Re: [Leica] What the heck

[Ted Grant <tedgrant@islandnet.com>]

Mike Johnston wrote:
>I think the Contax Aris is what the R8 should have been.>>>>

Hi Mike,

Unfortunately I don't know this camera, but after your post I'm going to
have a look at it for sure. Only because of what you've said.

>Think of it. The original Barnack camera was a sub-miniature camera for
>its day. When the rangefinder was incorporated in the design, no one had
>ever made a rangefinder mechanism so small: but Oscar Barnack himself
>was adamant that the basic small size of the original camera not be
>appreciably violated.  To me, a fundamental and essential part of the
>"Leica ethos" is small size.>>>>>>>

There can't possibly be any argument with this, Oscar and yourself! Small
is in and it shouldn't deviate from that or as little as possible. Although
as you say, the R8 has quite measurably from previous R bodies.

<<<<So, some people may like the size of the R8 (as some people may
>like the RTS III). I think it's just...big and fat. There, I've said it.>>>>

Oh my goodness, how could you? I'm shattered beyond words!:)

However,I guess I have to agree with you! :) Now hell there goes my
defender credibility of the R8 since it came out. Size of course hasn't
been a problem for me as I have a good fit of hand and the R8 feels like it
was made custom.

But big & fat it is, certainly when you look at it beside an R7!

>Why Leica would replace the R7 with a camera that is the equivalent of a
>full-size Cadillac just mystifies me. It's maybe not a BAD decision;
>it's maybe not the WRONG decision; I don't want to argue those things.
>But is it the Leica Way?>>>>>>>>

I tend to agree, as the R7 is nice and comfy size. However, I always work
with motor drive attached, so my "big-fat" factor from "physical in hand"
size doesn't have the same reaction to those who are accustomed to working
body only.

And that's why I believe people like yourself who generally work (sans
motors) find the R8 "big & fat!"

<<<<<<Does the R8 perhaps even signify that a Leica MEANS something
different than it used to mean--that it is now a marque that is equivalent
to big, slow, comfortable luxury cars and not fast, light, manoeuvrable
sports cars?>>>>>>

Well it's bigger alright, but possibly due to engineering types being
influenced by the Japanese designs. Besides I don't think they could have
incorporated the refinements within the R7 body size. But then electronics
and micro design these days, possibly it could have been done.

>Rant mode off,>>>>>

I didn't see this as a rant, I think it might advance some interesting
conversation. But will it change anything in a design factor of the R8?
Nope! However, it should be an interesting topic for a few days.:)

regards,
ted

Ted Grant
This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant