Help required to find a Christmas present for a Dad mad about Leicas!

[Leica_1980]

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Hi

 

I don't know much about Leica's or camera's for that matter. However, my Father is a Leica enthusiast (in fact is probably a member of this site, so I hope he doesn't catch on ). My budget isn't massive but I would like to get him something special.

 

I found a 1937 first edition 'My Leica and I' hardback book for auction but with no reserve price so if anyone could tell me how much this is worth it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Also any ideas for the man that has almost everything.... Thanks

[Isabelle Lenatio]

I don't which cameras your dad has, but if they are classic a genuine mint condition user manual is a nice present... not cheap mind you, but well within budget I would imagine. I actually have a shop which sells them, I will let you know after I have located the address. They also have other "nice" Leica memorabilia.

[earleygallery]

I'm sure he'd be happy with pretty much anything Leica related.

 

Some other ideas (don't know what type of camera he has.....)

 

Books about famous Leica photographers, i.e. Cartier-Bresson, Capa etc.

Some film - if film camera - maybe some rolls of Kodachrome!

Magnum are selling Ltd edition contact sheets from famous photographers (but they are around £180).

[Guest PhotoWebb.co.uk]

What's the budget?

[abrewer]

Tamarkin have a nice list of Leica-related gifts:

 

Tamarkin Leica Boutique

 

Artisan and Artist straps are always welcome

 

A Luigi case is a thoughtful gift

 

There are many possibilities

[john_f]

Hello,

 

Here is a link to the book "My Leica and I - Leica Amateurs show their pictures, 1937" :

My Leica and I - Leica Amateurs show their pictures, 1937 - CameraBooks

 

They mention the book is in used condition and are (were) asking $39.95

 

I have been collecting Leica books for more than 30 years and have to admit I have never heard of this one. Might be interesting. Have a look at Amazon.com, they have a great selection of Leica books: Amazon.com: leica: Books

 

I have to agree with Allan, a camera case (or "half-case") by the great Leica Master Luigi Crescenzi would be a great gift! Click on Leicatime Luigi Crescenzi : leica cameras leica compur mp elmar 250 reporter leicavit and have fun browsing!

 

Please do let us know what you decide.

 

Good luck and Merry Christmas!

 

John F.

[john_f]

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Regarding books, if I may make a suggestion: "Leica: The First 70 Years", Hove Collectors Books, a very well written book by well-known Leica author and enthusiast Gianni Rogliatti on all things Leica (including an excellent historical account of the Ernst Leitz company).

 

Have a look at this link:

Amazon.com: Leica: The First 70 Years (Hove Collectors Books): Gianni Rogliatti: Books

 

If your budget permits, there is also the book "50 Years Leica M" by Gunter Osterloh, in both English and original German text, available at camerabooks (for $99 ... ouch!)

If interested, click on: 50 Years Leica M by Gunter Osterloh (New Release) - CameraBooks

 

Finally, if your father can read German, there is the extraordinary book "Ernst Leitz Wegbereiter der Leica", written by Dr. Knut Kühn-Leitz, the grandson of Dr. Ernst Leitz II, for about 33 Euros: https://www.leicashop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=78&products_id=394&language=en

 

Cheers,

 

John F.

 

[enboe]

As you describe your father as someone who has almost everything, then you should consider giving him what he can't buy. I would recommend going with him on a day's photo shoot. He'll enjoy the time, and probably have pictures of you to enjoy for a lifetime.

 

Eric

[Guest darkstar2004]

A year's subscription to LFI magazine, perhaps?

LFI International

[andit]

Hi there,

 

What about the Minox DCC Leica M3, 5 mp digital camera. I'm not sure what the quality is like, but it is a gift that I'm sure he would not forget.

 

Andreas

[christer]

As you describe your father as someone who has almost everything, then you should consider giving him what he can't buy. I would recommend going with him on a day's photo shoot. He'll enjoy the time, and probably have pictures of you to enjoy for a lifetime.

 

Eric

 

an excellent idea!

[NZDavid]

Günther Osterloh book is heartily recommended. Otherwise, see: LFI International

[abrewer]

As you describe your father as someone who has almost everything, then you should consider giving him what he can't buy. I would recommend going with him on a day's photo shoot. He'll enjoy the time, and probably have pictures of you to enjoy for a lifetime.

 

Eric

 

Agreed on that

 

An excellent choice

[abrewer]

And John,

 

It is good to see you posting here again

 

Welcome back

[Rik]

a nice selection of Leicagoodies (leicagoodies.com)?

 

but i'm biased...

[john_f]

Hello Allan,

 

Good to see you too. As both the Festival of Lights and Christmas are upon us, please allow me to wish you and all other members of the Leica Forum a very Merry Christmas and a Happy (or shall we say happier...) New Year 2009.

 

May this new year be filled with good news, renewed hope - and all the Leica goodies (film or digital) that you you may wish for!

 

Cheers!

 

John F.

 

P.S. I promise to participate and post more often!