Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/02/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Interesting to follow recent comments for and against the R8 vs. its jazzier Japanese competition. Fact is, when I was considering buying a new SLR just a few years ago, I considered the R8 seriously -- even though there was NO motor drive at the time, and for some time afterwards. That accessory's notorious teething pains are well-known -- I won't review that sorry history. But it was no added incentive to buying into the system. I was definitely attracted by the very sophisticated metering and flash systems the Japanese marques offered. Their very quick load/rewind speeds were also enticing. These are features many pros want because they make a difference. The dealer salesman I consulted (who is now part of Leica's Canadian agency) actively steered me towards the N***on F5 and away from the R8: "It's nice, but it's too big. The F5 is a machine made for photography." I find the C**on EOS-1 the most ergonomic of all, but the F5 allowed me to hang on to some of my favourite old manual focus lenses, while resorting to AF on those few occasions when it is handy. I still think about switching to Leica's SLR system -- probably a couple of SL bodies, though. Those lenses are something special, I know. But the R8 always seems like such an oddball critter, despite what I believe to be some of its finer qualities. I suspect there are many here who agree. Emanuel Lowi Montreal - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html