Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/01/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]It's pretty simple, Bob, not that you and I will ever agree - With incredibly rare exception - and I can't think of such an exception off hand, but I'm sure one exists - a 40 to 50 year old USED mechanical device is not going to be as the latest well built version of the same device. Better build quality? Sure, from an engineering standpoint. But the M6 is a damn well built camera. We're not talking Leicas and Brownies here. So enjoy your M3 - it's a truly wonderful 1950s machine. B. D. And I know the rangefinders don't fall out, Bob, but they do become harder and harder to use. And the shutter mechanism CAN go out in an instant. And, sure, one should have backup bodies. - -----Original Message----- From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of BOB KRAMER Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2002 1:40 PM To: 'leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us' Subject: RE: [Leica] M Durability B.D., How do you really *know* that the M3 is less reliable than the M6? Unless you can offer some type validation for this view, I imagine this is more of a guess on your part then actual knowledge. If we were talking automobiles, I would agree with you, but a camera doesn't have near the moving parts or wear and tear that a car does. So pick your poison, I say. An older but better built camera, or a newer camera without the classic build quality. One thing is for sure. One would be smart to carry two bodies regardless of the manufacture date if you are on a paid assignment. BTW, the mirror separation is a gradual condition that happens over many years. Its not like the prism falls out of the camera or anything. BK - -----Original Message----- From: B. D. Colen [mailto:bdcolen@earthlink.net] Subject: RE: [Leica] M Durability More power to you, Mark - But old cameras do die, just like old cars die, old home appliances die, and old people die - no matter how well they're maintained. In the case of Ms, the finders go belly up - and, if one believes Sherry Krauter, cannot be reliably repaired when they do (although they can be replaced with a more modern rangefinder) - and the shutter curtain roller mechanism goes. But again, its a matter of what you're personally comfortable with. I certainly know that when I'm on a job something can go wrong with one of my M6s, but I know that that is less likely to happen if I am using a relatively new M6 than it is if I am using an M3 from 1954 - it's just a sad fact of life. - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html