Leica Cameras
The Genuine Article : Episode FLGEN-308
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Kai Becker, lens designer at Leica in Solms, Germany
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At the beginning of the 20th century, high quality photography required a heavy plate glass camera. That all changed with the invention of the Leica, a portable 35-millimeter camera that went into production in 1924. It became the one camera used by photojournalists around the world — and it's still favored by serious photographers today.
Camera Tips
From Tom Gramegna, owner, Bergen County Camera:
- Single-use cameras are a good choice for casual situations. They cost $5-$6 each.
- The difference in a camera's lens quality doesn't start to show until you get into bigger prints, 5" x 7" or larger.
- All the big names — Nikon, Canon, Minolta, Olympus, Pentax, Yashica — make good point-and-shoot cameras that cost between $100 and $300.
- Pentax is an especially good value because it is not as well-known as other brands.
Camera Prices
- High End: The Leica M-series camera — M7 and MP — costs $2,800 for the body. Lenses start at $800 and go up to $3,000. The Leica R9, an SLR (single lens reflex), has a $2,400 body. Lenses range from $1,000 to $3,000, with some specialty lens selling higher.
- Mid-Price: Recommended SLRs in the mid-price range include the Nikon N55 or Canon Eos Rebel GII ($250-$300 body); or Nikon S-100 Canon Eos GIII ($800-$900 body). Lenses begin at $200-$300.
- Lower Price: Nikon, Canon, Minolta, Olympus, Pentax and Yashica all make fine point-and-shoot models that cost $100-$300. Leica's point-and-shoot cameras, the C series, range from $280-$400.
Leica International
www.leica-camera.com
Leica USA
Northvale, New Jersey
800-222-0118
www.leicacamerausa.com/
Bergen County Camera
Westwood, New Jersey
800-841-4118
www.bergencountycamera.com
Popular Photography & Imaging
Jason Schneider, Editor in Chief
New York City
www.popphoto.com
Leica Gallery
New York City
212-777-3051
www.leica-camera.com
Magnum Photos
New York City
212-929-6000
www.magnumphotos.com
German National Tourist Office
New York City
212-661-7200
Next: Take Photos Like a Pro
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