john_collier5

Here is what Erwin has to say:

<p>

<a

href="http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/mseries/testm/m2-28.htm

l">

http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/mseries/testm/m2-28.html</a>

<p>

There was a detailed comparison between the 28/2.8 Elmarit,

28/2 Summicron and the Cosina/Voigtlander 28/1.9 in the latest

Viewfinder. While Erwin found significant differences, the

photographers reported only very slight differences between the

two lenses.

<p>

If you are not a heavy user, you can buy a great deal of film for the

price difference...

The greater the magnification the more frameline sets you would

lose. This especially true if you wear glasses. I am puzzled by

the comments that it only works on the wider frames as I only

use mine with the longer lenses. It takes my 0.72x to 0.9x and I

find this to be helpful. It makes for faster focusingwith my 90/2AA.

<p>

If I am only using one body i do not use it but if I am using

multiple bodies then I do. Handy but not an essential accessory.

Hi Henry,

<p>

I have seen cameras with both rapidload and the drive coupling

pin. It just does not make economic sense to butcher a M2-R

camera.

Read it out of the manual:

<p>

<a

href="http://members.fortunecity.com/canoneos/manuals/leicam

4p1617.jpg">

http://members.fortunecity.com/canoneos/manuals/leicam4p161

7.jpg</a>

Check completed auctions on eBay for a camera in similar

condition. In Leica resale, it is cosmetics, cosmetics, cosmetics.

Simon's Camera has given good service in the past. BE VERY

CAREFUL WITH RENTED EQUIPMENT. Unfortunately a good

deal of the value of a Leica camera is its cosmetics. A single

well placed scratch could reduce its value buy 30%. You would

be responsible for that drop in value.

<p>

<a href="http://www.simonscameras.com/index.asp">

http://www.simonscameras.com/index.asp</a>

It is much easier to modify a M2 to have rapid loading than it

would be modify a M2-R to have the drive pin. SELL the M2-R

and get a normal M2, have a rapid wind conversion done to the

camera, buy a M2 RapidWinder and have money in the pocket for

film. Better yet have modern motor drive coupler put in and use a

normal RapidWinder which you can share with newer cameras.

<p>

<a href="http://www.dagcamera.com/">

http://www.dagcamera.com/</a>

No, the M2-R does not have the coupling rod that the M2 has

(source: KS-15 camera repair manual). DAG can modify a stock

M2 to have the rapid load and coupling rod for the Leicavit.

Go here and scroll down:

<p>

<a href="http://www.mygale.org/cesarigd/photoe2cleo.htm">

http://www.mygale.org/cesarigd/photoe2cleo.htm</a>

If you are using Leica because it says Leica on the camera and

lenses, then the answer is NO. I use Leica because I like

viewing the world through a M viewfinder PERIOD. The lenses

are great but I have no illusions about what makes good

photographs.

Another factor to consider is that Leica makes up lenses in

batches too. So they will run off x number of lenses and, if it is

not a popular lens, they will wait until the backorders pile up

before running another batch.

Hi Jim,

<p>

Yes.

Hi Al,

<p>

The M cameras already have a stepless shutter as I pointed out

above. On the M6 cameras you have to meter with the shutter set

at a marked speed but you can set it any interval you like (except

for the above mentioned speeds). Whatever the wide open

aperture is on a lens, you might get to use it with a marked

speed or not depending on the light levels. A f1.2 lens is just as

likely to end up with a marked shuter speed as a f1.4 lens is.

They come up on ebay from time to time. You also might check

with Leica. They may well have spare hoods in stock.

Ummm, you are all pulling our collective legs, right? Up where I

live light does not come in whole stop graduations. I frequently

use the "inbetween" aperture settings. Sometimes plus or

minus a third stop or a half stop or whatever is required. The

ability to get a half stop more light on the film could be very useful

at times. Having said that I have no plans on selling my 35/1.4A

ever.

<p>

The M camera has a stepless shutter! The intermediate speeds

are useable except between 1/30 and 1/60 (except for 1/50) and

1/8 and 1/15. The important thing to remember that the shutter

speed dial resistor only has postions for the marked speeds on

the dial. So meter, then set the intermediate speed and do not

meter again until you set the shutter dial back to a marked

setting.

<p>

As to whether there is a new 35/1.2 lens coming, I have no idea.

It seems rather unlikely to me but then a number of Leica's

recent offerings have had me puzzled. 135/3.4APO, 50/2.8, LTM

lenses, etc

The M7, special flash that syncs at all speeds and the R90/2AA

rumours seem pretty solid. There are also strong rumours of a

M35/1.2A and suspect rumours of either a R8 style mechanical

body or a R8 with focus confirmation or both or none. We will

have wait to find out until the PMA. Probably just a new finish will

be the only change :-)

I have three M cameras and all have a different feel when

mounting lenses. The TTL is as smooth as butter, the M2 is

stiffer all the way through, and, the M4-2 is just stiff at the end. If

you are concerned about it, use a cotton swap to apply a tiny

amount of petroleum jelly to the lens mount. Then wipe it down

with a lint free cloth. After that I would not worry about it at all.

It is used to calculate long exposures. If you have a reading of

1/2 sec. at f/1.4 but want to expose with an aperture of f/11, you

just line up the 1/2 and the f1.4 and then read out the time

required at the f/11 setting (30 sec).

Sherry is very good but she is not in the city of New York so she

will not be able to help you.

Or you could use this place:

<p>

<a href="http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/page8.html">

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/page8.html</a>

Interesting problem, putting a SoftRelease on my TTL camera

improved in no end. Try it for awhile and see if it improves.

Of all the Leica lenses, this is one where you should buy as late

a model as you can. At f/1.4 it has so little contrast and is so flare

prone that the improvements in coating technology make a big

difference over the 38 year production life. Get the newest one

you can find.

No, there were too many made. The same for the M6 classic

except for the HM version of which only 3000 or so were made.