Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/11/26

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Subject: RE: [Leica] Is there a Nikon list?
From: Walter S Delesandri <walt@jove.acs.unt.edu>
Date: Thu, 26 Nov 1998 20:08:19 -0600 (CST)

yHi, Robert --Good post.
In your specific case, R-Leica seems to have been the right choice, 
and I respect that.  I'm not a fan of EOS - being more of a "mechanical
purist-lunatic"!!!

Many users of M-cameras, either consciously or unconsciously appreciate 
the intelligent design and mechanical excellence of the camera.  For 
these people, Gabe included I believe, and earlier Nikon (up through 
the F-3, even) provides that same outlet for mechanical appreciation.
The older Nikon SLRs were/are the equivalent of the M - logical design, 
beautiful execution, excellent optics (mounts included)  --Perhaps 
not the excellence of the R-lenses, but damn close.  None of the later 
autofocus systems provide the "feel" that early Nikon/Canon/M-users 
appreciate.  Leica R-is probably the only logical, current source 
for this kind of "feel" -- hence the rabid devotion of many on this 
list.  These folks are also a candidate for a mint, chrome, late 
F-or-F2 with late IC nikkor/AI MF lenses --Try one in your hands 
if you haven't - IF you can find 'em!!  (standard prism ONLY --and 
it'll make a retro-lunatic outta ya!)

Happy thanksgiving, 
Walt

On
Thu, 26 Nov 1998, Robert G. Stevens wrote:

> Walt:
> 
> What  bothers me the most about this Nikon - Leica lens comparisons is that
> most people are doing it through heresay and published charts and have
> actually not used both. This was evident in an earlier post where a Nikon
> user suggested, to the person who was looking to build an R system, that he
> get an APO 1.4 converter even though it would not mate with any of the
> lenses suggested.
> 
> I had an Eos Elan IIe system before, (my Wife uses it now),  but did not
> have any of their exotic lenses.  I would gladly compare the EOS to the
> Leica, but nobody would be interested.  I just get the feeling that the
> Nikon users are as fanatical about their system as the Leica users.  I was
> really not that excited about my EOS though.  When I got an R camera and a
> few reasonably fast prime lenses, I wondered why I was using an EOS with
> F4-5.6 lenses.  If I got the equivalent fast primes for the Canon, they
> would have cost more than the ones I bought used for the Leica.  At one
> point, I wanted to do some Nature and sport photography and decided to get
> a 400 2.8.  I would have been happy with the EOS 400, but the Leica was
> cheaper than the Canon 400, if I factored in buying a EOS 1N.  I stayed
> with the Leica and I am glad because I like the lenses I have.
>   
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Robert
> 
> At 06:03 PM 11/26/98 -0600, you wrote:
> >As a matter of fact, I responded to Gabe (privately) on several 
> >occasions.  Nice fellow.  AND a Leica user.
> >
> >The list probably shouldn't be a Nikon - for sale list....not 
> >that it bothers me, but since I'm "new" (!!!) what do I know?
> >
> >I'll tell you what I know.  Probably 90% of the pros using 
> >Leica (yes, Ms - we already had that argument)  ALSO use 
> >Nikon or Canon.  I personally know ZERO pro "R" users.  I know 
> >"OF" a few of them.  Lets see, "pros" with Leica M and Canon -
> >45%, "pros" with Leica M and Nikon - 45%, "pros" with 
> >Leica M and "R" - 2%? ----
> >I am VERY interested in the Nikon/Leica combination and comparisons
> >(imagine that)  My good friend Vern (way too busy/modest to 
> >get into this list) is VERY interested in Canon/Leica debates....
> >
> >Is there a problem, or am I so dense as to not understand the 
> >significance of "ethnic" purity with regard to 35mm cameras?
> >I'm quite ignorant, I've found that out on this list, so 
> >enlighten me, please :) :) :) :) :) <NOTICE!!
> >
> >Walt
> >
> >On Thu,
> >26
> >Nov 1998, Robert G. Stevens wrote:
> >
> >> 
> >> I don't mean to offend anybody in particular, but can we keep the Nikon
> >> topics on a Nikon list.  I don't mind the occassional Nikon question, but
> >> can the replies be sent to the original poster rather than the whole list.
> >> I myself not coming to the Leica R or M via Nikon, have very little
> >> interest in this stuff.  I assume there are others like myself on the list.
> >> 
> >> 
> >> Regards,
> >> 
> >> Robert Stevens
> >> 
> >> 
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>