Leica's cameras are an investment, and one that many of us simply can't afford. One man is hoping to harness the power of viral internet sympathy  and raise over $10,000 for the Leica of his dreams.

Jarle Aasland is a photographer and software developer who wants to own a Leica M9 digital rangefinder. This little addictive camera runs a price tag of $7,000, a number that only gets higher when you throw in a few lenses, and is not exactly in Jarle's budget. 

Rather than try to convince his wife that he needs the M9, Jarle has turned  to the internet in a "tongue in cheek" to beg for money. The site launched just this week, and already it has been featured on the PDNPulse blog, so I think he must be off to a good start.

With a $5 donation, you receive a free copy of PhotoRename, a handy app for renaming your image files, which is normally $19. Mac users beware though, this is a PC only program. PhotoRename is one of six photography utilities available on Jarle's site PhotoThumb.com. Jarle also is the webmaster of NikonWeb.com, a vintage DSLR forum for the nostalgic and thrifty among us.

While straight donations are accepted, as a photography nut,  you are going to want to take a look at his Leica t-shirts. Thanks to Cafe Press, Jarle is able to offer a ton a of different styles and products all brandishing an image of the M9 and the words "Explore. Discover. Dream." I'm especially partial to the SIGG aluminum water bottle, though I think my current bottle would feel neglected if I bought one.

Perhaps the most useful bit of information for you, Amvona readers, it that Jarle is offering to give a little bit of publicity to those who donate. With a donation of any amount, Jarle will feature a photo with your name on it on his home page. While he offers no guarantees that your photo will be featured, I figure you have a better chance now than when he goes viral... not to jinx the project Jarle. Best of luck!

Looking to get a little funding of your own, but not ambitious enough to start an online store? You may want to give Kickstarter a try.

(image from leicadream.com)