[Leica] Re: P&S Recommendation and focus lock

["Van T. Barletta" <van@theramp.net>]

>simon_ogilvie@ionica.co.uk wrote:
>>Jeff Moore wrote:
>>> I continue to think that the T2 remains the most physically appealing
package
>>> among the point-and-shoots, even after Nikon, Leica and Minolta have taken
>> >their best shots at the market Kyocera created with the T2... BUT, in
addition
>> >to a few minor nits, the T2 has one possibly-fatal flaw which
constitutes the
>>> reason I hardly use mine anymore:  the T2, in common with all the "cheap" 
>>> point-and-shoots of which I'm aware, locks focus electronically with a 
>> >half-press of the shutter button but doesn't physically drive the lens
into
>> >position until you commit to taking the picture.  This introduces a
small but
>> >completely infuriating delay which allows the world to change out from
under
>>> you while the camera's trying to get around to taking the picture.
>
>>This is something I find very annoying about this type of camera too.  I
used
>>a Yashica T4 for a while and the lens is indeed quite good, but the delay
between
>>pressing the shutter and the camera getting round to taking the shot
after moving
>>the lens into position was a killer for me.
>
>I experienced the same problem with the Nikon 35Ti I borrowed recently.
>The problem is especially frustrating in light of the "mission" for which
>cameras of this type are designed.  If I want to do serious
>work, I will use my "first string" equipment.  I save P&S cameras for
>impromptu people snaps.  For the "moment" to pass while the camera
>selects focus is intolerable given the price of these titanium marvels.
>
>Aside from this problem, I found the 35Ti to be a pleasing package.  The
>lens was sharp and I liked the camera's retro styling.
>
>Paul Walsen
>
I realize the Contax G-1 isn't a P&S, but I sold mine almost as soon as I
had bought it for the same reason.  Each time you shoot it moves the lens
only after you press the shutter all the way.  And then as soon as the shot
is taken it resets it back, so that even if your subject-camera distance
doesn't change, the camera is constantly moving the lens in and out.  For
someone used to the M shutter release the delay is intollerable.  The salt
in the wound was that the G-1 focusing is very noisy to boot.  

I understand the G-2 is "better," but still works basically the same way.
If anyone knows of a good P&S that actually moves the lens at focus lock
time, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks.

Van Barletta