As always, it was Nick’s fault. A day trip to Bangkok found us inevitably wandering into AV Camera, a warren of photographic wonderfulness. I wasn’t after anything, but Nick needed a filter; so I spent my time browsing the store, admiring the permanent collection of classic cameras, mainly Leica. Then I stumbled upon a nearly new Leica M-E, the latest rangefinder from Leica, at a slightly less than new price. The owner of the store, Khun Mana, asked if I would like to have a play with it. Of course I would!
I have briefly handled a Leica before, an M8. I remembered it as being surprisingly heavy and beautifully put together, but not much else. But suddenly here I was, out on the street (with a shop assistant close by to make sure I didn’t run away), with a Leica camera and a Summilux 50mm F1.4. Bloody hell, it was wonderful. Fantastic permanent view through the viewfinder, classic rangefinder focusing, and all that solid German engineering at my fingertips.
Back in the shop and I handed it back with many thanks.
I’m not sure what happened next. It was a combination of Nick telling me I could afford it if I sold all my M43 gear, and he would personally buy many of my lenses. The owner offering a discount if I took the Summilux as well. The thought of the street photography possibilities, whilst forgetting about the loss of macro, telephoto and many other things; just consumed with the chance to finally own a Leica. Whatever went on my tiny brain, the end result was the whipping out of my credit card and those three, life changing words, “I’ll take it”.
It was only on the way home that the true enormity of my decision hit me, a decision that was further driven home when my GF1, GX1 and E-M5, together with the lenses that Nick had not acquired, were prepared for sale on eBay. I am now a Leica photographer for the rest of my life and my photos, and this site will never be the same again. And my credit card bill is horrendous.
It’s all Nick’s fault.
Comments 🔗
2013-04-01| Pete saysHa ha - very funny!! You nearly had me.
2013-04-01| The Heavyweight saysYeah, me too. Until I read Pete’s comment :-) Hey, did I mention that I am planning to sell my D600? ;-)
2013-04-01| Bob James saysIf your serious, I’d really like to get your OM-D, 7-14, and 300mm.
2013-04-01| David saysAnd today it is….
2013-04-02| Bob James saysIt wasn’t April 1 yet here when I read it …… That’s my defense and I’m sticking to it.
2013-04-03| Grant saysNo no no, that won’t wash! Seasonal awareness has to be a chap’s watchword, most especially when dealing with an old campaigner like Uncle Spike…