Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/12/10

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Subject: Re: [Leica] a few questions for the experts
From: Thomas Kachadurian <kach@freeway.net>
Date: Wed, 10 Dec 1997 23:36:39 -0500

Eric:

I have great respect for Leica cameras. But please. Nikon and Canon
Equipment are well made, and built to last. I used a Nikon FM for nearly 20
years without a single problem. The mechanical shutter was dead on when I
had it checked just before I sold it. For reliability, I'd take an F4 over
an R4 any day. But you were talking about lenses. My 35 f2 AI lens was
built like a tank. Mine saw rain and bumps and just about everything else
and was smooth as silk after 20 years. I had a 105 Nikkor that, while not
the sharpest glass, just refused to show wear. 

You are comparing modern AF equipment to Leicas MF equipment. Many of the
less husky qualities of AF lenses are a direct product of the function of
the gear.

Just as it doesn't make a man bigger for him to talk down his neighbor, it
doesn't make Leica better to bad mouth the really fine equipment made by
Nikon and Canon.

Leica is built as well as any. It's optics are superb, and can be used to
create unique and moving photographs. That's all that needs to be said.

Tom


>Francesco, I'd get the 180 first, to have the most variety.
>
>And don't worry about used. Used Leicas last longer than new Nikons or
Canons.
>==========
>
>Eric Welch
>St. Joseph, MO
>http://www.ponyexpress.net/~ewelch
>
>Those with all of the answers are those who have stopped asking questions.
>
>