Want to Buy Wanted $10 Leica rangefinder for personal use. CL Found.

[Pieter12]

This forum is probably not the right place to find a $10 (working) Leica with a lens, no less! And one that is not working will take a bundle more to become functional. You have better odds buying a lottery ticket. Maybe try swap meets, estate sales, somewhere they don't know the value of what they have for sale. I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[eli griggs]

@StepheKoontz He's already turned his nose up at a Zorki. At this point, I just check back on this thread to see where it goes.

Back during the early days of very cheap FSU cameras, I did own and use Feds 2, 3a. 3b, and variations of 5, plus the Zorki 4. I eventually traded it and most of the Fwds off for a Canon F1, old #2 style, and a nice FTb ql.

Why, because they did no feel right in the hand, and I did no find their operation and results natural enough to have confidence in their use.

Form follows function. It is important to anyone whom loves making photographs that they have confidence in what they make those photographs with, as is a natural flow of camera operation. The Zorki may be a dream camera for others, such as Donald, but it did no meet my needs, nor the Feds, nearly as well as the Leicas I owned in the past... period.

Photographers can spend years looking for a camera they can really build a relationship with, and it may be one never finds what that want in a camera.

I know the differences in these cameras, so I know what it is that I am asking for, a working tool to keep at my side, hopefully for the next years of my life, and it is no a Zorki or other FSU 35mm, camera.

Use what please you and can bring home the shots you see in the every day, but do no suggest I could use just any other rangefinders that you find satisfactory, please.

Cheers, Be Safe, Be Happy, and Godspeed to all.

 

[Chan Tran]

People who don't value a Leica and happen to own one (or two) perhaps due to inheritance would sell them for good money. People who keep the Leica although don't use it value it much more than the $10. Sure sometimes one can buy a Leica for less than $10 but that is because the owner doesn't know better. I am not sure if the OP is hoping some of us belong to this group.

 

[eli griggs]

So if I were to offer you a recently serviced and fully restored Kodak Retina IIa for $10., you would decline the offer? If so, explain to me why it doesn't meet the requirements stated above. Seems to me it'd be just about perfect as a "no prestige, just a working body" camera.

You'll have to take a look at the response I made to Donald moments ago to see where I am coming from in that direction.

People keep bringing up "prestige" as a reason to own one of these cameras, and no that in it's designs of the Barnack and "M" film Leicas, are desirable for their function and forum, whatever lens you put one one.

Why is that?

Because, imo, hipsters, collectors and celebrities, aided by the Maker, and their moving their market to those with deep pockets, in new cameras, and overpriced lenses and accessories have, together, raised a piece of very good camera to an unwarranted elevated social status, that too many folks that know little or nothing can point out as "Desirable" for raising their own status with.

Adult photographers, that have used these tools, know the reason these cameras were 'famous' within our circle, because of the proven abilities of these cameras as tough, highly competent, pieces of equipment, that have really been through some of the most harsh, long term usage, across wars, jungles, and other impossible places and conditions in this World.

What film cameras, speaking to Barnacks, can take repeated exposure, even submerged, in the sea, mud, and other muck and be put back in action the next day, after a soak in fresh water and a drying out?

Who needs a waterproof plastic case to take a IIIC into the rain, snow or summer heat? No, a Leica.

The "M" bodies, especially the older ones, have a build and reliable function that is near impossible to find in the majority of rangefinders, imo, and true to the original Nicca, 'Tower, Reed, etc cameras can just about match the design, but still fall short in the feel of the functioning.

Prestige is fine for those whom need to be seen, and peer pressure, etc, but I do no live or die on the opinions of others, and any idea of obtaining elevated "social statis" through what I might own, is down right silly, unless, of course, it's the last box of chocolates on the planet.

IMO

 

[Pieter12]

Prestige aside, you are certainly describing value. And what you describe is certainly worth more than $10. So why is that all you're willing to pay?

 

[btaylor]

Use what please you and can bring home the shots you see in the every day, but do no suggest I could use just any other rangefinders.

This is an interesting thread, and I, like Donald, check in to see what's cooking. From the looks of it Eli has not yet received his $10 Leica.

So I have 2 reactions- I had the opportunity to use the school's Leica M2 when in my high school photography class. Wow- my favorite camera, and entirely out of what I could possibly afford for decades. So I got what to me was the next best thing, and something I could afford, an Olympus OM1. I used it and an $80 Rolleicord very successfully while at art school and later when I did some professional work. I would have loved to have had that M2, but I also know that it wouldn't have made a bit of difference in the photos I made. So honestly I do not understand how no other photographic instrument could be a substitute for the Barnack or M that Eli desires- IMO the drive to make images as an artist should transcend something as trivial as a brand within a broad category: 35mm rangefinder cameras. I just picked up a Retina IIIc for $60, with a 50mm lens it handles as a Leica a run for it's money in all respects.

Second, Eli is looking for a benefactor or patron. Not unusual in the arts at all, like the violin example given above. I would think the best place to find those would be the patrons and fans who have already purchased Eli's artworks- rather than a bunch of gearheads like us.

Interesting story about Enewetok BTW. I read the article in the NYT when it came out. Sorry to hear the workers from the site have not gotten the compensation or help that they deserve.

 

[removedacct1]

I would have loved to have had that M2, but I also know that it wouldn't have made a bit of difference in the photos I made. So honestly I do not understand how no other photographic instrument could be a substitute for the Barnack or M that Eli desires- IMO the drive to make images as an artist should transcend something as trivial as a brand within a broad category

Yup. Exactly.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

You'll have to take a look at the response I made to Donald moments ago to see where I am coming from in that direction.

People keep bringing up "prestige" as a reason to own one of these cameras, and no that in it's designs of the Barnack and "M" film Leicas, are desirable for their function and forum, whatever lens you put one one.

Why is that?

Because, imo, hipsters, collectors and celebrities, aided by the Maker, and their moving their market to those with deep pockets, in new cameras, and overpriced lenses and accessories have, together, raised a piece of very good camera to an unwarranted elevated social status, that too many folks that know little or nothing can point out as "Desirable" for raising their own status with.

Adult photographers, that have used these tools, know the reason these cameras were 'famous' within our circle, because of the proven abilities of these cameras as tough, highly competent, pieces of equipment, that have really been through some of the most harsh, long term usage, across wars, jungles, and other impossible places and conditions in this World.

What film cameras, speaking to Barnacks, can take repeated exposure, even submerged, in the sea, mud, and other muck and be put back in action the next day, after a soak in fresh water and a drying out?

Who needs a waterproof plastic case to take a IIIC into the rain, snow or summer heat? No, a Leica.

The "M" bodies, especially the older ones, have a build and reliable function that is near impossible to find in the majority of rangefinders, imo, and true to the original Nicca, 'Tower, Reed, etc cameras can just about match the design, but still fall short in the feel of the functioning.

Prestige is fine for those whom need to be seen, and peer pressure, etc, but I do no live or die on the opinions of others, and any idea of obtaining elevated "social statis" through what I might own, is down right silly, unless, of course, it's the last box of chocolates on the planet.

IMO

You're looking for a unicorn. Not quite as rare as a rainbow unicorn with fairy wings and glitter sprinkles, but nonetheless a unicorn. My sincerest recommendation is that your expectation is not matching the reality of the marketplace for the camera you want - you need to adjust your expectations either on the price or the time frame. All those characteristics of the camera you described above are really good reasons to pay a lot of money for a professional tool, which is something you seem unwilling to do. Frankly, you might have better luck if you were asking for such a camera for $100 rather than for $10 , and your story was that you were a broke student who needed a camera (although that would still be a stretch), because then at least there would be a reason you couldn't afford more (broke student) and the amount you were offering was a gesture on your part to acknowledge the value of the camera.

 

[4season]

What film cameras, speaking to Barnacks, can take repeated exposure, even submerged, in the sea, mud, and other muck and be put back in action the next day, after a soak in fresh water and a drying out?

Calypso/Nikonos, possibly also your phone.

The only Leica products I'm aware of which might tolerate this treatment without the need for prompt servicing would be some of the binoculars.

 

[removedacct1]

Second, Eli is looking for a benefactor or patron. Not unusual in the arts at all, like the violin example given above. I would think the best place to find those would be the patrons and fans who have already purchased Eli's artworks- rather than a bunch of gearheads like us.

And if Eli wants to find a patron, I think he'd have better luck if he were able to demonstrate to a potential patron what he's capable of with a Leica in his pocket. Where can we see your portfolio, please?

 

[Lachlan Young]

Calypso/Nikonos

And that lens has a better than decent reputation too. I recollect it's supposed to be very similar to the 35/2.5 Nikkor RF optic.

 

[ColdEye]

Calypso/Nikonos, possibly also your phone.

The only Leica products I'm aware of which might tolerate this treatment without the need for prompt servicing would be some of the binoculars.

Wait so I can shoot a iiif in adverse weather? I thought this was a pretty delicate camera.

 

[StepheKoontz]

"the original Nicca, 'Tower, Reed, etc cameras can just about match the design, but still fall short in the feel of the functioning."

Now you are just being elitist. I own a few Nicca/Tower Barnack clones (As well as some Barnack Leicas) and IMHO the Niccas have the EXACT same layout, operate smoother, have a quieter shutter and the Nikkor 50mm f2 is at least as good,m if not better than the same vintage Leica optics. And BTW one reason used Leicas are expensive has nothing to do with hipsters, they were expensive cameras when they were new. The reasoning you have posted sounds very hipster BTW.

 

[Lachlan Young]

@StepheKoontz if a new Leica body cost the same percentage of income as an M2 cost in the late 60's, it would probably be in about the USD 6-7K range.

Wait till people find out how much a Focomat IIC ran to...

And those Nikkor 50's aren't just good by the standards of the time, they're what forced Leica to really raise its game with the Summicron and Summilux.

 

[eli griggs]

@StepheKoontz He's already turned his nose up at a Zorki. At this point, I just check back on this thread to see where it goes.

Donald, when did I turn down the offer of a Zorki?

While I have explained why I am no looking for that particular camera, there are many other cameras I would no see as a better alternative to what I've asked for, and in all of those decisions, no where do I "turn up" my nose to any of them.

Saying no simply means no, without the unpleasant social behavior you ascribed to me.

I have explained myself and why I am looking for one of these Leica, and, that I believe is enough for anyone to explain.

It is no the the distractors or people whom feel somehow aggrieved by my request, nor the trolls online that are having a bit of fun, to make decisions for me, no more than it is to me to denounce another, just because I see a fault in their request.

Please do no make assumptions, in my name, especial over things you may no fully understand.

Be Safe, Be Healthy, and Godspeed to you and yours.

 

[removedacct1]

Because, imo, hipsters, collectors and celebrities, aided by the Maker, and their moving their market to those with deep pockets, in new cameras, and overpriced lenses and accessories have, together, raised a piece of very good camera to an unwarranted elevated social status, that too many folks that know little or nothing can point out as "Desirable" for raising their own status with.

So now you would have us believe its the hipsters and celebrities to blame for making a Leica an expensive/elitist piece of equipment??! Umm, a Leica was one of the most expensive cameras ever sold and always has been, from the beginning. You had to be rich to buy a new one; its very difficult to separate the idea of "luxury goods" from "an elitist attitude". Its current value has absolutely nothing to do with what the "hipsters" have wrought.

 

[eli griggs]

"the original Nicca, 'Tower, Reed, etc cameras can just about match the design, but still fall short in the feel of the functioning."

Now you are just being elitist. I own a few Nicca/Tower Barnack clones (As well as some Barnack Leicas) and IMHO the Niccas have the EXACT same layout, operate smoother, have a quieter shutter and the Nikkor 50mm f2 is at least as good,m if not better than the same vintage Leica optics. And BTW one reason used Leicas are expensive has nothing to do with hipsters, they were expensive cameras when they were new. The reasoning you have posted sounds very hipster BTW.

Yes, your are correct, I except, simply because I know what I'm looking for, and the discussion by others of what I should 'settle for' and the condemnation for no accepting their viewpoints as my own.

As for the expense of these new lenses and camera offerings, I can reasonable understand a $3500 - $4000 newly built Leica film rangefinder price. Good tools are expensive, however, ignoring that these used cameras are highly collectable, worn as decor, and elevated in price because of the conditions I mentioned, is just no something I am willing to do, nor able, unless of course a rich lottery jackpot came my way, or I was able to raise myself and my family up through some other means...

However, making lenses for a market where $5000 - $10,000 is the new 'normal' is the same market strategy we've seen used by Apple Computers, and Harley Davidson, both of whom switched their focus from the everyday user to the well monied, 'hipper' markets,where a $40,000 bike is no uncommon.

By-the-way, f you knew me, you would laugh at yourself for even putting me into the 'hipster' category, and if you feel I was directing my point to you personally with the phrase "hipster', well that is just as silly, as I was speaking to other Leica users, which have heavily influenced the market and that is about social status, prestige, ect,

That never meant that all photographers that are Leica users are of that nature, as there are many others within our community that do use these as the tools they are, simply very usable cameras.

I do apologize for any snobbery I might have embraced in this post, however, I also know that my viewpoint is informed, when it comes to the the current fad of wearing a Leica by many.

Cheers

 

[choiliefan]

Way back in high school photo class one (Argus C-3?) kid was always bragging that he had access to a Nikon F.
One day I cut the "Nikon" logo out of a glossy magazine ad and rubber-cemented it over the "Minolta" on my nearly-new SRT-101 as an act of artistic expression, teen angst and probably, wishful thinking.
One day, kid glanced at the camera and did a double-take and in the most condescending way possible, said "YOU have a Nikon!?!"
Photo advisor got a big kick out of that and as a bonus the kid never mentioned Nikon again.
I've used several Nikons over the years but still have a visceral memory of the way the Minolta's microprism field shimmered as perfect focus was achieved. That was 45+ years ago.

 

[eli griggs]

About that same time period you were rebranding that SLR, my California Aunt, Uncle and Cousins made a trip to Europa, and then to N.C. on their way back home, to visit with my Paternal Grandmother, my Aunt's Mother.

I was in Jr. High, and when I saw the chrome Nikkormat, my Cousin was using to take family pictures, I practically fell in love with it, being used to TLR and other older format cameras, in the family, though I really had little idea what that camera was about.

It's funny, the things that inspire us to get into photography in the first place, and I suppose, that was the moment I first became seriously interested, in making my own photographs.

Cheers

 

[Huss]

I was in Jr. High, and when I saw the chrome Nikkormat, my Cousin was using to take family pictures, I practically fell in love with it,..

Cheers

You should get one of those. Here's one for $20. Sure you could get two $10 Leicas for that but still.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-NIKK...142937?hash=item3fdb8938d9:g:IpwAAOSwerZeRdab

 

[eli griggs]

As I had mentioned earlier, I have SLRs, but even the FG and EM is no close to the same as what I'm looking for, nor is the Canonet QL17, nor the XA2, but thanks for the suggestion.

Be Safe, He Happy and Godspeed, to you, yours and all here.

 

[Chan Tran]

As I had mentioned earlier, I have SLRs, but even the FG and EM is no close to the same as what I'm looking for, nor is the Canonet QL17, nor the XA2, but thanks for the suggestion.

Be Safe, He Happy and Godspeed, to you, yours and all here.

I know you want a Leica rangefinder and there are good reasons to want them. I wish you good luck in getting one for the kind of money you want to pay.

 

[eli griggs]

Thank you.

 

[Huss]

As I had mentioned earlier, I have SLRs, but even the FG and EM is no close to the same as what I'm looking for, nor is the Canonet QL17, nor the XA2, but thanks for the suggestion.

Be Safe, He Happy and Godspeed, to you, yours and all here.

Why dont you sell that stuff and use it towards getting a Leica?

 

[awty]

I will pay $20, name my first born after my benefactor (actually have to rename him, be handy if the donor shared the same name) and make special mention in any up and coming book Im in (don't hold your breath).
Anyway thats my bid.
BTW what does Godspeed supposed to mean?
I only hear it in US movies when someone is going on a dangerous and perilous journey, is dropping off a parcel to the post office that bad?