Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/03/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]On 27-03-1998 23:09 John McLeod wrote: >As you know, the primary reason why I opted for the F5 over the R8 was the >feel of the R8 body in my hands. I'm not sure exactly why I wasn't sold on >the ergonomics of the R8 -- something to do with the front-to-back width, >the position of the shutter button, and film advance lever. In what ways >does the winder change the feel or grip of the camera in your hands? Other >than not having to advance film manually, do you find that you hold the >camera a little differently with the winder on? I would appreciate >responses from others who have the winder also. Thanks. > John, I am using the winder for the R8 for almost three months now. I do not notice that much difference in handling. Sure, it "melts" fully in harmony with the body (it is almost a natural extension of it, and it seems made of the same material), but it also adds more weight, which gives you a combined weight of over 1 kilo. In practical use, I wouldn't say that I get benefit from this added weight or size. The body of the R8 is already, at least for my rather large hands/fingers, easy to hold. I am not convinced you would see much difference if you say that you did not like the R8's ergonomics. The winder does not seem to radically alter this, at least in my humble opinion. So, if I were you, I would stick to the F5 which has an excellent grip due to its much larger handgrip that the R8. Remember the winder does not give you an additional handgrip over the (small) one that is part of the R8 body already. That will change with the full-fledged motor-drive. Pascal - -------------------------------------------------------- t h i n k d i f f e r e n t a p p l e c o m p u t e r - -------------------------------------------------------- <<< PGP public key available on request >>>