A Visual Library on Leica M6 Colombo 1992 Special 500th Anniversary Edition rangefinder camera model - Part IV   Please don't take this site as a review. I would rather encourage you to treat it as a form of casual discussion where I am just sharing personal impressions of a Leica M6' COLOMBO' 92 which I had acquired more than a decade ago here. As I have two of this Colombo '92, I am probably entitled to share some of my thoughts which may be useful for those who may have the intention in acquiring one for personal collection. But I don't want to abuse my experience as a web site developer in trying to support its re-sale value or collectible status. There are actually a few points that you have to consider when determining if a camera has some good elements in it for collecting purposes. I do agree RARITY is one good factor which is often exciting, but I guess that is not entirely justified. In general, a camera with good collecting nature must have some purpose for its existence, whether it is a standard production model or a special edition. From a neutral perspective in making a comparison among early collectable M6 models, the Leica M6 Platinum (it is plated on normal M6 standard edition, just like the M6/T) had a higher production quantity (1,250 units) which may be diluting the rarity factor but on the other hand, it was issued by Leica as a commemorative body to celebrate 150 years of photography as well as commemorating 73 years of Leica's active involvement in photography. It was a genuine release from LEICA, AG with very meaningful objective in its release and should present itself with a very collectible nature in the Platinum plated series. I am still seeking information pertaining to the special issue to Swiss Leica distributor special request edition of the Leica M6 and couldn't determine the original objective as well as specification of that release and thus, I can't comment on that particular model. On the other hand, Leica M6 Colombo '92 was a produced by a special request from a regional distributor. Whether you like it or don't, it has some commercial flavor in its nature. However, it can still be regarded as having a strong collectible element in it because it was something in between commercial but more leaning towards a meaningful course in its original objective. When combining its rarity element (200 units for worldwide distribution) with the historical icon that had made a Nation proud of its association, I see good values in the release too. Frankly, if not for this Colombo Edition, I wouldn't know one of the greatest voyagers in modern history, Christopher Columbus was actually an Italian, where all along I thought he was a Spanish (refer here back to first section why this camera is called COLOMBO and not COLUMBUS). So, in this respect, it makes some sense to have this special issue of the M6, because it shows the national pride to be connected with a significant historical event, but also to have a unique S/N coding system for the Colombo '92 edition with I.T.A.L.Y. x 40 units each that says it all. Well, from another perspective, not all collectors are so sentimental or having roots of the passionate Italian. So, this may dilute its wide acceptance or appeal to a broader audience in the collector market. Good thing is, the edition was related to a universal icon and not a localized hero and adding the fact it was not being abused with thousands in its quantity produced. These facts have certainly enhanced its collectible status. Well, adding to all these, along with the early M6 Platinum Edition, despite all the years in the streaming flow of new M6 or other Leica limited edition series, the early Leica COLOMBO '92 can still comfortably be regarded as one of the most eye-appealing setups. It was also among the first few Leica M6 special releases with a few of its original efforts and special body configurations that were still being replicated in the many of the subsequent equivalents that followed. Aren't these good entry collectible Leicas?. I guess so. Note: M6 Colombo '92 remains the only Leica Special Edition which was supplied with an original robustly built, full metal body cap w/engravings. Below is a mini-showcase of various photos taken during that particular morning when I was preparing the content for a discussion site on the Leica M6 Colombo '92. Just Click for Exploded individual View(s). You may use them for any purpose (NO credit is necessary), with the strict EXCEPTION for the purpose of Sale/Trading where your actual unit in possession / disposal should be used - this is to protect interest of another potential Leica investor/photographer. Curse or beat me if you like, but this is essential business/personal ethic to follow on the Network. Creating a site can be fun but at times, but it can also be quite stressful. Stress? Yup. Because unlike normal production cameras, Special Edition models usually have their specific purpose and/or objectives in their respective releases. Regardless whether it was manufactured for a good cause or merely introduced with a commercial objective, one has to be careful and maintain a neutral approach in content writing. Firstly, of course, in a media with mass viewer appeal, it can lead to success or might even affect its original collectible status. Basically, it is all about the value, and not the embedded objective, to judge if it is a viable investment. I do know it can be very strange to buy a camera and avoid using it to take photos. It is a very strange phenomenon which only exists in the special segment of the market. As a responsible media publisher, I have always tried not to get too sentimental and avoided going into analysis of topic that relates to sensitive issues so as to avoid comments that may affect public perception. This particular site may be an exception to this principle, because I am viewing it from personal perspective as an owner. There may be some points that may be not very pleasant to go through for existing owner, but I seriously wish to use the opportunity to address and/or highlight out some basic principles in unique camera collecting so as to use them as a basic logical consideration. Well, I think it will do a world of good especially for new collectors and at worst, if ever what I have written will affect viewer perception or value of the camera, I will be the first to suffer as an owner. So, I would rather use here to point out these issues and clarify my stand rather than using a collectible set that I have no personal interest in. Note:- The S/N for this 1992 COLOMBO edition could had been started from:- 1907101~1907300 for the the entire 200 units. Ref: Stephan Gandy Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 Main Index Page - Leica M6-series models / Main Index Page - Leica-M Series Rangefinder camera Models Nomenclature / Main Reference Map applicable to Leica M6 Colombo '92:- Leica M6 Standard Model(s) except for the engravings and special leatherette Instruction Manuals applicable to the Leica M6 Colombo '92:- Leica M6 Classic in PDF (3.8mb) | Message Board | lenses | Message Board | RF cameras about this site