edward_steinberg

Summicron M 50/2 Series 3852xxx Black

Price ???

I don't want to hassle selling some my Leica equipment on EBay,

especially since I travel quite a lot. Unless someone wants to buys

my equipment in the South Florida in this group, then I am looking a

retailer or a person who has been in the business a long time that

can be trusted and give a me a fair price. Since I am going to be

sending my equipment out in advance of receiving money, honesty is a

must.

I am most likely going to sell a M6 TTL, 50 F/2 Summicrom M,

21mm/2.8 ASPH Elmarit M with the finder and perhaps a 75mm 1.4

German Summilux M. The 21mm, 50mm are in 9.9 condition. The 75mm

is in 9.0. The camera is about the same. Everything has boxes &

caps. Also, any idea of a fair price? Thanks for your help, it is

appreciated.

Eddie

Thank you for the information. It surprised me that there is virtually no inventory in this area. Obviously, I will have to engage in trading outside the South Florida region. I always appreciate the weatlh of info that you have.

Eddie

Do you know of any good dealers where I can trade an M6 TTL and some

lenses for an M7 or perhaps even a digital in Ft. Lauderdale,

Florida? Thanks.

Eddie

After shooting digital for the first time (with a 5 megapixel pocket camera) on a trip and in response to Ian�s comments, there are a few positives in digital that in my judgment will significantly reduce film use in years to come.

With digital if I don�t like a shot or think I can improve a picture, I can simply delete it. That enables me can take another �better� picture. Sometimes a perspective is not as you imagined when translated to film. I find seeing what you take �now� to be big plus and should not be underestimated. If I expect to shoot with a flash, the camera will estimate how the picture will look (before the shot) what a regular flash and even a slow sync flash. All I need to do is look at the screen on the back of the camera. For example, the background is much lighter in a slow synch flash. My margin for error is reduced.

Then there is the cost, or lack of it when compared to film. That is a huge factor. I can shoot 100 shots and eliminate fifty and it still costs me nothing, while keeping the best pictures. If I make prints it costs money. After I take pictures, I can use a simple software product (Adobe Elements2) to enhance pictures for color, hue, contrast and lighting, or even crop it. And it is easy to use. Even with Leica shot, most of the time there is generally something that could be made better. Unless you have used software products, in my opinion, it is hard to think in these terms.

Scanning is cumbersome and requires hardware to be carried on a trip. That�s a burden that I choose not to have. Using digital software designed for ease of use and can a big difference. As with most of us, I have had bad experiences with companies that process film. Using proper software basically eliminates bad film processing for photos stored on a CD or DVD.

One of the best things about digital is the ability to �see it now.� Not only can you see the shot immediately after it is taken, but you can easily download it to a computer and send it. On a trip this enables me to send and share photos whenever I return to my hotel. This adds to the �fun factor� of photography.

I agree with Jay, Lee and Harry in that Leica may be writing its own epitaph by not strongly embracing digital. And, yes, I would be willing to pay $2,500 to $3,000 for a digital M that accepted the M lenses. Candidly, I hope Leica wakes up and smell the pixels.

Edward

I just came back from a trip and shot it with a digital camera.

After reviewing the results, I think that it is the way of the

future especially with tools that can enhance the photo. Is Leica

planning to make an M7 or M8 that is digital?

Edward

I just saw a picture of the Leica M7. In the picture it does not have the battery holder with the line in the middle that helps you turn it to remove the battery with a coin or screwdriver. The battery holder they have is a problem in turning or sometimes losing (like I did). They have an upgraded model battery holder that you can purchase from Leica for the M6 with a line in the middle for a coin or screwdriver to turn. Why doesn't Leica give you the best product for the money they charge. I don't get it.

<p>

Eddie

I simply want to get a feel about the M7 from people who have used

it or own one. I know that this forum gives me straight, honest

answers mostly based on experience of people who know what they are

talking about.

<p>

Eddie

Is the Leica M7 worth it to upgrade,to you, from the M6? Comments appreciated.

<p>

Eddie

When I called Leica they had two battery screws the old and a new

one . The new one was a retro-fitted screw that had a slot in the

middle to tighten with a coin. After my horrible experience of

going dead at night I ordered two retro-fitted ones. Hopefully,

this will solve the problem and I will just be left with an extra

battery screw holder. They were $24.00 each with shipping

included.

Thanks for the help.

<p>

Eddie

On a recent trip I lost the battery screw (that holds the battery in place) located in front of the M6. This can cause one big problem if you are using the Leica flash at night. Where can I replace this part? Thank you very much- it is apprecited.

<p>

Eddie

Let me start by saying I sincerely enjoy Leica M and agree with you

about their quality products.

<p>

I believe Leica has survived in spite of their obvious business

incompetence. Their retail outlet system is appalling. Some

retailers have little of no products (some just have batteries) and

others are well stocked. The Internet will certainly not make their

local (USA) distribution system stronger. The weak will get

weaker. B & H, etc., will most likely get stronger. So how will new

people get their hands on a Leica is they don�t like in a big urban

area? They rarely if ever come out with a product on when they say

they will have it ready for market. When they do, there is normally

a long period of time to be able to purchase it.

<p>

I don�t know what kind of market research they do, but the M7 will

appeal to only some Leica users. A fast shutter speed with a few

other features would have been nice. Many people under 25 have

never even heard of Leica. Unfortunately and sadly, it reminds me

of the word Oldsmobile.

<p>

Eddie

Hi,

<p>

Check out this sight from Leica:

<p>

http://www.leica-

camera.com/unternehmen/international/usa/events/index_e.html

<p>

It will give you the schedule.

<p>

Eddie

Hi,

I found your test to be quite interesting. I suppose that if you

take every single relevant comment into consideration for future

tests, you will have achieved a higher level of scrutiny than Erwin

Putts. In fact, I would be surprised if Mr. Putts ever had anyone

looking over his shoulder as you do in this news group.

<p>

Anyway, in my judgment, you remain one of the guru�s of this news

group and for that I am grateful.

<p>

Eddie

Hi,

<p>

First of all you need to remember that the M6 only has a shutter

speed of 1000th of a second. That can have a cause�effect impact on

depth of field. So if you intend to shoot at 1.4 then you can have a

significant problem in a bright light if you use 400 ASA or greater

film. Once in a while it can be an issue even 100 ASA film. There

have been numerous times that I wanted to reduced the depth of field

with my 35/2.0 ASPH and I had to go to f/4 or f/5.6, because of the

limitation on the M6 shutter speed. It can be a problem that can be

solved; however, with a camera that has 1/8000th shutter it is a non-

issue. With the M6 you may have to re-evaluate the film you are

loading or use neutral density filters.

<p>

To me, the 35mm lens ties the background into the subject better than

the 50mm. Although I like to shoot in close, the 35mm seems to offer

more flexibility as a singular lens. It's sort of a cross between

your 24mm and the 50mm. I have shot with the Nikon 105/2.5 lens when

I had a Nikon F2 in the seventies. Wonderful lens. In close the

35mm lens can produce some excellent (but obviously different)

results with people versus the 105. The 35 is a great street lens,

which is Leica's rangefinder forte. Most likely you will pick up a

new skill using the 35 as a stand-alone lens which I see as a plus.

Aside from what Jay stated about the Tri-elmar, which I think could

be a viable option that makes sense; my vote is for the 35mm/1.4 lens

for you. Good luck.

<p>

Eddie

Hi,

<p>

When I first bought the 75/1.4 I took it with me to dinner. My wife

was next to me and my best friend and his wife were across the table.

We ate around 7 PM and it was a cloudy; the late afternoon light was

a little bit harsh. I popped off about ten shots of my best friend's

wife who was across the table from us. Afterwards, I had the prints

developed and gave them to her.

<p>

She saw every wrinkle in her face with the 75/1.4. Although she is

not really that old, it freaked her out and put her on a fast track

for plastic surgery (eyes). So the lens was too sharp for her, but

not for the plastic surgeon. In retrospect, the lens was most likely

too sharp for my best friend.

<p>

Eddie

Hi,

<p>

My experience is that local USA dealer�s like Bob Todrick are

uncommon. I too would like to clone him, because he may be a dinosaur

in this digital economy. My opinion is that local camera retailers

are being driven out of business by stiff competition from the well

financed majors, drug store chains who do film processing, digital

cameras without film and internet pricing. For the most part, Leica

equipment is quickly becoming a commodity unless there is something

valued added by a retailer.

<p>

It is very hard to justify the cost of a Leica lens from a local

dealer, unless you get some value added, as Bob Todrick stated in the

professional way he conducts his business. Usually, USA prices are

significantly higher than Delta International, Tin Chen in Hong Kong

or those on e-bay. The savings can be very considerable. My

experience is the chances of a lens; accessory or some other item not

working properly is quite rare. Unless you are a very heavy user of

a lens, I am not sure that the Leica Passport Protection is anything

more than an insurance policy that raises the costs for consumers and

makes money for Leica USA. Therefore, for me, buying a gray market

lens is a no-brainer.

<p>

My general rule of thumb has been in the past to buy USA for Leica

cameras. If I were going to spend serious money I would wait for a

Leica day somewhere. Normally, B & H or other American retailers

will discount 10% and match the price when someone has a �Leica day�

anywhere in the USA. As I have mentioned before, I like Ken Hansen

photo on Madison Avenue in NYC, especially on trades, and will ante-

up more money for what they bring to the table.

<p>

Today, however, I would not hesitate to buy any camera from Delta

International providing it had a return policy (as it has in most

situations) and a warranty they or the original manufacturer backed.

Good luck.

<p>

Eddie

Hi,

<p>

To answer Jay's question I am 5' 11" inches.

<p>

Well, I am certainly glad that I did not order a tripod without first

checking it out in person. From my reading the Gitzo G1227 was at the

head of the pack. For me, that would have been a huge mistake. The

legs drove met nuts. According to the sales person, you have to open

the smaller ones first and get the order right to make it work

properly. I am certain that I could get the hang of it, but why?

<p>

I tried out the Manfrotto 441 carbon fiber. The Manfrotto has simple

leg locks, a level and some other features if I want to do macro. The

Manfrotto is considerably easier to operate, although I am quite sure

that Gitzo quality is at least as good. With that said, Gitzo's out.

<p>

Thus far I have been unable to get my hands on an Arca Swiss B1 or

Kirk head. No one in South Florida have the other tripods mentioned

above. I am flying up to NYC on Saturday, so on Sunday I will go to

B & H to scope out the options. A sincere thank you for your help

thus far.

<p>

Eddie

Hi,

<p>

I need to solve a problem buying a tripod, because mine is very old

and ready to be put out to pasture. I like urban, travel, street, low-light,landscape and portrait photography. From what I have been reading it seems that the Gizto carbon-fiber tripods with an Arca Swiss B1 quick-release is a combo that many people seem to like with an SLR/Rangefinder combo.

<p>

I have read about the Really Right Stuff plates and I am not sure if

I need separate plates for a Contax N1 SLR and a Leica M6 rangefinder.

Equipment that is lightweight, flexible and give no back problems are

key. I don't want to buy something and then re-buy something better in

six months. What would you recommend as a total system with

everything included including plates or even center columns? Thanks.

<p>

Eddie

Hi,

<p>

Well, I am wine affectionado and most likely pop open four or five

bottles weekly. I actually had the privilege of going to wine school

in Bordeaux four years ago and had a real life experience of what it

is like to be an alcoholic for ten days. Truly, it is the nectar of

the Gods.

<p>

Although I collect wine with some exhaustive research and lab

(drinking), my best wine is the next bottle that I intend to open.

Hopefully, the same holds true with my next Leica photos. As John

said in one of the earlier posts, the complexity of wine is really

its bokeh. By the way, the 2000 Bordeaux is overall rated superior

to the great 1982 vintage the chief guru, Robert Parker. Great

question, Jack. Cheers!

Hi,

<p>

I bought a 90/2.0 APO-ASPH in Hong Kong from Tin Cheung Camera

Company (G26, Tung Ying Building, 100 Nathan Road, Kowloon side;

phone number 2722 1265 fax is 2722 1043) a few months back. I dealt

with Jennifer Tsang. The warranty on the lens was of no significance

to me (but it came with all offical papers), because it is quite rare

for a new Leica lens not to work properly. I believe I paid $1,260

for the new lens, which is an extremely competitive price. To the

best of my memory, I think the M6 is about $1,450 in their store.

Good luck.

<p>

Eddie

Hi,

<p>

Fortunately, a NYSE exchange company wanted to be in my business

enterprises more than I. I am a former owner of transportation

companies and their vertical sub-sets, in Miami and Denver without

post work syndrome. Now I am currently a semi-retired investor,

venture capitalist that enjoys traveling more than three months

annually, complaining about the Federal Reserve interference in the

economy and taking pictures with Leica equipment. Currently, I live

in Miami.

<p>

Eddie

Hi,

<p>

Overall, I think you have some very nice shots. There are a couple

of things that I learned in a Leica seminar with Ted Grant that may

help.

<p>

a. Shoot from being the shadow of a subject, not in front of it.

It yields better contrast and is more interesting.

b. Get in as tight as possible (VW picture - right side.)

c. Shoot the eyes and focus on the near eye. Also, make the closest

point to you sharp.

<p>

Anyway, you have many very good pictures. I hope that helps.

<p>

Eddie

I just came back from a very long trip of which 13 days was in

Vietnam. Also, I live in a tropical climate. Believe me, Vietnam

was awfully hot and painfully humid, especially Da Nang. I was in an

out of an air-conditioned vehicle much of the time. When you got out

of the vehicle you were welcomed with a memorable burst of heat and

humidity.

<p>

Two M6's, dozens of rolls of film and a bunch of lenses came and

went without a hitch. If you have an M6, then just don�t keep it in

front of the air conditioning duct and you will be fine. The only

thing that I would suggest is to take extra batteries and suntan

lotion.

<p>

Eddie