[Leica] osterloh's 50 Years Leica M

[shino at panix.com (Rei Shinozuka)]

it might be old news by now, but i did just get my copy of
Osterlow's "50 Years Leica M" and it's a wonderful book.

Incredibly enough, he's included stuff (mostly historical,
but some neat technical material) that's not in the usual
places; Lager, Laney, Rogliatti, Puts, Osterlow's other book, 
Eastland, or Matheson.  an example is detailed technical drawings of 
the masks to make the 6 frames visible in the viewfinder.  it also
associates leica engineers with the various innovations made over
the years, even up to the neckstrap attachment and lugs.

the book is bilinugual, like that chi-chi linhof book, but is
not too annoying, even to us Americans.

the book progresses in a somewhat peculiar way--like the movie memento--
starting with the newest models and going back in time.

it is light on lens design, heavier on glass-making and factory work.

its a big and expensive book, and is by no mean a substitute for 
Lager and Laney, but if you need a new fix, it's a wonderful
supplement.

-rei

-- 
Rei Shinozuka shino@panix.com
Ridgewood, New Jersey