Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2008/09/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Sometimes it isn't just money. At this stage of the game, even with the temporary impecuniousness from a house purchase, I could well afford an M7 in today's (barely) used market. However, sometimes Leica isn't the solution. My Bessa R2a has some major advantages: 1. It seems much lighter than the Leica. My neck doesn't hurt at the end of a day's shooting. I had to get special padded neck straps for my M2/M3s, lest I wind up at the chiropractor. They were still heavy. 2. The metal shutter is roast-proof. Having a $400+ shutter repair and CLA bill for a Leica isn't much fun (I've been there with an M2). I can put the Bessa down without going into a panic over a lens cap (or throwing a coat over the seat.) However, the Bessa shutter isn't as incredibly quiet as the M7 shutter. I'll add that the Bessa is NOT a Leica by any stretch of the imagination--the workmanship doesn't even come close. I also wish it had a 1.25 eyepiece magnifier, similar to Leica's. I've been using the camera much, much more often than my old M2/M3 combo, and as a result it's been around to snap some very interesting pictures. I find that smaller is the difference between using a camera and leaving it at home. Of course, it accepts all my great Leica lenses. It's also made me fall in love with my 35 Summicron, in a way that my M2 never did. And it's the perfect companion in the waning days of Kodachrome. Just bought another ten rolls the other day--and I feel a bit like Rhett Butler signing up before Appomattox. Jim Shulman Wynnewood, PA -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+jshul=comcast.net@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+jshul=comcast.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Charcot Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 3:02 PM To: Leica Users Group Subject: Re: [Leica] a serious question Tina - while I know you aren't directing this at me/my comments - simply put I don't have the money. If I did I would have an M7/MP or M8 in a heart beat. but I did want to add something - I'm on the LUG because of the wealth of information, personalities and fun that is here. Yes while I don't shoot Leica - I like the people here. Just thought I'd throw that in before I get "thrown " out of LUG Oh BTW _ I'm in NOLA for the weekend - Neurology meeting - and YES I do have to attend ALL of the meetings. But ......I'm staying at the W - with my GRD where Should I go for picture taking - needs to be safe . ernie nitka