jim_wong1

Does anyone know of a metal hood that would work well with this lens?

 

I'm always partial to metal lens hoods and wished that Leica had used a metal hood instead of plastic. Especially at the prices they're charging for this lens.

Any word on a hammertone version ?

At one time I had heard or read that the 28-85 is actually a Tokina lens. Is there any truth to that one?

I thought Leica no longer offered non-user serviceable parts to consumers.

I understand the accolades given to this lens.

 

I've never found my current version of the 50 cron lacking in even the least bit. So, I find it difficult to imagine how the Heliar, or any lens for that matter, to be sufficiently superior that I would give up nearly 2 stops.

 

But you are probably correct.....if I had to ask then I just don't get it.

 

Best regards.

I'm not understanding why there is so much reverence on this lens. What is so exciting about a 50mm lens with max aperture of 3.5 for M cameras. Is is really that superior to all the crons, lux's, Hexar RF, and Nokton lenses out there? Whatever advantage it may have, you're giving up a -lot- of speed. Also, from reading the specs, it's not even all that compact.

 

Forgive me if it seems like I'm trolling but I just don't get it.

One of the reasons I like the M2 is the simplicity of the finder. Only one frameline appears, 35, 50 or 90. I wouldn't think of putting an M4p finder into an M2.

One other suggestion if you're not comfortable re-calibrating your camera to accept s76/357 silver batteries......

 

Prior to doing the re-calibration on my SRT202, I used 675 hearing aid batteries with an O-ring spacer. It gave perfectly accurate readings, however these batteries didn't last very long. I usually had to replace them 3 to 4 times a year. But, I can get a pack of 6 for about $5, which is enough to last me almost 2 years. If you don't mind changing your battery several times a year, the 675 will work great.

 

I too, was squeamish about opening up my camera to do the re-calibration. It really is very easy to do. I'm on my first silver battery and it's been almost a year. My only regret is that I hadn't done it sooner.

Greg:

 

Would you have a phone no. or contact info for Apex?

I did the following modification to my SRT202 to accept commonly available S76/357 silver batteries......

 

http://home.pcisys.net/~rlsnpjs/minolta/recal.html

 

It is really very easy to do and my SRT's metering has worked great on the silver batteries.

 

Good luck.

How about your XE7 with your 50mm 1.2 lens?

 

I use the XE7 with the 58mm 1.2 lens and it doesn't get much better than that.

 

As you probably know, the XE7 feels like no other Minolta camera, it is rock solid and buttery smooth. Using an f1.2 lens with today's modern fast films means you may never need to use flash again.

 

Enjoy.

I've used the alkaline 625's in my MR4 meter but they only work for a

few weeks and then the readings go all over the place, rendering it

useless. I then tried using S76/357 silver batteries with an O ring

spacer, they're longer lasting but the readings are a bit off. Also,

the battery tends to get warm so I pull them out when I'm done for

the day. I recently tried the 675 zinc air batteries and they seem

to work the best. Readings are reasonable accurate and they lasts

about as long as the more expensive alkalines.

 

I'd like to hear from others, their experience with this meter and

what battery is used.

Battery check. When in placed in that position, the needle in the viewfinder should be in the little box on the lower right side of viewfiender if your battery is in good condition.

Does anyone know if the current M cushioned eyepieces will fit M3/M2?

And...will Leica USA sell us the parts?

Asher -- Where does one find cheap 39mm filters? In fact, where does one find cheap 39mm anything? I'm actually very serious with this question. I too am constantly frustrated with overpriced 39mm accessories.

Is voltage the only concern when using substitute batteries in SRT's? Does the different batteries have other eletrical characteristics that may cause problems for the metering circuit? I'm using a silver 357 battery with an O ring adapter in my SRT and it's giving me sufficiently accurate readings.

Just picked up an SRT202 that's in almost new cosmetic condition.

Mechanically it needs a thorough CLA, also the stop down push button

is not working. Checked with a local repair shop in SF bay area who

wants around $200 for an overhaul. That's 5 times what I paid for

the camera!!

 

Anyone know of a place that does good work with Minolta's? Either

local to SF bay area or by mail is fine.

 

My first impression of the 202 was not so positive as the only other

Minolta MC/MD camera I used is an XE-7. The XE-7 is solid with very

smooth operating gears and levers. The 202 is somewhat "ratchety"

and just doesn't have the same feel. But I think I'm going to like

using it anyways, once I get it brought back to spec.

 

Also, what do suggest for the camera battery? I'm currently using a

357 battery with an O ring to make it fit into the battery well.

Using this battery, the meter is surprisingly accurate. Within 1/2

to 1 stop of my other camera meters.

 

Thanks in advance.

I'm starting to find some keepers taken with my digicam, but being

the curmudgeon that I am, I'd like to put these images onto 35mm

negatives. Is that possible? Where would one go to get this done.

 

I do recognize the irony that the labs will probably digitize the

negatives to make prints in the future.

I just noticed on ebay that there's a Rokkor 50mm f2 lens for sale.

I didn't know there was such a lens. I thought the 50mm only came in

1.7, 1.4, and 1.2 versions. Does anyone know anything about this

lens?

I've seen adapters to use SLR lenses on Leica M's, but is there an

adapter to allow use of M or screw mount lenses on an SLR,

specifically Nikon SLRs?

<<Put your money where your mouth is. If Leica contracted with Cosina for 1000 Bessa R2's with "Leica CL2" printed on them, and sold them for $1299 you'd buy one?>>

 

Actually, I think Rollei did just that.

Do all CV lenses have brass underneath the paint? How about the camera bodies?

I'm not understanding how an RF viewfinder can be compared to an SLR's viewfinder. Doesn't the SLR brightness depend on the lens mounted?

 

I recently picked up a 58mm f/1.2 lens for my Minolta XE-7 body and that combo is noticeably brighter than my M2's viewfinder. Still, I find focusing with the 40 years old M2 easier than any SLR I've tried.

I never noticed this before but my M2's viewfinder brightness looks

like a stop or 2 dimmer than the viewfinder on a recent M6ttl. Would

a CLA be able to bring it back up? Or is the M2 viewfinder

inherently dimmer than today's M's?

 

Actually it never bothered me or even noticed it all these years, but

I've reached the age where my eyes need every little bit of

assistance it can.

 

Thanks.

Jim

Mark -- Can you also share with us how you took off the old vulcanite covering. Thanks for the great info.