kent_demas1

Kevin,

You'll love the "P" lens, it's one of my favorite pieces of Nikon Glass.

Enjoy!

Kent

Kevin,

You'll love the "P" lens, it's one of my favorite pieces of Nikon Glass.

Enjoy!

Kent

I actually own the S3 2000, the "new" predecessor to the SP 2005, and both are incredible

pieces of work. I actually had the nerve to pop a roll through the S3 and it was a joy to use.

I have been tempted to buy the SP 2005 a few times, once you handle one you'll see why.

That said my bank account is quite happy I haven't!

Take care,

Kent

I had the same problem when I first got my D70. I think "poorly inscribed" does pretty much

capture it, it is virtually unreadable on mine.

Anyway, other than that, you have to love the camera :)

Kent

Marc,

Nice samples. How do you compare the DMR/80 1.4 characteristics with those you might get

with your Canon and the CZ 85 1.4? Or against the dearly departed N Digital and N 85/1.4?

Good to see your posts, I hope all is well.

Kent

My Favs:<br>

<ul>

<li>Leica 50mm Elmar, latest- There is just something about the "look"

<li>Leica 50mm Noct, latest- Love the swirly OOF areas

<li>Contax 90mm G- razor sharp

<li>Contax 85mm N, magical for portraits

</ul>

<p>

One more..the old Nikkor 50/1.4 on my SP rangefinder. Reminds me of the slides my dad used to take.

Keeble & Shuchat is terrific. Great service when there is any problem. San Jose Camera has

no Leica camera equipment, just binoculars. They are pretty rude most of the time as well,

at least from my expeerience.

Paul,

I actually have both and enjoy using each one in a different way. If pressed I'd say the CM

has, as advantages, a slightly better lens, a much better flash and superb build quality. I

actually see the viewfinder thing as a bit of a push for me.

The T3 is extremely pocketable and has a superb lens in it's own right. I like the

ergonomics and I really like the fact that it takes filters, a big plus in my book.

All in all you really can't go wrong with either, I'd say the form factor is the really critical

item. If you are comfortable with the size and price of the CM, go for it, you won't be

disappointed. If you opt for the T3 I can promise you that you won't have any regrets

either.

My real favs in this area are the Ricoh GR21 and Nikon 28TI.... but that's for another

thread :))

Kent

As an owner of a GR21 I'm cautiously excited at the news that will be out September 13th.

Hopefully the outstanding ergonomics of the Gr1 series will be the foundation of the digital

version.

If so, they have at least one buyer!

Kent

Jorge- Try removing the battery and leave it out for a bit. It might do a bit of a reset. I hope it

is nothing serious as these shots really are quite impressive, as impressive as you can get on

a 100 DPI monitor that is :)

Let us know what's up when you have a chance.

Kent

The discontinued Ricoh GR21 and Nikon 28TI are both excellent cameras. I have never used a

Minolta TC-1 but I hear they are quite nice as well.

You might pick up a used Minilux as you can get a pretty nice deal on one. The T3 should

have many years of service if you get one and ToCad will service it well into the future.

Kent

Joey,

I don't know about the ISO issue but the other problem was typical of the early CMs. I actually had to exchange my first CM. Leica is VERY good about taking care of the CM issues so I might give them a call if I were you.

Best of luck.

Kent

If you need Contax help ToCad is the new distributor and service provider for the US.

Kent

I would like to know from someone who has given it a try as well. I have read that the base length (37mm) is too short to focus the Noct accurately.

Kent

I owned a minilux and sold it when I bought the CM. Both are excellent, the CM I prefer if

you can afford it. Better viewfinder, nicer handling and just a very solid feel. More control

over flash too I believe.

Enjoy which ever you decide to buy! I also like the Nikon 28ti and the Contax T3, but I

don't want to go there ;-)

Kent

I have always used the format option through the menu as well and never had an issue. As

a matter of fact I didn't know there was another way of doing it! Hmmm... maybe I should

read the whole manual some time ;-)

Allan has a good point. The VR lenses would help a great deal.

Kent

I am sure the F6 has a superb low-vibration shutter but it cannot match a quality

rangefinder like the Leica in this particular regard. The fact that a rangefinder has no

mirror, and the resulting "slap", accounts for the difference.

I regularly handhold my Leica M7 and Contax G2 at 1/15 with no real problem. That said I

sure use my Nikon alot when there is any action or I need autofocus. Different tools. I

would guess the F6 has about as little vibration as an SLR can achieve. For my experience

the Contax RX has the most well damped shutter I have ever felt on an SLR.

Take care,

Kent

If you like the Aria you should really find a 45mm 2.8 to go with it. Talk about small and

light, a great travel package.

Anthony,

When I think of the Angels I can feel my blood pressure rise as they beat my Giants in

come-from-behind fashion a few years back. That darn Rally Monkey!!! (Does he still exist,

by the way?)

Anyway, very nice shots. Out of interest what film were you using?

Kent

Toke... Thanks for posting the sample shots! I know many of us are anxious to see and

use the new back.

Take care,

Kent

Steve,

I believe Stephen Gandy would be an excellent choice as well. He is one of the gurus of

Nikon Rangefinders.

www.cameraquest.com

Kent

Frederick does bring up one good point. The old Red Scale Elmar with an adpater ring

makes an unbelieveably small package mounted on an M. Food for thought :)

Kent

I own 3 50mm Leica lenses; the Noctilux, the new Summicron and the Elmar. When a fast

lens is not required I almost always have the least expensive of the three, the Elmar, on

the camera.

As mentioned above it has a nice warm color rendition. It also has a certain "look" that I

like, reminiscent of shots my father used to take on his IIIG. it is also very well made.

I have nothing bad to say about the lens as it's been terrific for me. Plus, the retro look

always is a bit fun.

Kent