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Source for R6.2 body


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Since the Contax S2 is defunct, I've decided to replace mine. There aren't very many choices available for this type of camera, and I'm happy with my M6, so I'm leaning toward a Leica R6.2

 

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I'd appreciate any comments or advice on the R6.2, and thoughts on where would be the best place to buy one. (I'm in the U.S.)

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Joe

 

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A lot of people have been asking about this on this site recently! I

have responded a lot about the R6.2 elsewhere. In short, I think it

is a good manual camera.

 

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My suggestion is to buy at Fotocare here in NYC - I like them and

they give good personal service. You need to speak to Jeff Hirsch or

Allen Weitz (212) 741 2990. Of course, I have no idea where you are

located. Another favorite is Tamarkin here in NYC (don't have their

number to hand), they are a real Leica store (perhaps even more than

Fotocare, who are a good professional's outlet). They seem good folk

with the right attitudes. Of course B&H will also sell you one no

problem too.

 

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By the way I do suggest you look carefully at the R8 - it is a great

feeling camera and you may be really surprised by it.

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Thanks Robin. It would probably be worthwhile for me to drive to NYC

so that I could look at one closely. Maybe I'll give Tamarkin a try.

 

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Things that I like about the S2 are the small size, very bright

viewfinder, and spot metering. It seems like the R6.2 will compare

well on those points.

 

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I don't particularly like the metering display in the S2. Could

someone describe what the R6.2 viewfinder display looks like? Is it

similar to a Nikon FM2, say, with optically displayed aperture and

shutter speed and a three-point meter system? If not, what?

 

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Last question - I like the left-hand aperture preview button on the S2

better than the right-hand lever on an FM2. What is the aperture

preview on an R6.2 like?

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Thanks Al. Its not a showstopper, but I like being able to depress the

aperture preview button on the S2 with my left hand, while I adjust

the aperture with my thumb and index finger. This leaves my right hand

in shooting position, supporting the camera and with my finger ready

on the shutter release. I could never get used to the lever on the

FM2. Maybe with practice I could learn to operate the lever with my

second or third finger instead.

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Hi, Joe. The 6.2 stop-down lever is perfectly situated to be operated

with the middle finger of the right hand. This allows you to keep

control of the camera with the rest of your right hand without

interference.

The viewfinder has all the essential information without having

overly distrative displays. All information is along the bottom edge

of the finder. Going left to right...

* The flash-ready lightning bolt - red LED.

* The "circle" and "box" red LEDs - indicating the spot or full-field

metering pattern being used. Also, these LEDs "blink" if you've set

the ISO exposure compensation, but they don't tell you "which way" or

by how much.

* The "arrow-dot-arrow" red LEDs, indicating exposure under/over

proximity. This arrangement is very effective, and was just adpoted

on the M6 TTL (except the arrows on the 6.2 have little "-" and "+"

signs built right into the arrow itself).

* In the center of the lower edge is the current aperature reflected

off the lens ring.

* A little to the right is the current shutter speed.

That's it. You can turn on a backlight to help with reading the

aperature & shutter in low light situations. The center spot-field

circle contains the split-image rangefinder, plus a micro-prism

surround.

I particularly like the selection switch on the 6.2 - "Off", "Spot",

and "Full-Field". The shutter dial has no part in either selecting

the exposure mode or turning the meter on or off.

All-in-all, in my opinion, this is the SLR that a Leica rangefinder

fan would feel most comfortable with if he/she was absolutely forced

to stoop to the SLR alternative.

Actually I love my 6.2 and selection of specialized R lenses just as

much as my reagefinder. They complement each other very nicely.

I agree Betty at Delta International would be my first stop for best

price. Tamarkin if you want the service.

Good hunting, Joe.

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