j_t3

I'm sorry I wasn't more specific, I am not interested in buying from them, they are actually seeking to buy items from me and I wanted to see if anyone had any experiences with them.

 

To make sure they are legit.

 

Thanks,

Has anyone ever done business with www.schouten-select.com

 

If so, can you share your experiences?

 

Recommend them?

 

Thanks,

Bergen County Camera in Westwood NJ is very reputable.

 

I've purchased there for 25 years, I recommend them highly, ask for Bob.

I received my M8 in early February but I paid for it in full on December 31st so I'd qualify for the 30% lens discount deal.

 

According to the letter I received from Leica and the enclosed price list I can purchase the Noctilux directly from Leica (6 bit coded) for $2735 USD which if my math is correct would actually be a 50% discount approximately from these new prices.

 

Am I following this correctly or am I missing something?

Is it just me or does the fish in John Syversons picture appear to be in a better mood then the couple in Michaels picture who caught their first glimpse of the photo.net redesign.

Pico,

 

I wish I had the original batch number to share with you but Energizer requested that the batteries all be sent back to them.

 

Your take is an interesting one, although I would think it would be far more valuable to know which battery companies will make right on a leak vs having the batch number of batteries that previously leaked.

 

Since any battery can leak, it would seem you'd be far better off going with a company that you know will stand behind their product and reimburse you any loses vs using another battery company that still might leak and you don't know if they'd stand behind their product.

 

Just a different take.

Wow, $5500 USD??? Holy #$%@

 

Whats next? $6000 and a lung.....

 

Lee, do you have a list of the new prices or can you direct me there?

 

When do these go into efferct?

 

Thanks, JT

Im posting this positive experience to both the Leica and Nikon forum for future

reference since I actively read and contribute to both forums.

 

I recently had purchased a twelve pack of energizer titanium AA batteries for

use in my Nikon SB-800 flash and after about 2 or 3 uses my flash would not turn

on. When I opened up the battery compartment, I was shocked to find the brand

new batteries had leaked terribly inside the flash. To say I was angry, would

have been an understatement as you can imagine.

 

I contacted the Energizer Battery Company via email from their corporate website

and a few days later, I received an apology letter from Energizer as well as a

request that I ship my flash and the damaged batteries back to them. They

stated that their batteries are 100% guaranteed against leakage and that they

would either repair or replace the flash at no cost to me.

 

Approximately 3 weeks later, I received an email from Energizer stating that

they were not able to repair the flash but instead had issued a $375 check that

they were mailing to me for full replacement value (MSRP) for the flash,

shipping and the batteries. They said to expect the check in 5 business days.

 

I just thought Id share this most positive experience just in case anyone here

ever has the same thing happen to them. Its very nice to know that in 2007

there are still companies out there that stand behind their product 100% and

also make it very easy and seamless for the end consumer to actually utilize the

guarantee, no complicated paper work, no long claim forms, and a very easy and

quick resolution.

 

I have no affiliation with the Energizer Battery Company other then being a very

satisfied consumer who would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone especially

after this outstanding display of customer service.

I recently had purchased a twelve pack of energizer titanium AA batteries for

use in my Nikon SB-800 flash and after about 2 or 3 uses my flash would not turn

on. When I opened up the battery compartment, I was shocked to find the brand

new batteries had leaked terribly inside the flash. To say I was angry, would

have been an understatement as you can imagine.

 

I contacted the Energizer Battery Company via email from their corporate website

and a few days later, I received an apology letter from Energizer as well as a

request that I ship my flash and the damaged batteries back to them. They

stated that their batteries are 100% guaranteed against leakage and that they

would either repair or replace the flash at no cost to me.

 

Approximately 3 weeks later, I received an email from Energizer stating that

they were not able to repair the flash but instead had issued a $375 check that

they were mailing to me for full replacement value (MSRP) for the flash,

shipping and the batteries. They said to expect the check in 5 business days.

 

I just thought Id share this most positive experience just in case anyone here

ever has the same thing happen to them. Its very nice to know that in 2007

there are still companies out there that stand behind their product 100% and

also make it very easy and seamless for the end consumer to actually utilize the

guarantee, no complicated paper work, no long claim forms, and a very easy and

quick resolution.

 

I have no affiliation with the Energizer Battery Company other then being a very

satisfied consumer who would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone especially

after this outstanding display of customer service.

Just to clarify, the Paul Strobe I was referring to in my previous post is member Paul Sharratt.

 

Thanks again Paul.... I owe you one.

Thanks for all the great advice and tips guys, I really appreciate it.

 

I'll even thank the guys who choose to respond with jokes/humor as many of them were actually very funny. Lifes too short not to laugh as much as possible.

 

RJ and Dr. Baker, thanks for the PDF file.... great help.

 

Big thanks for Paul Strobe for the HUGE tip on the Lexar rebates. I picked up a 2 GB SD Professional 1.33 Lexar card for $99 at WWW.JR.COM with a $45 rebate. I had the same card in my hand and ready to buy at Best Buy the other night for $120 so I owe Paul a huge thanks.

 

The Lexar rebates end on January 6th so check them out if you are in need of any cards. They are as high as $110 rebate on a 4GB CF card and JR is selling those for $179 so you can end up paying $69 for it, fantastic deal.

 

There are rebates from $30 all the way to the $110 depending on the card you buy but it ends January 6th so act quick if you need one.

 

Thanks again.

 

JT

Is there a preferred SD card or cards that are recommended for the M8?

 

I recenlty ordered one and would like to pick up a card before it comes in.

When Nikon's D200 came out, I remember Nikon had a list of recommended cards.

 

Many thanks in advance for any input.

 

A Happy and Healthy New Year to all.

Fernando,

 

Thanks for sharing. They are all good shots.

 

I particularly like photograph #1.

 

Very well done, nice composition and a certain look to it, if you will.

 

Enjoy your new MP, it's a great tool, please use it as much as possible and I assure you it will bring you many years of enjoyable photography.

 

Good luck, Happy New year.

 

JT

Hi Ronnie,

 

Fantastic suggestions above, try them all.

 

I'll just throw a few primative basics out for your consideration.

 

Elbows in real tight when shooting hockey or any fast sport, almost as though you are squeezing your own ribs with your elbows.

 

Another simple one but often over looked is I tend to hold my breath when shooting fast sports. Take a deep breathe, squeeze in those elbows, hold your breath and blast away.

 

Also, make sure you are dressed warmly. Some times it's cold being that close to the ice so make sure you are warm enough as the slightest bit of body shake could cause some camera movement.

 

You mentioned pee wee level, so if you are close to the boards or in the penalty box you might be able to rest your elbows on the top of the boards, it not lean in against a post of the side glass of the penalty box to brace yourself tight when shooting.

 

Lastly, make sure you are cupping your lens with you hand underneath it so the weight of the lens sits on the palm of your hand. I know it's a real basic but occassionally you'll still see that basic rule of photography broken once in a while. Use your palm to support the camera and hold it tight.

 

Good luck, can't wait to see some results, please post pics when you can and enjoy every second that you spend with that Grand Son. There is nothing better then the relationship between Grandson and Grandfather. It's something special. I miss mine every day....

Michael,

 

Thank you very much for your kind words. Joy is an understatement to say the least. We are actually still in China and photo net has keep me occupied late at night once the troops have gone to bed. It truly is a great experience and as my wife says, now I have a second model to chase around with a camera.

 

Thanks again,

 

Peace, JT

No

I don't have an M8 yet but had planned on purchasing one within a few weeks. The situation has just caused me to slow down my process a bit and take a wait and see approach before making the decision as to take teh plunge or wait it out longer.

 

As for there being too many posts on the M8 topic, that is the joy of a forum like ours in that we can review the topics and then decide whether or not to open and read the post. If we don't we simple read on to the next one, if we do, we then have the choice to either contribute our opinions or simply read and move on.

 

The significance to all the posts is certainly determined by the readers intent. If you are one who has already bought one then by all means all the posts probably have some merit or information that might help you. If you are one like me who only didn't buy one because they were sold out at my local camera store, then the info becomes important in determining my next move. For example, I had my M7 .58 up on Bay for a day and then pulled the auction and cancelled it to wait and see what developes from this current situation.

 

In all, I'd say the options are there for all of us, we get to choose the one we take..

 

read the posts

contribute if wanted

skip the post

post on your topic of interest

 

We all get the best of all worlds here, that's why this forum although often critized by others is the most passionate and lively one on photo.net We all have great passion both good and bad but that's what makes this place the best.

 

Check out some of the other forums if you want to cure insomnia, we'd all be back here in a second.

 

Peace, best to all

JT

Greetings all,

 

I have not looked at the Panasonic version so I can't offer any comment on the plus/minuses of the two versions. I can only speak on how happy I am with the Leice D Lux 3 for the purpose I bought it for and that's a pocket, easy to carry, easy to use point and shoot camera with manual over rides if needed.

 

I recently purchased the Leica D Lux 3 about 2 weeks ago just prior to leaving the USA for a two week trip to China for an adoption. Since we were travelling with myself, my wife and my 3 year old daughter and headed to China to pick up our second daughter, size and weight were the biggest consideration in choosing to bring ONLY this D Lux 3 with us.

 

I left a Nikon D200 and about 4 Lenses as well as a Leica M7 and about a 7 or 8 lenses behind in the states and only packed this D Lux 3 in a small Domke waist bag. I also picked up an extra battery and a 1 GB card and that's all I've got here now. I purchased a great little backup 80 GB hard drive called a Wolverine which I recommend highly. I've used the D Lux 3 exclusively for 10 days already and must say it has far surpassed even my highest expectations.

 

The camera is light, fun, easy to use and can be as simple as the most basic point and shoot (wife's mode) to as advanced as you want it to be. The 2.8 comes in handy but with this type of camera you really don't need that speed as much as you would with others. The pop flash is exceptional too and does a great job on fill flash outdoors if needed inside although I tried to shoot as much as I could handheld by natural light here in China. The size is perfect and you'll pretty much master the menu process and settings in a day or two of active use. I've probably shot about 1000 images so far and I love it. I'm very happy with the purchase and would recommend this camera to anyone who is considering it. After a full day of shooting, I simply download the card to the wolverine at night in the hotel room and start fresh the next day with a blank card.

 

I've posted some images for my family but I'll share here for the forum to view some. I don't profess to be a professional and these are mostly family shots but you can see the images at...

 

www.jaytee.smugmug.com

 

www dot jaytee dot smugmug dot com

 

The first 5 shots are not with the D Lux but everything past there is.

 

I'd give this Leica version of this game 5 stars and I've enjoyed using it very much. I have not seen the Panasonic version of it but I'm sure it's equally impressive.

 

Best regards, JT

If you are in the USA, try Bergen County Camera in Westwood, NJ.

 

I've purchased from Bobby there for over 25 years. Honest, reliable, knowledgable and they stand by their products 100%. They ship throughout the world. Just ask for Bobby.

 

I've never had a purchasing problem there in the entire time I've dealt with them. I saw a few M3's in there last week that looked real nice.

 

Good luck,

JT

I recently purchased the Leica D Lux 3 about 2 weeks ago just prior to leaving the USA for a two week trip to China for an adoption. Since we were travelling with myself, my wife and my 3 year old daughter and headed to China to pick up our second daughter, size and weight were the biggest consideration in choosing to bring ONLY this D Lux 3 with us.

 

I left a Nikon D200 and about 4 Lenses as well as a Leica M7 and about a 7 or 8 lenses behind in the states and only packed this D Lux 3 in a small Domke waist bag. I also picked up an extra battery and a 1 GB card and that's all I've got here now. I purchased a great little backup 80 GB hard drive called a Wolverine which I recommend highly. I've used the D Lux 3 exclusively for 10 days already and must say it has far surpassed even my highest expectations.

 

The camera is light, fun, easy to use and can be as simple as the most basic point and shoot (wife's mode) to as advanced as you want it to be. The 2.8 comes in handy but with this type of camera you really don't need that speed as much as you would with others. The pop flash is exceptional too and does a great job on fill flash outdoors if needed inside although I tried to shoot as much as I could handheld by natural light here in China. The size is perfect and you'll pretty much master the menu process and settings in a day or two of active use. I've probably shot about 1000 images so far and I love it. I'm very happy with the purchase and would recommend this camera to anyone who is considering it. After a full day of shooting, I simply download the card to the wolverine at night in the hotel room and start fresh the next day with a blank card.

 

I've posted some images for my family but I'll share here for the forum to view some. I don't profess to be a professional and these are mostly family shots but you can see the images at...

 

www.jaytee.smugmug.com

 

www dot jaytee dot smugmug dot com

 

The first 5 shots are not with the D Lux but everything past there is.

 

I'd give this Leica version of this game 5 stars and I've enjoyed using it very much. I have not seen the Panasonic version of it but I'm sure it's equally impressive.

 

Best regards,

JT

I was in a local camera store today which had received 12 M8's this past Wednesday, all 12 were gone immediately and 3 of the buyers were in the store today while I was there. The feedback was unlike any I've ever heard for a camera before, including the such well received Nikon D200. These guys couldn't stop talking about it and how happy they were, one fellow said he's shot more in the past 3 days then in the past 3 years. The results they showed were excellent, better then I expected especially the B/W. Sure it's expensive and we all know what other stuff we could buy with the same money but if you means allow you to afford such a luxury, I don't think anyone will be dissappointed from what I saw today. If your means don't allow it then there are other options and other cameras worth getting. It's like anything else, most people buy the best they can afford when it comes to purchases. I'm sure this Sigma will have buyers and I'm sure many will be happy. I don't think it will have much if any effect on Leica's results though.

No need to feel guitly at all, you presented something for sale and somebody offered a price. As simple as that.

 

I done a few transactions with Lee before on eBay. He's as good as it gets as a seller or buyer.

 

Some times it's as simple as the timing. You may have been the only one up for sale at that time and they buyer wanted it badly. Nothing wrong with that. If you ran it a month later, perhaps there would have been 5 up and you would have sold it much lower. Supply and demand.

 

Good for you Lee, seems like everyone ended up happy.

Paul T.

 

OUTSTANDING.....

 

I've recently been using my Noct. more often also on the M7, especially outdoors.

 

I recently visited the Rhode Island beach area and used the Noct with Fuji Velvia 50 for very pleasing results.

 

The more you use the Noct. the more you'll like it.

 

Good luck and enjoy..

 

JT

Monkey,

 

Thanks for sharing, great outside the box thought and well executed. I laughed out loud when viewing the image closer and noticing the Grandpa in the back row in the tan sport jacket. He either doesn't hear well and missed the run on the count of three part of your request or he's extremely slow out of the gate. He's standing flat footed and hasn't moved an inch while everyone else is in full motion. He even still has his hands up in a posed position on his wifes shoulders. Adds greatly to this excellent photo I think. Gotta love Grandfathers, they're the best......

 

I too will give this a shot at my next family gathering if you don't mind me borrowing your excellent idea....

 

Thanks again, great work..

Martin,

 

Are you serious in that you only did this to get the company noticed?

 

Lets just hope there wasn't any monetary incentive as that's the only thing I could think of that would have been lower then this post.