Re: The Leica Forte

["Charles E. Love, Jr." <cel14@cornell.edu>]

At 03:33 AM 7/23/96 -0400, you wrote:
><<Well, I've used a Nikon FM2.  It's a nice camera but lacks a great many of
>the features of the R6.  Among other things, it has no spotmeter (just the
>awkward Nikon centerweighted thing), no mirror lifter, and no TTL flash.  I
>guess I'd argue that the R6 is of much more than equal "stature" with the
>FM--though not much greater in size!   I don't know if you've used an R6 but
>my guess is that it would appeal to you greatly. --Charles E. Love, Jr.>>
>
>Charles,
>
>Tho I've never used an R6, I assume that most of its functions are
>battery-dependent.

NO, that was my point.  The R6, like the M6 and the FM, needs NO battery
power except for the light meter.  Of course, the R3, 4, 5, and 7 do need
batteries.


 My analogy between the Leica M and the Nikon FM is based
>on their freedom from electrical power. True, the FM and the Leica M have
>battery powered meters, but those meters will not affect the mechanical
>operation of these two fine cameras. When you're working a hundred miles from
>nowhere, my choice would be either one of these stalwarts as primary or
>backup insurance.

I think manual cameras are great, and have an M6 and an R6.  But it's really
not hard to carry a couple of extra batteries.
>
>I regard the MR meter on my Leica M3 a spot meter. It covers the area roughly
>the perimeter of the a 90mm lens as outlined in the M3 viewfinder. I use the
>center circle of the FM the same way. I interpret what they tell me as a
>light gray and make my interpretive adjustments, usually 1 to 2 stops either
>way.

The MR is a "spot" if you're using a short lens, I suppose.  But the FM's
meter is only centerweighted, taking into account more than the "center
circle."  
>
>As for TTL, I use both the M3 and FM for EL work. For TTL I use a Nikon 2020.
>So there is a division of function here. 
>
>I heard about the Canon 1.0 for the SLR. But we're not involved with SLRs,
>and their iffy focus. We're CRF people here. The Noctilux on an M is in its
>own class.

I don't know where "here" is--but if it's this list, I have the impression
that there are lots of Leica SLR folks here.

 One of my favorite M lenses is my original 50mm 1.5 Sumarit. I use
>it wide open at very high speeds and get remarkable qualities. It's a
>travesty that Leica named the lens on its latest pricey point and shoot a
>Sumarit. That's like calling a Piper Cub an F16.

I'm no fan of point and shoots, but that lens has tested out very well, the
equal of lots of good SLR lenses.
>
>Bob
>      
>
>
Charles E. Love, Jr.
517 Warren Place
Ithaca, New York
14850
607-272-7338
CEL14@CORNELL.EDU