Posted by Andrew Davidhazy on July 27, 192002 at 17:24:04:
In Reply to: Leica Cameras posted by Downs Matthews on July 27, 192002 at 12:18:22:
Leicas have acquired cult status of sorts for various reasons and these days they have become collectors items although I believe Sebastiao Salgado does use Leicas. Many other photojournaists do too. Tina Manley, a member of the Photoforum mail list photographs in Central America and uses Leicas. Much PJ work these days is done with high end digital cameras.
Anyway, Leicas "look" good based on their design and "feel" good in your hands. They are also precision mechanical devices and people are drawn to them much as some others collect Swiss watches.
The fact that Leica started the "miniature revolution" in the 20's also contribbutes to its stature. Its longevity with few major changes contributes to its stability.
Its lenses, although having a reputation as superior pieces of optics, have been outperformed by other makes but the fact they pioneered the way in terms of low light level, "candid", shooting does count to make them collectible. They do seem to have a quality all their own among connoiseurs of optics. Their names are "legend": Summicron, Elmar, Hektor, Summaron, Summarit, etc.
Leica is equated with quality in craftsmanship, design and performance. No wonder people not only still use them but that they are highly collectible items simply as "things".
I have one. A IIIg with 50 Summicron. I am happy to have it. I use it from time to time but must admit that for casual photography I use a new digital camera ... and for commercial/professional use I use a 35mm Canon SLR or a medium format camera or a 4x5.
Andy