Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/03/18
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I begin this post by noting that I have NEVER handled an R8 with a motor... But I think that the entire weight question is really only relevant in two respects: in regard to what heavy cameras eventually do to the necks and shoulders on which they hang; and in regard to how heavy they make an equipment bag... But there is something otherwise quite odd about camera weight, be the camera an EOS, F5, etc., and that is that if the camera is well balanced, and does what you want it to do as your photographic tool, it somehow doesn't feel heavy...Interesting phenomenon... B. D. - -----Original Message----- From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Ted Grant Sent: Saturday, March 18, 2000 1:59 PM To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us Subject: Re: [Leica] R8 birth! :) Ted Grant wrote: <<<<<<> You may not feel you need a motor, but let me assure you it completes > the full feel of this camera and enhances the operation extremely well. > It balances in hand much easier and makes the camera handle like a > dream. Actually I think some of you folks who said it was too big for > your hand, you may find this is the answer and you might want to have > another look at it with motor attached.>>>>>>>>>>>>> Gerry Walden responded: > > Interestingly I picked up an article from Erwin Putts pages which goes into > the history of the design of the R8. This says that the original concept > was for it to balance well with a motor and longer lenses. It says that > they wanted to get as close as possible to the feel of an 'M' (and that will > set flame throwers going) as possible. Sounds like they might have > achieved it!>>>>>>>>> Gerry, Flame wars or not, if they come from people whom never handled an R8 with motor, then they're not worth reading! However, the R8 with motor isn't an "M" in weight, but the motor has given quite a different feel in handling and operating the camera, than without. And I say again, even for those with smaller hands. The minor weight feel can be overcome, ask anyone using EOS or F5 regularly as they'd both be considered somewhat heavy machines in relation to the "M", but neither are lighter than the R8 with motor. Recently there were several posts pertaining to weight factor in the 3 cameras and I believe the differences were negligible. Really, who cares about a few ounces one way or the other. It's the handling factor that counts! And it's much better with motor than without! Beats the winder all to hell and far superior to no motor at all! ted