tookaphotoof Posted February 27, 2015 Share #141 Posted February 27, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Imagine they keep doing that. I already got a nice deal trading my faulty M8 for a new M240. Never need to bother again with annoying buyers wanting to knock down half of the asking price. Just shoot the camera till it dies and get a nice deal from Leica if they have ran out of spare parts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 27, 2015 Posted February 27, 2015 Hi tookaphotoof, Take a look here Lenny Kravitz Edition - cool, pretentious, or hoax?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
pico Posted February 28, 2015 Share #142 Posted February 28, 2015 The Lenny Kravitz Edition is obviously not a hoax, nor a joke. It is an object that certain Leica collectors welcome not only for the idea, but for the differences of interpretation that are made. In that respect, it is clearly unique, and a leap above the Hermes editions which are all alike. I can understand why collectors would want one, two, or even more. One little thing from my experience is that nobody wants a never-used black painted Leica they can make their own by using it. The rest of us ... well we are how it is. So be it. We are good. . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Livingston Posted February 28, 2015 Share #143 Posted February 28, 2015 I am still unsure which is causing the most uproar on here regarding this particular collectors edition. Lenny Kravitz, or the worn, brassed, look of the special edition. If the camera was known as the W. Eugene Smith Edition... or the Korda Edition, then perhaps the comments would be less vitriolic. Unfortunately, Lenny Kravitz doesn't have the same kudos in the photography world... but he seems a genuine guy with a passion for photography, just like most of us. Maybe its simply that... he is not the photographer of the century, there are no iconic images attributed to him, he is not in the pantheon of great photojournalists.... so people are wondering, why him? So why him? Someone in marketing thought it would be a good idea? Perhaps the initial concept originated in the recent sale of David Douglas Duncan's Leica and the idea that perhaps there was an opportunity to make money out of 'normal' collectors who had the means to buy something similar but at a vastly reduced price? (The original DDD camera sold for £1.2M). Who knows... and does it matter anyway? They could have picked any number of people to name a special edition after. Not Lenny Kravitz's fault that someone at Leica thought it would be a good idea for some bizarre reason... Maybe he should have just said, thank you, thats such an honour... but one I cannot accept... Or is it simply the appearance of the camera? Brassed, worn, representative of the well used photojournalists' cameras of the past? I actually like the look... slightly false as it may be. But for a collector, why not? It is probably more valid than the Hermes edition as a representation of Leica's history. I'm just wondering where all this comes from... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted February 28, 2015 Share #144 Posted February 28, 2015 In my case, the premium for a camera I wanted was relatively modest. Relatively modest M60 (camera only) premium = more than the current US price of an additional new M240. Or roughly the same as the added cost a new Monochrom. Only the buyer can ultimately judge, and that's part of what makes this thread so interesting. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted February 28, 2015 Share #145 Posted February 28, 2015 They could have picked any number of people to name a special edition after. Maybe he's the only musician not already shown using a Leica with the lens cap on. . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdk Posted February 28, 2015 Share #146 Posted February 28, 2015 Of my PJ friends on Facebook Lars Blackmore thinks the edition is ridiculous, while Nick Ut likes it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted February 28, 2015 Share #147 Posted February 28, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm not sure Lenny Kravitz is the issue. I just don't really see any point in artificially ageing such a camera. As far as I know, Lenny Kravitz is a nice guy, plays good music (I've only heard his Who covers), and probably takes good pictures. Hey, ho. Each to their own. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Winedemonium Posted February 28, 2015 Author Share #148 Posted February 28, 2015 The Lenny Kravitz Edition is obviously not a hoax, nor a joke. . Yes, the title of this thread is outdated of course. On 12th February, when I posted it, nothing had appeared on any Leica website, not even LeicaRumors (who posted the following day). So, on 12th, I wasn't sure someone wasn't pulling our collective leg. When the Katy Perry edition appears however... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted February 28, 2015 Share #149 Posted February 28, 2015 I'm not sure Lenny Kravitz is the issue. I just don't really see any point in artificially ageing such a camera. Aren't all Leica Limited Editions artificial in some way? Even those celebrating an historical milestone are artificially limited to those determined enough to own one instead of Leica just sending a decal out to every owner or making them generally available. This whole debate is confused by not understanding there is a difference between the showbiz of the limited edition, no matter how silly, and the reality of everyday life. Showbiz is a world not many people inhabit at the level where a special edition in your name necessitates a statement of your character. So just as the 'Audi' edition of the M9 was a design statement, like it or not, the 'Kravitz' would not be up to much if it reflected his love of bunny rabbits and not something more radical. It is in effect the difference between the clothes he wears on stage as a statement, and those he wears to the corner shop when he goes for a bottle of milk. And when it comes to ordinary folks, the fans, I'm damned sure there are a lot of people who moments after getting their first scratch on the black paint suddenly start to enjoy their camera and use it more. It's not the scratch through to the brass that is an affectation, it is the fitted case or designer bag that keeps the camera pristine and un-used. All very much the same as the Fender Time Worn or Relic guitars, many swear they simply play better, but many swear it's not the wood at all, it's the freedom to feel more rock'n'roll because you don't have to worry about scratching a scratch. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted February 28, 2015 Share #150 Posted February 28, 2015 Perhaps. I guess it just doesn't do it for me, and that's fine. I was really thinking of the different functionality of the M60. Its "special edition" status does little for me. I do agree that when (if) these cameras are successful, it adds to the success of the brand, and that's a good thing. However, despite the 600 M60 cameras selling out quite quickly, I'm not sure it was a success as a special edition considering its discounted sales. So, despite my personal opinion that the idea leaves me cold, I also suspect it's unlikely to be a huge hit as a collectors item. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted February 28, 2015 Share #151 Posted February 28, 2015 It is an object that certain Leica collectors welcome not only for the idea, but for the differences of interpretation that are made. In that respect, it is clearly unique, and a leap above the Hermes editions which are all alike. I can understand why collectors would want one, two, or even more. The rest of us ... well we are how it is. So be it. We are good. I remember reading a book about book collecting when I had built up a complete set of the New Naturalist series. The author claimed that he thought there were three 'types' of collector. The 'obsessive must have everything and it must be as pristine as possible', the 'would be nice to get a complete set, good preferable' and the 'ones that I'll read and use' collector. My set became too valuable and had to go as it was at the point of being unreadably expensive - I now have 'reading copies' of those which I enjoy. However as someone else said, each to their own. I have no problem with this edition and wonder whether most of furore is due to bewilderment/puzzlement regarding the 'pre-worn' look as a concept in itself. I admit that as a concept I find it odd especially as there have been threads here which have been less than complimentary about cameras whose owners have deliberately 'brassed' them - in fact I suspect that I saw one for sale by a dealer not long ago at a lower than normal price due to this. As I said before, its a funny world. This thread has been interesting and entertaining at times, but better when not taken too seriously. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen.w Posted February 28, 2015 Share #152 Posted February 28, 2015 For some years, Mont Blanc has released its "writer's edition", limited run pens, at a (relatively) modest premium. Will the pen transform the new owner into a Proust or Joyce, of course not; but at least they maintain a connection between the objects and the highest ultimate purpose for which they might be put. IMO the Leica marketing department has got the wrong end of the stick in its cozying up to these adult contemporary stars like Seal and Lenny Kravitz. An individualised Eugene Smith or Joel Meyerowitz Leica might also boil down to consumerism, but at least it would be tastefully done and bear some connection to the Leica's proud lineage. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulus Posted February 28, 2015 Share #153 Posted February 28, 2015 The Lenny Kravitz Edition is obviously not a hoax, nor a joke. It is an object that certain Leica collectors welcome not only for the idea, but for the differences of interpretation that are made. In that respect, it is clearly unique, and a leap above the Hermes editions which are all alike. I can understand why collectors would want one, two, or even more. One little thing from my experience is that nobody wants a never-used black painted Leica they can make their own by using it. The rest of us ... well we are how it is. So be it. We are good. . Maybe the design of Lenny Kravitz is art, the way he let us think about collecting stuff. This camera is a collectors item for which you pay a collectors prize and jet it’s worn out already. Showing us, that this instrument, although it’s not used, should be used, because nobody would see the difference. It could be a mirror to all of those who put cameras like these in a vitrine and never use them. It arouses reactions that are emotional. Like any kind of art. He shows us a camera, a digital one ( ! ) , that has “ the age “ of a long used camera , showing us, that it is maybe time to keep our digital babies and don’t throw them away the instant, that something new arrives at the horizon saying: We live in a throw-away /consumers society where digital items are “worthless” and “ thrown away ” long before they stop working. It could also be a real homage to his father camera as the LFI story says. Has someone more info about his father who used to be a photographer? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aesop Posted February 28, 2015 Share #154 Posted February 28, 2015 The Lenny Kravitz Edition is obviously not a hoax, nor a joke. It is an object that certain Leica collectors welcome not only for the idea, but for the differences of interpretation that are made. In that respect, it is clearly unique, and a leap above the Hermes editions which are all alike. I can understand why collectors would want one, two, or even more. One little thing from my experience is that nobody wants a never-used black painted Leica they can make their own by using it. The rest of us ... well we are how it is. So be it. We are good. . ...not entirely sure what you are on about here, Pico - the last two Leica camera bodies I purchased were brand new, unused, black paint versions. They are currently brassing along nicely and naturally. So, yes, we do exist. I find all the fuss and righteous indigination over the Lenny Kravitz Edition quite amusing. Yes, I cringe at the level of artifice involved but, having said that, collectors are a far more important part of the Leica family than many appear to realise. Plurality of opinion is a good thing - but some of the breathtakingly OTT posts above are arguably as artificial as the Kravitz thing. Just grin and bear it, folks. There is probably worse to come for the very well-loaded 'now-now' mob. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rpsawin Posted February 28, 2015 Share #155 Posted February 28, 2015 My only comment is on the price. And it's really no business of mine if someone is willing to pay $24,500 for the damn thing. I just think it's ridiculous. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted February 28, 2015 Share #156 Posted February 28, 2015 In the late 1960s and perhaps 1970, Nikon ran a series of ads with black Nikon F cameras in varying states of wear. I recall two - Stanley Kubrick's Nikon and Chris Bonnington's. I couldn't find anything on a quick Google. It seems Bonnington took an OM1 to Everest, so it may be my memory is failing me. It was in National Geographic. Anyone else recall this? It is this, and Brian Brake's M2 that sprung to mind when I saw this special edition, and perhaps what triggered a "meh" reaction for me. Brian Brake's camera is in our national museum and it is rather beautiful - particularly in the context of his fabulous images of China in the 1960s. Hard travel, beautiful images, wear on the camera - not sandpaper ... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted February 28, 2015 Share #157 Posted February 28, 2015 Mike J at TOP posts an update with a different slant. Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted February 28, 2015 Share #158 Posted February 28, 2015 The camera and lens actually look quite nice I think the aversion is the fact that most people here will want to brass themselves a new one If you can afford it and want it so what. Personal taste is it. Dislike and ridicule are different things Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Ash Posted March 1, 2015 Share #159 Posted March 1, 2015 Well, the advantage of this collector item is that you can use it and still claim it was never used when you sell it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 1, 2015 Share #160 Posted March 1, 2015 Nobody understands. This camera is the result of the Leica T Building Training Program. To build up the muscles required for polishing Aluminum evenly, trainees are required to sand down the paint from M bodies. These are the products from the beginners' class. We may expect fully brassed cameras as the training progresses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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