Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/01/18
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I have to agree with Austin on this one, Don...And I preface this by reminding you - if anyone needs reminding - that I am NOT a worshiper in the Church of Solms. I use Leica Ms simply because I find them to be useful tools. I have less than no interest in the brand name, the Leitz family, or it's name. That being said, I have three M6s, two TTLs and a "classic," and other than a problem with the plastic tip on one advance lever- which Leica replaced - I haven't had any problems. Are they built like M3s? Of course not. But then virtually nothing is built today as the corresponding item was 45 years ago. I would say, however, that the M6s were built better than any other 35 mm cameras built today. As to the lenses, I have or have had a 21 ASPH, 28 Summicron, two 35 Summilux ASPHs, and a 90 APO, and the only problem I have had with any of them is a "weeping" of lubricant at the outer edge of the front element of the 28 Summicron. Other wise, they have been "perfect" - focus smoothly, nice and tight but not too tight - solid as rocks. I'd definitely suggest sending your 135 APO back for a rebuild or replacement. B. D. - -----Original Message----- From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us] On Behalf Of Don R. Sent: Friday, January 17, 2003 4:41 PM To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us Subject: Re: [Leica] Opinions/comments on 135/3.4 APO Telyt M lense... You asked about the metal work on the 135 APO. The f/stop ring flops around like it was made and fitted by an 8th grade shop class dropout. I have to be extremely cautious or the slightest touch will move the f/stop setting.The current Leica metal work sucks compared to the Leitz metal work. The pressure plate in the one and only M6 I ever bought was so poorly finished it scratched the film. I set it up on a diamond lap and lapped it till is was FLAT and SMOOTH. The only thing one can say now days about a Leica is it is slightly better finished than its competitors. Fortunately, the name Leitz has been removed so that family's name will not be sullied by the current lack of care. It is very difficult to replace former members of the German military service who had a tremendous work ethic and pride in their work with the current day vacationers who spend a huge amount of their time away from the work bench. Thank goodness for CNC equipment and molds that shape the APO lenses without human intervention. At one time there was pride in ownership when you owned a Leitz Leica. Now the mass production and off-shore sourcing has removed that source of pride, at least for this writer. Don R. - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Austin Franklin" <darkroom@ix.netcom.com> To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> Sent: Friday, January 17, 2003 2:27 PM Subject: RE: [Leica] Opinions/comments on 135/3.4 APO Telyt M lense... > > My beef is the metal work looks like it was done in pre-WWII Japan. > > Don, > > Would you please elaborate on that? It looks just like the other > lenses...90/2, 75/1.4, 50/1.4 as far as "metalwork" goes... > > Regards, > > Austin > > -- > To unsubscribe, see > http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html > - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html