R8, first impressions of an amateur

["Elliot M. Puritz, MD" <drpuritz@li.net>]

Luggers:  Finally got a chance tonight to "play around"  with the R8 which 
arrived yesterday.  Was abit disappointed.  Is it my imagination, or is the 
camera abit clunky and akward to hold and use.  Of course, I'm comparing it 
to my older R5, and the wonderfully ergonomic M6.  Found the viewer abit 
brighter then the R5, but not a heck of a lot different.  Perhaps outside I 
will notice more of a differrence, but the real advantage of the brighter 
viewer, I thought, would be inside in lower light.  Realize the metering is 
probably better, but still wonder how often the " integral " setting and 
matrix program is really used.  And, of course, haven't run any film 
through the " 8 " yet, so can't comment on end results.   Also, haven't used 
the flash yet, but the instruction booklet explaining how to use such flash 
settings could certainly be improved!  I recall the discussion recently 
about the SCA adaptors...has anyone enough experience with the new 3000 
series and the R8 to give some comments and guidance.
Donal, appreciate your comments concerning the 80-200 Vario.  Will get 
more information on the alternative choices.  Have you used the R8?  
Opinion versus the R5 and later?

Thanks to you all,

Elliot