Re: Strap lugs

[jbuf@ix.netcom.com (John Irvin Buford)]

You wrote: 
>
>Thomas,
>
>I avoided the problem by removing the front hinged section of an M3 
case. I then fasten my straps to the tough flanges of the case. I don't 
even bother with the eyelets on the camera itself. The M3 is then 
protected by the case as well. The only tradeoff is the extra time
 needed to remove the camera from the case and the balancing act 
necessary to load it without the security of the strap. But loading an 
M3 even under the best conditions is a chore. Its >precision works 
against you, what with the swinging back, independent-minded
>baseplate and tricky threading with that wild take-up spool. 
>The M6, I understand, has a fixed spool, so if had $2K to spend I 
might lighten the loading protocol somewhat.<snip>

You could always have m4p take-up spool put in your M3. 

>Since the lens is the bottom line in a good camera system, I think we 
should compare Leica with Nikon lenses. There the gap is closing 
rapidly. And so are >the prices for certain special purpose objectives. 
AF lenses are an entirely >new ballgame. I have no idea how Leica will 
meet that challenge -- if at all.
>
>
>Footnote: The best lens I've ever used is a Nikon AF f3.5/4 35-70mm 
zoom. It meets the standard set by my 50mm 1.5 Summarit and then goes 
ahead and does the same at other focal lengths. Whether it will do that 
as long as the Summarit has is an unanswered question. Carbonate 
plastic is one thing; brass is another. From what I've seen, Leica 
doesn't make its own zoom lenses; but things may have changed.
>
>Bob        

Bob:
    Come on lets look the really good Leica lens.  I have never owned a 
summarit and I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong,  but, I 
never thought it was rated that highly.  And, you are comparing a very 
old lens to a modern Nikor.  Lets talk about the 35, and 50 mm
Summicrons, if you want a high water mark.  What criterion are you 
using to say that your AF zoom is of the best lens you have ever used?  
And, while it is true that Leica does not make there own zooms, as long 
as the quality is there who ares.  Alas, IMHO I feel confident in 
saying that whom-so-ever makes Leica zooms we will never see plastic 
lens mounts.  My only experience with Nikon came after my apartment was 
burgularized.  Both my SLR and M leicas had both been stolen.  SO I 
went looking for a new Cmaera system.  I borrowed a Nikon 8008s and a 
80 - 200 ED lens and some other like  28- 80 for a long weekend.  I  
thought that the pictures were terrible, they were sharp alright, they 
just seemed to lack something that I have only been able to find in 
Leica lens.  I really wish I could get excited about Nikon,  Because I 
now work in a store that specializes in used Photo eguipment.  and, for 
every peice of Leica gear that passes through my fingers I see 100 
Nikons.

So the best of luck and continued success with your choice of 
equipment.

John N3BVH