Re: [Leica] SLR choice

[Dave Yoder <leica@home.com>]

Hey there Jay,

I thought the reliability problems were pretty much resolved with the
introduction of the R5 and I was wondering if you or anyone knew of
evidence or conventional wisdom otherwise.

I recently got an R5 as a back up to my R6.2 and R8, and since then it's
become my body of choice, partly because the shutter release seems to be
the fastest of the R4-7's.

Just curious, really, but I'd like to know if there have been widespread
problems. It's natural that the R7 should be more reliable than the R5, but
I'd like to know if there were problems anything like on the scale of the
R4's.

Thanks,

Dave Y

Jay Coleman wrote:

> Simon:
>
> For a lens, I would recommend the new 35-70/4 that was designed by Leica
> but built by Kyocera (maker of Contax) in Japan.  They can be had used
> for about $900.  It is much better than the earlier zooms.  Look at
> Erwin's site:  http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/leicahome.html
>
> For a body, I would suggest an R5 or later.  They are more reliable and
> the viewfinders are brighter, although an R5 screen can be put in an R4
> to improve the brightness.  If you prefer simplicity, consider an RE.
> Despite what you say about the R5, R7 being too complicated etc., I
> would get an R7.  It is more relieable and more robust.  For cheap, an
> R3 will do.
>
> The Contax system is also good, but I prefer the Leica glass and the
> ergonomics of the Leica bodies (R4 on).
>
> Jay Coleman