Re: [Leica] Re: R8 thoughts

[Jeffcoat Photography <jeffcoatphoto@sumter.net>]

Jay: Glad your so happy, me too. I did get my R-8 for the 1495. 2- yr.
passport. But the second part of the discount was a dealer sale in
celebration of 10 yrs in business.
cheers Wilber

Jay Coleman wrote:

> Greg:
>
> I'm glad someone has come to the defense of the R8.  I knew Ted would,
> but it's nice to see someone else.  I have been using the R8 for about
> three years now.  I have used all the Leica SLRs since the R5 (R5, R6
> and R7).  I like the R8 best.  I like the size and weight of the R8; it
> fits in my hand and I find it easy to hold still for long exposures.
> The camera balances especially well with some of the larger R lens
> (80/1.4 and up [in size]).  The shutter release is the smoothest, it's
> the most robust, in practice as well as in feeling.  It is true that I
> am on my second R8; my first R8 was replaced under Passport because a
> metering circuit failed.  It was replaced promptly.  Would it have been
> promptly enough if I were a professional and needed it everyday?  I
> don't know.  But if I were a professional I would probably have had a
> backup body; also, my dealer probably would have given me a loaner.  The
> second R8 has worked fine.   I don't know if this a complement to the R8
> or a bad comment on other Leica R bodies, but I have had problems with
> every R body.  And for you electronic haters out there, the mechanical
> R6 was the worst (in three times, although two times it was the flash/
> metering circuitry).   All were fixed under Passport with no problem,
> but unlike others on the list, I certainly don't find the R8 to be any
> worse; in fact, I find it to be better.  And I would (and may) get
> another R8.
>
> In addition, as I commented when the R8 first came out, it is the most
> Leica-like of the Rs since the SL2.  And, I go out on a limb here, it's
> better -- because of the automation, the range of shutter speeds, the
> choice of metering patterns, etc.  I know some on the list feel real men
> don't need these features, but I (and most SLR users -- vide the EOS and
> F5) beg to differ.
>
> As for the lenses, there is no question.  They are great.  I am still
> working on the perfect combo (I think that means all of them).
>
> I just got an M6 and like that too so far.  Different feeling.  Not as
> easy to use (no automation).  But it is much lighter (I don't know how
> Ted walks with all the R equipment he carries ; )) and I really like
> what I see from the lenses so far.    Also working on the perfect lens
> combo which I would like to be complementary to the R and not
> duplicative.
>
> As for the 5000 R8 bodies supposedly unsold, I doubt that Leica would
> run up such a big inventory given the demand.  I do believe, however,
> that the rebates we are seeing in the U.S. (to $1995, not $1495) mean
> that a replacement for the R8, or an addition to the line, is on the way
> shortly.  Or it could just be the strength of the dollar.
>
> Just my thoughts.
>
> Jay Coleman,
> satisfied R8 user