roger_li1

I believe there are at least 1 or 2 firms that make a battery cover

on/off switch for the M6. Can someone please provide the links to

these manufacturers and any commentary on how well (or not) they

work? Thanks!

I know this is not in OC, but in Torrance (southern LA County?)there is a place called Phil's on Crenshaw (or is it Hawthorne) that has a pretty good selection of used Leicas. It's an hour away, but what isn't in Cally?

I believe the screw mount predecessor to the MDa was the IG. I was given one by father who used the body with a microscope for medical research. The IG is vintage 1950's, and I believe only 5,000 or 6,000 were made (I know there are folks who will jump all over with the details). I traded the body in for $600 (not mint, closer to $1,000 mint) towards a new M6TTL.

I was kicking myself as I was reading ever-deeper into this mess of a string and am kicking myself for responding but felt like making an observation. While everyone jumped on the race-issue, perhaps we can look again with a slightly different "lens" at what might have transpired between Howard & the fellow at Ken Hansen (whom I know & can't believe would treat anyone with disrespect. 1) "I heard some laughter and a loud conversation in the background before being hung up on" - who says they were laughing at Howard? Likely, their was a separate conversation in the store and everyone joined in a good chuckle which was picked up by the phone as the clerk was hanging up. Perfectly plausible, and likely the case. 2)"If the dirt is on the exterior, you can clean it yourself" - Hey great advice! He just saved Howard $100; thank goodness for an honest salesperson 3) "If it's inside we send it out. May take two weeks, may take a month" - Again, the store admist they aren't experts on the technical stuff and it may take a while - seems like honest expectation setting. 4)"sneering that I probably had no receipt" - you got me here; I can see sneering at a fake Rolex or poser with an M7 & noctilux, but not having a receipt? Oh well, to each his own. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt - makes life in the Big Apple a bit easier.

Dave - I would check out Ken Hansen on Madison Avenue at 53rd street. Ken (and the 3 other folks there) are real class acts; they will take as much time as you need explaining all the features of the M7 and other Leica goods (Ken is a recognized Leica expert). He has a BIG selection of used Leica lenses (& bodies) too. He has a loyal client base of Leica users, so he is constantly replenishing his stock. Also, on 10/10/02 he will be having a Leica Day, so new lenses will be 10% off the M7 also, I think)

 

As for "museum displays", Ken has at least 50 vintage Leica rangefinder - a real treat to look at. His store is like a small boutique - quiet, no pressure, very pleasant surroundings (the exact opposite of B&H!) - you won't be sorry.

 

CHECK OUT HIS STORE HERE: http://www.kenhansenphoto.com/index1.html

Two unrelated questions - appreciate your replies!

 

1) I am admiring the Billingham Hadley bags (have read the

archives). Does anyone use this series with the lens (let say a

50/2 or 35) actually attached to an M-body? The internal width (as

stated on their website) is only 2 3/4"s. Seems like a tight fit.

 

2) I am keenly aware that a lens (Leica or otherwise) perfoms better

(in terms of sharpness) when not set to its maximum aperature. Does

this hold true for focusing distance too? That is, does a lens

perform better when not set to its minimum focusing distance?

 

Sorry for the random questions but these have been bugging me.

Last year, I purchased an M6TTL kit and had a baby (2 happy, costly

occasions). As one can imagine, both events have resulted in a

rapidly growing number of 4x6 prints (the "free doubles" offer

hasn't helped - OK, it's not a custom lab, but its not Fotomat

either). My question is related to best practices in managng prints

& negatives. I would be curious to know how avid amatuer

photographers manage the fruits of their passion (passion fruits?),

optimizing the constrints of space, cost, time, ease, usability

etc. Note: I am not a pro and do not have the time or gumption for

a fancy cataloging system using a scanner and a PC

database...anything lo-tech system and ideas that work would be

appreciated! Thanks.