Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/07/20

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Subject: R8 vs. SL
From: "C.M. Fortunko" <fortunko@boulder.nist.gov>
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 1997 09:27:37 -0600

LUGs,

I have just read with interest the story about SL. I agree. The SL and SL2s
felt like Leicas. My main objection to the R8 is its bulk, weight and those
8 electrical contacts that forced the exit of the original two cams. Also,
the new 35-70mm zoom does not have the feel of a Leica lens.

In fact, the new Nikon F5 does not turn me on either. If I have to carry all
this weight, I might as well carry a Rolleiflex 3.5F or 2.8F and get all the
benefits of medium format and its materials.

In my opinion, both the F5 and R8 represent the end of an era. I suspect
that further advances in electronics and film technology may favor the APS
format. Reporters will probably favor this new format, because it results in
smaller and lighter cameras that are fully automated. 

The F5 has a lot of automation, including autofocus. The R8 does not have
enough. The SL is a good deal compared to the R8. It does not have TTL flash
connections, but Leica users do not use flash and filters.

Best of Light,

Chris