I know that websites, blogs and YouTube videos that focus on gear are much more popular than those which discuss thinking about and making photographs. Like the one you looking at now. I get it. I don’t really want to discuss gear that much. A little while back I talked about having recently purchased two older lenses to use for some very specific purposes. Now I want to follow up by saying that you are wasting your money in most cases if you buy new gear … or expensive used gear, e.g., certain Leica.
Stop laughing for a moment while you ask what’s the point; you think very little film gear is being produced. Wrong … new gear is still being made. Especially lenses, but some cameras too.
My point is never pay full price when people are always willing to sell what they have so they can buy something “better” or “newer”, which they are convinced will make them better photographers. Or kids just selling off Mom or Dad’s dusty old camera and lens in its leather case on eBay or Craigslist. That little outfit could become your new best friend!
The fact is there simply is so much great used gear … much of it wonderful film bodies from the golden age of camera building … in virtually pristine condition that you are a fool to pay top dollar for something you don’t really need. The only reason I can think of buying new is to have a warranty, and in the case of Leica, if you feel you need to have the latest uber expensive bodies and newest lenses. Will they make you a better photographer by owning them instead of an M2/M3/M4, or M6 if you need a built in meter, and a more vintage Summicrons? I don’t think so. Will the image quality be dramatically improved? The latest designs and coatings may give you some added resolution wide open and slightly improved edge to edge sharpness, especially if you feel compelled to make larger prints. But think about all those defining images made by Cartier Bresson, Frank, Smith, et al. and look at what they used.
Yes, I know I own some lenses that have now become some outrageously expensive. Fact is they were all purchased used and were screamer deals. Otherwise they never would have been bought. But are they really better than the older and less expensive versions, or even other brands for what matters to me? I’m not really sure.
In all my years of camera/lens ownership I’ve never had a major repair. That doesn’t mean I haven’t had a CLA done on used Leicas I’ve purchased. All of them have had it done by either Don Goldberg or Sherry Krauter, which means they will last longer than I will!
So here is the real opportunity. Think of this as a chance to acquire fantastic vintage mechanical gear, often built by hand in ways that perhaps can only be matched in construction and feel by the current Leica MA or MP. In 35mm, think older Leica in less than mint condition. I think non-metered Nikon F or F2s, or Pentax SVs are spectacular. Beautifully unadorned viewfinders to compose your image without the distraction of needles, or worse yet, blinking lights! And the lenses that were made to go with these wonderful bodies are no slouches either and can be picked up for a song. Think of the somewhat rare but still relatively inexpensive Pentax 50mm f/1.4 eight-element screw mount job. Depending on condition, they go for $150-$250. Too much? Then try the seven-element version that followed its production. They can be had for less than $75 and may be nearly as good.
No distractions. Simple, elegant, effective, and inexpensive. Think about the possibilities. With your savings you can purchase a serious amount of film, buy lots of paper and outfit a darkroom. How’s that for an idea!