Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/09/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I have been a life-long fan of Leica optics, using M2s and M3s when I was a photojournalist in the 70's. Today I have an M6 with 4 lenses. But, I've never cared for R series camera bodies, even though I know that R lenses are as good if not in many cases superior to their M series cousins. The R8 changes the equation. I was in Europe last week and spoke at length with someone who'd attended Photokina and spent some time with the R8. He had exceptionally positive comments. I've also read most of what's appeared here and on the net. So, this morning I visited my favourite dealer and he tells me that he has his first two R8s coming in in about 3-4 weeks; one for the store owner, and one for me -- if I want it. Further supply will be toward Xmas. To make matters "worse", he has a mint Leica demo 100mm f/2.8 APO Macro with full warrenty that just arrived (one of the lenses which I have always lusted after, the other being the 35mm f/1.4R). Decission time. I'm curious what people think about the prices. The R8 will cost me $2,600, and the mint 100mm f/2.8 APO will cost $2,175. A new 35mm f/1.4 will cost $2,600, rounding out the basic system. (All in $US). Is anyone else considering getting an R8? How do these prices compare? My dealer is holding the R8 and 100 APO until Monday or Tuesday for me to make a decission. My F4 system may just have to find a new home! Cheers, Michael