Are you tired of the poor 40x60 enlargements you are getting out of your Leica? Have you got so much Leica equipment lying around that you sometimes think you are a collector instead of a photographer? Well I have the answer! Trade me some of that Leica gear that you aren't using for my RB67 equipment that I'm not using.

What I think I'd like to get is a M6 with a 50mm f2 but will consider suggestions for other equipment. I have some cash in my equipment kitty, but not enough to buy outright. I have the following to offer as full/part trade for the components I'm looking for or maybe something I don’t know I want yet:

Mamiya RB67 Pro-S camera with 90mm f3.8 lens, WL finder and 120 Pro-S revolving back in wonderful condition. (~$800) 50mm f4.5 "C" lens in pristine condition (~$750) 180mm f4.5lens that shows use but is otherwise in good condition. (~$350) 120 Pro-S film back that shows just a little more wear then the one on the camera, but better then average. (~$200)

Have some other stuff that might be of interest as well:

Nikon N90s body with vertical grip and MF26 multifunction back, all in good condition Box and manual for camera, but not the other pieces. (~$650)

Rolleicord IV with SchneiderXenar f3.5 lens. The shutter speeds are good to the extent my eyes and ears can tell. The slow speeds don’t hang up like a lot of older cameras. The leather on the left side is pealing away and a little torn. For a user, a little super glue and go. The flip down magnifier is missing. Should be easy to get a replacement. The previous owner built a slip on magnifier which looks clumsy, but really works. It comes with a Rolleikin 35mm adapter and I’ll throw in a Weston Master II meter. How about $100 for this good condition user. You won’t get into medium format with a good quality lens for less than that. But……

Mint Super Ricohflex with f3.5 Ricoh Anastigmat lens Has tiny bit of paint wear on sharp edges. How about $50.

Well used Zeiss Ikon Ikonta 35mm camera with Novar Anastigmat 4.5 cm (45mm) f3.5 lens. Say $75

Meridian 45a, 4x5 Press camera in great condition. Camera did not originally come with an optical viewfinder. One was promised, but this example has a Graflex Viewfinder installed. It is however missing the rear lens which should be easy to replace. Two rangefinder options were offered and this one has the Kalart unit. The rangefinder works, but the linkage is not operating properly. It has a 135mm f4.7 Graflex Optar lens mounted. Comes with case and 9 film holders. I’ll even throw in a partially used box of Royal Pan dated 07/1988 for $250.

If you want pictures of any of the above, email me at sop@erols.com or call me at 703.385.9344 evenings eastern time.

While I really want an M6 and 50mm, I'm open to other trades and/or cash offers. I have no preference for black, chrome, or "panda." I'm not a collector, so the fact that Leica is stamped upside down, making it very rare, will be lost on me.

Thanks for looking.

Gene Jenkins Special Occasion Photography Fairfax VA

-- Gene Jenkins (sop@erols.com), May 29, 2002

Answers

And may I insert here that the RB67 is one darned fine camera, if you don't mind the weight.

-- Michael Darnton (mdarnton@hotmail.com), May 29, 2002.

You're right, I should have said that this really is for use on a tripod. They made a grip for it and I've seen wedding photographers use them, but not me!

-- Gene Jenkins (sop@erols.com), May 29, 2002.

Don't look so desperate. I put up on the market a nice clean working Contax 1d once and didn't get a nibble, because I wanted some more M type Leica equipment & I still have it& I ended up getting what I wanted eventually. It's a religious thing really isn't it, scourging & hair shirts, & giving up what you love for what you want; consume consume redemption. Just wait for Leica prices to fall (joke)

-- James Elwing (elgur@acay.com.au), May 30, 2002.

Thats one 'complete opposites' trade request if I ever saw one!

-- Karl Yik (karl.yik@dk.com), May 30, 2002.