[Leica] Re: was R camera mirror lag!

[ted grant <75501.3002@compuserve.com>]

Dave Yoder wrote:

<<<<My other question is about the delay between pressing the shutter and
the release of the mirror in the R's which I find so annoying. It would
make a bit of a difference in some situations, though having never used
them I can't tell how much.>>>>>>>

Dave, It's an imaginary delay!!!!!!!!!!!

Trust me I've been using R cameras since they came into existence and I can
honestly say I have never missed anything fast or slow due to R delay! On
the other hand, if I've missed something, it's just plain old fashion "My
personal reflex reaction!"

Oh there is liable to be someone who'll come on about micro whatever delay,
but then that's only test bed numbers and in theory "that don't count in
the real world!" :)

Here's a little thing for you to try how quick you are and or if the
"imaginary delay" means anything.

Take an R camera with motor, an R7 will do. You can do it without motor but
the chances are you'll miss more. :) Human reflexes being what they are.

Put the camera and a long lens on tripod and set-up at the side of the
highway.  Focus (that's manually) :) on the license plates of oncoming cars
and shoot them. I'd do this on B&W film it's cheaper, and when you get 90%
of the frames in focus on any given roll and Leica sharp you'll find out
the delay isn't worth diddly squat!

I do this on a regular bases and when I know I'm going to the Olympics or
some other international sports event, I start doing this about a month
before I go ands every day if I can get a roll or two in. Two things
happen! One, your own reflexes improve in relation to how quickly you can
focus and trip the shutter to capture a sharp image. And your focusing
ability gets much quicker. Not auto focus fast, but pretty damn quick.

You'll have a lot of drivers slowing down thinking you are working a speed
radar gun, but the trick is to get those oncoming plates tack sharp at
60MPH or faster! And don't even think about "R delay" it's a bunch of
technical crap that doesn't matter if you are fast! :)

<<<I'm wondering if the R glass is comparable to the M glass, and whether
it's so much better than Nikon that it would be worth the switch (be
honest! :-)>>>>>>>>

The R & M glass is comparable in similar focal lengths. Of course some
lenses are only made for the R & they are smashingly great! Honest! :)  As
far as, "are they better than Nikon or any other glass?" There is only one
answer, absolutely YES! "And that's the truth" as TV comedian Lilly Tomlin
would say! :)

<<<a lot of the chrome in low light around maximum aperture, sometimes in
situations with a lot of movement and I'm in the middle of it; i.e.
celebrating or angry crowds,>>>>>>>

I wouldn't worry about it if you're using an M6 with a 21mm, you'll be
focusing and shooting so fast you wont have too much time for recomposing.
Besides you'll look like a "happy snapper" with the M while the others with
their "Big bright black machines and "zoomar lenses" will be taking all the
heat from the demonstrators because they'll know they are the media enemy.
You on the other hand will be focusing, framing and shooting all in one
breath and no one will be the wiser! :)

Go for it! If you don't like it, you can always sell the gear. Lots of
buyers out there. :)

Say Hello to Donal for me. :)

ted