[Leica] small range finder for cycling

[leica at screengang.com (Didier Ludwig)]

Adam

Viewfinders: 
The optical finders of digital p&s, if they happen to have one, are mostly 
very squinty; and the electronic viewfinders have a longer or a shorter 
timelag. The Canon G9's finder is not what Leica users really expect, but 
probably the best or one of the best of all compact digi finders. Another 
solution, if you can stay with a fixed focal length, might be the Ricoh GR-D 
(I or II) with an external viefinder, a CV 28mm or 28mm/35mm, for instance. 
As you will use it at daylight and at low ISO mostly, the G9's as well as 
the Ricoh's high ISO issues are not a problem.

Sweat & rain: 
I use a small plastic bag for the Canon S3 when I carry it in the back 
pocket. But mostly I take a backpacker with so the R-D1 is preferred. If you 
look for a really rugged, rain- and dustproof digital camera, the Ricoh 
Caplio 500G or 500SE (8 megapixels, 28-84mm eq., f2.5-4.3) might be an 
alternative. There are also cheapo water "housings" (in fact, bags with a 
filter mount) for most consumer cameras available (from hama, dicapak) - not 
shure if they really work underwater, but for rain & sweat they should be ok.

Shooting from the handlebar:
Another way to make easy bike shootings is with a camera attached to the 
handlebar. I use a Linhof tripod clamp, and can screw on any camera with 
standard tripod mount. Worked well, for instance, with a Rollei 35XF at 
infinity/hyperfocal distance and a 400ISO film (exposure done by the 
camera). The use of a protection filter is strongly recommended, unless 
someone likes to scratch dead insects from his lens' front element :)

Didier








>Assuming I get back up on my bike, I'd like to carry a small camera
>because, frankly, I see some amazing things out there. But carrying my
>M8 doesn't really work: too big and too heavy and it's even more
>expensive than my bike although it's a near thing.
>I'd love a small range finder camera or at least one I can compse
>without holding at arm's length.
>The Canon G9 is probably the upper limit in size. I don't think high
>ISO is an issue. Suggestions are most welcome.
>Oh, I've had the staples removed after surgery but still a few weeks
>before I can begin PT. We'll either buy another Element or a RAV4.
>Both have excellent crash safety. Still haven't begun to evaluate my
>cameras. I need two working arms for that.
>Thanks to all!
>Adam