Re: [Leica] R5-R7 decision

[Jim Hemenway <jim@hemenway.com>]

Aram:

For what it may be worth... and if you still have the SL35, Marflex will
install a split-image screen in your SL35 which will make the focusing
much easier.

But, having said that I still use the R8 more.

Jim

> On Sun, 11 November 2001, "Aram Langhans" wrote:
> 
> >
> > Maybe I could get some help with my decision.  I use an R4 right now and
> > would like to upgrade a bit.  My main motive is that my eye sight is getting
> > to the stage at age 51 that I will need some viewfinder diopter help.  I was
> > all set on an R5 from a fellow LUGite, but then a friend brought over his
> > "new" R7.  A bit larger, but not much.  I have to admit I was always put off
> > by the R5's lack of 1 second manual shutter selection.  I take quite a few 1
> > second shots as I like to shoot waterfalls, streams and do a fair amount of
> > macro work where 1 sec gives me that one extra stop DOF.  I know that this
> > speed is available in aperature priority mode, but I have never trusted auto
> > modes.  Having shot with an all manual Rollei SL35 for close to 30 years
> > before getting my R4 last year, I haven't made the physological switch.
> > Often I must use less or more exposure than the meter tells me and in manual
> > mode this is easy.
> >
> > The R7 has this 1 second and more.  It has 1/2 shutter speeds.  I tend to
> > think that f-stop is more important than shutter in my style of shooting,
> > and often have to open or close a 1/2 stop to be able to use the full
> > shutter steps.  Maybe this 1/2 stop thing is carrying things too far.
> >
> > Can anyone give me any perspective in this deilema?  Should I get an R5 or
> > spend twice the money on an R7?  Has anyone seen real practical beneifts to
> > the R7?  Is the meter more accurate?  Benefits of 1/2 shutter speed
> > selection?  Any other real improvements on the R7?  Actually looking at used
> > prices it is only a few hundred bucks more for an R8.  R7's are going for
> > $8-900 and R8's are around $1100.
> >
> > I could get another lens for the difference in price if I bought the R5.
> >
> > Decisions, decisions.
> >
> > Aram
> >
>
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