I have just received the latest copy of "Leica Bulletin" (Leica UK's newsletter). Apparently Leica UK have special permission from Germany to offer an engraving service for the top plate. This is of course normally allowed only for the limited special editions. You can now have your signature (or similar) engraved ala the "Cartier Bresson" auction camera all for just £92 ($130) including a service check. They also offer a replacement top plate if you sell the camera. At last a chance to brighten up that blank M6 top. I suppose you could even have "Leitz" engraved!

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), November 30, 2001

Answers

yeh, i just got mine this morning too. i'm contemplating it...hmm..maybe..my name?, or a good quote, or a symbol, or a message to ward off theives, dunno... The Leica 2002 calendar by Magnum-photog Marc Riboud looks good at £15 (free p&p) Giles: i don't know if they would engrave a "Leitz" logo on your top plate for that price would they?? Also since youre in the UK as well, who's your Leica dealer here you frequent to buy your kit? cheers,

-- sparkie (sparkie@mailcity.com), November 30, 2001.

For just $130 I agree to get even the "plain" Leica. Deal?

-- Andrey Vorobyov (AndreyVorobyov@yahoo.com), November 30, 2001.

Giles: forgot to ask if you know any dealers selling grey import. regards,

-- sparkie (sparkie@mailcity.com), November 30, 2001.

Here is the pic from the brochure:

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), November 30, 2001.

I´m just about to invest in my first M6 - and love the idea of an engraved top. Who do I contact about it? Would they do it on a camera I bought in another country?

-- Paul Carter (carter@airtel.net), November 30, 2001.

Sparkie - I don't know about the calendar but make sure you send for the free Leica World O-Series Portfolio! I only buy secondhand and can recommend MXV, MW Classic Cameras, Fieldgrass and Gale and lastly Chris at Hove Cameras (near Brighton). I CANNOT recommend the Leica only shop - Classic Camera in London, W1 - terrible! As for other countries Leica importers offering the engraving I think you need to contact them direct.

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), November 30, 2001.

wouldn't a george-harrison-memorial-leica be appropriate

btw: what is wrong with the classic camera shop?

-- stefan randlkofer (geesbert@yahoo.com), November 30, 2001.

Unless you are famous, otherwise, you have a hard time to trade in such a private Leica camera.

-- martin tai (martin.tai@capcanada.com), December 01, 2001.

To steal from a RSPCA UK commercial: "An (engraved) Leica is for life, not just for Christmas!"

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), December 02, 2001.