wayne_murphy6

My experience has been that the round camera plate locks

absolutely securely, will not twist or jiggle even with my large

lens. I was somewhat sceptical about its small size but it works

perfectly for me.

The main locking lever can also be tightened slightly and this

makes sure that there is no play or movement.

The rectangular recieving plate is partly made of dense plastic

but the locking mechanism is metal.

Not sure if you could use it with an eveready case. Seems to

defeat the purpose if you have to take the camera out of the case

to reload film. With the quick release you can leave the

baseplate attached to the tripod and lift the camera off to reload.

Novoflex also make a larger conventional quick release for Arca

plates but it is large.

Cheers

Slightly OT but I have found a very neat and compact tripod quick

release which fits onto Leica M bodies with virtually no change in

handling qualities.

It is a Novoflex Mini Connect and consists of a rectangular tripod

locking plate and a circular camera plate about 24mm (slightly

less than 1 inch) diameter which screws into the camera's tripod

bush. It is almost identical to the screw on the bottom of old

eveready cases except that it is reverse bevelled to lock into the

keeper plate.

The system is automatic locking and one handed release. You

need to press a sliding safety lock before you can release the

camera. It is very simple and very well made. It is also not

cheap, but is miles ahead of the Manfrotto and Gitzo versions

which are positively clunky and big.

The screw diameter is smaller than the width of the M base plate

and it is quite thin.

If you want to see it, search for novoflex, then click products and

then click mounting systems.

I also have one on a 280/4.0 lens (1.8kg or nearly 4 pounds) and

it is absolutly secure. It fits any camera or lens but seems just

right for Leica M cameras for those people who use tripods.

Some personal experience and comment: I owned a 35-70/4.0

zoom and it was OK. However, f4.0 is unacceptable to me and I

sold it.

Every other lens manufacturer has had a 35-70/2.8 for years and

most now have 28-70/2.8s. Why on earth can leica not make

one? I am almost prepared to pay the stupid price for the Leica

version except that Leica will not get themselves into gear and

make me one. If Leica cannot make it, then get Kyocera to make

it to Leica's design under licence. I have no doubt that they

could.

I also own a 21-35 Leica zoom. It is also OK to very good but a

bit weak in the corners. However, it is also f3.5-4.0. Again why?

Everyone else has 2.8 versions, and mostly 17-35. Not good

enough for the money. I am selling it for a 19/2.8.

I own a 80-200 Leica zoom also. It is the best of these three and

is excellent (except at 200) but is again f4.0. OK, the size is quite

reasonable.

If you read Jay's post. you will see that he chooses his words

carefully - if you have to TOLERATE a leica body, then it is only

worth it if the glass is sensational. Although it is only my view, I

cannot see any reason to use anyting else but the very best of

the Leica lenses on a Leica body. If I am travelling, then I still

want the absolute best quality for large prints. If I want only

snapshots, then I will take a cheaper and lighter camera outfit

and live with the lower quality.

This is only my personal view and each to his/her own. Makes

life more interesting .

A friend of mine owns a large processing lab whose customers

are almost exclusively professional photographers. His lab will

no longer process XP2 because of the scratching problem.

Their throughput is massive (film and digital) and their

equipment is the latest. They do not have any scratching

problems with Kodak Tmax 400 CN.

I have used both and prefer the Ilford film because it is easier to

print because there is no orange mask. The risk of scratches,

however, is too high.

As a matter of interest(?) my lab-owning friend says that digital is

just starting to get to the point of rivalling film quality but digital

files are becoming massive and are now becoming a serious

problem.

I have dealt with virtually all of the authorised Leica dealers in

Hong Kong over the last 18 years, including Tin Cheung, and

they are all trustworthy. Their prices vary a bit and a bit of

bargaining is required.

You will find that their policy is No Refunds and No Exchanges -

full stop. If you get a defective camera or lens, they might

exchange it if they know you well but more likely they will send

you to the Leica agent to work it out.

You must remember that these guys are running on margins of

one or two percent and if you want to take advantage of the very

low prices, then you must accept the no replacement policy. If

that is not acceptable, then buy elsewhere for your own peace of

mind. This is not meant to be a criticism af anyone but it is just

the way it is in Hong Kong. Some people are happy with this

arrangement (I am) but some will not be.

If you check everything in the shop (even after you have paid for it)

and something is defective, then they will always replace it at that

time.

It is really a bit tough though, to ask for a refund/replacement only

because you change your mind. And yes, $5,000 is a lot, but

those dealers have customers every day of the week who spend

that much and much more. Hope this gives a clear picture of the

way business is done in HK.

I have a current catalogue which lists the 35-70/2.8 R zoom.

Leica's website also includes this lens as current. The M7 0.85

was supposed to be available in June. Supply is a joke.

I am reminded of the story of how to make a small fortune as a

Leica dealer - start with a large fortune. Perhaps Bob Todrick

would agree?

I hope this helps: Nothing reputable opens in Hong Kong on

sundays before 12.00 noon. The dealers you refer to are in

Kowloon. Tsimshatsui is a part of Kowloon and is the metro

stop.

The current best dealer price for an official (not grey market)

Leica M7 is HK$15,000 and for a Leica M6TTL is $11,500. 1

US$ = HK$7.8, so you work it out. If you want to pay by credit

card, there is an extra 2 -3% charge - non negotiable.

Tin Cheung in Nathan Road (in an arcade) is OK, as is

Francisco in Lock Road. Kinefoto is generally more expensive

but in any case, they do not open on Sundays.

There are currently no grey market M7s in Hong Kong but there

are plenty of grey market M6TTLs for HK$11,000. You can buy

one from the above dealers as well as from Salon Camera at 3

Iching Road Kowloon.

Now what about some lenses? 24 Asph - HK$9,000, 28/2.0

Summicron - HK$9,900, Tri Elmar - HK$10,500. Why stop

there? Go for it, you will never buy cheaper. Make sure you get

the warranty card.

I use polarising filters on some leica lenses. In two

cases,(21-35 and 80-200) the mount or the lens hood partly

covers the inner screw-in rim of the filter. Putting the filter on is

fine but it is very difficult to get a grip on it for removal, particularly

for the slim version. The plastic filter wrenches do not help

because they do not provide an even pressure around the rim.

Any suggestions please?

I went into the shop to buy the new 21-35/3.5-4.0 zoom and came out with a 35-70/4.0 as well. My wife cannot understand how this could happen. Pointing out that I had resisted the 80-200 zoom did not help.

<p>

Sell: 35-70/4.0 Leica Vario Elmar ROM lens (aspherical element). Bought late March 2002, mounted on R8 to test functions (perfect)and never used. Serial No 383xxxx, complete with caps, hood, case, box, instructions and 2 year factory guarantee. Indistinguishable from new, perfect, flawless. US$775 and I will pay postage and insurance.

<p>

Please contact me directly if interested.

Sorry to bear bad news but I have been trying for years to get one

also without success. If you are desperate, there is a complete

new (old stock) Focometer 2 available in Australia for A$995 or

about US$500. Dealer is Newdark Pty Ltd. Email contact:

<p>

sales@newdark.com.au

<p>

This one had a fault and was sent back to Leica for repair, but I

am assured that it has never been used and i assume that it has

the full warranty.

I was in Hong Kong recently (3 weeks ago) and there were plenty

of M7s available (several anyway). best price was HK$15,900 at

the first ask. Probably better with a bit of bargaining. My

impression was that buyers are becoming more sophisticated

due largely to forums such as this, and there was significant

buyer resistance to the initial inflated prices.

<p>

This was in contrast to 1984 when I attempted to buy an M6 in

HK and was quoted more than the already incredible list price.

<p>

The simple solution is to stick it to the dealers and tell them that

they need a reality check. Simply, do not buy at their inflated

prices. If we all do that, the prices will drop dramatically sooner.

The reason that the 50/2.8 is the best is that Leica probably have

a warehouse full and need to shift them. How better? Read

Erwin Puts' own assessment of 50 lenses. The 50/2.8 comes

third. It is not that it is no good - it just isn't as good as the other

two.

I have a V35 as brand new with colour head, vario contrast head,

3 different neg carriers focometer 2 and voltage stabiliser. All in

original boxes indistinguishable from new. US$1200 plus

freight from or within Australia. Note, the enlarger is in the

original Leitz packaging used for shipping from germany. The

only reason I am selling this is that I am moving to an apartment

which cannot accommodate a darkroom.

This book is a technical masterpiece and provides an

extraordinary insight into Leica lens design and lens theory. The

editing and proofreading are, however, appaling. There is a raft

of mistakes, particularly in the lens specifications in the figures.

For the price, I am quite cross about this sloppiness.

Tin Cheung Camera Company, Hong Kong, has a new

35-70/2.8 R lens for sale for HK$39,000 or about US$5,000 if

anyone is desperate.

<p>

Following the earlier thread suggesting that this lens was back

inproduction, I contacted the Australian agent who contacted

Leica. The story is that leica are manufacturing this lens on a

very limited scale, but ONLY to fill some back orders. I

understand that Leica are supplying at the original list price but

will not entertain any new orders. Waiting time could be up to 2

years if your dealer has "officially" ordered one.

<p>

No news on a replacement version. Regards,

I would be happy to provide dealer names in Hong Kong if

required. Please email me directly to avoid burdening this site.

Some current (lowest) Hong Kong prices as at 22 March 2002:

(US1$=HK$7.75, AU$1=HK$4.

<p>

Leica M7 body $15,900. The dealers happily tell you that the

price will drop to around HK$13,000 within 3-6 months as all

dealers get full stock. Black 0.72 only at the moment. Official

import, not grey market.

<p>

Leica M6TTL body $11,000 grey market, about $11,500 for

official.

<p>

Vario Elmar R 21-35 Zoom $12,000. Price will also drop in 3-6

months to about $10,500. Official , not grey market.

<p>

Vario Elmar R 35-70 Zoom $5,200 for grey market, about $5,800

for official. Grey market has full guarantee.

<p>

Vario Elmar R 80-200 Zoom $8,000 for grey market, about

$8,500 for official. Grey market has full guarantee.

<p>

Apo Elmarit 180/2.8 $13,800 for grey market. Bargain! Full

guarantee.

<p>

I also priced a Contax T3 at $3,700 and a Contax TVS III at

$4,700.

<p>

The Australian Leica agent told me that they were supplying

Leica M7 bodies to the Australian dealers at the same price as

the M6TTL . He also stated that the price of the M6TTL would fall

soon. I pass this on for what is worth.

<p>

This does not seem to be consistent with the Hong Kong price

structure because the Hong Kong agent's "recommended list

price" for the M7 is way above the M6TTL list price. Who really

knows?

<p>

Hope this is useful.

Douglas, does it matter if the 560 Telyt has 3 cams? I thought

that because it was a non-automatic diaphragm, the earliest

versions of this lens can still be used on the later R cameras. I

would greatly appreciate your comment as to whether an early

1970s lens will work without damage on an R8. Thanks.

Grey market Leica cameras and lenses are identical to the

official ones. There is no such thing as a second class Leica.

<p>

The definitive answer is that if you buy an officially imported Leica

product from an authorised Leica dealer any where in the world,

the local agent in your country will repair it under warranty. If you

buy a grey market camera or lens, however, the local agent will

generally refuse to repair it under warranty, or will charge you for

the work. Provided you have the guarantee card properly

stamped and proof of purchase, then any warranty repair will be

carried out by Leica in Germany at no charge.

<p>

All new Leica have the guarantee card and only unscrupulous

dealers remove it. If you buy one without the card, then you have

no guarantee whatever.

I think you need to call Uri Geller. I believe that for a small fee, he

will, remotely, restore your electronics, make you a better person

and might even be able to turn your R4 into an R8. Just watch

out for a bent winding lever if he puts too much concentration into

it. Sorry to take the p**s.

Any comments please on the performance of the 28 PC Super

Angulon R lens. I know it is a relatively specialist shift lens with

architectural uses, but can any contributor tell me from personal

experience if the lens has average/good/great performance in

terms of sharpness, contrast, etc. To date, I have never seen a

used example for sale. Too problematic to use? Thanks.

I have done a personal, non-scientific comparison of the Nikon

85/1.8 AFlens, the Contax 90/2.8 G lens and the Leica 90/2.0 Apo

lens on the same (distant) subject. The leica lens is, in my

opinion, better than either than the others by a large margin. I

am not a Leica fanatic, but I have owned practically all of the

name brand cameras and lots of lenses, and I am convinced.

Value for money is quite another thing, depending on how large

your prints are. Why not go to 14 x 11 and see?

Recently I was considering a used R lens from a dealer and

asked its condition and serial number. the dealer stated that the

serial number was not a guide to the year of manufacture

because Leica allocated blocks of serial numbers to particular

lenses and that particular lens just ran through that block of

numbers, after which a new block of numbers would be

allocated to that lens.

<p>

For example, a block of numbers might be allocated for a

particular lens and the lenses might be produced over a number

of years. During that time, other lens serial numbers would have

well overtaken all of the block of numbers, with the result that two

lenses produced in the same year could have serial numbers

which differred greatly.

<p>

The dealer quoted a "factual" story, stating that recently the

dealer obtained a Noctilux for a customer and it arrived from the

agent with a serial number in the low 3 millions. The customer

refused to accept the lens on the grounds that it could not be

new or had been in stock for years .

<p>

The dealer claimed that the customer emailed Leica and was

advised that the lens in question was a current production

number.

<p>

I can see that Leica might allocate some blocks of numbers to

the Canadian factory and to Minolta for its R lenses and I can

also understand that stock of esoteric lenses such as the 28 PC

Super Angulon and the 15 Super Elmar might sit around for a

while in leica's stock - but surely this dealer is stretching it a bit.

<p>

Could this be the reason that Leica discontinued providing

tables of lens serial numbers and matching years?

<p>

I have noticed that Leica brochures are generally a very good

guide to current lens numbers because the cameras shown are

always fitted with the latest lenses (and the lens serial numbers

are clearly readable).The brochures are always dated on the

back so they are a good basic reference.

<p>

I would appreciate any confirmation or otherwise of this dealer's

story.

The BN versions have a harder coating on the front element (not

sure about the inner coatings), closer focussing and better

seals. They are waterproof to 5 metres (in case you want to

snorkel with them). Leica actually recommends cleaning by

washing them under running water.

<p>

<p>

I have just listed a pair of as-new 8x42 BN Trinovid binoculars on

ebay because I simply must have a 19mm R lens which has just

become available for only a slightly exorbitant price.