Leica 0

[Zurenborger]

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Just came across a thread in another forum where someone was looking for a Leica 0, I read some pages on the internet and am interested to know if there is someone here which uses one?

 

. Are they still available?

 

- How much do they go for?

[abrewer]

I'm not sure of availability, though I'd be surprised if you could not find an "O" series camera in the secondary market.

 

Among currently active members, Bill Hollinger (billh) and Bill Clermont (cardinal) have this camera and occasionally post pictures from it.

 

A former member (at least he hasn't posted in a long time) is Nicolas Kozic. Here's a link to a series of photos he made with the camera from the old forum:

 

Nicolas Pics

 

Thanks.

 

Allan

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[jlancasterd]

Just came across a thread in another forum where someone was looking for a Leica 0, I read some pages on the internet and am interested to know if there is someone here which uses one?

 

. Are they still available?

 

- How much do they go for?

 

Ffordes of Beauly (In Scotland) have a used null series replica available at £750. they also have two new Oscar Barnack limited edition replicas at £1750 and £1999 repectively (the difference in price seems to reflect the desireability of the serial number...!) (ffordes photographic : Main Index)

[robert_parker]

Johann

 

There's a recent image, taken by a forum member with an O camera, on:

 

http://www.leica-camera-user.com/sports-leisure-time/8938-4-train-shots.html

[cardinal]

Oh Yeah I try to use mine everyday. It such a small fun camera to play with. Here are three pictures I took with Rollei Pan 25 while I was shooting pictures of Sinclair stations in town. You would be suprised how well you can shoot at 1/20th of a second as these three were. It is not a camera for everyone and it is not used for every situation. There are two types and I use the type 1 model made in 2000. The other type was made in 2004. Both are available, you will see more type 1 with the pop up finder available used or new more than the type 2 models. The type 2 has a tubular finder and a photo of Oskar on back of the camera. There seems to be a lot dealers that have them in stock they just do not advertise it, so you have to ask.

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[square_one]

Johan - I'd like to add to what's been said: with all it's true-to-the-original quirks, the O is a camera only for the patient and un-faint of heart.

 

I picked up a new proto-2 mid-summer and other than sending it immediately back on the slo-boat to Solms for a shutter mechanism fix, it's been much more than I expected - in a good way.

 

This camera is incredibly compact and bulletproof when carried in it's eminently practical, flat leather case and I find no real need to ever have it naked in my clumsy hands. The optical finder frames the image VERY quickly (and maybe more accurately than the pop-up proto-1 finder?) - but bringing that finder up to your eye for each new image first requires a few major stretches, specifically:

1) head-down fine-fingered setting of distance and aperture on very small engraved scales,

2) head-down resetting of the shutter-speed pin wheel at approximately the half-wind point,

3) and you did fully extend and lock that marvelous lens after dropping the case flap didn't you?

4) And the permanently-attached lenscap was reaffixed immediately following the previous exposure, wasn't it?

5) And the cap will be removed ONLY AFTER film advance is completed, won't it?.

 

Screw up with the cap and your previous shot and the next negative frame are history.

 

But you know, you get comfortable with the O's earthy weirdness. It becomes fast (for what it is) and estimating distance and exposure get easier and easier with practice. These days I just carry a back-up business-sized card in my wallet with my versions of Sunny16 (brightness values keyed to film speed) on one side and focusing depths of fields on the other.

 

Bruce

[MSmelik]

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wrong post

[Zurenborger]

I read all about the quirks, and with each "quirk" the camera sank deeper into my "want to have" part of my brain.

 

Apart from it's size and weight I love taking the Hasselblad, not because of the picture quality but the pure "zen" of setting it up. For me this is what the Hobby part of photography should be, not snapping away with an all automatic point and shooting and achieving marvelous pictures, but the whole thing, from choosing the film youre going to take along, getting the film out of the box, loading the film, trying to find the correct exposure and framing etc. etc. Every shot becomes a process of sheer relaxation ... for me that is.

 

I also understand that the Anstigmat lens is a B&W performing lens which renders old fashioned tints and contrast. I use to love sitting back reading my notes on the shots I took and choosing the right development combination for the most important scenes, be it Tri-x in HC-110, slightly underdeveloped, or Tri-x in Rodinal stand development... all part of the Zen sensation that photography should give me.

 

I got back to the appreciation of film after I tried the M8 (sent it back) It's pictures where just to easy to take and they were all to perfect (I never noticed the fringes, blobs and streaks until reminded of them here on this forum) The whole process was just to fast .... Once I returned my M8 I loaded up my MP and M4 with APX100 and Tri-x and went off and lost track of all time.

 

I think the 0 series would surely add to the total photography sensation I am looking for, and I will make it an issue trying to locate one. Im shall be looking for the first version with the pop-up finder, however much I respect Barnack, I don't want him staring me in the face all the time :-)

 

I will keep you informed about the progress of it all.....

 

Thanks for all replies.

[earleygallery]

Alternatively you could look for an early LTM body and 5cm Elmar or Summar lens.

[Zurenborger]

I have thought of that, but finding one in good shooting condition will not be easy. A Leica I F or a I G perhaps, but even then. you will need the (sports)finder and a nice classic lens.... This will all add up to, I like the idea of the "ultimate" classic and lens ran through a modern production process if you know what I mean.

 

I will start calling around tomorrow to see if anyone has one left

[cardinal]

One thing I should tell you that the prototype 2 models have a DVD and a book about the movie. The prints can be purchased separately too. I have not seen anyone sell the book or DVD separately though. If you put the camera inside a half case then you will not have Oskar looking at you every time.

[Zurenborger]

I have found one at leicashop in Vienna. It's brand new (so they say) comes with everything and is priced at 1190€ roughly 1550$c or 800 Pounds sterling. Is this a good price for I have no clue?

[cardinal]

For a brand new one that is what they are going for. It should come with the 3 year passport warranty too, if it doesn't ask for a reduced price.

[Zurenborger]

I found and bought it.

 

It' 4 years old but never been used comes with gear, card andstuff except the original box hence a price of 799€ which I find quite acceptable. I have a 2 week acceptance period after which I can return it for a refund if I wish.

 

I bought it in Sweden ... so it will probably arrive somewhere beginning next week.

 

Looking forward to (trying) to get to use it ....

[albertwang]

Good lil toy but devalued over time. Not the investment for collectors by any means.

[square_one]

Good lil toy but devalued over time. Not the investment for collectors by any means.

 

With some exceptions, what you say applies to all Leica cameras, depending, I guess on what your definition of 'investment' is. The interesting thing that seems to be developing with the O serie is that those who get it, really want to use it, and accept 'investment' as a forgone nonevent - that's me with mine anyway.

 

Bruce

[john_j]

Greetings-

 

I purchased a Null around 2003/2002. I was going to buy a digital at the time but wound up with the Null instead. Quite a piece of machinery! The value of it has dropped substantially but not as much as the digital I may have purchased or those I purchased since.

 

The outstanding images require thought and understanding of camera fundumentals. Yes, it is less convient than my M6's and far less than my digitals but, with the time spent post processing RAW images, what is really saved?

 

No, I am not anti digital. It has its place which I appreciate. I am somewhat bothered by all the talk of making the technology work rather than the content of the images however.

 

Perhaps this is just modern day film/developer combo talk.

 

Here's to the well presented...

[wizard]

I also understand that the Anstigmat lens is a B&W performing lens which renders old fashioned tints and contrast.

 

First of all, congrats on your purchase, enjoy your new old 0-series! What you say about the lens is true for the original 0-series from the twenties, but certainly not for the replica 0-series you have bought. The Anastigmat lens that comes with your camera is fact a modern version of the 3.5/50mm Elmar lens (4 elements in 3 groups) employing modern glass and state of the art coatings. It is well suited for both B&W and color photography and optically is the best 3.5/50 lens ever made by Leica, tack sharp and with high contrast.

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

[Zurenborger]

Greetings-

 

I purchased a Null around 2003/2002. I was going to buy a digital at the time but wound up with the Null instead. Quite a piece of machinery! The value of it has dropped substantially but not as much as the digital I may have purchased or those I purchased since.

 

The outstanding images require thought and understanding of camera fundumentals. Yes, it is less convient than my M6's and far less than my digitals but, with the time spent post processing RAW images, what is really saved?

 

No, I am not anti digital. It has its place which I appreciate. I am somewhat bothered by all the talk of making the technology work rather than the content of the images however.

 

Perhaps this is just modern day film/developer combo talk.

 

Here's to the well presented...

 

 

Hi John,

 

it's not about the speed one get's things done in, if that were the case the end choice and purchase pattern would be totally different..... it's all about the "Zen" from start to finish, the sheer enjoyment of being busy with photography, not just looking at a camera in a display cabinet, but really being busy with it. The end result is always the image, but the pre-image part is for me at least equally relaxing. this is why I think the 0 and I will get along well .....

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[earleygallery]

First of all, congrats on your purchase, enjoy your new old 0-series! What you say about the lens is true for the original 0-series from the twenties, but certainly not for the replica 0-series you have bought. The Anastigmat lens that comes with your camera is fact a modern version of the 3.5/50mm Elmar lens (4 elements in 3 groups) employing modern glass and state of the art coatings. It is well suited for both B&W and color photography and optically is the best 3.5/50 lens ever made by Leica, tack sharp and with high contrast.

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

 

This was partly my point about opting for an LTM body and 'vintage' lens, as you will get that look, which you may not acheive from a replica lens with the latest glass/coatings.

 

Still, a very nice camera to have and I look forward to seeing your results. As for investment value, I can imagine that it will follow most other Leicas in that value will drop initially but keep it in good condition and over time it will hold/increase in value. Can't say that for any digital.