Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/08/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]How good to know, and something that should be of value to the many R4 owners. I have often read that the R4 viewfinder brightness is not the greatest, but never saw mention of this solution. Maybe it belongs on one of the Leica FAQ web sites. Thanks again..............Julian - ----- Original Message ----- From: Dan S <dstate1@hotmail.com> To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> Sent: Monday, August 02, 1999 12:43 PM Subject: Re: [Leica] R4 or M? You would need to order a screen for the R5-R6 series. I am not sure the R7 will fit, but other users may be able to enlighten me. Best Wishes Dan > >I have two R4's in good working order and am therefore reluctant to trade >up >to a used Rwhatever. Does your message mean that I could order a >replacement universal focusing screen from current production and achieve a >significant increase in screen brightness? If I picked up a used >replacement, I don't know how I could tell if it were from the R4 or >subsequent (brighter) series. > >Thanks.........Julian >----- Original Message ----- >From: Dan S <dstate1@hotmail.com> >To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> >Sent: Sunday, August 01, 1999 12:10 AM >Subject: Re: [Leica] R4 or M? > > >Jason, I have not encountered corrosion in any Leica camera, so I can not >comment on that part of the quality issue. As for the viewfinder, you can >purchase one of the later R5-R6 focusing screens if the brightness is not >satisfactory. It will increase the illumination by about 1-1.5 stops. I >have seen them used for about 40.00 usd. > >Many of the complaints you have about the R4 were remedied in the later >R5-R7 cameras. That said, how many times are you going to need to change >the exposure compensation switch in every day use? If it is only 1 or 2 >times on a roll of film we are not talking about a ton of hassles... > >The R4, while not the best Leica SLR ever, is certainly a great way to get >into the system for a minimal cost. The lenses are MUCH cheaper used than >comparable M pieces, and there is much greater versatility in the system. > >Don't think I am talking down the M, I love mine. Just be aware of the >compromises you will have to live with in a rangefinder. Particularly the >less accurate representation of wide angle perspective and depth of field. > >My final thought is that you should remember that the final quality of your >photos will be determined by you, the photographer. You may want to use >that old R4 for a year to get back in the swing of things...and then move >to >another camera. An M alone will be no guarantee of good photography. > >Good luck and have fun >Dan States >Chicago Ill. _________________________________________ >Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com > _______________________________________________________________ Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com