Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/02/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi Bill-- Thanks for the information which I have snipped-- >Have you tried changing the viewing screen. The later screens for the R5 - R7 >are much brighter than the original R4 screens, and can be used in the R4. >You might also try the all micro prism screen as I find the split image >distracting. Next time I am in NYC, I will stop by one of the good Leica stores and try different screens. This is a good tip--thanks. Changing the screens appears to be too much of a challenge for my all-thumbs' hands. I will ask for help at the store. Maybe I should just call Leica to see whether they will do it for me. One way or the other I will be giving different screens a try. >As far as R4 reliability there are many good ones out there. >Try to get one over 1.6 million. The number on mine is 1,625,238 which I bought new some years ago. > Make sure the camera is working properly in >all modes. Just had it brought up to Leica specs by Leica in NJ. But, the "sloppy sounding" clunk of the shutter and mirror slap still bothers me. >Are the foam light seals still good around the back door >and film reminder window? Had a new one installed. I had never realized that foam seals were missing. :-( >Even the most minor meter or mechanical repairs seem to run at >least $300 from Leica. That is just about what I have just paid to get the work done there--not counting taxes! > The reason for this is that anytime the camera needs >to be worked on, it requires a total teardown of the camera. Now I understand why these look like bargains on the used market. >As long as your R4 is working, things are great. But given a choice between >an R4 and R5 or later R cameras, the R4 will always be the last choice unless >the R4 is the only one you can afford. That's the dilemma. I have been in an out of photography all my life and now with time on my hands, I am getting back to it with some zeal. I have been trying to determine which camera outfit (s) I should go with to start all over or stay with what I have and add do dads to those. If I had a good lab to work with close to my home, I would have an easier decision. Right now I am using the Leica mostly with a 35mm Elmarit and a Nikon N90S with the 105mm macro. I have a lot of other lenses for these cameras but need a long lens for some nature photography. A 180 or so. The difference in price between the Nikon and lenses plus the very useful functions of a data back for the Nikon has me leaning in that direction. I would not be buying one on the used market as I don't know enough. But, I am still thinking about it as I am prudentially certain that the Leica lens will give me better quality photos--or is my thinking being swayed by the Leica mystique? >the R4 was known as the camera that almost sank >the company. All the time I thought it was I who was at fault and that it could never be the exalted Leica that had problems. That's why it sat comfortably put away all those years. . >Rather than deal with repairs on early R4's, Leica USA was offering upgrades >to R7's to R4 customers with a liberal trade in allowance on the old R4's. Wish I were paying attention as I would have surely taken advantage of this offer. Thanks again for your help. Peter in NJ