I am downsizing. I am giving up my studio space for a while and in the process of emptying my current space, I am consolidating my equipment into two distinct groups: the one of which I use – and subsequently will be keeping; and the one of which I collect – and subsequently will be keeping.

Leica owners tend to break down into one of two sides: the collectors and the users. The collectors are those who care about the limited editions. They are the ones who keep them in their box, untouched by human hands. I think it’s stupid.

However, I have two such cameras – not so much new in the box – but used in amazing condition, so much so that I refuse to use them. One is a 1930’s Leica Ia. It looks like this

except the original paint is immaculate.

I bought this at an estate sale. The owner didn’t really know what it was – and based upon it’s condition estimated it was from the 70’s… I got a deal because of the good condition. I have had offers in the multiple thousands for it – but unless I need it to live, I am not selling it.

I also have an M3 with a serial number over 1 million that is in cherry condition – entirely original – and it has an interesting history having belonged to a famous geologist who used it to take photos of kennedy at the white house…

I keep both of them in a Leica salesman sample box. They are “on display” actually being stored in the closet as of late. While I have owned a few collectors edition cameras – including an M7 titanium, a black paint m8, and a few special edition m6s… I have sold such cameras when seemed beneficiary as if they were an investment just like stocks or gold.

I don’t like that type of photography. If you are going to have cameras – you should use them. Or they better be so amazing that they are worth giving to your grandchildren.

I have a collection of cameras that I currently use. I don’t use them every day. However, I would say that I use them at least a few rolls per year. In fact, most of my camera collection is film.

From the Leica corner…

I have two M7s… I also have a working iiif that is in amazing condition. I have two additional M3’s. One is currently in The Leica Lady’s car – while the other is in the hands of our friend and photographer Jackie Friscia.

There are rumors of an M10 on the horizon. Folks in the know have told me that I should be excited about Leica’s forthcoming offerings. Yay. It seems that my digital cameras become more and more obsolete as each day passes. While my film Leicas remain timeless (so long as film is both made and processed). Makes me wonder what is ultimately the better investment.

To me – the M9-P is the ideal camera. It isn’t perfect – but its pretty damn amazing in almost all photographic situations.

I wonder if the M10 will inspire me to upgrade. Will live view make a difference? Would HD video?

At what point is it no longer an evolution of an M3 (which is why I love the M9…) and is it something else?

Ultimately, I see myself selling off a few of my canon lenses, a few of my leica lenses, at least 2 large format (4×5) cameras, one or two of my medium format cameras, and all of my polaroid. If I am not going to use it – it is just going to take up space – and as much as I like some of these awesome cameras, I can’t justify the space they require.

If you are interested in any of these things please don’t hesitate to drop me a line.