tim_mcnally2

Bob - their first response was "well, it makes sense" then it was "I've phoned and they don't know, but will get back to me" and the third comment was "well perhaps they'd make you one even if they don't plan to make them as a series"... tomorrow will tell

Ian - no... just the first film through my new MP which I'm using just like my M6

 

One thing that did make me think - the AP column based on the Leica UK press release said "Leica has revealed a leather-clad version of its MP camera as the first in the series of 'strictly limited' annual editions of its rangefinder models"

 

First in series of 500 of a type each year?

Well Jay will probably have a field day with his reply to this post

but I went into Hermes in London today and asked if they planned a

case to match my (user) Leica MP Hermes Edition.

 

They hadn't seen the camera except in Amateur Photographer magazine

(25 October issue) which they had on the desk, and called back to

Head Office to ask. They expect an answer tomorrow, and will let me

know so I can let you all know.

 

So I left with a nice new belt but no further information for now.

 

What is remarkable is that they really liked the chrome collapsible

elmar 50 I have on the Hermes. They agreed that the little pouch was

not going to last long and that it made sense to have a nice matching

case.

 

Congratulations, by the way, to the other Hermes edition buyer who -

despite seeing the hilarity at my purchase - also raised his head

above the parapet and declared his purchase and intention to use the

camera... solidarity mate! No doubt the usual raft of gentle teasing

will follow this post...

 

For those interested in these things the Leica Hermes book which came

with the camera lists part order numbers for the following items

which came with the camera... so maybe you can all order up a little

bit of Hermes madness for your cameras:

 

soft pouch - 439-614.029-000

carrying strap - 422-612.028.000

body cap - 420-104.047-000

 

and i would say that the silver-chrome body cap is so much nicer than

the standard plastic one...

 

I guess it will be fun ordering the famous strap that was the subject

of so much hilarity and finding out how much it is?

 

On another point - Leica UK were totally flumoxxed by the

registration card - they sent out a 2 year passport for the body but

nothing for the lens, despite the five year guarantee which is meant

to apply to both at the moment. They also forgot to invite me to the

Lens Day which comes with all current lens purchases under the

current "Leica Magic Lenses" promotion they're running here in the UK.

 

Anyway... looking forward to the replies - the first film is almost

finished and will be going off to Boots soon for the 8x6's

 

Tim

 

ps - my LHSA Black Paint is still for sale for $2000 if anyone's

interested

I asked today and was told November 20th by RG Lewis (London) for Black with Chrome (which I've ordered) to follow "soon after" for the Macro Elmar 90

I agree, and am half way through the first roll. Whilst I am sure it will in no way improve my photos, except perhaps in that the meter is more accurate than in the M6 Classic I used most before.

 

I will admit to having put the Tri-Elmar on it rather than mounting the 35/2. Have also tried it with Chrome Elmar 50 collapsible.

Jay

 

What's the difference between this and many other of the M6 special editions - gold, platinum etc? I think they're more of a "circus side show" and pre-date Hermes 31%... what I can tell you about the Hermes edition is that the leather is of very high quality, as is the finish and the presentation of the whole set. That's the Hermes way. On the same basis why pay $100 for a Hermes tie when you can get ties cheaper elsewhere, and why do people pay thousands of dollars for Hermes bags. Isn't it just the same with all luxury clothing too? And Leica isn't exactly the lowest cost route to producing images?

 

I think the new LHSA hammerite finish looks awful, but if it allows Leica to sell 2500 cameras at a premium to happy buyers then that's more money for R&D so they can keep producing new stuff like the new Macro Elmar 90.

Well I'm going to be using it. My TTL has been sold (never really got on well with it compared to my M6 classic) and my black paint 35/2 is being sold for me by RG Lewis as I've got the chrome one with the Hermes.

I collected my Leica Hermes edition from the dealer yesterday and I

have to say it's gorgeous. The manual (cloth covered hard cover book)

is specially written for the edition.

 

It also comes with a five year warranty as standard - is that the

same on other MPs? I know that it is on lenses here in the UK right

now as Leica have a promotion "Magic Lenses" offering free trials

thru their Lens Loan Plan and then five year warranties and lens day

at Leica UK if you do buy one.

 

The case, again cloth covered, is held by soft foam inserts in a huge

silver box. What they should have also included in a hard case for

travelling and Len of RG Lewis tells me he'll get a spare MP case for

me to use as the soft pouch it comes with will provide zero

protection.

Red dot? If Hermes got their way I presume it will have an Orange one

hey - I'll have one... what type of dog?

I've just had a call back from Len from RG Lewis. He asked me to sit down before he would tell me the price - GBP 6000

 

October availability according to Germany he said

My local Hermes store don't know anything... is this real, and do you have link to announcement if so?

I phoned my friendly local Leica dealer RG Lewis (London, England) to check if they through there would be a waiting list (they said they'd been advised to start one) so have added myself as #1 on their list.

 

I think eBay prices for R8s are likely to rise...

Fantastic pictures Brian... wonderful contrast between happy and peaceful demonstrators and riot police