jackson loi

Stephen:

I don't think the name is "engraved", but rather "stamped", just like the ones on M4-2.

Correction: ACAM-250 is not longer, but has an extra padding for the neck/shoulder area. It has the same length as the ACAM-200.

A longer strap is actually the <a href=http://www.aaa1.co.jp/camera/catalog/strap/acam_251/index_e.html>ACAM-251</a>, without the padding. This long strap should serve Shaq, but Shaq doesn't need one because his trouser pocket can fit a Leica.

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I find that the Leica factory strap cheap, given what we paid. The strap does not even protect itself from scratching the camera body. A decently made leather strap such as the A&A should come as a standard. Leica is testing my tolerance on their intentions to increase profit margins.

The ACAM-200 english link can be found here:

<a href=http://www.aaa1.co.jp/camera/catalog/strap/acam_200/index_e.html >ACAM-200</a>

while the longer ACAM-250 is here:

<a href=http://www.aaa1.co.jp/camera/catalog/strap/acam_250/index_e.html >ACAM-250</a>

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I am not sure how to make "click on" links, but it will likely work by cut and paste into your path. So far, I think we have just 4-5 counts of interest. I will need around 10 counts to get some bargain power, so let's be patient and wait for a couple of days.

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I once sent an email to A&A (1 year ago), and their response told quite a long while to return. Language is a barrier, of course, but profit and money break most barriers. We'll see.

A good price for Hexar RF would be $550 to $600. I heard somewhere in this forum that somehow Hexar RF is not fully compatible with Leica M lenses, correct me if I am wrong.

I would save some money for the M7 0.72, I like the shorter shutter lag (12ms compare to 100ms for Hexar), and longer baseline length (I don't wear glasses). The Leica body simply has more character and only gets better with age. The Hexar RF does not bother me in terms of appearance, I think it makes one look like a spy.

From the Japanese magazine I mentioned in this link:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=004SPt

I see very nice leather strap for Leica, made in Japan by Artisan &

Artist. They have nice leather padding to protect scratches from the

ring, and they look much nicer than Leica factory strap.

Look at their website:

http://www.aaa1.co.jp/camera/catalog/strap/index.html

See ACAM-200 and ACAM-250, they have different lengths to accomodate

your height (250 is longer).

I intend to purchase the ACAM-200 @ 4800 yen, I wonder if anyone in

Canada or the US are also interested, perhaps we can get a better

price buying as a group.

There are certainly more things to overcome, such as payment,

distribution, and trust. But the first question should be whether we

have enough people interested in buying. If these straps do not

appeal to you, please introduce me to better ones.

Many thanks,

In Hong Kong, I purchased a Japanese "Leica News", titled "M-type Leica Perfect Manual", published 30/4/2001, ISBN4-87099-438-0. This is quite nice, describing the details from M3 to M6TTL and HexarRF. How to shoot with Ms, what film to use, camera bags, upkeep, serial numbers (up to M4-p) to distinguish between different models.

Most stuff you can find in the web, but summarized nicely with good pictures.

Another one I got, also "Leica News", issue 4, published 20/12/2000, ISBN4-87099-389-9. Featuring "To Know and Use M6" and "Focal Length 35mm for Leica M". This is very nice, and compare all 35mm lenses that Leica M can use, including older screwmounts and off-brands.

To order, see here (Acrobat w/ Japanese decoding)

www.ei-publishing.co.jp/shoten/images/020410order.pdf

I strongly agree with Al. Film supply will not have the slightess chance of being terminated in the next 5 years. The demand for film still exist, because new film cameras are still selling well (while digital catches up). These cameras need to burn film, don't you think? And even when all new cameras are digital (long way to go), the existing film camera and Steven Spielberg still demand film (read The Economist Dec21/02-Jan3/03, pp. 95). Why would film makers cease production in the near future, when all that is required is to run the existing factory?

Film makers will need to sustain film production to generate constant cash flows, in order to finance debt and R&D (in digital). That means there will be virtually no innovation in film technology (since marginal improvement is very low), and digital technology R&D will flourish (marginal improvement is high). R&D needs money, and film sales, in the next 5-10 years will help digital technology to get to where it wants to be. Even then, film production will continue because it generates more constant cash flows than digital. In economic theory, supply is always slow to adjust, because it requires time to build and existing capital depreciates slowly (film factory will not disappear and digital advancement will not jump overnight). Leica enthusiasts should therefore not worry about a film "supply shock" that would send price upward.

Chip -

In 5 years, I see the M7 still in production, selling okay along with its variations (Black paint, 0.58, collectibles). Used M rangefinders and lenses will continue to enjoy high resale value in a liquid secondary market.

I think the M7 complements the existing M lines, bringing enhanced shutter speed precision at the expense of using a non-mechanical shutter. 1/2000s max speed or 1/250 sync would bring much louder shutter noise that will contradicts M-style shooting. Photographers can use their older M's as mechanical second body, and mechanical advocates can always buy M3 to M6TTL in the secondary market. There is already a large supply out there, especially the M6.

I feel that the secondary (used) market, not commonly stressed by most people in this forum, is crucial to Leica's prospects. Whether you claim to be a user or a collector, Leica M is a luxurious system to own. The market demand for Leica M is very inelastic to its price, meaning that a fall in price will not substantially boost quantity sold. In this sense, I do not agree that Leica should produce low quality Ms at a lower price. It is not profit-maximizing because price falls alot and quantity will only grow by a little. Admittedly, I am gladly willing to pay $1800 for my ideal Leica M body, so why would Leica mark down their price to gain a small increase in new orders, when essentially the ones who will buy them are you, I, and a limited number who loves the Ms? In addition, tumbling prices in the secondary market will ruin Leica's reputation as being prestigous. Think about the lovely M you have in your bag depreciates 60% in value, you should trust me that you will not like it as much as you do now (the feeling is analogous to your favorite stock pick that fails). As you have mentioned, the CL idea almost killed Leica back then, and a repetition today will also do the same thing.

My point is that Leica made the right move by introducing M7 that complements the existing system, and supports the secondary market. In 5 years, I foresee M7 still there, selling to some of you and I, and some new Leica lovers (perhaps upgrading from Voigtlander, Rollei, etc). That said, I do not forsee major change in M7 in 5 years, and not yet a M8.

As for lenses, I believe they will make 15/2.8 ASPH, 24/2 ASPH, 75/2 APO-ASPH, and 75/1.4 APO-ASPH.

A Digital M has a lower probability of appearing, although it may also complement the existing system. In 5 years, the pro-system would probably have reached 30MP, while most prosumer digital cameras will be around 12MP. Shutter lag will be a problem, a Digital M will probably not be able to retain 6ms lag and will sacrifice decisive moment photography, let alone being able to overcome the optical compatibility. I cannot imagine carrying 3 sets of batteries with my M system, so battery efficiency will also need a breakthrough.

In the end, I think it would be interesting to come back after 5 years to see who gets the closest guess. These are of course my personal speculations, and I am comfortable to share them with you. See you in 5 years in here (29/01/08).

Dear all,

The interpretations of Dale and Jason are correct. My lens yields sharp pictures in close range, so all seems normal and I was the one being overly paranoid (as usual when I receive new equipment).

This post should prove helpful to future users, hopefully.

Thank you all.

First of all, I thank all who responded. It is now clear that turning beyond the closest focusing range is normal. However, a concensus hasn't been reached of whether MY lens is ok. A current model 50 Summilux that turns all the way to the f16 marking on the right hand side. Would owners of the same lens please tell me how much can your lux turn beyond the center (using the DOF scale as a measure)?

I am getting some contacts tomorrow that should show the "out of range" close focus results, so I shall report these later. But I am too eager to know what the other 50lux's are doing.

Many thanks!

Something always seem abnormal when I cannot understand it, so

please bare with my ignorance.

My newly acquired 50 Summilux (current version) should focus to

0.7m, but the focusing ring of my lens can actually turn beyond 0.7m.

The 0.7m focus should be achieved when the "0.7m" is right at the

center of the focusing scale marked with "2", but mine can actually

turn beyond the center until it stops at "16" on the right hand side.

I cannot understand why this may be the case, as it would imply that

the lens can focus closer than 0.7m. Or am I an unlucky person who

received a faulty lens?

John -

May I ask in what specific conditions do you have to pay GST? (An item over some specified value?) I thought the NAFTA exempt all taxes!

Christopher-

I already did so before the posting. The tax schedule is not provided for any specific item. Probably because there are too much to list and small changes are made to some items quite frequently. The government outsources the customs task to private brokers, who charges brokerage fees and determine your tariff rates.

Depending on which carrier you choose, you will end up with different brokers. I have experienced unpleasant broker service via UPS, so I advice Canadians to avoid using UPS. FedEx is much better and faster.

Anyways, I finally determine to ask the forum because it will probably be faster and consultation is free of charge!

Thanks again.

Sir -

I reside in Ontario, Canada (Not close to Midland, but Kinderman

Canada is just blocks away from where I live, which makes me a very

happy M user). I am buying Leica M camera and lenses from the US,

and I wish to know what tariffs, taxes, or duties apply.

I know that the H.S. code for lenses is 90021190, but for 35mm

rangefinder camera body I am not so sure. The only information I

have is 35mm SLR Camera is 90065100. What is the H.S. code for M

bodies?

I last bought photo equip from the US in 1998, and the NAFTA has

eliminated all taxes and duties for my Canon SLRs and lenses. Are

there any amendments to NAFTA exemption on photo equipment imported

to Canada since 1998?

thanks in advance.

Sheldon -

If you care about longetivity and cosmetic of the camera body, you should read this about brass vs zinc top plate:

http://nemeng.com/leica/042b.shtml

All M6, spare the black paint and titanium models, have zinc top plates, while the M4 uses brass. Each has its own advantage as asserted in the link. I hope this information helps you to make a rather difficult choice.

After the optically successful Tri-Elmar lens, I kinda wish Leica will

produce a Bi-Elmarit 35-50mm f/2.8 ASPH, or even more courageously, a

Bi-Summicron 35-50 f/2 ASPH. Q: Would you buy this lens? What if you

already have existing 35s and 50s? How much are you willing to pay for

such a lens (Bi-Summicron)?

I have never considered a Tri-Elmar because f/4 would make many

handheld photographs unachievable, despite that it is a great lens for

what it is designed to do. Nevertheless, the new optical design opens

up plenty possibilities in future Leica lens design.

There was a post here suggesting a 24-35-50 Tri-Elmar, and I wouldn't

buy that lens either for the same reason.

From what I have read in the forum about M-lenses, the two most

discussed focal lengths are 35 and 50, obviously because they are most

Leica users' normal perspective lenses. In some cases, the difference

between 35 and 50 may be subtle, but one has to admit that the

photographic style does differ between the two lenses.

Unlike Erwin Puts, I have no idea of the entailed optical

difficulties, but I do speculate that Bi-Elmarit ASPH and even

Bi-Summicron ASPH are likely possible, given Leica's remarkable lens

design experience in these two focal lengths (think about the

brilliance of 35-lux-A and the noct). The lens will have to meet many

Leica users' priciples: fast, small, light, optical jewel.

I personally think that such a 35-50mm Bi-Summicron ASPH will sell

very well, and may induce many to trade in their existing 'crons.

Again, the questions are (1) Would you buy this lens? (2) What if you

already have existing 35s and 50s? (3) How much are you willing to pay

for such a lens (Bi-Summicron)?

Pardon me for the economic questions, but my profession is indeed

economics. I want to express that I do not work for Leica nor for its

competitors.

Of course, I will be the first to post answers.

(1) I will buy it if the price is equal or less than my response in

question three.

(2) Yes, I will sell my existing 35 and 50 summicrons.

(3) $2395 USA New.

I often ponder why a imaged scanned from a 35mm film scanner

(16bit,RGB,4000dpi) can go as large as 60mb, while a 10mb image from

a 4.0megapixel digital camera would often produce higher quality

outputs.

Why are scans so inefficient in terms of file size? Where did the

extra 50mb of information go?

I use my new Hassy 501CM kit with the standard acute matte screen it

supplied.

By practising, I cannot achieve pinpoint focusing at waist level (I

can do it very well when magnified, but hate to do it this way.

Waist level suits my style of shooting).

Something wrong with my eyes?

What critical techniques are there?

Or should I just change screens?

Thanks in advance.

Hello folks,

I'd like to do some close-up work with my 501CM, but not sure what

are the 'right' equipment for me.

I need at least life-size magnification, and I want to copy

transparencies and negatives (need some adaptor?).

Currently, I have only the 80CB lens. I want to do this the most

economic way without giving up too much on quality - and I know it

won't be cheap even if it is the cheapest way.

Jackson Loi

Hello,

For my calculation of long term film and processing cost, I need to

know how many exposures can be made with the 6x6 format on a 120 roll

film.

"120" implies 120cm in film length?

Thanks in advance.