Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/05/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Just to let the members of the LUG know (since we all seem to share an interest in what equipment others have), I sold my chrome R8 today and immediately went down to my dealer to buy a wide angle M lens. I had to choose between the 21 ASPH and the 24 ASPH, and I chose the 24. I DID NOT buy the external viewfinder for $300. I tested my idea in the store, and sure enough, the area covered by the 24 finder approximates very closely to the area covered by the M6HM viewfinder window. Sure, I have to pan my eye around the corners to see the whole image, but its better than moving the eye back and forth from viewfinder to finder, and it's better than having that plastic thing dangling on top of the M6. I'll let you all know how using the 24 without the finder works in practice this weekend. While I was there, I saw my first M-Winder and was amazed at the speed and smoothness of operation. It is very light, and it becomes even lighter when you use LITHIUM batteries rather than alkaline. There is a nice on/off switch so you can go back to manual at any time. When the winder is on the M6, it feels as if it is part of the body. It does not rock back and forth or feel loose AT ALL. Very nicely done, Leica! It feels very good in my hands, and makes the M6 feel even more sturdy than it already is. Yes, it adds noise, so no M-Winder for close-up unobtrusive work, but for shooting models, it will be great. I bought it, not hanving compared pricing so I don't know if I paid too much or not. It was $600 new. Was that a good price? BTW, I got my 24mm ASPH for $1995. Francesco Sanfilippo, Five Senses Productions webmaster@5senses.com http://www.5senses.com/