Re: [Leica] R zoom lens...

[TM <spaniel@pacbell.net>]

Ted: Thank you for your insight. It corresponds with what I suspected
all along, and it brings to mind a persistent irritation I've had for a
long time: Both Wall Street Camera's Shutterbug ad and Leica's 1997
Handbook of the Leica System show that Leica has discontinued making any
fixed focal length R lenses above 280 mm. Instead, Leica has created the
APO-TELYT-R modular system. In order to buy into that system one must
shell out $7,740 for the minimal configuration alone. Gads, that leaves
long-range, fast telephoto lens affordablity amongst wealthy amateurs
and pros as well as men and women who shoot pictures for a living and
can deduct camera equipment expenses on their tax returns. It's no
wonder Leica is called by some the Apple Computer of camera
manufacturers and why Leica's annual revenues stink compared to its
Japanese competitors! Additionally, it was ridiculous last year when
Leica issued public stock, thereby implying they have a likelihood of
pleasing stockholders with wondrous sales and revenue increases in the
months and years to come! 

I've been using Leica lenses since childhood (my father used and still
uses an M2), still think they are outstanding, and understand that
Leica's production methods are outstanding, but for Leica to price so
many of its fans out of the long-range tele lens format is absurd!!!




ted grant wrote:
> 
> TM wrote:
> 
> <<<<One of my concerns with the VE f/4 is the maximum aperture of f/4,
> especially with a concomitant loss of 2 aperture settings (down to f/8)
> with the R-extender>>>>>>
> 
> If you are shooting much of your work indoors you'll almost be dead in the
> water with that zoom and using a 2X extender. It's bad enough at indoor
> events working with the 70-180 2.8 and a 2X. If you expect any success
> you'll be into super high speed films. 1600 3200 pushed or other wise.
> 
> 80-200 is a fine lens for out doors. Indoors on occaision with excellent
> lighting conditions and fast film and no extender.
> 
> If it were me I wouldn't bother, as all you'll probably do is become
> frustrated trying to shoot at 1/8th or 1/15 of a sec and blowing a pile of
> film.
> 
> Buy another used body and then you wont have to worry about changing
> lenses, kep the same film in all three and away you go for whatever
> situation you need.
> 
> Or buy the 70-180! :) Even then with the 2X on you'll be at 5.6 wide open
> and indoors, that can become rather iffffy at times.
> 
> ted