cliffp

I have used this forum in the past (and presently as it happens). I was lucky that someone was able to come and check over the item (75mm Cron) and give me cash but I appreciate that this won't always happen. I would use a classified ad (or commission sale/trade in) and be prepared to be patient or flexible on price. I use Ebay a lot but wouldn't be comfortable selling Leica equipment (because of the expense of the gear and the potential for inexperienced buyers to either damage items or have unrealistic expectations) there for the reasons 250swb has indicated (which would apply to Ebay). With Ebay, the buyer has you over a barrel.

Thanks Jaapv, I think that I may sell a few other (non photographic) items to buy an m body of some sort and 50mm (equivalent) lens. I very much appreciate your encouraging me to be positive. Carlos, you may well be right about the thieves getting their come uppance. TBH I feel too numb to harbour feelings of wanting revenge.

Many thanks for the replies. Brian,I will look into the alarms and safes you mention. Andy,unfortunately my household insurance doesn't cover the items (my bad for not making sure it did). Manoleica,I didnt get a police report mostly because I just couldn't communicate with them and partly because I knew I didn't have insurance cover. I will inform Leica when I return (when I can locate serial numbers).

I was staying in my caravan overnight at a motorway service station near Lyon 2 days ago. My M9,50mm 'lux and Q were in the car which was locked and attached to the caravan. We went to sleep having locked the door. I awoke to see the door was ajar. Thieves had broken the lock, entered the caravan,found the car keys and stolen all my Leica gear plus wife's camera, my laptop and cash. I phoned the police but no one spoke any English so it was difficult to explain what had happened. Unfortunately,as stupid as it sounds,I don't have any insurance so don't expect much sympathy. My reasons for this are that I only use my camera very occasionally and have felt that I was very careful. I obviously now realise that this was a big mistake. I can't afford to replace the cameras so I think my days of enjoying Leica photography are over. I wouldn't wish to put off any purchasers of Leica cameras as owning and using this equipment has been an amazing experience -just make sure it is insured and be very careful (I could have hidden my gear better or the car key).

South downs near Kingley Vale

I think this is good advice

Holy Trinity church Bosham West Sussex

The button in the middle of the joystick toggles it on and off. I had the same issue.

I have some sympathy for the OP in relation to the cause of the accident apart from obviously feeling his pain due to the damage and cost. Not everyone has had experience of something screwed together coming apart under normal usage. I think Leica should warn the user to check the screw for tightness before each use (maybe they do - I am assuming not as it hasn't been mentioned). Assuming there is no such warning, I think Leica should repair the camera foc and put a warning as suggested to avoid similar occurrences.

Bignor in West Sussex

The Modern Jazz Quartet Celebration at Chichester Jazz Club.

Using the Q App. Face recognition focus mode (nails it nearly every time if I am close to the subject) F1.7 1/500

I just bought a Lowepro Format 120 (on offer at the moment from Curry's for £15). I find this to be just the right size.

colonel, many thanks for this - I cancelled my order and bought a cheap one from Ebay via your link.

F1.7 1/6400 cropped to 4889 x 3259