owen w.

I met Eric and his wife & small daughter in Yangon last year. They are both M-system shooters. I was pleased they wanted to see all my work of a recent Nat festival in upper Myanmar. The Alliance' sponsored a showing of their film later that week. They have a number of coffee-table books, again mostly of Nepal and parts north. Wonderful people, fabulous photography, powerful film. All highly recommended.

Owen

The Fotofile shop is definitely cheaper of these two. IF, however, you want service for your Leicas, CLEs, or other treasures, I strongly recommend Khun Mana at A.V. Camera. The address is: 1, Soi Keson (Charoenkrung 50) (That is right next to Robinson's on New Road, just up from the Shangrila hotel.) Tel: 02-234-4786. Fax: 02-237-8548

Excellent service. Great to buy new equipment from, but not too much in used equipment. About the best prices available in Thailand (although these prices can be beat in Singapore).

Khun Mana had polio in his youth, so is not highly mobile, but his technicians are the best in Thailand.

Owen

I�ve owned two CLE�s w/hand grips and CLE flash units for over 20

years. I�ve always used Leica glass. Actually, I�d never heard of

problems of lenses until a few years ago when I started reading the

historical postings (Mr. Gandy, thank you.). Back then, I used mid-70s

35 and 50 Summicrons, an Elmarit 28/2.8 (1982), and TE 90/2.8 (1982).

No alternations, ring removals, etc. Pulled 'em from the box and stuck

'em on the cameras. I still have them and love them fiercely.

<p>

I broke down and got an M6TTL .85 a couple years ago, and have

purchased a set of new lenses: Cosina 15, Elmarit 24 ASPH, 35/2 ASPH,

50/2 & 90/2 ASPH. They all work fine on the CLEs.

<p>

In fact, the ULTIMATE P&S camera, for close quarters parties,

diplomatic functions, dinner parties where you�re expected to

�document�, etc.: The CLE w/grip, the 24 ASPH, & CLE flash. There is

no greater p&s when flash will be required, and you don�t want to make

a big deal about it... until you deliver the photos!

<p>

No, you can�t use the hood, as it blocks the rangefinder. So what?

I�ve spent many a day wandering thru local markets with the CLE & 24

and had no problems with flare, etc. I had owned the 24 for nearly 2

years and hadn�t gotten into it until I tossed it onto a CLE. The

viewfinder gives you at least 25-6, and I lean my head back a few

degrees to get 24, then lean in. That�s a good general rule for the

24, anyway. Closer is almost always better. The CLE has OTF TTL and

the sliding diffuser on the little flash has remarkable coverage.

<p>

While I really, really love the M6, at least one CLE stays with me.

True, framelines with the 35 lens show 28, and with the 50 they show

40. The TE 90 covers slightly more than the CLE 90 framelines, but

just a hair. But I simply know my viewfinder and have long ago

mentally inscribed the actual lens frame performance. Those lenses are

all tiny (except the 28, which I never came to love), and I could use

them in many situations where bigger cameras would simply not have been

welcome.

<p>

The 90/2 ASPH is huge and heavy. With the hood out, the rangefinder

has partial obstruction, but I find that it isn�t enough to hinder in

bright light and, in low light, I don�t need the hood out. Anyway, the

TE 90/2.8 still gets carried more often, because of weight. I carry

all I need in a (very full) Tenba P-211 (original messenger type) that

is as old as the CLEs I bought new. (M6, CLE, 24, 35, 50, 90, flashes,

maybe the 15, maybe the 50/1.4, etc).

<p>

I am overwhelmingly grateful to this forum, as I�m mainly a lurker. I

also live in a country where Internet access is still severely

restricted. So, when I can, I get in and read like mad and rarely

contribute. This was a chance to defend my beloved CLEs and still

think it is the very best M (Leica never) made. I�m waiting to see if

the M7 finally does justice to its memory.

<p>

Thank you, again.

Owen Wrigley

Yangon, Myanmar

I've had two CLE's for 20 years. I have 8 Leica lenses and use them

all on my CLEs. The older 35/2 (mid-70's make) and the latest 35/2

ASPH both work wonderfully. The 35 leaves you with the 28 lines, but

one learns easily to simply "know" where the "real" framelines are.

Same with the 50's. You get the 40 lines, and simply learn to mentally

cut in to the right cropping. Best M cameras Leica never made.

<p>

Owen