luther_berry1

A tragedy of this magnitude really puts life into perspective,

doesn't it? I was feeling sorry for myself because I have just been

diagnosed with an eye problem which may permanently impair visual

acuity in my right eye. Since my hobbies are photography, birding,

and target shooting with pistols, I was depressed. But the tragic

events of yesterday shows that my problems are so minuscule and that

I am indeed VERY BLESSED by God!

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I don't believe my God approves of the senseless slaughter of

innocent victims by such terrorist attacks as we say yesterday.

These are truly despicable acts by despicable animals of the homo

sapiens tribe. (I refuse to call them people.) Let us concentrate

on our points of agreement and agree to disagree when we differ. May

God bless us all in this time of tribulation, especially those who

have suffered loss or injury to family or friends. LB

What a sad day for the world! There are so many fine people

throughout the world. Unfortunately, it only takes a few rotten

apples to create tragedy.

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A couple of days ago, we were calmly discussing our different

opinions of Leica R and M cameras, as reasonable people would. Today

we see the cruel actions of uncivilized cowardly terrorists who feel

they must strike out and kill innocent people for unfathomable

reasons. What a shame that such animals continue to exist in our

world. Despite many years of education, my vocabulary contains no

words vile enough to describe those terrorists. Perhaps only God

knows why they do such horrible things.

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I believe we should determine who is responsible for this tragedy and

do whatever it takes to punish them appropriately, as we would punish

any other criminal(s). Prayers and best wishes to all for your

family and friends through this period of trouble! LB

David,

The focus ring on my new 180/2.8 APO moves VERY easily. If I am

not careful, it can move slightly from inadvertent hand pressure

while I am concentrating on subject, composition, tracking, etc. To

prevent such focus alterations, I have altered my hold. Now I

support the lens on the palm/heel of my hand behind the focus ring

and just use two fingers to move the focus ring. Don't seem to have

the accidental focus shift problem any more.

Franz,

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I also recently purchased a new R 280/4 APO-Telyt lens. Yes, the

filter drawer has a slight amount of freedom, although mine may have

less movement than you describe. Does not fit the standard of

quality that Leica dotes on but I don't think it will interfere with

the quality of photographs taken since the filter should have flat

faces.

If you have further questions, you might contact B. Olesin,

Customer Service Mgr for Leica in Northvale, N.J. at 1-800-222-0118

X217 or e-mail him at olesin@aol.com. He has been answered a couple

of my questions regarding potential problems with Leica equipment.

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LB

Ray,

I also just bought a Leica R8 and have been told by Metz service

people that in order to use my Metz 45CL-4 flash I will need both an

SCA3501 module (being replaced by SCA3502 module this spring) AND an

SCA3000C adaptor. (The adaptor might be different for your flash

because it must match the connection fitting on the flash head

itself.) The SCA3501/3502 module handles the logic of providing

service functions between the camera and the flash. The SCA300C

adaptor converts the digital output from SCA3501/3502 module back to

analog input for the Metz 45CL-4 flash. If you don't want to buy

these modules/adaptors, you can use a simple PC connection cord from

the flash head to the PC connection on the R8. Works great on mine.

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Good luck. LB