Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/02/07
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Colin, While part of my post was tongue in cheek, your response about the dime on the lens sounds like a tremendous demonstration. In a serious mode, I know fully well that each of the 'rays' in an image translate into a spot, the size of which is determiined by the focus of the lens, and the so called 'circle of confusion'. Taken with the resolution of the film, and the lens system that reproduces the image, there is a lot of room for something to go awry. I like Leica because the images are good, and even my 30 year old SL is still chugging along; I have a Kodak Instamatic of the same vintage in my 'shelf collection', and its usability is practically nil. The SL on the other hand, should I ever think of selling it, is probably worth more now than when it was new. I also have lenses that are between 1 and 30 years old. They perform superbly, and I can depend on them; I have no doubt that the newest one will probably out live my 51 year old carcass, and the thirty year old lenses will no doubt be around as well. Scratches and all! To me, the higher price you pay for Leica is the inherent long term usability. We have people with Nikons ( admittedly P&S cameras) who come in for repairs and are told that the cost, if the parts are still available, would be almost that of a new camera! These are cameras barely 2-3 years old! Reminds me of the old saw- " What does a Japanese camera say- 'CRICK!'" So much for my rambles! I really can't fault those who want a 'cosmetically' perfect lens; any comsumer should get what they want if they are paying the price. This applies to those who 'collect' cameras for investment purposes; they are an appreciative audience, though for an ultimately different purpose. I do know that if they reduced the price of the 'flawed' lens, I would jump on it. To paraphrase an old saying, "Thirty years from now, what the heck differance will it make?!" Regards , dwpost@msn.com It's really hard to shoot yourself in the foot with a Leica!