[Leica] The Perfect Outfit

["TSL" <eno22@enter.net>]

>Ladies and Gentlemen:

It now is time for me to seek counsel from this august group.  As I had
mentioned earlier in my R8 encomium, I am currently trying to put
together the "perfect" M and R outfits.  I currently have an M6, 35/2
Asph, 50/2, 90/2.8 Elmarit-M, an R8, 35/2, 100/2.8 APO, 180/3.4 APO, SL
with 50/2 (2 cam).  I am considering getting a wide angle and cannot
decide between the 21/2.8 Asph. for the M and the (new style) 19/2.8 for
the R.  I am also considering replacing the 35/2 R with the new
35-70/4.  For the R, I also want an 80/1.4 (I had one and foolishly sold
it), a 35/1.4 and also the new 50/1.4 (but I think I'll wait for it to
appear used).  I also eventually want a 70-180/2.8 APO and a 2X APO
converter for the R.  For the M, the 35/1.4 Asph. and the 90/2 Asph.  I
also want another M body and probably another R8 (or successor) instead
of the SL.  I would appreciate any thoughts, comments, etc.

Thanks.

>Jay Coleman
==================
Well, it certainly sounds like you've got a good thing going there! Also, I
have an opportunity to recommend my favorite - the 19/2.8 with the filters.
I am continually amazed by these photographs and seem to shoot 3X the amount
of rolls with this lens, usually on my R7.  For anyone looking for wide,
this is the one.  I wouldn't go wider!  Amazingly enough this rectilinear
lens actually can produce quite 'normal' looking pictures.  Unless you start
looking up, etc.  I've always been a wide-angle eye since my 28/R - which I
sold..  The 19 for architecture is just a delight for the photographer.  I
don't need to be too concerned with distortion, etc.  But there are pictures
wherever you look.  Unless of course you take the camera away from your
face.  And portraits!  Those who use the 90 or so for portraits are doing a
different, although more acceptable thing.  But using the 19 properly you
can really get some great shots of people too.  You have to stand on their
toes. In any case, practicality aside, this is a fun one and a superior
piece of Leica.  As for another R body, the R8 is good, but I would
personally not want this to be my only post R4 cam.  It's a different
animal.  Go and get the R7. You want to get the R 80/1.4?  But maybe you'll
sell it again?