eleven24 Posted May 4 Share #1 Posted May 4 Advertisement (gone after registration) Driving to NYC yesterday with my wife for the Leica 100th celebration, we were talking about the special edition New York USA edition M11. We were both saying that if one was available we should get one and keep it unopened as an investment. Didn't really think much of it because I was certain there'd be no availablity anyway, given the nature of collectors. To my surprise, one was available - so I bought it. Having never bought a camera to do anything with but use it, this is foreign to me -- holding a new unboxed Leica only to put it on a shelf and wait. This is where the dilemma is. I stepped into a world (Leica collectors) that I know nothing about because a 1 in 100 version of a 100th edition Leica M was unexpectedly on the counter in front of me. The photographer in me wants to use it and appreciate it, and sell my current M11 as I've never been one to have a camera that sits unused. But... what if this becomes a legit collectors item? Would appreciate the insight of anyone who might be a collector here, or at least have a better perspective than I do on the collectors market. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 4 Posted May 4 Hi eleven24, Take a look here M11 New York USA Edition - use or keep sealed?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Popular Post Smudgerer Posted May 4 Popular Post Share #2 Posted May 4 How do you know that there's actually a camera in the box if you don't open it? 1 20 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overgaard Posted May 4 Share #3 Posted May 4 I would use it, and it will be a bit more appreciated than a normal version - for those who like the New York relation. Just like some will appreciate the Milano version but might not be interested in the Singapore version. I would expect it to go 20% or so up compared to a normal black paint, and more compared to a normal black (not glossy) version. But not skyrocket. It's a beautiful camera, and I think you would appreciate using it and having the memory from the New York experience of hundreds of people walking the Meatpacking district with Leica's around the neck. It was quite something! I had one of the numbers reserved, and a friend wanted it, so he ended up buying it. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandro Posted May 4 Share #4 Posted May 4 Cameras are made to make photos, even special edition cameras. I use all my M cameras, also a few that are special edition cameras. For me it would not at all work to have a wonderful Leica camera boxed and unopened on a shelf. If you are looking to invest you might use the money and buy stocks with that money and keep those for many years and see what the result is. Just imagine the fun to actually use that special camera! Lex 3 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted May 4 Share #5 Posted May 4 10 minutes ago, Smudgerer said: How do you know that there's actually a camera in the box if you don't open it? x ray It has been done before 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted May 4 Share #6 Posted May 4 19 minutes ago, eleven24 said: Driving to NYC yesterday with my wife for the Leica 100th celebration, we were talking about the special edition New York USA edition M11. We were both saying that if one was available we should get one and keep it unopened as an investment. Didn't really think much of it because I was certain there'd be no availablity anyway, given the nature of collectors. To my surprise, one was available - so I bought it. Having never bought a camera to do anything with but use it, this is foreign to me -- holding a new unboxed Leica only to put it on a shelf and wait. This is where the dilemma is. I stepped into a world (Leica collectors) that I know nothing about because a 1 in 100 version of a 100th edition Leica M was unexpectedly on the counter in front of me. The photographer in me wants to use it and appreciate it, and sell my current M11 as I've never been one to have a camera that sits unused. But... what if this becomes a legit collectors item? Would appreciate the insight of anyone who might be a collector here, or at least have a better perspective than I do on the collectors market. I doubt whether the unopened box over a carefully used camera will keep up with inflation. Having said that I regret a few Leica items that I did not buy and keep. For instance an unused M6 J set. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eleven24 Posted May 4 Author Share #7 Posted May 4 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) 21 minutes ago, Overgaard said: It's a beautiful camera, and I think you would appreciate using it and having the memory from the New York experience of hundreds of people walking the Meatpacking district with Leica's around the neck. It was quite something! It really was; and so much fun connecting and chatting with fellow photographers. Might be one of the few times I've been in NYC talking about Leica more than using my Leica. Since I missed you this time, I'll be sure to look for you at the 200th. Edited May 4 by eleven24 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eleven24 Posted May 4 Author Share #8 Posted May 4 10 minutes ago, jaapv said: I doubt whether the unopened box over a carefully used camera will keep up with inflation. Having said that I regret a few Leica items that I did not buy and keep. For instance an unused M6 J set. This is unfair. You're saying open it and use it but you might regret not buying and keeping. haha. Kind of explains my mindset right now. My wife just laughs and says, "you know you're eventually going to open it so just do it now" Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandro Posted May 4 Share #9 Posted May 4 Your wife is right. Lex Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thierry40 Posted May 4 Share #10 Posted May 4 Open it and use it ! 😉 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smudgerer Posted May 4 Share #11 Posted May 4 25 minutes ago, jaapv said: x ray It has been done before Of course one could Xray, it was a tongue in cheek remark.............Though by shaking the unopened box perhaps an expert would be able to confirm the contents with knowledge of that unique "Leica rattle"........ Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted May 4 Share #12 Posted May 4 32 minutes ago, jaapv said: x ray It has been done before And how many dead pixels did it create? 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jakontil Posted May 4 Share #13 Posted May 4 34 minutes ago, sandro said: Your wife is right. Lex all wives always got it right especially when challenged 1 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JNK100 Posted May 4 Share #14 Posted May 4 A camera or a car for that matter, should be used and not kept in a box. There are better investments too I am sure. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted May 4 Share #15 Posted May 4 Just use it and look after it until you consider selling it. Only problem is you may want to keep it longer than you planned. Been there done that, i kept my M6J that i don't use any more. Will be for my heirs, i told the wife 🙄 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overgaard Posted May 4 Share #16 Posted May 4 It's a beautiful camera to behold, it has a few discrete details you will appreciate. "The number 32 holds significance in numerology and other fields, often associated with creativity, spontaneity, and a positive outlook on life." Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/420987-m11-new-york-usa-edition-use-or-keep-sealed/?do=findComment&comment=5796696'>More sharing options...
lykaman Posted May 4 Share #17 Posted May 4 Great purchase, if you use it and it gets damaged that’s going to be a big Ouch’ It’s a digital camera, Leica found another way to move a few more cameras, the technology will like all digital cameras be old within 5 years.. Leave it sealed and on the shelf, revalue it every 10 years.. Your estate may well benefit in 30-40years.. 🍷 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Brown Posted May 4 Share #18 Posted May 4 Digital Leica camera body is not an investment. Someone had to say it. 6 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eleven24 Posted May 4 Author Share #19 Posted May 4 3 minutes ago, Al Brown said: Digital Leica camera body is not an investment. Someone had to say it. As a photographer I agree 100%. Collectors however, care about the chase and owning something they can put on their shelf. I just don't know if this falls into that realm of category, so if I do open it I'm selling my current M11 as I certainly don't need both. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgh Posted May 4 Share #20 Posted May 4 ^ I’ll go one further and say a digital anything ever is not an investment, and almost a camera anything ever is not an investment. Holding value does not equal a good investment. There are some exceptions, but they generally would have been quite hard to predict at the time they were released and are mostly limited to lenses. You’ll do better with index funds. Or if you want to indulge the hobby, try very limited edition photobooks. Some of those fetch 10x retail within a matter of years, of course you’ve got to know which artists will be in demand. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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