Re: [Leica] Leica R models?

[Mikiro Mori <arbos@silva.net>]

At 7:08 am +0200 29/4/99, JimmyVenus@aol.com wrote:
>Thank you Luggers for the info on the Leica R.Maybe I could get some more
>info from you on some of the different model R cameras? The R 6.2 is the
>latest-what are it's predecessors? Are there models that I should stay away
>from? The reason that I am asking is that I have found some very reasonable
>prices on R3's w/ motor & R4's w/ motor drive.Is there any reason that these
>should be avoided? Why are these a small fraction of the cost of a used R6.2?
>The difference obviously translates into more glass for me in the end...that
>is,assuming all bodies are created equal!..sans bells & whistles. Can someone
>point me in an educated,optically oriented direction? I have a whole Canon
>Eos1n setup that I have been shooting with for years w/ 5 lenses that I'd
>like to step out of & step into a Leica R setup.I am most concerned with
>getting as much Leica glass as I can in the transition & I know that the
>Canon lenses aren't worth as much as the Leica lenses.So, I am bargain
>hunting.Thanx>Jim Volkert

Hi, Jim.

I have used R3, R4s, RE, and R6.2.  Here are my 2 yen-worth's.

I like R3. It looks like a German tank and has a relatively silent shutter
system.  However, it is OLD (I am not sure if its parts are still
available), and its viewfinder screen is darker than those of the later
models.

I can highly recommend RE.  It is reasonably priced and reliable in my
experience.  R6.2 has the best (mildest) feel with shutter sound/vibration
among R4-R7, but the difference is small.

Earlier batches of R3 and R4 are said to be prone to electrical flaws.
For a general overview, please refer to the site below.

http://teachnet.edb.utexas.edu/~leica/leicaslr.html

As for the optics, I can only say that seeing is believing.  IMHO, EOS and
Leica have a big difference in their characters.  It's a matter of tastes.
^_^

Leicalement,

Mikiro
Strasbourg
http://members.tripod.com/arbos3/cigogne/index.html