage 1985) for a even thousand. M's are way, way better shooters the LTM, and God-forbid, a 1a.

Huh, looks like I didn't post the reasons on why I prefer SM's over M's!

 

1. Look (Well, both equal)

2. Shutter sound

3. No frame-lines, you see what you get

4. More vintage

5. SM lenses. Like I know there are adapters, but I feel like SM lenses are created for SM bodies

 

Anyways, I can always use my dad's M6~

The size is pretty nice, too - an LTM camera with a collapsible lens will usually fit easily in a jacket pocket. The price is also good, though an LTM camera is more likely to need servicing before using it than an M6, which narrows the cost advantage. But really the main reason to use these cameras is the fun of it. I like having a coupled rangefinder, though, so I don't really have the urge to buy a Leica I.

That's true :)

YES!

There's great emotional elation in using (or even just fondling) this ikon of modern photography (That's a pun, son).

The size, the weight, the rounded edges, EVERYTHING is so perfect in this 1925 design!

Edited February 11, 2017 by Troll

Thanks for your suggestion :) I'll shoot with what I have for now. A leica iii and a rolleiflex k4a

Yes, if you want to see what photography was like in the late twenties and early thirties. They are beautifully made cameras and the fixed Elmar is a first class lens. Such a simple and pocketable camera and almost silent. I very much enjoy mine.

 

Might have a look at it this weekend :) Thanks