Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/05/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Jim, You probably remember I have a Ricoh 28mm lens, I'll tell you why. I'm interested not only in photography, but Leicas, and then I find I'm not only interested in only Leicas but other interesting cameras (you know, Linhofs and stuff) and most specifically (though I'm not entirely sure why) in the non-Leitz accessories that were made for the Leica system. So we all have our little preferences for what makes us tick, I prefer brunettes, some prefer blondes, etc... In my case, the lens didn't cost me a whole lot (very little at all actually through a direct trade with someone in Japan) but the effective trading price was definitely not able to buy me a current, or even 1st, 2nd or 3rd series Leica 28mm lens. So it was a case of, 'Do I want a 28mm lens now?' or 'Can I bear to wait another year or two before I have enough for a new one?' As I have never bought a Leica lens (or any other lens come to think of it) new, the second thought was quite unnerving so I opted for the former. I have since had the opportunty to effectively swap it for a 1st series Leitz 28mm lens, I compared them and found the Leica lens slightly lacking, so I kept the Ricoh and I certainly prefer its size. I really had wanted the Leitz lens to be better, it still irks me somewhat that I have a rogue lens in my 'prime' outfit but until I (and maybe others) can afford the best that Leitz produce we may have to settle for second best from elsewhere. And at the end of it all, for many (though not all) of us, the image is more important than the technical quality. I hope this helps. Jem Jim Brick wrote: > What is the attraction? Etc... > But the Ricoh 28 ASPH is simply a mediocre lens, even when compared to > older Leica 28mm lenses. Who wants new mediocre? > Would I want a 28mm Ricoh? Hell no! > > Jim >