A Old Friend

[Goardhead]

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The M2 I bought used in 1965 was made in 1962 so it is 44 years old and I have had it for 41 years this month. If I pick it up with my eyes closed I can tell you what the shutter speed is set at and if I cock the shutter I can tell you if the camera has film in it. When I bought my Leica the man who ran the camera shop told me that in my life I might own a lot of other cameras but I would never own a better one. You know he was right.

[Findus]

I have an M4 which my father bought me on my birth date. It is a 1968 model with a 1968 summicron lens. I actually got this camera for my 10th birthday by which it was 10 years but never ever used. I have used this camera ever since, not solely but it goes wherever I go alongside an MP. The m4 has become an extention of me, I can guess the settings, don't need a light meter, ofcourse know when it has film in it and when not, by know it's scuffed dented and scratched, it's in a pretty bad optical state, but I love it, it would be the last camera I would depart from.

I still have the lense too, but have replaced with a 1956 summicron collapsible which has become my favorite lens.

 

Apert from the early years, it has only seen Tri-x no other brand or type of film has ever passed the shutter, it has seen all the continents and the seven seas of the world. It travels with me everywhere... it is "my little sweetie" it's been services twice by leica solms and still shoots and adjusts like a week old MP, it's smooth and slick... and ofcourse well taken care of.

[Michael-IIIf]

Michaela,

 

You have an enlightened dad.

 

Mine never bought me presents like that! but he did introduce me to Leica. He bought a second hand 1953 IIIf when I was born in '62 because he wanted to record his new family. It was only taken out on special family occasions. He was from a poor background and treasured this precious possession. As kids we were never allowed to touch it apart from when he set up the photograph, set the camera, and told us where to stand etc. I grew up with a proper sense of awe to do with the Leica brand. When I studied a photography module at design school I was "allowed" to borrow this camera. I almost had to sign it out and sign it back in! Years later I've come to inherit it from him and despite living in our modern throwaway culture I think I treasure it perhaps even more than he did. I certainly use it more

 

Michael