I wouldn't buy a new Leica film camera now, but that's partly because I'm 90 years old and that camera would outlast me by decades, and partly because digital photography is better suited to what I do these years. For a young man who protects his camera gear from abuse and theft, a new Leica is a great investment.
The OP is interested in buying a Leica. Since that is his favorite drug he should meet that need first. Later he may seek a Hasselblad, but for now he has to take the first steps of buying his heart's desire.
So, Leica might be considered a gateway drug where the user eventually overdoses on Hasselblad.
That is a mistake, because GAS is an emotional thing, not a logical one. GAS ends when you're ready for it to end, but you really cannot buy your way out of it, except in the sense of it consuming all spare cash, so that you are forced to stop!I was mainly fishing for a more dispassionate and logical view of the purchase.
I would put the money in retirement savings. It doesn't matter how much you have put away, you will want/need more. Gee, a bit like GAS, isn't it?
Good call. I'm spending some savings, 20 years ago I bought a black Leica M6ttl with the 50mm Summicron for $1300 USD. Virtually unused in the box. So an argument can be made to buy a nice Leica, use it and take care of it, and sell it when you're done.
You post that as if that would be a bad thing. What is wrong with aspiring to the best camera equipment that one can afford?
Agree completely, though I'm not a new film user by any stretch. This is not an investment, it's a user and will ride along on my pack when I go hiking or camping as often as it is toted on photography walks or pulled out to document a family gathering.I would not suggest that in the long run film gear is a good investment. Current conditions are good, film is back to some degree, hard to say how long the new users will maintain an interest. As film cameras age, film becomes more expensive the market might bottom out. If cameras are unusable, perhaps view cameras suitable for alternative process will last, what will be their value as a collectable without film. My advise, buy what you like, what you can afford, enjoy as long as you can.
My other main hobby has similar patterns. I've never purchased anything in that realm as an investment, though I've made a few purchases where subsequent sales years later have netted enough profit to further support that hobby or others (as is the case with this very discussion).While some camera's prices rise over time, it is much better to purchase a camera for your use than as an investment.
What is this "sell it when you're done" of which you speak?
I would put the money in retirement savings. It doesn't matter how much you have put away, you will want/need more. Gee, a bit like GAS, isn't it?
My other main hobby has similar patterns. I've never purchased anything in that realm as an investment, though I've made a few purchases where subsequent sales years later have netted enough profit to further support that hobby or others (as is the case with this very discussion).
For some, that is a Holga.
Mtnbkr, assuming you're still looking.... check out irohascamera.com in Japan. I've bought a few things from him & they were in top notch condition and shipped quickly. The reason i mention him is.....I can't remember seeing a bigger selection of used M Leicas....right on up to $20k black paint M4s. ;-)
Thanks! I'm currently hoovering up every bit of info I can. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go for an M5. Sure, it lacks the classic good looks of the other M variants, but I really like the idea of the shutter speed dial being easily manipulated while you look through the viewfinder as well as the internal meter.
Chris
For some, that is a Holga.
Chris, If you can, get a classic Leica M in your hands. See what the feel is like. The "idea" of the overhanging shutter speed dial is just a small part of the camera.
My experience is different. Bought mine new in 2010 and the mileage is now about 65k. The only parts mine has needed are: a thermostat, one coil pack, and the solenoid that releases the rear hatch. Including labor, the sum total I've spent on repairs is probably about $1000 (US). My total average fuel efficiency is 35.4 MPG and that includes a fair amount of agressive driving. Or as agressive as one can be with only 122 HP to play with. I've read the MINI horror stories, too, but I've noticed almost all of those with major problems have the turbo charged models. Mine is the base model (no turbo) - and it has actually proven to be very reliable and quite economical to drive.
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