Opinions of Leica C1

I recently sold my beloved Contax G1, which I used as a second camera

during my widespread travels (the Nikon SLR handles slide film, while

the "second" camera is dedicated to print). I finally decided that

the G1 had some serious liabilities as a second travel camera (e.g.,

no possibility to use zoom lenses, slow, "hunting" autofocus, slow

and sometimes awkward handling, no built in flash, etc.), so now I am

seeking something more in the nature of a p&s to handle print film.

I've narrowed it down to the Olympus IS-50 (a rather weighty package

to carry around your neck with a Nikon) or the Leica C1. I used to

own a C1 and was fond of it, but sold it when I got an offer too good

to refuse. Has anyone out there compiled a good deal of experience

with the C1? I know that there was for a good while wide "sample

variability" with these cameras; my former one was a flawless

performer, though optically not much better than a good $200 p&s. I

would appreciate any informed opinions or experiences anyone can

report with respect to the C1, including any reliable hearsay, that

might help me make this momentous decision. Thanks in advance for

any responses.

Leica name or not, you are taking a major step down from the Contax G1.

 

Look at the Contax G2 with the multiple focal length Zeiss lens for a nice kit.

It is much faster and more featured than the G1.

Consider an Olympus Stylus. For a "backup" P&S, there's no point spending that much

on a Leica C1. Olympus P&S cams are well-built, small, inexpensive and have great

lenses, being descendents of the XA.

Consider the yashica t3 with its superb optics at around $179

I don't have the G1, but he two G2's I have perform flawlessly. There is a zoon lens (why though, really when the primes are as highly rated as any others).

I only had the chance to shoot a single 36-exposure roll of color print film through the C-1 during Leica demo days, but I liked that little thing! Resolving power was not the equal of an M-camera with 50mm lens, even in a 4x6 machine print, but for a zoom p&s, the colors had punch to them, and the lens was more flare-resistant than I would've expected.

 

At larger apertures, the C1 shows noticable light falloff in the corners of the frame, but if you work this into your composition, the results can be interesting.

 

I previously owned the Yashica T4 super with it's Zeiss Tessar lens, and it probably does have better resolving power, but this camera never really "clicked" with me, so I ended up selling it.

I bought my wife one, and have not had any regrets...

Shane:

 

The Leica CM and the T3 are good cameras - with hotshoe (T3 via an adapter)

 

if you like to shoot chromes, the C1 with its slow aperture will be difficult to use.

 

If you insist on Leica PnS, then the C3 with its 28mm would make more sense for you when you shoot in the ruins.

Mr. Cheung, how on earth did you know of my affection for photographing ancient ruins? I remember you from that Leni Riefenstahl

donnybrook, but don't remember any mention of ruins.