M & M's. The Leica Cameras That Don't Melt Away - In-Store Now

Here's a cheerful announcement for the Leica Enthusiasts out there - and those who wish to start with the best rangefinder digital in the business.

Camera Electronic have stocks at present of both the silver and the black version of the Leica M body. This is the latest top-end body from Leica and is keenly sought amongst the high-end photographers. It is not a decision to enter into lightly...the Leica system is very extensive and premium quality. They are not throw-away purchases...you keep Leica and use it for decades.

I cannot say which looks more attractive, nor which colour choice reflects enthusiasm or professionalism, nor yet which one maintains a higher resale value. These are topics that the collectors can debate to suit themselves. Wise Leica enthusiasts will get both, just to be safe.

After all, it would never do to bring a silver Leica to a black Leica affair...or vice versa...and as engraved invitations sometimes omit to tell you which it will be, it is as well to have a second body available in the camera bag. Be prepared.

We Are Getting There Splendidly

Please disegard the expression on the face of our staff member, Mr. Doudakis. He is practising to be the Parthenon in a fog - grim, grey, and Greek. He is really as delighted with the progress of the new Leica Shop as rest of us.

The basic structure is up and we are setting out stock onto the shelves. Leica have an amazing range of cameras, lenses, and accessories. Their binoculars are superb - there is an entires section devoted to them at the right of the shop. We have also made provision for the pre-owned Leica stock in some very elegant show cabinets.

There will be much more coming - drift in occasionally to see the new stock go up. If you want you can buy some...just sayin'...

Just Announced - Flapoflex Rangefinder Range Increased

Just in via the Flapoflex Rumours website:

Flapoflex Corporation, makers of the famous Flapoflex D, are set to announce a distinctive range of retro-boutique cameras that take the discerning purchaser back a century. These are fully functional digital cameras using the latest pixels but they have been configured to yield results that make you turn the page.

To see more, we hasten to add. Drawing upon the sort of image quality that made Fox-Talbot famous and Nadar drink heavily, the new Flapoflex Retro Rangefinder cameras feature sensors that disregard most of the optical information and concentrate on the nostalgic emotions of the photographer's great granny.

The Flapoflex Retro S only produces sepia-toned images. The on-board noise generator  and the patented Vignett-O-Matic assure an image that never gives too much away. You can hide an entire chorus line of Tilley Girls in the bokeh. It has been described as round and brown.

But it doesn't stop there. It never does. Internet rumour mills are like that. You will also be able to purchase the Flapoflex Retro C and the Retro F for blue or green-tinted images. Apparently the files are all recorded with roughly brushed edges and peeling emulsion.

You may want to look at a tripod with these new cameras as the shutters are limited to B and 1/4 of a second. Don't be too worried about the sunshine as the ISO is .06 and the maximum aperture is f:22. You may want to avoid using the cameras at basketball games.

Best news of all is the price of the new Retro range: 150 Guineas in the US, 700 Reichsmarks in the UK, and 25 US Golden Eagles in Europe. No sense having a retro camera that you have to buy with modern money.