Well, I finally did it! I just ordered a Leica R 80/1.4 lens from Don Chatterlee. A problem I have with ordering expensive items is the second thoughts and doubts I always get after placing the order. These doubts usually last until the item arrives. Hopefully, the torture won't last more than 24 hours this time.

Do others experience the same self doubts? Have a happy and safe holiday season. :-) LB

-- Luther Berry (lberrytx@aol.com), December 20, 2001

Answers

Oh, yeah! Especially with all the sneaking around, money-laundering, hiding the goods from the wife.

-- John (johnfleetwood@hotmail.com), December 20, 2001.

Luther

I always feel the same way. You will not regret the lens though - it is a peach!

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), December 20, 2001.

Yeah, Luther, I know what you mean. I had second thoughts after I recently ordered an M6TTL with two lenses.

So, a week later, I went ahead an order the third lens, too, and then I felt better . . .

Go ahead an enjoy it.

-- Jim Reed (jimreedpc@aol.com), December 20, 2001.

Hello Luther,

there are dozens around here who envy you just now. This lens is a great choice and you wonŽt regret having and using it.

I do not have one, but I decided for the 75 mm SUMMILUX M instead. Works wonderful, not on the small side though. Since I tried the 80 mm SUMMILUX on the R8 on a LEICA day I feel I have to have this one as well. The screen was so bright! It was a delight to focus with it.

In our age it is quite important to relief the eyesight. IŽll try to get it prescribed by my doctor soon.

Best wishes

-- K. G. Wolf (k.g.wolf@web.de), December 20, 2001.

I'm exactly the opposite. If I have the money, I can drop $1,000 on a lens and not think twice about it. But I feel like I'm wasting money if I go out to eat, or buy some $15 CD I don't really need. I guess that's why I have more film in my fridge than food. (Though, truth be told, it's probably also because I shoot so much digital these days.)

-- Josh Root (rootj@att.net), December 20, 2001.

No, you are not alone, and you're doing pretty good if your doubt goes away after the item is in your hands. The famous and too common "buyers remorse" is one of the main reasons that places either do not take back new high end merchandise for a refund, or charge a sizeable restocking fee to do so. I'm sure you earned it, so enjoy it and post some shots at F1.4 after you get some.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), December 20, 2001.

It's just good old buyer's remorse, plain and simple. One way to deal with it, especially at this time of year, is to make a too-generous contribution to your favorite charity. Relax and enjoy the karma.

JOhn

-- John Myers (mymacv@aol.com), December 20, 2001.

Josh: You nailed my sentiments exactly!

"Leicas will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no Leicas."

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), December 20, 2001.

Yes, we do Luther! Believe me, it fades away after you have the first scratch on the body of the lens, or the first time you drop it :-)

And if you think this is bad, wait until you go and buy your second R8 body (assuming you have not been through that agony already).

The pain only increases when your spouse or your conscience (in my case the one and the same) reminds you that 1) your remorse is worth precisely nothing in the larger scheme of things and 2) your purchase is a small, selfish, childish, irrational and wasteful expenditure that has crowded out far more necessary and essential needs being addressed, such as warm clothes for your poor shivering offspring.

Of course, all this is communicated by telepathy, not actual words.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), December 20, 2001.

Hi Luther,

Yes, I also get a bit nervous when I order something expensive. I also tend to look for reinforcement of my decision, searching for reviews on the 'net, just to make me feel more comfortable. But, like you, I get over it once I have the new camera/lens/whatever in my hot little hands.

-- Ray Moth (ray_moth@yahoo.com), December 20, 2001.

No I have no problems at all

I have to hold myself not spending too much. I bought a very nice mint condition R4s+50/2 (just $600 with 'bag') and said that's enough for the time. So I went out and bought a 135/2.8 (just $325) and said that's enough for the time. So I went out and bought a winder with grip (hey, just $125 (ok, I just found out it has a (solvable) problem)) so I said that's enough for the time. So now I looking out for an affordable 35 and 90 lens (I'm in holland). And those 400 and 600 (non-Leica) lenses aren't that expensive as well)

:-)

PS I'm not maried, save a lot of trouble

-- ReinierV (rvlaam@xs4all.nl), December 21, 2001.

Also, the prospect of this remorse is what sells those absurdly expensive and profitable Leica accessories? Feel uneasy about plonking down $1900 for a 75 'lux? Buy a $200 finder (worth about $10) and scratch that itch. Or a $200 tripod plus head. Or an SF20. Or a Leica grip. And so on.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), December 21, 2001.

Well, I received the 80 Summilux-R and it is a jewel! It should fit nicely on the R8 and serve beautifully for portraits. Of course, my portraits aren't on the same level as those of Mike Dixon. Probably closer to you-know-who (A----).

Appreciate the words of support. I had agonized over the decisions of need (already have an R 90/2.0) and new-USA vs new-non-USA vs used. Desire finally won out and I bought the new-non-USA lens. If you disagree with my choice, that's OK. Just don't rain on my parade by telling me right now. Let me enjoy my personal Christmas gift.

My apologies to Don Chatterton whose name I misspelled yesterday. Can't believe I did that. Must have been a "senior moment". Don is a super nice guy and has provided top notch service on several sales this year with no problems of any kind. He even called me once about a lens he received because he remembered I had asked about the lens earlier.

Happy Holidays to all. LB

-- Luther Berry (lberrytx@aol.com), December 21, 2001.