Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/01/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]It seems there is trouble with my email to this list today... I tried to send this report six times now and it never made it to the list, maybe because it's too long. So I have split it up in two parts. I hope this works ! - --------- I have tried out the new R8 motordrive over the weekend and these are my first impressions. Facts and description - -------- The set comes in two boxes, one that contains the motordrive (14313) and one that contains the accu with charger (14424). The charger comes with two plugs, one for use in a car and the other a country-specific mains cord (there are 4 different versions depending on where you buy the package - you can easily switch mains cords as they are plug-in). A pity Leica did not include the 4 different cords from the outset as many people will sooner or later need it (especially professionals or tourists). I doubt whether this would have made a difference in the final sales price. However, you have the option of ordering extra cords from Leica (or anyone else that makes standard cords) if and when you need them. The motordrive weighs 430 gr or 680 gr including the accu. Size: 157x38 (124.5 with handgrip) x89mm. On the left side (seen from behind the camera) there is a double switch: one for speed (single shot, CL 2 fps, CH 4.5 fps) and one for the automatic exposure bracketing (with variations between 0.5 and 1.0 EV). Personally, the latter does not interest me that much. I always try to be on target from the first time :-) but it may be handy under some tricky lighting circumstances. The motordrive integrates well on the R8. It is made of the same material and has the same quality finish. It (obviously) feels more solid than the winder. Putting it on the R8 didn't reveal any problem at all, just a question of making sure the sprockets are well aligned and turning the single attachment screw. Done in 5 seconds, and your R8 becomes like a machine gun ready for action... ;-) Nice job, Leica. At the back, the motor is protruding about 2 cm. which corresponds to the size of the accu. It gives the camera a good balance. There are two release buttons on the motordrive (plus the one on top of the R8), one for horizontal and one for vertical use. See further below for comments. Too bad the buttons are in silver-white color. On the first R8 prototype motor they were in black paint which was much more stylish than the silver-white which I find rather disturbing, esthetically speaking. The ratio that silver-white would render the buttons more visible raises serious questions on the abilities of the photographer, as a typical user would rather "feel" where the buttons are and not have to actually go looking for them... The integrated handgrip is more profiled than the one provided with the winder (which is basically the same as the R8 body). It's easier to hold the combination which is a necessity due to the heavier nature of the package. Plus there is a leather strap that you can remove (see further below for comment). The accu consists of 8 NiMH cells and has a 1500 mAh capacity. Leica quotes over 100 films of 36 exposures at 20° C (including automatic rewinding) and over 40 films under the same conditions at -20° C. Weight: 250 gr. Size: 132x43x43mm. The accu lasts for at least 500 discharge/charge cycles when used properly. You have always to discharge the accu before charging it. This is done by pushing a special button on the charger. After discharging, the unit automatically switches to charging (while discharging a red LED blinks). There is a protection against overcharging. Charging should take up to 1h 42min at the maximum, according to Leica (double with the car adaptor). Another LUG member has pointed out to me that this took double on his unit. I can't tell how long it took in my case since I switched the unit on and went to bed... But maybe discharging/charging time will reduce once the battery becomes fully conditioned (instead of being "fresh" out of the box). The capacity of the accu can be viewed upon pressing a button on the back (there are three red LED's). The button is recessed to avoid inadvertently switching it on. The normal battery control on the R8 body works as well. The charger is for worldwide use, AC 90-260V, 50-60 Hz, and DC 12 or 24V. It weighs 495 gr. inclusive of the European style mains cord. It comes in two parts: the charger unit itself (sizes: 150x80x63mm) to which a craddle is attached in which you put the accu (size: 130x60x43mm). The charger package is quite large, so you would want to avoid schlepping it around on a typical travel via plane or train where you can use the spare place for more useful items. On the other hand, at over 100 films per charge, a single charge should take most typical users through a trip without problems, and one could always carry the normal R8 battery grip for just in case (a precaution that you should take in any case, motor or winder !). Finally, as with the winder, you can switch on the R8 electric remote release. - -------------------------------------------------------- See my photo pages at http://members.xoom.com/cyberplace/ - -------------------------------------------------------- "Never ask a man what sort of computer he drives. If he's a Mac user he'll tell you. If not, why embarrass him?" - --Tom Clancy - -------------------------------------------------------- <<< PGP public key available on request >>>