in praise of the Leica iif (aka Leica Barnack)

After four years shooting almost exclusively with a Contax T2 and a Nikon F3 I am now enjoying a Leica iif like crazy. I have to be honest, I never really fancied Leica. I know they are fu**ing amazing but when I put the price in perspective I just can't get it.

Let me explain...I have a Nikon F3 that I purchased in great condition. It came with a Nikkor 50mm f1.4 also in amazing condition. I paid 300$ for the combo. I have used and unbelievably abused it...it just keeps going. Later I purchased an Nikkor 85mm f2 lens for 200$ and the 35mm f2.8 for 80$. I love the photos they give me.

I have been lucky enough to visit Tokyo a few times. And yes, I had to buy a few more Nikons. In one of my visits I got a F2 for 180$. Other visit and another F2 for 200$. They both look beautiful and work perfectly well.

A Leica M2 with a 35mm f2 lens in decent condition goes for +2000USD...there's no way I would ever spend that for a camera. Anyways, I do understand those who do it because it's an absolutely amazing thing...and if you want just a single camera maybe it's the way to go...I am just too satisfied with my Nikons.... And I like to go out and not worry with my camera...just use it...this is something I can't do with an expensive Leica.

This was until I saw this Leica iif on sale for 120$ in Hong Kong. The lens was selling for 300$. It's still a lot to pay but somehow within what I consider acceptable.

I ve now used it for around 6 months and I am absolutely amazed with the fun it gives me. This things is pleasure to use. I wouldn't bring it as a holiday camera because colour photos do not look that good and it's a camera that requires a little too much attention...no meter and a rangefinder that is definitely not for everyone...not to mention you need to trim the film before loading it in the camera...

to keep it simple...if you are looking for your second film camera and want to experiment something unique, that will force you to learn how to meter with your eyes, get this one.

@wllmdnnd hope you are not jealous ;-)

#photo #photography #analog #leica #cameraporn

Do you also have a Contax G1 / G2?

hi! yes i have the Contax G1 and 28, 35, 45 and 90mm lens. May sell it soon. 😀

Nice! Did you get the whole set in Hong Kong?

no, I got it on Japan...all from different people. the 35mm f2 I got it very cheap because it had balsam separation and needed to be re-cemented...I got it fixed in Taiwan by Lin...the guy is a crack and can do miracles...
https://www.facebook.com/CLAmanualfocuslens/

I'm going to pretend I'm not ;)

In a future post, why not expend on what makes this camera so fun to use in your opinion.

:-) sometimes is not easy to describe what makes a camera so special...I think I just like to turn those knobs around

Right. I guess I can relate.

Ehehe, I don't even have patience for analog photography. That must be a constant hassle, looking for film, trimming it... Only to be gone after a few photos. 😂

you get 36 photos out of a film! that'e not a few! but indeed if you don't have a nice lab around and are not into processing and scanning, film can be a complete no go.

You know what I mean. It's few, when compared to 12.000 or so. 😂

Nice posting.. my friend suggest me to buy this brand.. i cant because too expensive 😅

thanks catietan! for your wallet is definitely better to stay far from Leica...

everyone is jealous!
That's a fantastic price too, can I be jealous of all your asian camera purchases? My local camera store doesn't even sell film.

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