nesrani Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 Why not just get something quirky like the tiny M3 miniature camera? Fun and more of a memento than a regular camera. Something special. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay_. Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 Eliot and Tim, I respect your opinions but I'm fortunate I found someone who shares my views, otherwise I'd rather be single to this day. When I see how much money some of my friends' wives burn on clothing, shoes, home furnishings, costume jewelry and various salon services ($35 to have someone cut their toenails for them!)it gives me hives. My wife looks as good or better than they do but she understands the concept of *value*, i.e. how much something is worth both in terms of cost:functionality and resale. The diamond engagement ring she has worn for the past 22 years was the same one my grandmother wore for more than 60 years, and we were married on the same date, for luck. So much for either of us lacking in sentimentality. I think Gulley's fiancee is truly a rare gem, I hope he fully realizes how fortunate he is, and I believe she would not be hurt or offended in the least no matter how he chooses to take her up on her offer. I had a ton of Leica and other high-end photo gear long before I met my wife, and she has never tried to get me to give up buying and selling it. She and Gulley's future wife I'm sure are happier to have us indulge in Leicas as opposed to spending even a fraction of that money on gambling, liquor or other women. <p> But I do like the idea of using the new camera to make some beautiful portraits of her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert knapp md Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 Gulley: What about an R8 with the 100mm F/2.8 Macro so that you can take pictures of your fiancee's ring!! I am only kidding, but I have found the R8 to be an exquisite and reliable tool. If you don't require AF, then you should seriously consider it. I would get the above mentionned 100mm F/2.8 as well as the 80-200 F/4 or the 180mm F2.8. A 2X APO will also be very useful. This system will COMPLEMENT you M giving you macro and telephoto capability. If your fiancee's budget is limited, I know that Ken has many of the above mentionned bodies and lenses second hand. Congratulations on your engagement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricks Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 the whole reason with an engagement gift is to give something that will last your entire life. The only 35mm equipment that can and will do that is Leica. End of story. Either trade up for a M7, or get a Noctilux etc. <p> Camera choice - depends on what you want to do. All the answers provided above. <p> My take - the PERFECT gentleman engagement present is a high end watch. It is the ULTIMATE male gift, the only jewelry a man wears (accept engagement ring) and it is a tradition in several countries. If you are the sporty type, a Rolex Submariner is a classic choice (unfortunatly tainted by yuppies and noveau riches, but still the first ever dive/sport watch and the bench mark still today). Other nice sport watches comes from IWC. Dress wise: Blancpain, Patek, Ulysse Nardin and others. <p> A high end mechanical classical Swiss watch is something you will cherrish your entire life and something you can pass on to your future son. You already have a great 35mm combo, everything else will get killed by digital. <p> Congrats on your engagement! Now, buy her plenty of flowers (lillys) and say the magic words. As often as you can. <p> cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stefan www.randlkofer.co Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 i got my basic m6 kit as a graduation present from my parents. thay told me i could get whatever camera i want, so i went for one which will stay as outdated as it is today for the next 50 years. it's not a fancy fashion object. something which willserve me as a memory item for the years to come. and a pretty useful one too. <p> so therefore i would go for some modern classics, like a hasselblad 501 or an alpa or so. it should be more than a toy. or what about a leica 0-serie? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_.1 Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 Pat, you forgot the A. Lange & Sohne make. The 1815 is particularly a nice simple gorgeous dress watch. Check'em all out on www.timezone.com. Patek is very nice as well. You may want to go the watch route as it is a more normal engagement type gift. Although a Hasselblad would be nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albert knapp md Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 Pat: The best of the Swiss watches are undoubtedly those made by Patek-Philippe. Ask any jeweller and they will confirm this. The sporty Nautilus is indestructible and the more formal watches such as the Calatrava and the repeaters are works of art. The Nautilus goes quite well with the chrome M6 or 7!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_.1 Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 Patek probably has the finest made movements on the planet. Lange is probably close behind, and who knows what's 3rd, 4th, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jason_eitelbach2 Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 What about a Rolleiflex TLR. Larger negative, quiet (no mirror), excellent lens quality, it can take take portraits of the mrs.(no viewfinder blackout just like your rangfinder), yet compact enough to work along side your M6 and if you wanted to get a new one you could certaintly drop a lot of $$$$ :) A much more elegant camera than a F5 or some new digital...IMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Herbert Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 What about a Rolleiflex TLR. Larger negative, quiet (no mirror), excellent lens quality <p> What a good idea and not obvious when you are taking a photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
douglas k. Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 Gulley-- <p> This is a minefield. It is not good to establish a quid pro quo in gift giving, especially at such an early stage. Gifts are given out of love, not in exchange. <p> Tell her that if she will marry you, that is the greatest gift of all, and let it go at that. What you sacrifice in camera gear will be more than offset in good vibes. <p> If she really wants to spend money, have her put it toward a nice honeymoon that you both can enjoy. <p> Just the $.02 contribution of a divorced photographer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
douglas k. Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 P.S. -- <p> If you have to ask us what camera to get next, you probably don't need another one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patricks Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 don't get me started on wathces... yes, patek is in a league of its own, but Lange and a few other makes first class mechanical watches. I have some stories to tell, but perhaps this is the wrong forum <p> cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john15 Posted June 1, 2002 Share Posted June 1, 2002 I got a great deal on a Timex Expedition at Campmor. $19.95 and they even threw in a genuine leather band! But I only wear it when using my Nikons [or wallpapering the bathroom]. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_kastner Posted June 2, 2002 Share Posted June 2, 2002 Okay, this may seem heavy, but whatever you want and/or get -- as re Leicas etc etc -- your life coupled with her isn't going to depend on what she gives you (and what you give her) as a present beforehand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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