Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/02/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Marc, Just a couple of points. The reason people would choose an SLR over a rangefinder is they don't all think alike. You can't put a 280 2.8 on a Leica M6, and visoflex is a compromise at best. Nor can you easily put a 16mm fisheye on one, or use a macro effectively, or zooms. Lots and lots of reasons. And I don't buy the argument that "real" photographers only use 35mm and 90mm lenses. As for retrofocus, either it is or it isn't. Kinda like being sorta pregnant, I suppose. <g> The 21 Elmarit is retrofocus. The old ones block the M5/6 meters. Though I too can't think of any other. The new Zeisss 16mm f/8 would be too far into the camera (there's an adapter now!) so the meter won't work, but it's sure not retro! I think the real reason Leica R cameras don't sell is the fact that people just can't deal with the cost. It has nothing at all to do with quality, except for mistaken notions by people out there. Though it isn't wholly undeserved (the bodies are not as rugged as an M6 - but then, I'm not as rugged as an M6, nor is an EOS1n or an F4 or I suspect a Panzer tank! <g>). The closest camera to an M6 in that department is the Nikon F, and the Canon F1 (old version). The lenses are beyond reproach, and anyone who says otherwise hasn't used them, or doesn't know how to judge a lens. I think I'm safe in saying that since I've used them (and some of the best like the 280 2.8 Apo Telyt) professionally for more than 10 years. The ONLY reason I am switching to the EOS1n is for autofocus. And the reason I bought an M6 is I've always wanted one. But it's sure got nothing on an R7 except size and quietness and ruggedness. Hey! That's quite a bit! <G> BTW, Leica never releases production figures for items in production at the time. That's been written in the books for years. All I care about is that they stay around until I can afford a 19 2.8, 100 Apo Macro, 70-180 2.8 Apo Zoom, and a 400 2.8 Apo Telyt. (What the heck? A used one is only about $1,000 more than a new Nikon or EOS!) They'll all work on my EOS1n with the appropriate adapter. -------- Eric Welch Grants Pass, OR