Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/12/17

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Re: P&S Recommendation and focus lock
From: Steve Hickel <smhickel@x2.alliance.net>
Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 00:16:55 -0500

The Contax T VS can be set either way -- focus on pre-push or focus on push.

Steve

At 09:57 PM 12/17/97 -0600, you wrote:
>>simon_ogilvie@ionica.co.uk wrote:
>>>Jeff Moore wrote:
>>>> I continue to think that the T2 remains the most physically appealing
>package
>>>> among the point-and-shoots, even after Nikon, Leica and Minolta have
taken
>>> >their best shots at the market Kyocera created with the T2... BUT, in
>addition
>>> >to a few minor nits, the T2 has one possibly-fatal flaw which
>constitutes the
>>>> reason I hardly use mine anymore:  the T2, in common with all the
"cheap" 
>>>> point-and-shoots of which I'm aware, locks focus electronically with a 
>>> >half-press of the shutter button but doesn't physically drive the lens
>into
>>> >position until you commit to taking the picture.  This introduces a
>small but
>>> >completely infuriating delay which allows the world to change out from
>under
>>>> you while the camera's trying to get around to taking the picture.
>>
>>>This is something I find very annoying about this type of camera too.  I
>used
>>>a Yashica T4 for a while and the lens is indeed quite good, but the delay
>between
>>>pressing the shutter and the camera getting round to taking the shot
>after moving
>>>the lens into position was a killer for me.
>>
>>I experienced the same problem with the Nikon 35Ti I borrowed recently.
>>The problem is especially frustrating in light of the "mission" for which
>>cameras of this type are designed.  If I want to do serious
>>work, I will use my "first string" equipment.  I save P&S cameras for
>>impromptu people snaps.  For the "moment" to pass while the camera
>>selects focus is intolerable given the price of these titanium marvels.
>>
>>Aside from this problem, I found the 35Ti to be a pleasing package.  The
>>lens was sharp and I liked the camera's retro styling.
>>
>>Paul Walsen
>>
>I realize the Contax G-1 isn't a P&S, but I sold mine almost as soon as I
>had bought it for the same reason.  Each time you shoot it moves the lens
>only after you press the shutter all the way.  And then as soon as the shot
>is taken it resets it back, so that even if your subject-camera distance
>doesn't change, the camera is constantly moving the lens in and out.  For
>someone used to the M shutter release the delay is intollerable.  The salt
>in the wound was that the G-1 focusing is very noisy to boot.  
>
>I understand the G-2 is "better," but still works basically the same way.
>If anyone knows of a good P&S that actually moves the lens at focus lock
>time, I'd love to hear about it. Thanks.
>
>Van Barletta
>
>