Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/04/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Johnny, I'd go for the basic 500cm combo. 80mm lens, A12 back, and waistlevel finder. If you don't mind an older 80, the black T* lens is much less than the CF version used. Depending on cosmetics, around $1200.00US for the outfit. The older lenses are bay 50 filter size in 80, 150, and 250 I believe. The newer versions, bay 60. It's kind of like the M3 of Hasselblad outfits. If you aren't interested in a Polaroid back you can get a 45 degree prism from Kiev for under $200.00US. Flash synch at all speeds, built like a brick outhouse. The only quirky thing is that with longer lenses the viewfinder darkens at the top of the frame due to a short mirror design. Not really a problem. It's not a significant amount. If you find the screen a bit dark there are bright screens available. If you don't mind the motor noise, a 500ELM is about the same price as the hand crank model, but it requires a rechargeable battery that can be somewhat expensive. If you're buying used, look at the lower right corner of the body where the trigger pin for the back come out of the body. Significant wear in that area means significant use. Likewise for the back. But if everything works smoothly these cameras are made to be used a lot, and restored to specs when necessary. Other than Leicas, there's nothing Like 'em. More info, give me a yell offlist. I go through around 3-4000 fashion/product setups with this gear a year. Used to be film, now it's to ccd. cheers Scott Stewart The Greenville News 305 S. Main St. Greenville, SC 29602 864-298-4244 cmrausr@aol.com