ro8881 Posted September 24, 2009 Share #1 Posted September 24, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Have been reading and benefiting passively from the knowledge of this forum since I joined. I have a crazy idea to share, and seek opinions as i am still very new in the collection and using of Leica cameras. I hope to start this thread to gather advice and suggestions and any opinions at all for my dream. I started photography since 1981 when my mother presented me an entry level Contax 139 with a standard Zeiss lens. She died shortly after, which fueled my interest in photography even more. I have since then moved on to Canon, but in 2000, I bought a used Leica IIIg and have not looked back. I am currently using M8 as my primary camera plus a host of Leica screw and M-film cameras and waiting for M9. Now the crazy idea: I hope to set up a Leica Museum Cafe where I can display and allow Leica enthusiast to feel and perhaps use the Leica cameras and have places to display photos taken by amateur and hobbyist of Leica equipment. The walls will be plastered with photos from Leica users/contributors from all over (hopefully), and photos and writeup of the classic equipments on display. The location: since I am Singaporean, looking for somewhere with lots of photo-subjects, I am thinking of World Heritage site: Melaka Town in Malaysia. Don't know if my modest collection will get people to bother to come though. Can you guys let me know your opinion of this idea, and what you would like to see as features of this cafe? Also, anyone enthusiastic enough to help out with this idea becoming a reality or know if Leica would help with endeavors like this? Here is a list of most of my equipment. Ia Elmax Ia Elmar Ia Compur (rim) Reporter 250FF II, IIf red dial, IIf black dial IIIa, IIIb, IIIc, IIIc red shutter, IIIc grey (IIId mod from IIIc), IIIf, IIIg M1, M2, M3, Gold M4-2, R3 50th Anniversary: CL M4, M5, SL2 M4P chrome, M4P Everest m4-p Half Frame M6,M7, MP, M8 bunch of lenses for all the above single-shot Leica MDA post various flash with a boxful of Bulbs Visioflex I, II, III Makam, Mikas, and 15 leitz microscopes from 1890 to 1980 endoscope lens turret mooly, scnoo, m4 winder stereo, and viewer several binoculars: trinovid, geovid replica: UR, O-serie, Luxus several books and old manuals Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 24, 2009 Posted September 24, 2009 Hi ro8881, Take a look here Crazy Idea needing feedback. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
luigi bertolotti Posted September 24, 2009 Share #2 Posted September 24, 2009 To encourage you, I can tell that in my (little) town there is a someway similar institution... it was set up by a retired photo reporter of my town, who, during his 40-years career put ensemble a big number of Leica items (and some other brands, like Rolleiflexes) and collected a huge amount of fine photos, taken by him and colleagues: the location is in the ancient part of my town... 5 rooms included a small pub: the collections of historical gear and photos occupy 2 rooms, while other 2 rooms are used for extemporary photo gallery / photo shows, so that the museum has always something new to show, any 2 months about. Fine place to go (I often go there), probably not a business for people who manage it, but it has been always opened for 6 years about until now, so I think that it can stand up by itself, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ro8881 Posted September 24, 2009 Author Share #3 Posted September 24, 2009 Thanks! if by any chance you have photos of this place, will appreciate Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Bernd Banken Posted September 24, 2009 Share #4 Posted September 24, 2009 At first you need a good insurance... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted September 24, 2009 Share #5 Posted September 24, 2009 Nice idea BUT do you intend to make a living from this venture or are you very rich and able to fund the venture as a bit of fun? If it's the latter go ahead! If it's the former then you need to think very carefully as to exactly how you will generate income - offering refreshments may not be enough. Maybe you could sell equipment and materials too, or make a darkroom which you could hire out and run short training courses on D&P, anything to encourage use of film! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ro8881 Posted September 24, 2009 Author Share #6 Posted September 24, 2009 Heh heh...agree on getting insurance. And, I am not one of those rich guys that don't need to work. But after a few good projects, I can afford to make less money and enjoy life a little more today. Good suggestions on the darkroom. I have one now, will need to get a professional enough a setup to hire it out and teach classes. Any Leica and darkroom experts living around Melaka to help out? Important Question: Do you guys think the present list of equipment is interesting enough for Leica enthusiast to come visit? I think I collected quite a bit, but reading this forum and also the Lager series, I feel that I am really far off, and know too little. But I do wish to start and have this platform to collect and learn more over the next few years. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted September 24, 2009 Share #7 Posted September 24, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) To be honest camera 'museums' bore me rigid. I do collect cameras - mostly cheap box/folders etc., but always with the intention of using them, not looking at them behind a glass door. I'd much rather visit an exhibition of work. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
storybrown Posted September 24, 2009 Share #8 Posted September 24, 2009 You have a marvelous collection! You need more Rs, of course. There is always plenty more to learn, both about the equipment items themselves & usage. I think your place will be enjoyable, but there must be always something else, also, & periodically something new, as has been said, for it to succeed over time. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted September 24, 2009 Share #9 Posted September 24, 2009 Important Question: Do you guys think the present list of equipment is interesting enough for Leica enthusiast to come visit? I think I collected quite a bit, but reading this forum and also the Lager series, I feel that I am really far off, and know too little. But I do wish to start and have this platform to collect and learn more over the next few years. The list is already rather precious to attract enthusiasts (Elmax, Compur, 250 ... "golds" are always nice to see... I wouldn't put in the shelves M8...); but, as James has said , do not count too much on the "museum" in itself... historical items, well presented and documented, has to be treated as an interesting and pleasant "frame" for a place in which people go to enjoy a "special taste" of photography. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aesop Posted September 24, 2009 Share #10 Posted September 24, 2009 ..."to set up a Leica Museum Cafe where I can display and allow Leica enthusiast to feel and perhaps use the Leica cameras and have places to display photos taken by amateur and hobbyist of Leica equipment." Honest opinion? You would be much better off focusing your time and energy on something more worthwhile. Nice collection, though. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted September 25, 2009 Share #11 Posted September 25, 2009 Aperture Photographic in London is a dealer with a cafe attached, or vice versa depending on your taste. They do snacks, tea, coffee, etc at the back of the shop and buy and sell at the front. It's a warm and intimate place and the coffee's good. Cafe Gandolfi in Glasgow also springs to mind. It has a photographic theme but it is very much secondary to being a cafe. Personally, I wouldn't divert an inch from my chosen path to make a special trip to a camera museum - like James I like to keep them in use, "in the wild", but I would certainly drop in if I was passing. The secret, I think, is "ambiance" - make it a place that people want to be in, and it will work. Tell you what, we could run a competition here to name your new venture - how about: "Ginger Snaps" "Snappy Snacks" "Black and White Cafe" ...? "Build it and they will come..." Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ro8881 Posted September 25, 2009 Author Share #12 Posted September 25, 2009 and to think i was creative enough to name it "leica museum cafe" Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted September 25, 2009 Share #13 Posted September 25, 2009 and to think i was creative enough to name it "leica museum cafe" You would probably run into legal problems with that name unless Leica gave you permission to use their name and trademark! Note that this is called the 'L camera forum' and there's a reason for that! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jc_braconi Posted September 25, 2009 Share #14 Posted September 25, 2009 Ask for a "Lavazza caffè" exclusive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
khemani Posted September 25, 2009 Share #15 Posted September 25, 2009 the camera museum will be a nice touch, but it won't drive business. your menu and the cafe experience has to draw in a regular crowd if your business is going to thrive. the camera museum might be better placed in a camera shop. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrism.. Posted September 25, 2009 Share #16 Posted September 25, 2009 Its really a question of "how to make it". what are your thoughts about - location - who is targeted - events or something else ? A "photographic" Cafe with a certain focus on Leica could work. The Concept of shop and Cafe seems totally different but maybe there are interesting effects. Do you know the "photographic" community in the area ? Whats beyond the museum ? Regards, Christoph Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ro8881 Posted September 26, 2009 Author Share #17 Posted September 26, 2009 Thanks so much for all the great feedback. Please keep them coming! Also, it was my poor attempt at humor with name "Leica Museum Cafe." Great suggestion to have you guys help me name it. I will upload some pics of the old house I hope to house the cafe. Meanwhile here is a link to describe Melaka which was recently adopted by World Heritage: Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca - UNESCO World Heritage Centre And: AmazingMelaka.com . Melaka and George Town Listed as UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuchs Posted September 26, 2009 Share #18 Posted September 26, 2009 I think it is a good idea. Locally (I am presently living in Buenos Aires, Argentina), there is a photo caffé that attracts plenty amateurs and collectors. They diversificate their offer, though, with exhibitions and free seminars on photographic technique, history, photographers, etc. It has become a gathering point for a lot of camera junkies. Nice collection, and the best of lucks for your enterprise Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hC-Bp Posted September 26, 2009 Share #19 Posted September 26, 2009 Not crazy at all! Admire anyone who takes the germ of an idea and makes it happen. As quoted earlier, I agree with "build it and they will come" The key is to make a viable venture of the cafe itself as the collection will provide a quirkiness to the uninitiated and a draw to the Leica elite, but won't necessarily pay the bills!. Places that grow organically and evolve over time are far more interesting than 'concept' creations. Melakka is a great choice, terrific and interesting town, in my experience. As for the name, I know of a thriving book shop with cafe called Bookoccino. "Photoccino"? No, on second thoughts how about a more subtle homage to HCB - "Henri's" or "Cafe Cartier" ?? Every success to you. I'll be dropping by on my next visit to Malaysia. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcoombs Posted September 26, 2009 Share #20 Posted September 26, 2009 My only suggestion would be to make sure the coffee is good. People may drop by once out of curiousity, but you will need the repeat traffic that only good drinks and food will attract. Of course nice ambience is key, but you will have that with your collection and photos! Doug Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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