Will I, won’t I. The announcement of the Leica Sofort back in September left me a little cold. I thought it was a good idea, but would I use it. I remembered the days of the Polaroid SX70. I bought one for a trip to East Germany in the 1980s and caused a minor sensation in the historic village of Werningerode when I produced the Polaroid and started churning out pictures. I used about ten packs of expensive film as more and more locals came up for their own private studio shot. Still, the SX70 was a flash in my pan and it was soon consigned to a shelf.
Back then the idea of instant gratification was a new concept — no chimping at screens and no instant sharing on Instagram or Facebook. Indeed, in these days of smartphones, selfies and instant social exchange, the idea of a Polaroid-style “instant” picture has lost much of its appeal. But I could be wrong, and Patrick Leong over at Finding Range believes I am.
Since I haven’t had a chance to play with the Sofort (memo to self, ask Leica if I can borrow one…) I can tell you that Patrick had a blast with the Sofort. It’s something different. It’s an intriguing little camera and really isn’t that expensive. Could I be tempted?
My wife bought me one for Christmas, and it has become a family sensation. Everyone wants to have a go, it can take selfies that look like seventies throw backs.. The only grumble I have is the cost of the film cartridges.
Mine is now stored in my Billingham Hadley occupying the space next to my X. I love it, but only for the fun it brings and it draws other people into photography – which in my eyes is no bad thing.
As our erstwhile Australian entertainer turned jailbird might say….
"Ken you see what it is yit?"
… Maybe Leica will produce a decent film scanner that can also scan these (almost) negative sized instant prints?
Then we might be able to see them without a magnifying glass.
…sorry, just the meanderings of a 60 year old non-hipster.
I’ll go away now.
But not without repeating that Leica (in particular) with their three film camera options, might do well to produce a serious scanning tool that runs on new computers with up to date softwares.
http://leicaphilia.com/leica-please-make-a-decent-high-speed-film-scanner/
I would welcome a serious scanner that is foolproof and easy to use. I have a box of prints and negatives going back 40 or 50 years and keep putting off the day when I have to do something. I don’t seem to be as organised as John Shingleton on this issue. I did consider buying a super scanner from Epson but then got turned off by tales of problems. So if Leica produced something new….
Mike , I certainly have no need for a Leica scanner-imagine how much it would cost-as am getting superb results from my Epson V550 flatbed. If you look at my most recent post on therollingroad.blogspot.com there is an example of a Kodachrome slide-the Ferrari- which I scanned in just a few days ago. I think you would agree that the result is excellent.
On the Sofort I had noticed your lack of enthusiasm for it but this did not put me off and I have had one on order since way before Christmas and hope to take delivery soon.
John, it was indeed the Epson I have been considering. I was tempted to buy but had been put off by the palaver I expected in doing the scanning. Perhaps I will take your lead and get one.
I am agnostic on the Sofort and I might be tempted, just for a bit of fun. I am surprised you are waiting for a Sofort, though. They have been on the shelves here in London for some months.