Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/09/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Weight is only part of the equation. Size matters, and in this case, smaller is better. You can put an Elmarit 21 ASPH, Summilux 35 ASPH, Noctilux, and APO Summicron 90 ASPH, plus two M6 bodies in a small Domke satchel. This combination of gear is lighter than, for example, the Canon SLR counterpart. Though still relatively heavy, this equipment is quite compact. This allows you to carry it in a small satchel type bag, like the Domke F803, that rides close to your body. Effectively, this make the same load easier to carry, because it has less leverage on your spine. In other words, the load pulls down, and not so much out to the side. The continual effort to keep yourself straight, with a heavy load on a lever pulling you sideways is very tiring. And a satchel like this is slim, so you can hook your hand around the bottom of it for extra support. Another point is that you have to compare apples to apples. Let's assemble comparable systems and compare: Elmarit 21 ASPH 300 Summilux 35 ASPH 310 Noctilux 50 630 Summicron 90 ASPH 500 M6 580 Total 2320 grams EF 20 2.8 405 EF 35 1.4 580 EF 50 1.0 985 EF 100 f2 460 EOS1 895 Total 3325 grams The additional weight of the SLR system, combined with its additional bulk (hence, leverage, as the bag will stand out from your body more), makes for a system that is more fatiguing to carry. This is the most fair comparison. Weight could be further reduced for the SLR by substituting the very good L-series zooms, but you know that they are not the equivalent of the EF primes, much less the Leica primes. And, they lack the high speed of the lenses I've included here. Next, you must ask yourself how the Canon primes I've selected for this kit compare to the Leicas. On the other hand, considering all the advanced electronic technology the Canon kit packs, as compared to the Leica, the fact that it only weighs 30% more is quite remarkable. Then again, Leica packs alot of advanced optical technology into a very small package. When you look at the whole picture, thier claims of compactnes and light weight are not unfounded. Cheers, - --Jim Laurel - -----Original Message----- From: Bernard [mailto:5521.g23@g23.relcom.ru] Sent: Thursday, September 16, 1999 6:11 AM To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us Subject: Re: [Leica] Ideal bag for M6 & 2 lenses = No bag > Bernard wrote: > > "I keep hearing the argument that the M is light and I can't help > disagreeing."