Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/10/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi! I too own both the drive and the winder, and while I agree completely with Michael Gardner's comments, I have to point out the following: If you plan to use the Universal Handgrip and Shoulder Stock (official Leica denomination) with shorter lenses, e.g. the 100/2.8 Apo-Macro, you have to get the winder, and not the drive. It's hard to explain, but if you try it, you'll see what I mean. Also, with the handgrip on, it's difficult to reach the shutter speed wheel. And the electronic shutter release on the grip can't be used to lock the meter reading on automatic cameras. Silly. The Leica design department obviously never really tests their add-ons before releasing them. That might be partly true of their cameras as well (R4 is a good example), so I'm definitely not getting an R8 yet. I'm not at all impressed with Leica design (R) and reliability (both M and R) given the prices, but the optics are unbeatable. I hate the R-system, but I love the pictures. I also have an EOS-1 and a few zooms. Great ergonomics, fast action, never any problems, BUT unimpressive definition and colour saturation, so there you are... Regards, Klaus N. Mathisen klausm@online.no