Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/02/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]This topic is going to get the fur flying! I own both brands; Leica M6, Contax G2 and Contax 645. The differences between Zeiss and Leitz optics is extremely small. Frankly I don't really care because both are exceptional. Yes, there are some lenses better than others. However, Leitz has certainly moved the notch up quite a bit with the introduction of the aspheric and apo application. This has taken place during a time that Zeiss has not, that I am aware, made any significant changes and/or improvements in their glass. If you are concluding that the Contax is the leader among rangefinder cameras you must fine tune it a bit. If you measure it on electronics I would agree with you. The Contax viewfinder is better, in my opinion, built in motor is a plus and auto-focus is nice to have when needed. However, the construction quality, resale value, long-term usefullness, flexibility and high quality/wide aperture optics availability are not even close to Leica. The Contax is going to die after so many years of use. The Leica will live to pass on to my grandkids and theirs if taken care of. The Contax is a serious "point and shoot" camera and it is certainly the best in that category but it "ain't no Leica M." The Leica M is a serious photographers tool. Bob Bedwell - ----- Original Message ----- From: <ARTHURWG@aol.com> To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> Sent: Tuesday, February 29, 2000 6:25 AM Subject: [Leica] Leica vs. Contax wars > More to the point than Leica vs. Nikon is the question of Leica vs. Contax, > namely the G2. It's become apparent that the Japanese-made Zeiss optics are > equal or better than many/most Leitz offerings. Coupled with a better view > finder, a very good auto focus and much less money, Contax has to be the > leader among 35 mm rangefinders. Right??