Re: [Leica] R5-R7 decision

[Jim Hemenway <jim@hemenway.com>]

Hi Aram:

Please let me know if you ever want to part with the Zeiss lenses for
SL35.

You might consider checking with Marflex in New Jersey, they have always
been able to fix any of my Rollei equipment.  I recently had them put a
new screen in my Sl35 with a split-image circle... makes focusing a snap
for my old eyes.

Best Regards,

Jim Hemenway


Aram Langhans wrote:
> 
> Thank, David, for you comments.  I have 5 lenses already and I know they are
> not cheap.  But, like you, I didn't buy them for cheap quality, but to give
> me the best images for a long time.  The last time I bought a camera was
> almost 30 years ago when I bought two Rollei SL-35's because I wanted good
> lenses.  I have 5 Zeiss lenses for them and I only got into Leica last year
> because I was having meter problems with my Rollei's that no one could
> solve.  Not even Harry Fleenor.  I still have those cameras and don't know
> if I can part with them, as they have been my buddies for so long.  I have
> shot maybe three rolls with them the last year, however.  A shame to let
> them sit, but we have a history, one that I hope to develop with Leica.
> 
> Aram
> 
>  Date: Tue, 13 Nov 2001 08:28:55 -0800
> > From: David Rodgers <drodgers@swiftnet.com>
> > Subject: > Message-ID: <5.1.0.14.0.20011113074925.00a5c6b8@swiftnet.com>
> > References:
> >
> > Aram,
> >
> > I've used many different camera bodies over the years and the R7 is my
> > favorite. The Nikon F3 is a close second, and these two bodies seem very
> > much alike to me. All manual, yes, but with just the right features,
> > relatively modern electronics, and durability. Still, it's hard to believe
> > that at one point the R7 MSRP was around $2,700.
> >
> > I never thought the 1/2 stops for shutter speeds was a big feature. But I
> > like the bright viewfinder, MLU and most of all the size and handling. The
> > exposure system in any mode is right on. I don't have a motor drive. I've
> > come close on a number of occasions to buying one, but felt that a drive
> > would change the feel and handling too much.  Same with a winder. Plus I
> > the R7 may be the last manual focus SLR body I buy. I want it to last for
> a
> > long time. Motor drives can be hard on a body. The R7 can probably take
> it,
> > but that's still more pounding than my thumb gives it.
> >
> > I've considered an R5 or RE as a second body. My SL sort of fits that role
> > but my one ROM lens (80-200/4) won't fit on it. Plus, my SL has be
> > relagated to High Speed IR film, something I don't shoot quickly. I
> usually
> > carry the R7 and an M6. If I had a backup I probably wouldn't even use it.
> >
> > Having looked at a dozen or so R5s and REs over the past year I can say
> I'd
> > probably still want an R7. It just feels more durable. Whether or not it's
> > worth the extra money is a tough choice. Rather than features for me it
> > would come down to how often and how long I plan to use it. I use my R7 a
> > lot. A couple of times a week at least, and I plan to do so for a long
> > time. I just bought a 60/2.8 that will probably be my primary R lens. If
> > you're use the R system a lot I'd go for the R7. I doubt you'll be
> > disappointed you spent the extra money. If you're use it occasionally,
> then
> > the R5 might be a better choice. I don't know how much an upgrade and R5
> is
> > over an R4, though.
> >
> > Something to keep in mind is that there are really no bargain R lenses. I
> > use Leica because I think they're the highest quality tools available in
> > 35mm photography.  After I bought 4 3-cam lenses for my SL I bought an R7
> > and never looked back. Forward at the R8 maybe, but never back :-).
> >
> > Dave
> >
> 
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