david_w.

Thanks Hashim.

 

So you got it fixed for free? Was it within the one year warranty? I don't think they'll be as

kind to me...

 

--David

Hi,

 

My just two year old D70 which has only seen fairly light use (~200 shots/month) starting

exhibiting strange meter behavior just the other day. The viewfinder information dims

and the meter will read south of 1 second when the exposure should be 125th/second.

Changing battery, CF card, resetting, etc. had no effect.

 

I sent it to Nikon in El Segundo and just got an estimate of $200. Nothing specific about

the problem, just $200.

 

Has anyone seen this issue in the D70? Is the charge justified? I know that to replace the

camera would certainly be more than $200 but I'm not sure how I feel about spending that

much money for a repair.

 

Thanks!

 

--David

That's a good question Stuart as I own a D70 currently. I'm hoping someone has shot and compared the D70 to the D2/LC1 because an LC1 purchase for me would take the place of the D70.

 

I have to believe that the pricing action will soon be followed with similar reductions in the US. Too bad it didn't start out closer to this to begin with...

Just saw the LC1 for sale at Henry's in Canada for $799US or $999C.

At this price it seems like an awfully good deal. Anyone hear of a

replacement coming at PMA perhaps? I've heard good things about

Henry's...any experiences?

 

--David

I found the Caplio GX at a company called Suntec for $399 including shipping and case. I've been using a Canon SD400 and like the results but hate the lag and lack of zoom responsiveness. The size is great but I would like a little better response on the shutter.

 

Anyone know if the Caplio larger or smaller than the S70? And for those that own one, how is the build quality?

 

Leslie...thanks for the pics. Gives me a good reference. AFWIW, I used a Ricoh 500G for a long time! Very similar to the Oly 35RC pictured.

 

--David

I'm interested in the Caplio GX vs. Canon S70 as well. Has anyone held and played with both? Any sources for the Caplio in the US? Is $399 a good price for the GX? The S70 goes for $439 at B&H.

Is this a copy of the Minox 35? Anyone ever use/see one? What are

results like? How is it operated? Is it automatic? Aperature

preference? Manual? Build quality? It's on sale from $199 to $129

and I'm curious.

 

Thanks!

 

--David

 

http://www.restorationhardware.com/page.jhtml?

navHistory=cat120004&type=product&categoryId=cat810002&id=prod230169

Hi,

 

I'm going to Wilmington North Carolina in February and wondered if

anyone here can offer advice on either:

 

1. Places to visit within 4 hour drive (overnight stay) for must-

shoot photography, especially for winter/black & white shooting.

 

2. Must visit camera stores for good selection of used photo gear,

especially Leica.

 

Many thanks in advance!

 

--David

I've got one that I've used twice (once to see how it fit). Since I've sold my 135, I have no need for it. I would consider selling it for a fair price if you're interested. Please contact me at dwellers at mac dot com. I do have the box but it is packed away. I would be happy to send it on when I can get to it in Feb/Mar timeframe. Otherwise, I have the magnifier and the nifty little leather case for it.

Ahhh...forgot about the focus confirmation. Maybe the short stack will find it's way to my stocking this year (too bad I just bought an SB-600!).

 

I just looked at the new Pentax and I think the build quality, fit/finish is nowhere near the D70. And it's not *that* much smaller that it would make a difference in a typical take/leave debate. And the abundance of used Nikon glass is always a draw.

 

Thanks for the tip Kent!

Hmmm...a lens like this might get me to switch over from a D70 to the Pentax line. I've taken to using only primes with the D70 and am enjoying both the results and the feel/use of the rig. Fast lenses means brighter viewfinder image too. Interesting how using an M7 for all these years got me to very quickly and easily accept non-zoom lenses for the D70.

 

I was very interested in the Nikkor 45 pancake but I have become addicted to autofocus primarily because focusing the D70 manually is difficult at best. Would love to hear about others using primes on D-SLRs.

Thanks Richard. I enjoyed the all-too familiar shots of Bay Bridge traffic! :)

To those of you who have the R3A, anyone else wear eyeglasses? Can you see the 40mm framelines or are you having difficulty too? I have a .72 M7 and can make out 2 of the 4 35mm framelines at one time. I find this acceptable and would consider an R3A if it were like this with the 40mm framelines. I live in the SF Bay Area and would have to buy one on faith since there are no local stores that stock VC products any longer.

From high school physics I do remember that you are actually focusing on the object's distance in the reflection (mirror or prism) so you need to add the distance to the mirror (negligible in this case) to the distance of the object to the mirror. Therefore, if you are nearsighted, you would need a diopter even for an SLR.

 

I fear this is rendered moot for me as my right eye prescription is... -7.5!!!! Yow! I think I'd have to double up a couple of diopters to get there. I think I'll keep my glasses on! ;) (That's not a wink, just a squint!)

 

Since my eyes are so bad, it probably wouldn't be worth taking my glasses off just to see clearly through the viewfinder since once away from it, I couldn't see anything.

 

Thanks for the advice. I am looking into an R3A with the 40 but am concerned about frameline visibility with specs on.

Are there any rules of thumb relating to the use of diopters on an

M7? Do you just try them out to figure which one works? I am very

nearsighted and have begun wearing glasses again rather than

contacts. I've thought of switching from .72 to a .58 as the 35 is

my favorite focal length and I find it hard to see the framelines

well.

 

Anyone use a diopter? At least I know I'm in "-" territory;

probably a -3x.

 

Thanks!

"... leave it all times."

 

Which really improves my photos!

 

;)

I have a 4th generation 35 (my favorite lens) and the hood is the 12524 variety. I heartily

recommend the 14043 cap to go with it, but not at new prices (ridiculous). The cap fits

nicely over the hood allowing me to leave it at all times.

Peter,

 

If you're still looking for a Bessa R2, I saw one this weekend at the Hayward (Calif.) photo swap, black WITH the winder in very minty shape. The person selling it is there virtually every month and I bought a lens from her. The equipment she brings is always very good and her prices are excellent. She is asking less than $539 for the camera AND winder.

 

If you're interested, please email me and I'll provide her info.

 

--David

Trevor,

 

I've had very good results with an SF-20 on an M7 with 50/90/35 and 28 Leica lenses for snapshot type pictures. However, all direct flashes pointed right at the subject result in flat, sometimes harsh exposures with usually bad shadows. So, I really only use it when I'm out of light and when it's just a "snap."

 

I don't use flash enough to justify one of the big Metz units that would still provide TTL but would add more power and bounce. I like the size and weight of the SF-20 and the fact it uses the same batteries as my Motor-M and my wife's Contax TVSII.

 

Hope that helps.

Hi,

 

I noticed that several of the new Zeiss lenses (Japanese built) are

now available at Sam Shoshan's Classic Connection. Has anyone

actually seen and/or used one? I'm especially interested in the 50,

25 and 21. Are there any reports out? Subjective results and build

quality are of particular value to me.

 

Finally, anyone know of any retailers that will stock them? I'm in

the SF Bay Area.

 

Thanks!

 

--David

If you're going, be sure to stop in to Camera West in downtown Monterey. I was there a

couple of weeks ago. The store is beautiful and what an inventory! Sean is a great guy as

well. I hope to get there but I'd better leave my wallet at home.

I think it was mentioned, but Tony Rose (the Tony above?) in Westlake California has them, new, for $159 in tan and black (not sure about olive). Tony can be found at www.popflash.com. I just got mine and like it very much. Slightly larger than the Domke F-5, no zipper, and a front pocket big enough for an SF-20, film, filters etc. Nicely padded. And for no "extra" money, it comes in a nice silver Leica box too!

Small aperture--

 

I think you meant to say libel, not slander. However, I posed a question (hence the '?' in the title). That is not libel (and certainly not slander).

 

Second, if I did anything for them it was to bring more hits/visitors/potential buyers etc. Beauty of our economic system is if you want it, have at it. If you don't, don't buy it. I simply pointed out inconsistencies in the post which have not been refuted. In fact, they probably got a much wider audience for the camera through my post than eBay alone.

 

Finally, please don't threaten me by "telling" on me. I welcome the dialogue.

I too have bought an sold many items on eBay. I've sold several cameras and lenses with

no problems. I was de-frauded by someone selling cell phones who stole thousands of

dollars from people. I got my money back and had to rescind my complaint at Paypal. I

fear that it caused others to lose their money but I had no choice. So even Paypal is no

guarantee but it's better than nothing. I also recently sold my M6 to a photo.netter and it

was a great transaction.

 

I believe that posted pictures of an item without saying anything to the contrary, implies

that it is THE item. To not say as such is deceptive. This is what led me to think this

might be a fraudulant post.

 

Here is the response I received from my first email requesting more pictures and a reason

why Paypal is not acceptable:

 

"I will ask Marty to put together additional pix, but I am not sure he will return in time. I

don't know how to use the digital.

He is not using Paypal for two reasons. First they fouled up about 3 transactions in a row;

second, the fees starting adding up for the higher priced items.

Joan"

 

I will leave the conclusions to you...

Maybe fraud was a bit overdramatic...I've asked for pics and will post if I get them.