I don't post here anymore

[MichaelHarris]

but couldn't let this pass. I use Leica camera gear and this crossed my desk today:

John Botte is a retired NYPD detective and photographer. On September 11th, 2001 he was asked by Bernard Keric, the New York City Police Commissioner, to document the events of the day and the ensuing aftermath. He shot everything using his Leica M6 and was able to capture some of the most iconic images of that time. In 2006 he produced a book of these images titled ‘Aftermath’.

This one of a kind camera was designed and commissioned by John Botte in 2005 and produced by Leica AG Solms. Copies of the correspondence between Mr. Botte and Leica Camera pertaining to the production of this camera will be made available to the purchaser. Photos of the camera in production can be seen The top plate engraved ‘TO THOSE WHO MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, SEPTEMBER 11, 2001’.



Estimate
$100,000 - 150,000

Talk about profiting from a bunch of people dying. Wonder who gets the money, John Botte, Bernard Keric, or Rudy G.? Actually I wonder who paid for it, the city of New York?

http://auction.igavel.com/Bidding.taf?_function=detail&Auction_uid1=899301#Image4

Rip-um up,
Michael Harris

[sandnsea]

1. I'm sad you're gone

I miss your photographs and tips and general insights. I hope you reconsider and come back.

[me b zola]

2. What sandnsea said

[Skittles]

3. come back

come on now

[aquart]

4. But...it's NOT the camera that was used to capture 9/11.

It's a whole other one built in 2005.

And why would someone pay for a reproduction?

[goodgd_yall]

5. Exactly

It's claim to fame is that it was designed by the guy who did many pictures of the aftermath of 9/11.

Weird. I notice there are no bids as of yet.

[aquart]

6. Nor should there be. The original camera...well, yeah.

But not that much.

[orleans]

7. why don't you post here anymore?

[MichaelHarris]

8. A quote from the owners brother

Michael Botte, "My opinion is biased because John is my brother. I fully appreciate all the comments but I am saddened by some. First of all he was asked to share his camera with Leica enthusiasts and that's it. He doesn't need "marketing" because he is represented by one of the largest book publishers in the world."

Share for between 100,000 and 150,000 dollars, that's not exactly sharing in my book. Maybe I should have Wounded Knee engraved on the top of my M3.

[livvy]

9. Wow...Looks like a beautiful camera, but the profiteering definitely clouds its view.

Obviously Botte must get a hefty chunk, if for no other reason, from the inclusion of his book with the set. I would hope that most of the profits would go to the police and fire fighters fund, but I'm sure that's wishful thinking.


By the way, as others have mentioned, I miss your posts in the photography forum. I'm a frequent lurker there, and I've really enjoyed your submissions (your photographs are so beautiful!) as well as your tips, although some of them are beyond my basic point and shoot mentality.

Keep up the wonderful work (I'm sure you will), and come back, when you find the time, or when you feel better about whatever it was that made you prefer to stop posting.

livvy

[zabet]

10. Miss YOUR pics...

come back once in
a while....PLEASE!!!