dcoombs Posted November 25, 2008 Share #1 Posted November 25, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I just came across an 80 page catalogue from Echo Company in HK from 1971 whle cleaning out a relative's papers. The prices are USD out of HK (ie ex-tax or duty). They carried all major makes of 35mm and MF, including lots of accessories. If anyone is interested in a particular item let me know. As a teaser the SL with the 50mm summicron was $455.- Add $50 for a black version. That compares with a Canon F-1 with a 50mm f.1.4 for $265. The M4 body was $235, but for only an extra $20 you could have the black version! Sigh... Of course, I didn't have $255 to spend on cameras in those days anyway. Doug Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 25, 2008 Posted November 25, 2008 Hi dcoombs, Take a look here Leica 1971 Prices. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
bobkatz Posted November 28, 2008 Share #2 Posted November 28, 2008 Doug....interested to me...I am looking for orginal prices for m3, just posted today. Hope have some responses. Regards. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcoombs Posted November 30, 2008 Author Share #3 Posted November 30, 2008 Saw you got some good responses. Sorry that my catalogue was 1971 and had only current equipment, i.e., the M4, SL, etc. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
veraikon Posted November 30, 2008 Share #4 Posted November 30, 2008 The M4 body was $235, but for only an extra $20 you could have the black version! Sigh... It seems very modest on the first view . But in 1971 the Breton Woods exchange rate was still valid 1 US$ = 4.20 DEM. That means your chrome M4 was for 987 DEM the black one 1071 DEM. From my father I know he bought his first new "family car" in 1969 - it was a Renault R4 which was very practical because it had front drive, 4 doors and a great back door* - for some thing less than 5000 DEM - about 5 wages. So you can say 1 Leica M4 = about a monthly middle class wage . Today I won´t be able to say a Leica MP = 1 monthly middle class wage. So on the second view the 1971 prices were still modest - or todays are to high. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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