bill_holtz

I used R3s for about 15 years. I would point out:

The meter needle is hard to read in dim light.

The electronics are suspect (I was down to manual on both of mine).

If the seals are old you will have light leaks (again, on both of

mine).

If you need diaopter lens for the viewfinder, they are hard to find.

The shutter is limited to 1/1000th, but it is a good one.

Over all, good camera. Wish mine still worked.

Kenny

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I use a 180/3.4 APO Telyt on a EOS-3, using the adapter from Stephen

Gandy referenced by Andy Piper. All the comments given on function

pretty much apply. It does work within limitations. I agree,

however, that if you are in the market for both a camera and a lens,

don't mix brands, you lose the best of both systems. In my

situation, my R3 MOTs died and I didn't have a telephoto lens for my

EOS-3. Now it not the time for me to make major photo purchases (two

kids in college), so I went to the adapter to allow me to use a lens

(a very good lens) that otherwise would have just sat on the shelf.

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Bill

John,

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Sounds like you have made a decision, and that is good. However, I

would strongly suggest that you actually look through a given finder

before you buy. As responses indicate, the view is not the same for

everyone. I have never bought a Leica M for one, and only one,

reason. I can't come to grips with it's viewfinder. I can't see the

35 lines in a .72 and I can't see the 50 lines in a .85. Maybe

the .58 would entice me to join the club, but I won't buy one until I

can test it myself. As a side note, the finder in the R8 is the best

I have ever used. Hope you enjoy your Leica experience,

<p>

Bill

If anyone is interested in one of thoses "astrophotography" web

sites, try out www.icstars.com. Ok, so the guy is married to my

niece, it is still a good site and it contains a lot of travel

photography as well.

Damond - May I ask where you will be going? Will you be on a photo-

tour, a regular tour, or on your own? I have made several trips to

China both as a member of a tour group and as a guest of my wife's

family. I have found photography in China intoxicating but often

frustrating. Asking me for advise on photography is a bit like

hiring a lifetime .200 hitter to be a batting coach. But, I would

offer some things to consider. Contrast in China can be brutal.

With a tour group you will probably be eating during the best light.

Smog or haze is common. On a cruise up the Yangtse I found that

distant shots with my 180 APO Telyt turned to soup. Landscapes?

Depends on where you go; China is a pretty dull country in many

places. Nature photography with a Noctilux and a 35 lux? I think

you will find these lenses more suited to street photography. And,

outside a reserve or such, I haven't seen much wildlife in China. As

for the WA, I concur with the advice given. I have used a 24 Elmarit-

R and 15 Heliar. Zooms? It's a toss up. Not having to change

lenses can be "very" bentfical. I have gravitated to an EOS-3 with a

28-135 IS. But, I still take along my 180, usually a 80 lux, and a

Contax G1 with a 28 Biogon and 45 Planar. Final comment, don't

forget a portriat lens. Your Noctilux may work for you, but take

something. IMHO, portraits are among the most available and

rewarding photo opportunities in China.

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Zhu ni hao yun. Zhao xiang cheng gong. (Wish you good luck. Sucess

in taking pictures)