Re: [Leica] R8 counterpoint. It really is better.

[Ted Grant <tedgrant@islandnet.com>]

Dan States wrote:  in part.

>As for auto focus...Yes, Leica should offer it.  No, I wouldn't buy it.>>>

Hi Dan,

If they made a body with AF I might get one. However, a confession of last
evening's shoot with, dare I say it?   Canon EOS 1N and auto focus!

I'm familiar with this camera and auto focus, " I HAD TO USE THEM" daily
for two years, not allowed to be seen with a Leica on any assignments. Long
story tell you some time.

But I've been back to good ol' manual Leica shooting R8's with winder for
three years (not counting many years manual before the Canon)  and I was
surprised shooting kids basketball with the Canon, the auto focus blew more
frames because the auto was all over the place and wouldn't stay with the
fast moving kids.

And comparing the past three dozen games shooting R8 manual focus to this
one, I had a higher number of "sharp keepers" per game with manual!  Not
saying they were smashing photographs, just saying the focus was better and
held without popping all over.

Yep I know I could've turned it off, thats not the point, I wanted to see
how well the auto focus would do in this particular sport. I'm not putting
the complete blame on the auto focus, however, I'd temper any enthusiasm
for returning to auto focus for some time.  Even an R8 auto focus.

I'd like to say to all those R8 detractors out there, forget your whining,
particularly if your not using them. It's a great camera, stop whining
cause your whining ain't going to make it go away!

What's worse, if you own one and are whining I'd have your head gear
checked by a shrink for being so stupid for not selling it. Then of course
you'd realize what a good machine it is. And go back to whining because you
sold it!

And as Dan said:

<<<<So that's my shot at this subject.  I like the M, but the best of my
photography happens with SLR's.  There , I said it.   Lash me with noodles
if you like, but it's the truth.>>>>

I'll take the second course of noodles, but please make mine with sweet and
sour sauce! ;) Thanks.  :)  OOPS! I do get some of the best stuff with my
M6's.

ted







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