Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/03/21
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I'm still recovering from jet lag and a cold following an assignment in Namibia and have been away from the list for a while. One of my M6s packed up at the end of the trip (meter and slow speeds), so after I got home and sent it off to Sherry, I decided to pick up a spare body at Glazers in Seattle. They had an M7 waiting for me, and I was anxious to have a look at the new VF display. I'm just now running some film through it, but so far I really like the way it handles. My only concern about it is that the ASA/DX control dial doesn't lock, and I wonder how likely it will be to get inadvertedly knocked onto an incorrect setting. The new VF multicoating helps with flare quite a bit, and the display is bright, clear and easy to read. Like the M6, operating this camera is simple and obvious. And unlike some other new M6s I've seen lately, the RF alignment is dead on. The shutter seems quieter than the mechanical one. Of course, the slow speeds lack the sound of the gears whirring, but even the fast speeds seem quieter somehow. Nice effort by Leica as far as I'm concerned. I love the idea of an aperture priority M camera! Time will tell as to whether or not it is as solid as the M6. Of course, the M6 that packed up on me this last time was only 5 years old. It has been used alot, spent considerable time in extremes of temperature, suffered alot of vibration, and dust, but I was a little surprised that it failed so young. Anyway, I'm sure Sherry will have it up and running again soon. On another note, I came home to notice that Leica had also introduced what they are calling a "digital reportage camera". Looks to me to be the same as the forthcoming Panasonic DMC-LC5S, which also sports the same Leica Vario Summicron. Why would anyone buy the Leica, which will undoubtedly cost significantly more than the Panasonic? It's the same camera as far as I can see. Here's the URL: http://www.prodcat.panasonic.com/shop/NewDesign/ModelTemplate.asp?ModelId=13 423&show_all=false&product_exists=True&active=1&ModelNo=DMC-LC5S&CategoryId= - --Jim Laurel - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html