[Leica] Canon G9 vs the PanaLeicas; Interesting offer from Canon

[drodgers at casefarms.com (David Rodgers)]

Bob,

$250 for a G9 would be tempting if that style of camera fits you. While
customer loyalty is admirable, it looks like Canon may be more
deserving.

It's hard to know who you're being loyal to in this day and age. It's
not like the lens in a Panasonic comes with a Passport Warranty or
carries much mystique. 

If it were me I'd be loyal to price and value. OTOH, I've never had
anyone come up to me a strike up a conversation over my Fuji f31. That
happens on occasion with my M6. (Though now days just using film seems
to have panache).

I'm having a t-shirt made up that has "fstop" in bold letters on the
front. People will look and think, "didn't that used to mean something
back in the 70's?"  

DaveR

-----Original Message-----
From: rsphoto's email [mailto:rsphotoimages@comcast.net] 
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 12:10 AM
To: Leica Users Group
Subject: [Leica] Canon G9 vs the PanaLeicas; Interesting offer from
Canon

My G5 is finally dying.  The flip out display has lunched and menus  
don't work.

In my business and personal life, I found that a decent (not great)  
digital rangefinder is a very, very handy tool so I'm about to replace  
it.

For passion, I turn to film and my R's (8 and 9).

I looked at the Panaleicas but my sense is that they may not be up to  
the Canon G9 - which, admittedly, has a larger price tag

But Canon has a Customer Loyalty Program that is very tempting;  since  
my G5 will cost at least $ 150.00 to repair, and they'll exchange my  
G5 for their Factory Rebuilt G9 for $250.00, I'm leaning away from the  
rangefinder form factor PanaLeicas.

They also offered me a Digital Rebel with the usual Kit Lens for $  
275.00

Anyone out their played with both and have some thoughts about this?

I'd like to remain loyal to Leica (once-removed, albeit) but I don't  
know if the latest Panasonic digital rangefinders are nearly as good,  
let alone better in a straight-up comparison.

Thank you!


Bob in Seattle