Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/03/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Chip wrote: <<<I just held a R8 for the first time and it's size was a shock and it didn't seem to fit my hand with the large trapazoid thing on the right, but it also had the new 70-200 zoom which could have skewed my perception..... Any thoughts on the comparative merits on these three great but diffferent models would be appreciated>>> Good morning Chip, I think you were given an unforunate introduction to the R8 if you only handled it with the 70-200 attached. Obviously you would find a chunk of machinery like that heavy, however the R8 with any of the regular lenses isn't any heavier than the latest Nikon or Canon, it maybe with the motor attached. But I've used my R8 for 3 1/2 months of assignments and "learning to use" and it is the most comfortable camera I have ever had in my hands in 40 years as a photographer and I have two more on order as soon as they can be delivered with motors. Now I have a good sized hand, so that may add to my comfort zone for handling and I don't find the camera any different than working with 3 R7's and motors attached. I've had experience handling and shooting with the Canon EOS1n and I still prefer the R8, but then I'm biased and emotional :) about Leica.:) Most of the shooting with the R8 has been with the APO 70-180 2.8 and that is a handful in itself, however I find I work with it now as though it were a 100mm lens. I guess it is like any new product, one has to become accustomed to the weight and feel. But it truly is a beauty to hold and use. ted Victoria, Canada http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant