Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/04/30
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Rei, R4's are relatively cheap for reasons the other respondent mentioned; no advantage over R3 with no TTL as the R5. Even though most have been fixed, the mechanics and electronics are just not reliable by Leica standards. I have had my R4 overhauled once and it has been back twice again for things like DOF levers that stick, foam that fails, motors that won't work. Another issue is that the screen is only so, so. Compared to an SL or R8 the screen is downright dim. Last, many Leica shooters don't especially love exposure automation so that capability on the R4 is nothing special. So, the ability to add a winder or motor is the only real advantage over an SL. Given the fact that SL's go for about $300 in OK condition the difference in price is a non-sequitor. With all my carping why do I still have an R4? It is light by Leica standards and so sits in my bag almost unused as a back up body just in case on of the SL's(2) decide they need a break. Don dorysrus@mindspring.com -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+dorysrus=mindspring.com@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+dorysrus=mindspring.com@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Rei Shinozuka Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 7:11 AM To: Leica Users Group (LUG) Subject: [Leica] why is the R4 so cheap? i recently borrowed an R4 from bergen county camera, because my SL2MOT was visiting DAG to have its screen changed to non-split rangefinder. i just wanted anything that could mount 3-cam lenses. to my great surprise, i found the R4 rather likeable. the only thing i didn't really like was that in manual you had to watch the shutter speed numbers to the left and then down to see the set shutter speed. as opposed to a match-needle or electronic equivalent that would just indicate + or -. the way the scale changed when you went from aperture to shutter priority was kind of neat. it's no M3 or even an M6, but why are these cameras so cheap? you see them priced with 3-handles or even in the 2's. i mean, you are getting a whole camera for around the same price as the M eyepeice magnifier. am i missing something? thanks, -rei -- Rei Shinozuka shino@panix.com Ridgewood, New Jersey _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information