[Leica] Other Rangefinders

["Gib Robinson" <robinson@sfsu.edu>]

[Walter wrote]

>If these "Leica aficianados" would realize that its "RANGEFINDERS"
>they're in love with and not "LEICAS", and realize that the
>lens test BS is just that (most pros voiced their preferences
>in the 50s-- that's how we GOT Nikon and CANON in the first place)
> we'd have lots more to choose from today (maybe....)

Walter,

Come on. You gotta be kidding. Of course, there are other rangefinders that
serve the same function and have reasonable lenses but I'd only buy them if
Leica M's didn't exist, and maybe not even then. I shoot film because I like
the whole process of taking photos, not just the results. I like how the M
body feels in my hand -- the shape of it, the placement and feel of its
parts, the smooth and elegant way the parts work together . . . .  If this
sounds vaguely like e-mail sex, I've gotta say there's a strong element of
sensual and aesthetic pleasure in using an M camera that has zip/zero to do
with lenses testing or basic functionality. Now, if they also didn't take
great pictures, I wouldn't buy them either; but they do!

- --Gib