RE: [Leica] Leica announces $500 rebate on O Series

["George Day" <george@rdcinteractive.com>]

David,

Interesting.  I've owned and used extensively pretty much every Contax body
(I have some favs and some duds) and just about all of the non-extreme
(i.e., stratospherically expensive) lenses, of both German and Japanese
manufacture.

The German/Japanese thing is debatable, I guess. Optically, there is no
difference I could ever tell.  Mechanically, I can tell a newer lens from an
older lens, but that's about it.

In terms of value, even though I'm divested from Contax, I think the system
represents a superb value.  Optically equivalent lenses for Leica R almost
inevitably cost many times that of the Zeiss system.  That's not to put down
Leica, it's just a fact.

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
[mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Rodgers,
David
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2001 11:55 AM
To: 'leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us'
Subject: RE: [Leica] Leica announces $500 rebate on O Series


George

I have a Zeiss 50/1.4 and it's a mighty fine performer, right down to f1.4.
Actually, I think you can find them used for about $150 now. OTOH, it
doesn't have the same robust feel as my 50/2 Summicron R.

When I used Contax system I definately felt that the German made lenses were
mechanically better than those made in Japan. I know this is debatable, but
I base that opinion on actual use. I still have an Contax 85/1.4 and 60/2.8
Makro Planar. Both are rock solid. Both are German made. I also have 50/1.4
and 35/2.8, both of which are Japanese made. The 35/2.8 front element is
scratched to heck, but it still cranks out an impressive image. I use it
when I enter the "Danger to Camera" zone. I sold all the newer Contax MM
lenses I had, all of which were Japanese made.

I've never taken apart any lenses. So I don't really know what's inside. But
just in using them I thought the German, Canadian, and even Japanese made
Lieca lenses felt sturdier than the Japanese Contax lenses. Perhaps I'm
making too much of that, as the older MF Nikkors also felt sturdier than
many of the newer AF versions. Optically, most mid to high range lenses are
pretty good, but I wonder about the longevity of some under heavy use.

Also, I never had much luck with Contax bodies. If I had a decent Contax
body I'd probably use the 50/1.4 Planar more. It performs as well as the
50/2 Summicron R in my eyes. A used 50/1.4 on an Aria body would be pretty
sweet to own. Unless, like me, you can never escape the call of the Leica.

I checked out the "O". Didn't do much for me. I can't live with an f3.5 lens
- -- especially one that won't accept my current filters or lens shades -- no
matter how good it might be.

Dave


- -----Original Message-----
From: George Day [mailto:george@rdcinteractive.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2001 9:28 AM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: RE: [Leica] Leica announces $500 rebate on O Series


Ah, the Zeiss 50/1.4.  Where else can you get that much lens for $250?
Leica, eat your heart out.  Or not, I guess.

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
[mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Rei
Shinozuka
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2001 8:45 AM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: Re: [Leica] Leica announces $500 rebate on O Series


everybody's favorite magazine _pop photography_ has an entertaining
review of the null in the sept issue (yellow cover).

on page 90 they surprised me in concluding their lens test:

"superb performance [ from the 50mm f/3.5 Leitz Anastigmat ] --
 the second best 50mm lens we have ever tested (edged out only by
 the 50mm f/1.4 Zeiss Planar) ... when used within its parameters,
 this upgraded classic lens provides outstanding image quality."

- -rei


> From: =?iso-8859-1?q?Jeff=20Williams?= <jeffwill_nz@yahoo.fr>
>
> Despite the fact that there are some detractors on the
> list for this little jewel I can recommend it as a
> lovely camera to use, one that requires the brain to
> be fully engaged in order to get good results.
> When you get it all right it is very satisfying to
> use.