Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/07/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]If you are looking for an excellent basic SLR setup, I'd like to suggest Canon FD. I am currently in the throes of a switch from Leica R to Leica M. To complement my new rangefinder system, I've decided to pick up a Canon FD system to do what the M can't. I personally feel that the used FD Canons represent the best value on the used market today. Now I know there's little support from Canon as I believe that parts for many FD cameras are non-existant, but the better bodies are very well constructed. Try a Canon EF (a tank) with a Canon FD 50 f1.4 SSC lens. Should cost $200 or so. The EF is a great body which suffers low resale as it is not a T90 or a F-1. It is a mechanical camera with shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 30 sec.(1sec - 30 sec controlled electronically). BUT the best part about this camera is it has mirror lock-up. You have to pay a pretty penny to get that in a Leica unless you go for the original Leicaflex. Also pick up: 35-105 f3.5 zoom great lens 180 f2.5 Tamron personal fav. 400 f4.5 Canon Great Value! (or save for a user 400 f2.8L like me!) Add a macro and you have an outstanding complementary SLR system for relatively little! I'm sorry if some feel this irrelevant to the Leica list, but I think it is valuable info for M users out there. Of course if money isn't an issue buy the Leica, but its the next best thing IMHO. Thanks, James