peter_a__nyc_

I have the Mini. I like it a lot. I used it with my F-100 and 400mm 3.5 until I got the Manfrotto gear head, which is much bigger and heavier. These days, however, if I were shopping for a lightweight head, there are lighter magnesium alloy models from the top makers which I might choose.

Short answer: I use them all the time, on old and newer bodies. Many older Nikon lenses are as good or better than their up-dated versions. And many of them will work on many newer Nikon bodies.

Last year my M3 fell out of my backpack, and the rangefinder was knocked out of

adjustment. DAG fixed it in just a few days, and surprise-- he also took most of the dent

out. Great service.

Owen, get a cheap hot shoe adapter. That will give you around a half inch gap to set the

shutter dial.

I get great used deals from Adorama, but maybe because I go there in person. I have seen

quite a few of their used litems labled incorrectly. Also, some very clean "E+" items which,

upon close inspection, reveal a serious hidden problem. If you want a particular lens, ask

to see three or four in the price catagory you want. They have a huge stock. Their website

is only a rough estimate.<p>

Last week I wanted a clean Nikon 105 2.5 early (Sonnar) version. Among four samples, all

the usual ailments were there-- stiff focusing, sluggish oily diaphragm blades, fungus,

some were AI'd and were labled AI, etc. Only one was really good, and after bargaining I

paid $75.<p>

Also, I never had problems returning items purchased there.

My CLE is way louder than my M3. But I love its built in 28mm finder, portability, soft

touch shutter release, and normal hinged back! The Konica Hexar AF, in Silent Mode, is

quieter than either camera, however it has other limitations.

I have been getting great results from Baboo since about 1986.

Then, there is the Jacobson Sound Blimp. Big and expensive, but they work amazingly well.

I have not found anything quieter than the Konica Hexar, with fixed AF 35mm 2.0 lens.

Only certain variations have the "Silent Mode", the first black one, the Rhodium model, and

maybe another. I think the "Silver" model might not.

The Summarit is my favorite 50 when I don't want a modern, alert look. In certain lo-light conditions, it has the perfect blend of sharp and soft, like when we look at something without paying full attention. It's a daydream lens.

Last year B&H sold me a tiny Gossen battery adapter for around $19 that uses regular

modern batteries and works great.