ian_porter1

<p>This is good, but very frustrating, news. After using Leica R for 25 years, Leica's announcement of the discontinuation of the R System meant that I put it up for sale and bought a Canon 5DII. The Canon is very good, but 'different' and somehow not as satisfying as my R4-R6 cameras had been. I've still got a few lenses that haven't been sold and have wondered about using them on the Canon. However, this news muddies the waters even more - ought I to reclaim my unsold lenses (21f4; 28f2.8; 180f3.4Apo; Extender 2x) and hope for a Leica digital body for them? I don't know. <br>

I don't know why they couldn't have simply made a mechanical camera with a digital sensor like a mechanical DMR. I'd have been happy to still focus and expose manually, and have the battery power only the essentials so that I could take it trekking and not have to worry about carrying multiple batteries and or chargers - but that's me and I could be called a techno-Luddite.</p>

<p>I am a clergyman and have also photographed many weddings before and after my ordination. I want the couple to have a record of their wedding that they will always treasure, and I seek to work with the photographer to ensure that he/she gets quality shots, but the congregation's primary attention should be on the bride and groom as they pledge their lives to each other. It should not be diverted by an intrusive photographer, some of whom seem to think that the wedding is taking place for their benefit. A photographer who has any degree of competence should be able to take quality shots without being intrusive. I am happy for the photographer to us flash when the bridal party are walking up and down the aisle, and when the official documents are being signed. At other times, flash is not necessary and usually detracts from the ambience of the building and lighting. A good photographer will be discreet and discerning, so that the congregation will hardly be aware of their presence.<br>

What I find most annoying is a photographer who, once the ceremony is underway, flaunts prior agreements in the assumption that I would not dare to stop the ceremony. Although a previous contributor mentioned the public nature of such occasions, he ought also to be aware that it is an offence to disrupt such a service. Obviously, no-one wants a wedding to be disrupted but a courteous, competent, photographer who works within the guidelines agreed to, will gain the respect and trust of all concerned.</p>

<p>Ian</p>

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<p>I agree - it is an outstanding lens. I sold my Nikon gear for Leica in 1984 and replaced the 180 f2.8ED with the Leica 180f3.4 Apo Telyt, which is a legendary lens. Although the Leica was astonishing (i.e. better) in terms of contrast and sharpness at infinity, it's close-focusing ability (and sharpness at closer distances) was not as good as the Nikon's - and this mattered when shooting birds etc. Overall, it was the only Nikkor I've had (28f2, 55f2.8micro, 105f2.5, 180f2.8ED, 80-200f4.5, 500f8) which was the equal of the Leica lenses. That's not a put-down of the Nikkors, just loud applause for the 180f2.8ED.<br>

Ian</p>

<p>I've just sold my Leica R system after 25 years use. I always valued the anonymity that the name provided, as most people had no idea what it was - the kudos lay with Nikons and Canons. However, occasionally someone would say something like 'Nice Camera', and I was happy with that. One guy said to his girlfriend 'That's camera I want to have'. Some people expressed surprise that Leica was still making cameras.<br>

I've just bought a Canon 5DII with 24-105 lens and it has attracted more attention in the few months I've had it that the Leica would attract in 5 years! I'm going to get another camera strap that doesn't broadcast its identity, and try keep the camera 'hidden' when I'm carrying it.<br>

Although I don't regret selling the Leica system, its IQ still exceeds that of the 5DII - even shooting RAW. However, taking good photos is now much easier with the 5DII, especially if the subject is moving! Overall, I think I'm in front.<br>

Ian</p>

<p>I use Leica R, and in the wides I have a 21 and a 28 to go with my 50. The 21 and 28 seem to me to be a good pairing, but if I had a 35 as my widest lens, I think I'd look to get a 24 to complement it - to go to the 21 might be a little too much of a 'jump', although I do use my 21 a great deal.<br>

Ian</p>

As I recall from when I had a R4, the length of time the LED stayed on depended on whether the shutter was cocked or not - if it was not cocked the LED turned off as soon as the shutter button was not depressed - it stayed on a few seconds longer if the shutter was cocked.

I've had my R6 (bought new in 1989) back to Adeal a few times - Vic Plant was the service manager / technician there for some time and did the repairs on my camera - he knows what he's doing!!! My last repair (after he left) involved a mirror box replacement and CLA which took a long time (parts from Germany twice) and cost some $850. Ouch!

I don't know what your camera's problem is but I think you may do well to look to borrow / rent something else in the meantime. While my R6 was being repaired Adeal loaned me a R9 for a few weeks while I did a trek - they may do the same for you if you ask very nicely!

 

Ian (Sydney)

As a Leica-R user (R6, 21, 28, 50, 90, 180 lenses) considering going to digital, I have been examining my options for the past year or so. Film is becoming too expensive and my 5 primes too heavy for long treks. Because of the uncertainties of compatibility and price surrounding the proposed Leica R10, I have carefully considered the Nikon / Canon options. At the moment, it seems to me that the Nikon bodies have the edge, but Canon have the better lenses - certainly for my needs. I would have bought a 5D but for the lack of dust removal technology and a Digic III processor and I am prepared to wait to see what the MkII version offers. If Nikon had lenses of the price weight & quality of the 17-40L and the 70-200f4ISL I'd probably buy a D700; however, although the Nikon 18-35 is a good lens, Nikon doesn't have anything to compare with the Canon 70-200f4 lenses in terms of weight and price. I just wish that Canon would announce the 5D MkII now - Nikon have certainly got the jump on the with the D700!

 

Ian