Heads up on LHSA

[kivis]

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Worth joining? Always thought about but never did it. Any advice?

[efreed2754]

Hi Akiva. Have been a member for over 15 years although others should have more to add than me having never attended a function.

 

Their mission had been to focus (pun intended) on the wonderful equipment Leica produced before digital and even SLR days. So if you are into equipment, ingenuity, quality execution and more, learning about all the cameras, lenses and accessories is a treat.

 

Problem is new Leica digital users aren't so interested in the good old days so they changed their name (no "historical") to be more relevant to today. Given the rate of change in our society not sure many are interested in the past. It was not so long ago we didn't have digital cameras, iPads, Google, a robust Apple and so on... .

 

Besides meetings they produce quarterly magazines which are very well done and my biggest benefit from membership. They used to be a source to sell equipment but eBay has taken over that role. Oh, they also have a raffle with better odds than lotteries. They even have gotten Leica to produce special edition cameras and lenses at least in the past.

 

The dues are reasonable and if you are interested in All things Leica you should give it a try.

[darylgo]

The archive of past Viewfinder issues is worth the price alone, an exceptional source of

information. There seems to be a great effort to find ways that will add more value to joining.

[roydonian]

If you are interested in the history of the Leica, then as Darylgo has said, membership gives you access to the huge on-line archive of back copies of the magazine.

 

Members such as Jim Lager are also a valuable source of historical information – when I bought an early Leitz lens a couple of years ago, Jim was able to tell me not only the date when it was originally delivered by the Leitz works, but also when it was returned to them to be modified to add rangefinder coupling.

 

Then there are spring and autumn photo shoots, a good chance to get together with other Leica enthusiasts for a few days. These are almost always held in the USA, but have been held in Wetzlar at least twice. Apparently another Wetzlar trip is planned once the company’s new facilities in the town are fully operational.

[pedaes]

If you take full (as opposed to electronic) membership you get four quality journals a year which is a big part of the membership fee. I am a member in the UK, but if I lived where you do I would not hesitate. The Spring meeting next year is in Florida. The Society is also looking to improve benefits for members - so it is a good time to join.

[bocaburger]

Have been a member for about 12 years. Great group of people at the meetings, of which we have attended many. Never a bad one yet. All the latest Leica toys usually available on loan at the meetings. Well worth the pittance it costs to belong. Highly recommended!

[rcoles]

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I joined LHSA shortly after getting my first Leica (M9) in late 2009. The dues are a great value given the excellent programs offered at the meetings (the spring shoot and the annual meeting in the fall). The 2013 FLORIDA SPRING SHOOT!

The event dates are Wednesday, April 17-20. Plans are underway for several days of shooting and other activities in various locations throughout south Florida. The 45TH ANNUAL MEETING is in SAN FRANCISCO on October 30 to November 2, 2013. As others have pointed out the "Viewfinder" magazine is well done. But the big bonus is the networking with other members from around the world at these meetings and the sharing of photos, experiences and knowledge about photography, using Leica equipment and its history and developing friendships built around your passion for photography and Leica equipment.

 

Bob