Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/01/24
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Andre E. Purdy wrote: > I'm in need of a P&S camera for an upcoming trip to Paris. My > requirements are as follows: > > Reasonably compact and rugged > Affordable <$350 > Night/low light capable > -fast lens (zoom or fixed) > -fairly long shutter times (T or B mode) > -remote shutter release > Competent AF/AE for snapshots > > As of right now I'm leaning towards: > -Leica Z2X > -Remote shutter release > -Slik U2000 tripod > > I'm sure a Leica Minilux would be perfect but unfortunately I'm also on > a pretty tight budget (gotta save some money for the actual trip). > > My question is this can I do better in the sub $350 range? What about > skimping on a used Leica Mini or Mini Zoom (couldn't find any specs on > these)? Where can I find used Leicas (either on the web or in lower > Michigan)? > > I haven't owned a camera since Junior High School and I could use all > the help I can get. I'm sure you'll get a million opinions on this, but I would look at the Ricoh GR-1, which has a fast 28mm fixed lens and is very small. On the used side, a Contax T2 or T3 would do the trick, but I think even a used T3 is probably more than $350.00. Both have fast 35mm Zeiss lenses. Unfortunately, I don't think Leica's offerings in this category are very competitive. There is nothing wrong with the Minilux's lens, but its size makes it look pretty dated next to say, the Contax T3. In the even cheaper P&S market, the Yashica T4 (now discontinued, but you can still find some new if you look hard) or the Olympus Stylus Epic, both with fixed 35mm lenses have their fans. Personally, I would stay away from zoom-anything. - -- Rolfe Tessem rolfe@ldp.com New York City - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html