Re: [Leica] P&S choices

[Oddmund Garvik <garvik@wanadoo.fr>]

Tony wrote:

>I want to get a *ZOOM* P&S camera for the times when I don't feel a need for
>the M6. Any suggestions between the following: Leica, Contax, Nikon and
>Rollei?

I think the Contax TVS II would be a nice *photographers* camera if you want 
a zoom lens. I have been using the first version, TVS, for a while, and I am 
very satisfied. It's silent, simple, ergonomic, with enough control. A very 
solid camera. A good 28-56mm Vario-Sonnar (f3.5-6.5 in the new version). The 
TVS II has a brighter viewfinder with bright-line frame, like a 
rangefinder, and a slightly modified lens design (f3.5-6.5 instead of 
f3.5-5.6 in the old version). 

I have heard about light fall off, and it occurs (slightly) at 28mm wide 
open. I have never noticed it as a problem, as I use it mostly between 35 
and 50mm. I suppose they have reduced the problem with the modified lens. 

It's my always-in-the-pocket camera, and I tend to use it as a multilens 
system, choosing in advance a fix focal. It's nice having several lenses in 
a reduced package: 28, 35, 40, and 50 mm. When I am travelling far I use a 
Contax T2 as a backup, also a nice camera, with an extra stop (f2.8 38mm 
Zeiss Sonnar). I've used the T2 heavily for 5-6 years, the TVS less, and 
I've never had any problems with them. I am not stubborn with manual vs. 
automatic, as long as you can control diaphragm and distance. These cameras 
are totally complementary with my old, weared M-Leicas. 

It is a pity that Leica didn't manage to make a *photographers* camera in 
this category. Their new Leica Minilux Zoom certainly has a very good 
Vario-Elmar 35-70mm (f3.5-6.5), but with a useless viewfinder (a Minilux 
clone), bad ergonomics, and no exposition controls, it's not an interesting 
camera for me. It might be ok if you don't ask yourself any questions, but 
then there are good alternatives, less expensive.

Oddmund