Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/09/23
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]All this recent talk about R2D2's lens trouble has brought up an old thought in my mind. Leica Ms are specialized, mechanically sophisticated (yet "simple") machines designed for a very specific kind of photography. Ferrari autmomobiles are, likewise, sophisticated machines produced for a specific kind of transportation. The cars are also notoriously temperamental (like any racing car has a right to be). Take all this into consideration and the rare malfunction of a piece of Leica equipment can be put into perspective. These respective machines are the paradigms of 20th century industrial design in their fields. They are works of art, and so posess "personality traits". While such malfunctions as have been described are deplorable, we need to understand that these cameras actually ARE high-tech to the degree that they push the limits of MECHANICAL integration and rugedness for such intricate systems. The fact that Leica is willing to stick its neck out with the passport plan only contributes to my respect for this company, although something as simple as diaphragm blades working incorrectly should be rather shameful! _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com.