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graeme_hodges

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Posts posted by graeme_hodges

    Hope for R users II

    in Leica and Rangefinders

    Posted

    <p align="left">Dear all, </p>

    <p align="left">I seem to have touched a rich vein of interest with my previous post, so I went back to Leica with some of the key issues raised by the forum members.</p>

    <p align="left">The questions I asked and their reply (which I have just received), are below.</p>

    <p align="left">Merry Christmas/Happy non-denominational holidays to all :)</p>

    <p align="left">Graeme.</p>

    <p align="left"></p>

    <p align="left">MY QUESTIONS:</p>

    <p align="left">"Dear Mr XXX ,</p>

    <p align="left">Many thanks again for your previous response. </p>

    <p align="left">Regarding you reply, I have some further questions that I wouold like to ask (I understand if you are unable to give a 100% clear response).</p>

    <p align="left">I would like to know if the "optimal solution" being developed is likely to meet the any/all of the following criteria:</p>

    <p align="left">1. Is /.will be a true in-house Leica product (or made in conjunction with of one of Leica's strategic partners)? </p>

    <p align="left">2. Will it be a full frame camera? </p>

    <p align="left">3. Will it be a SLR body with auto focus and an accompanying range of new lenses...or is it more likely to be an alternative to an SLR? </p>

    <p align="left">4. Will / will not require an adapter for current manual focus R lenses? </p>

    <p align="left">5. Will it have full functionality re metering (i.e full-aperture metering and auto-aperture)? </p>

    <p align="left">In short, will this be a Leica camera system in its own right? </p>

    <p align="left">I have invested over USD15,000 in Leica R bodies and a large range of lenses and although I do want to remain with the system, I also need to be asured that there will be a truly "optimal solution" in the coming 12-18months in order to maintain my commitment to the Leica brand. </p>

    <p align="left">I fully understand that some of these items listed above may be commercially sensitive, but would appreciate any further information that you may be able to provide." </p>

    <p align="left"></p>

    <p align="left">THEIR REPLY:</p>

    <p align="left">"Dear Mr. Hodges,</p>

    <p align="left">thank you very much for your kind reply.</p>

    <p align="left">The project is still in a stadium, where different technical solutions will be tested, so many things can still change till maturity phase. That is why it is not possible to give definite answers to your detailed questions.</p>

    <p align="left">So even the questions, if the new system will provide an SLR concept or if it will have a full frame sensor, is still not sure. But the possibility to use the R-lenses again, is on top of our to-do-list. </p>

    <p align="left">I do hope that we can give you some more detailed information in the beginning of next year.</p>

    <p align="left">Thank you very much for your understanding. </p>

    <p align="left">Mit freundlichen Gruessen / kind regards"</p>

     

    Hope for R users after all...

    in Leica and Rangefinders

    Posted

    <p>I recently wrote to Leica Germany asking if there would be a "digital solution for Leica R users" (from Leica itself) and mentioned that I was looking at the recently released Panasonic GH1 as a possible alternative "crossover solution".<br>

    Their reply came back this morning and I quote:</p>

    <p >"Dear Mr Hodges, </p>

    <p >thank you very much for your request.<br /><br /></p>

    <p >We know very well about this serious situation concerning the following system of the R-system. Unfortunately it was not possible for the Leica Camera AG to develop a digital camera body for the R-system simultaneous to the new S-System.</p>

    <p >But our important aim is to continue the R-system into the digital technology and we are engaged to offer our R-customers an optimal solution which allows using the analogue lenses in combination with a fully digital body. For the necessary technical innovations the S-System will be an ambitious platform to integrate proved features into the new R-follower.</p>

    <p > </p>

    <p >We still cannot release any exact data about the introduction date of the new system, but be asssured, it won’t be introduced in the next 6 month.</p>

    <p > </p>

    <p >Thank you for your understanding."</p>

    <p >This also aligns with information I received from the distributor in Australia recently, who implied that something was happening, but not to expect an announcement before Photokina 2010.</p>

    <p >Life is good again, start saving your pennies :)</p>

    <p >Graeme.</p>

    <p > </p>

    Best place in asia to buy Leica M9/X1 - Singapore, Hong Kong or?

    in Leica and Rangefinders

    Posted

    <p>A quick look on the Leica website for Dealers shows 5 Premier ones in Singapore:</p>

    <p align="left">Cathay Photo Store (Pte) Ltd (Marina)<br />6 Raffles Boulevard #02-215/216 Marina Square<br />039594 Singapore</p>

    <p align="left">Phone:</p>

    <p align="left">6339 6188</p>

    <p align="left"><a href="http://www.cathayphoto.com.sg/" target="_blank">www.cathayphoto.com.sg</a>

    <p align="left">

    <p align="left"> </p>

    Max Photo (Pagoda)<br />72 Pagoda Street <br />059231 Singapore</p>

    <p align="left">Phone:</p>

    <p align="left">6226 7226

    <p align="left">Max Photo (Centrepoint)<br />176 Orchard Road #03-10 Centrepoint<br />238843 Singapore</p>

    <p align="left">Phone:</p>

    <p align="left">6733 3848</p>

    <p align="left"><a href="http://www.maxphoto.com.sg/" target="_blank">www.maxphoto.com.sg</a></p>

    <p align="left"> </p>

    <p align="left">Gope's Foto & Film Pte Ltd<br />19 Tanglin Road #03-10 Tanglin Shopping Centre<br />247909 Singapore</p>

    <p align="left">Phone:</p>

    <p align="left">6737 2633</p>

    <p align="left"><a href="mailto:gopefoto@pacific.net.sg">gopefoto@pacific.net.sg</a></p>

    </p>

    <p align="left"> </p>

    </p>

    <p align="left"><br />

    <p align="left">Cathay Photo Store (Pte) Ltd (Peninsula)<br />111 North Bridge Road #01-11-14 Peninsula Plaza<br />179098 Singapore</p>

    <p align="left">Phone:</p>

    <p align="left">6337 4274</p>

    <p align="left"><a href="http://www.cathayphoto.com.sg/" target="_blank">www.cathayphoto.com.sg</a></p>

    </p>

    <p align="left"> </p>

    Leica repair in Beijing

    in Leica and Rangefinders

    Posted

    <p>I would suggest that the best starting point would be the official Leica dealer in Beijing. The tel number is 010 5863 1047 (or mobile cell 13911134416)...can't remember his name...young guy and he speaks English. Has a showroom outside of the city area and a couple of smaller shops in the Wu Ke Song market mentioned above. </p>

    M or R Lenses.

    in Leica and Rangefinders

    Posted

    <p>Hakan, the M lenses are fine instruments and the cost comes in making them so small at the same time as being so fine. The main difference is less related to the actual lenses and more to your preferred style of photography (i.e rangefinder vs slr).<br>

    Suffering the same quandary some time ago, I eventually opted for a R6.2 and 50/1.4 Summilux as a starting point - and it was/is a brilliant option (it also allows you to get carried away buying almost any width/length lens that you may wish for in the future).<br>

    With the rangefinder option you will be blissfully limited to a shorter range of focal lengths...<br>

    Graeme.</p>

     

    R8 Problem - Mirror Sticking

    in Leica and Rangefinders

    Posted

    Hi Geoff,

     

    I am assuming you are in Australia, so try Adeal in Melbourne. They are the official Leica distributor for Australia. I recently sent my old R6.2 for a full service and CLA with them and am very impressed with the results thus far. Be warned, they are not cheap...but they do great work.

     

    Rgds

     

    Graeme.

    Need Recommendation For R Lens Technician

    in Leica and Rangefinders

    Posted

    For what it's worth, I recently had the pleasure of buying a R9 body and 1.4X Extender off Reed (among other accessories) and can vouch 100% for his honesty and integrity and the lengths he is willing to go to to ensure that a mutually satisfactory transaction is made.

     

    Reed, I recently had my R6.2 serviced by Adeal in Melbourne and was very happy with the attention to detail shown (but expensive!). They are the official Leica distributor and service center in Australia.

    If I was going to have a lens repaired, I would be inclined to send it to the Leica repair centre in the USA (New York?) or possibly even consider sending it back to Germany.

     

    Graeme.

    If you were the CEO of Leica what would be your Business Plan?

    in Leica and Rangefinders

    Posted

    Leica glass is the envy of most other camera users. Admit it and harness it. Make your lenses compatible with the most common camera bodies on the market via an adapter where possible. Make your new lenses lighter and compatible, as above.

     

    Pride can be good thing, but is a double-edged sword. Swallow it and survive. Wallow in it and get left behind.

     

    Sensors are the modern equivalent of film. Outsource them, as has always been the case.

     

    Camera bodies are a means to an end. Keep them simple, there are too many choices already to start competing now. Focus on your strengths and future...glass and inter-system compatibility.

     

    Get everybody on the same page.

    L-plates/brackets for R bodies

    in Leica and Rangefinders

    Posted

    Hi guys,

     

    I have a R6.2 and recently purchased a R9 body. Does anybody know of a

    manufacturer who makes dedicated L-plates for these? I have checked the usual

    suspects (RRS, Kirk, Wimberley) and only find the "universal" types available.

    Any advice/guidance would be much appreciated.

     

    Rgds

     

    Graeme.

    Diffferent versions of Apo Extender R 1.4X (11249)

    in Leica and Rangefinders

    Posted

    Hi all,

     

    I am looking at purchasing the above Extender (11249), however I see that the

    inscription on the earlier model states that it is for the 2.8/280 and the

    latter/current version (same model number) mentions it is for the 2.8/280 as

    well as the 2.8/400.

    My question is, are they essentially the same or is there any physical

    difference between the two versions and/or any lens compatibility issues that I

    need to be aware of?

     

    Regards

     

    Graeme.

    Just got a R9 as a present....oh dear

    in Leica and Rangefinders

    Posted

    Hi Manuel,

     

    Wish I had friends like that ;)

    FYI I own and use the following R lenses:

     

    19mm (second version)

    28mm PC Super Angulon

    28-90 ASPH zoom

    50mm Summilux

    60mm Macro

    100mm Macro

    180mm Apo Elmarit

     

    By far the easiest to use and get the picture you want/saw with is the 50mm f1.4 Summilux. Hands down. I would start with that.

    Every other lens I have listed has it's place in my kit, but the workhorse is the 50mm Summilux.

     

    As for where to buy, I have bought all mine over the past couple of years (in excellent second-hand condition), either by posting a WTB on this site, or on ebay. Have never had a problem with any purchase, but you should of course to spend a little time asking questions (and to see detailed pics) to make sure that your seller is genuine.

     

    Good luck...and welcome to the team :)

     

    Some of my pics using the various lenses can be seen at:

     

    Graeme Hodges / 郭磊

     

    http://www.redbubble.com/people/graeme

    Which Macro lens?

    in Pentax

    Posted

    Hi again,

     

    Well thanks for all your input. Very concise and useful.

    Lindy, I passed up one of those 200 ED lenses a year or so ago because I thought USD800-1200 that they were selling for was a bit steep...could have doubled my money by now ;)

     

    Will let you know which way we end up going...

     

    Graeme.

    Which Macro lens?

    in Pentax

    Posted

    Hi guys,

     

    I am in the market for a reasonably portable Macro lens for my wife to go with

    her LX (currently have a 24 and 50mm and a 80-200 zoom).

    I am aware of the reputations and prices of the 200mm ED Macro f/2.8 and 4.0

    lenses, but am leaning towards the SMC 2.8/100 A Macro.

     

    Could you give me an idea on what I should expect to pay secondhand?

    Also welcome any suggestions on alternatives : )

     

    Rgds

     

    Graeme.

    Your most-used photography book

    in Casual Photo Conversations

    Posted

    Hi all,

     

    At the risk of starting a "how long is a piece of string?" thread I would like

    to know what is the book you turn to the most when faced with your personal

    photographic existential/artistic/curious/other crises.

     

    To help in decision making I may clarify that your book of choice can also be

    the FAVOURITE one in your collection, but here I am more interested in the MOST-

    USED.

    That is, your preferred reference to meet the requirements of your own personal

    photographic bent.

     

    Me? Have a rapidly expanding collection of mostly un-leafed books :)

    Question: Where can CLA my M6 in Hong Kong?

    in Leica and Rangefinders

    Posted

    As per Joseph Yao in HKG, and I quote:

     

    The Leica distributor in HK (and in China I heard) is hopeless - they now

    send virtually all repair items to Germany and the turn around time is 3-6

    months. Instead, I use a local Leica repair expert:

     

    Mr. LEE Cho Tat

    Panda Camera Repair Service

    1702, Double Building

    22 Stanley Street

    Central

    Hong Kong

     

    Tel. 2522 9905/2522 9908

    Fax. 2522 4713

     

    His turn around time is 10-14 days and his charges are very reasonable.

     

    Rgds

     

    Graeme

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