dave_kim3

<p>A little over a month ago, I ordered expired 35mm Reala 100 from the Lomography store (5 rolls for 17.50 + shipping). Haven't had the chance to check them out, but I've shot with old film (i.e. over 7 yrs) that hadn't been stored in a fridge and still got decent (even excellent) color - although minor color corrections were required. I'd say 5yr old film from the fridge can be considered (in comparison), as JDM von Weinberg said, "fresh film." :)</p>

<p>Allan, </p>

<p>First of all, safe travels, and enjoy the country! It's truly an awesome place to be. I was there for a year (2010-2011), and couldn't get enough. I'm guessing you're already in Israel, but I'll just post anyway, since someone else might need the answers later.</p>

<p>Personally, I would have taken only the 24-70mm. Carrying a lot of stuff - including the 70-200mm is a pain, especially when you're in a dry and hot desert area like Israel. The wide angles would come in handy in areas like the Old City, and the 50-70mm (standard-tele) range would be good for portraits. Sure, there are times when the 70-200, or even the 16-35 would come in handy, but in my experience, I have not needed anything wider than a 24. Of course, this is all based on personal preferences. </p>

<p>During my stay in Israel I only had a 24mm, 50mm, and 80-200mm (on a full frame - 35mm). I was perfectly happy, except when I would have liked to have a 35mm. I probably used the 80-200mm only 5% of the time - but then again, I'm not really into telephotos. That being said, having a 70-200mm on the Mount of Olives or Masada could come in very handy, and those 5% could pay off. It's up to you if you want to lug around all that glass in the desert heat. Oh, and yes, water is expensive, especially in the touristy areas. </p>

<p>As for places to see, I believe you've already heard and read about all the amazing places Israel has to offer. I personally loved walking around in the Old City, and Ben Yehuda. Also, check out the shouk/food market 5min from Ben Yehuda. <br>

For an Israeli Starbucks "equivalent" (i.e. coffee shop chain) try Aroma Coffee (black, red, and white colors). Can't say their coffee is good, but their salads and sandwiches are great. I loved the Jerusalem-style salad, and the Salmon sandwich - but again, personal preference :). If you're in Ben Yehuda, go to Pinati - they have one of the best hummus' in the city. It's a little shop opposite a bus stop on King George Street. You can eat there, or take food out - including just the hummus. It's fresh, so keep it refrigerated, and don't plan on storing it for long periods of time. Also, Moshiko on Ben Yehuda has one of the best felafel's in Jerusalem. </p>

<p>Do visit Masada. It has great views, and a remarkable history. If you're gonna take all those lenses, take the cable car, btw :D. <br>

Don't forget the mandatory dip in the Dead Sea, of course, and bring a bottle of water for emergency eye-rinsing - almost always needed. <br>

The Yad Vashem Holocast Memorial is truly worth a visit, as is the Israel Museum - or at least their model of the 2nd Temple Period Jerusalem. <br>

If you only have 1-3 days in Jerusalem, visit the Wailing Wall and the Dome of the Rock. Visiting early in the morning - around 7-8am is a good idea; you will see less tourists, and more devout Jews praying at the Wall - so rather than seeing the Wailing Wall as a tourist attraction, you'll get a better sense of its importance to the Jewish people. Also the Temple Mount is nice and quiet in the mornings, with less tourists. <br>

After that, walking around in the Old City is also nice. Many shops might still be closed or just opening at 8-9am, but it's quieter, with less traffic - read: more photo opportunities. Breakfast in the Old City at the time is also quite refreshing :).<br>

As someone mentioned earlier, go to the Temple Mount at sunset. Beautiful views and photographic opportunities await. After that, go to Ben Yehuda - lots of bars, and a great young crowd. <br>

Save the afternoons for day trips to Masada, the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi, the Yad Vashem, and the Israel Museum. </p>

<p>Oh, and about the security interrogations at the airports. While I was there (living for a year), I flew in and out of the country several times. Almost every time, maybe like 3/5 I was stopped for interrogation. I don't have a US or Israeli passport, so no "magic" treatment - although based on what I've seen and heard from fellow travelers, there really isn't much "magic" to having an American passport at an Israeli airport. <br>

Just smile, give short and precise answers. The more you talk, the more they'll have to latch on to. Most of the security workers are college students - working and studying. They're just doing their job, so they have to be strict and sometimes even a bit menacing - it's part of their job description :). Don't take it personally. <br>

If you go in there, expecting an interrogation, and have a jolly attitude about it, you'll be fine. I'm sure I could have made some nice acquaintances with the college girls working there if their job hadn't prevented it - all that to say: they're just doing their job. Smile, be polite, and don't take it personally. They do have serious security threats, so security for Israelis is a top issue. <br>

Also, I wouldn't recommend going to the airport too early. The last time I went 4 hours early, and was held up the entire time - now that was quite annoying, but at the time security was ramped up due to some political stuff going on. Nevertheless, I was the first to arrive at the airport, and the last on the plane. Just get there as you would to any other US airport for an international flight. They won't make you miss your flight. </p>

<p>All in all, enjoy Israel! It's a diverse, amazing country. As they say: Go to Haifa for work, Tel Aviv for entertainment, and Jerusalem to pray :). </p>

<p>Be sure to share some of the pictures from your trip :).</p>

<p>Oh, and to answer your question: I cannot say that Leica is worth the cost "upgrade" over the Nikons. Are they better? IMHO, yes. But that's a subjective thing. There are thousands of photographers that are more than happy with their Nikons - so see for yourself. I personally am happy with the Leicas (and Zeiss glass), although not too happy to pay the super-inflated prices. But hey, at least they're going up :D.</p>

<p>I prefer the rendering of the images, the sharpness, and the build quality of the lenses. The glass is truly built without compromise. It's solid mechanically, and performs solidly as well. I have been able to notice the differences in the pictures (Nikon vs Leica/Zeiss), so I'm content. Others will disagree. As mentioned, Zeiss makes wonderful glass for the Nikon mount, which I haven't tried, but would love to, as the Nikon film bodies (not the cheap plastic ones) are excellent. </p>

<p>I was recently tempted to buy a Nikon film SLR, and 2-3 lenses for it, but weight/travel considerations won. Sad, cause I sort of miss the Nikons.</p>

 

<p>I've owned an R8, R4s, and the Vario-Elmar 80-200 f4, the 24mm, and the lux 50mm (e55). Glass was amazing. Nothing to complain about - only wish I could have tried it on a digital body to compare it with the M lenses I currently have.</p>

<p>The reason I sold the R system is because of the weight - I travel, and weight is a big issue. Other than that, I was perfectly happy with the R's. 'Cept the R4s had a sticky shutter, and both bodies were quite loud (shutters). Having used some Nikon film and digital SLR's before, I honestly prefer the Nikon bodies. I personally loved the R8. It just felt so good and solid in the hand.</p>

<p>As for the M's. I love 'em :D... Can't say M's are better than the R's. I guess it comes down to what you need - and there are definitely more lens choices for the M system. If I were you, I'd go straight for the M's (I had the option of buying the M's over the R's; bought the R's, then sold them, and got the M's). Size, weight, the experience is pure pleasure. Yes, I am a Leica fanboy, although their digital offerings do not make sense to me (yet). </p>

<p>Are you sure you're loading the film correctly? </p>

<p>When I first got my M6, I almost loaded the film incorrectly by pulling the leader over the little "bar" with the contacts on it (on the right side, if you open the back plate). Maybe the little screw is causing the scratches? It's not overly sharp, but considering the pressure placed on the film by the back plate, it wouldn't be surprising. In that case, the scratches would be along the top 1/3of the frame on the emulsion side. </p>

<p>Just a random guess, but still a possibility. Some pictures of the scratched film would be helpful.</p>

<p>Good luck,<br>

Dave.</p>

<p>Lewis, congratulations on the M6 and Sonnar. <br />How are you finding the rangefinder experience? <br />I wanted the Sonnar as well, but couldn't find any at the time, but have the wonderful Planar. <br /><br />If I'm not mistaken, what they meant at the shop, was that at f1.5 the focus is as it should be.<br />As for the rest, I think the gentlemen here have given excellent advice :).<br /><br />Please post some pictures from the Sonnar, and enjoy! :) </p>

<p>Michael, </p>

<p>For travel, I'd recommend a compact digital camera, as opposed to a film camera. I travel often, and I've traveled with a D90 kit (50mm 1.4, 18-200mm, 80-200mm 2.8, flash, etc) and Leica R (R4s, R8, 24mm, 50mm, 80-200 f4). Needless to say, those are very heavy kits, and the lenses take up a lot of space. </p>

<p>Even if the bodies/lenses weigh the same (e.g. D90/M9), the smaller size is still more portable, and the weight is distributed better in a bag + the M lenses are generally smaller. <br>

If you're going to be traveling often, I suggest sticking to digital. You'll probably end up carrying film with you (buying a bunch, and bringing it to your destination, and possibly only having it processed upon your return, depending on where you'll be) - the security checks are quite the pain... </p>

<p>For that reason, I sold/traded all my stuff, and got an X100, which is a wonderful camera. The only gripe I had with it was the slow(ish) autofocus. But loved it nevertheless. </p>

<p>However, I caved in and got an M6 TTL with 0.85x VF, and some lenses. I also got a Nex-5n for digital and video. With an adapter, I can use all my M lenses on the 5n (I have 35 & 50) if I want digital. I'm in love with the combo. The size, the feel, the combination... love, love, love it. I'm willing to sacrifice an extra few minutes at the airport security check just to be able to shoot film, and won't give up shooting film any time soon. So, if you love film, check out the rangefinder suggestions, as I'm sure they're all excellent. If you just want portability and a lighter kit, get one of the mirrorless cameras (and start buying M glass for them).</p>

<p> </p>

<blockquote>

<p>Gee Mukul, judging by the DAG gone missing posts on RFF, your formula for 'unbearable pressure' might be worth a lot.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Richard, I have had business with DAG twice in the last two months. Once to CLA my R lenses, and once to order a piece. He asked for a cover letter with the lenses, which I printed out and sent with the lenses. Turnaround time was around 2 weeks total (incl. shipping). </p>

<p>When I ordered the piece last week, I sent the money on friday, and got the piece on wednesday morning.<br>

I have nothing but good things to say about DAG. He only asked that I send a cover letter with the lenses, with a short explanation of what needed to be done/checked, and the date I needed them back. His email replies have been almost immediate.</p>

<p>I'd suggest looking at the design of the lens, i.e. Distagon vs Biogon. And also consider that these are two lenses designed for different systems (SLR vs RF). What matters is the final image, and since you're concerned about the image quality/characteristics, I'd say you compare images made by the two.</p>

<p>SLR vs RF is separate question. I was debating the same thing a few years ago, when I wanted to get ZF glass for my Nikons (film and digital) - or switch entirely to an M system. Didn't have the funds for an M back then, and decided to go Leica R, so I never got to try out the ZF glass.</p>

<p>Bottom line: compare images produced by the two lenses, find some info explaining the design philosophy/characteristics of the lenses, and then decide if you want to go SLR or RF. </p>

<p>I'm not into all the technical stuff, so the Distagon and Biogon could be sharing the same design (but be slightly different: SLR vs RF). So just compare images made by both, and see which ones you like. </p>

<p>As I mentioned in my other posts, I'm sold on the RF experience. It's not perfect, but it's pretty close :D.</p>

<p>Lewis, </p>

<p>I have to tell you, I'm really enjoying the experience. You've probably read and heard this a million times already (and I can't believe I'm saying it), but the simplicity and straightforwardness of the M6 is liberating. I know people will ask "how", "why", etc... but it's a subjective thing, and I'm loving the experience. </p>

<p>Focusing on an SLR (the R8 and R4s) was a bit hard to nail for me. Especially using the 50 lux (which I love, by the way) in the dark with shallow DOF. I think around 70% of the shots were either blurry (camera shake) or misfocused, or both. I'm not blaming neither lens nor camera. Just a personal experience. It was super-sharp and bokeh was beautiful, though.</p>

<p>With the M6, I have yet to see the results - I will be sending the film in monday, and hopefully getting it back by friday. I will post some samples if possible. I just found the Zeiss 2/35 yesterday, and it should be arriving by the end of this week. Yes, I feel like I'm 7 y/o on Christmas morning :).</p>

<p>As for focusing in the dark with the M6, I find it easier, as you overlay one image over the other - that gives you a precise focus/no-focus idea. And the viewfinder is very bright. I've shot in brighter conditions with the R8 before, and it was harder to focus.</p>

<p>You will probably have to practice focusing with a rangefinder a bit. I spent about 2 weeks practicing (about 15min a day, walking around, taking pics or just focusing on different things). Now it's much easier and even faster than focusing on an SLR. </p>

<p>I have often thought about just getting a Nikon film SLR, and maybe getting the ZF lenses for it (the M-world <em>is</em> expensive), but now that I've gotten a taste of it, I don't think that will ever happen. Both are great systems, but I'm in <em>love</em> with the M.<br>

No, there's no <em>magic</em> to it. I just really enjoy the experience (as I have with my Nikon FA - might go and get one, because I just loved that camera as well) - and that's what matters to me, along with having reliable equipment and hopefully, beautiful pictures. </p>

<p>The M6 TTL I have is actually slightly bigger than my R4s, but the lens is definitely smaller. That (smaller lens size) contributes considerably to street photography - as people don't see this huge gun/tube pointed at them. Makes it less intimidating - even unnoticeable.</p>

<p>Using an SLR, I was always very conscious of the framing. With a rangefinder, I know it's <em>almost</em> pointless, which is liberating as well, as I can concentrate on capturing the moment, rather than sacrificing the moment for framing. I've often missed the moment, just because I was deliberating the framing - again, this is a personal thing, but I'm just laying it out there, as this might help someone.</p>

<p>I'm not sure about the RF vs SLR film plane debate. I've shot with SLR's most of my (short) life, and the images have been more than enough (granted, I don't print 6ft wide). I don't like getting into all the technical babble either: 1) I get more confused; 2) I lose all desire to buy lenses, as they all seem to have <em>some</em> sort of imperfection. What matters to me is the images I can get with a lens. Obviously, if a 35mm lens has terrible distortion and/or focus shift, etc. that is a consideration.<br>

Leica is on a quest to remove all "imperfections" from their lenses, I believe, which is why their lenses are so expensive. As for me, I value "character" over "perfection" (having both is good, but most often this is contradictory), which is why I like the Zeiss look. I am eyeing a Summicron 35 ASPH, though... </p>

 

<p>Lewis, <br>

I've used Nikon film cameras (F3, FA), as well as Nikon DSLRs. Then sold it all to get a Leica R system (R8, R4s, Summilux 50mm, Elmarit 2.8 24mm, and a Vario Elmar 80-200mm). I loved the R system - except for the weight. I travel often, so this is a big consideration for me.<br>

Recently I traded in my R8 with Vario Elmar for an M6 TTL 0.85x and CV 35mm 1.4 sc. My back has been loving me, and I can now carry my camera everywhere. Switching from SLR to rangefinder wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, and I'm am loooving the rangefinder experience. Recently acquired a Zeiss Planar 2/50. Took a few test shots, and will be sending my film in for development soon. <br>

I would highly recommend you to get an M6 (mechanical camera with meter), and a 35mm lens for it. The options are vast. The CV Nokton 35mm 1.4 (there are single-coated and multi-coated versions) can be found in pristine condition for about $500, I believe. If you have a bit more cash, go for a Leica or Zeiss (I'm personally interested in the Zeiss 2/35 - anyone selling one?? :)).<br>

The past few years I've been using primarily the 'lux-R 50 (e55 with pull-out hood) and the Elmarit 24mm, and I love both lenses. I'm selling them right now, but still seriously considering keeping them, as I love them. That said, I did miss the 35mm focal length. <br>

If you wear glasses (I do), the 0.85 magnification on a rangefinder will be a bit inconvenient with a 35mm lens. But a 50mm is just about perfect. The 35mm fills the entire viewfinder, so if you wear glasses like me, you'll have to do some extra "looking around" inside the vf to check the framelines. That said, for me, it's not a major issue - and there are 0.85x, 1.2x, 1.4x VF magnifiers available, if you want to change the magnification on your VF.<br>

Bottom line: get an M6 (mechanical with meter), and a CV Nokton 35mm 1.4 (or other 35mm, depending on your budget). I'm guessing you'll be coming back for more M goodness :D... I'm eagerly searching for the Biogon at the moment, and am in love with my M... mmm... <br>

PS: Just a side note. I recently got the Zeiss ZM 2/50 Planar, which uses the same hood as the Zeiss ZM 2/35 Biogon. Come to find out, it has <em>exactly</em> the same hood as the CV Nokton 35mm - except for the label. Makes sense, as they have a common maker. </p>

<p>PC B - lol... I was sitting at a KFC in downtown Busan after half a day's worth of running around with all my R cameras and lenses :P... after the trade, sat down for my first meal of the day (at around 7pm). This is taken with a cell phone camera, btw...<br>

About the film, you're right about the fogging. I've been carrying films ranging from ISO 50-800, and all of them have been exposed to the x-ray scanners over 10 times (btw, some of the 400-800 films were accidentally put in checked luggage - x-rayed 2-3x). Just happy that my film is intact :D.</p>

<p>Daniel, congratulations to you as well! I think had I the choice, I also would've opted for the 0.72 finder, but the offer I got was too good to pass up, and there were no 0.72 options anyway.<br>

Having used the 0.85 with a 35mm lens (I also wear glasses), I'm <em>really</em> tempted to trade for a 0.72, possibly a 0.58 (I will only use 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and <em>maybe</em> 75mm lenses). The only thing holding me back is the rangefinder patch. I like its bigger size. Perhaps because it's my first time using a rangefinder (ok, I've used a Fed 3 for a bit), and I'm still terrified with the different focusing technique.<br>

I've ordered a zeiss 50 c-sonnar, which should arrive by the end of this week. Also wanna get my hands on the Zeiss 2/35 Biogon. Yeah, I know, I'm using Zeiss lenses on a Leica body - but I just prefer their "character". But I'll be sure to get some Leica glass later on. <br>

Finally I can carry my camera around and actually get more practice with it! The size/weight aren't as prohibitive as the R8+50 'lux. :D</p>

<p>Mukul, Allan, thank you very much for your help.<br>

Indeed it looks like the camera is from June 1998. <br>

Have been out taking some pictures yesterday and today. Can't wait to view the images...</p>

<p>That's what I heard, and since I prefer the 35 and 50, I was ok with 0.85 finder. <br>

Where can I find those "sources" you're referring to? Would like to learn a bit more about the camera I'm holding now :).</p>

<p>So, having used the Leica R system for about 2 years (R8, R4s, 50-lux e55, 24 2.8, 80-200 f4), my back has been telling me it's time to switch to an M system. <br>

I travel often (I fly internationally and intercontinentally about every 3-4 months), and lugging the whole R system (+ Metz 54 flash) along with the film has been quite hard on the back. After unsuccessfully trying to sell my R system in the US for a few months, I ended up in Korea over the winter. <br>

Last summer I noticed the M <em>bodies</em> here were much cheaper than in the States, but at the time didn't have the cash to get any. This time, though, I was ready to trade in my R's for the M's.<br>

I wanted to get rid of the R8 and 80-200, since they were the heaviest, so after walking around in Nampo-dong (in Pusan), finally struck a deal. Traded in the R8+Motor Drive+80-200mm for a black M6 TTL 0.85 + Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.4 (single-coated) + some cash. <br>

I should say, the M6 was listed for around USD 1100 + 700 for the Nokton. The R8-lens combo just about covered the price of the M6 (which, considering that the lens had a very ugly and visible scratch and dent on it, was an incredible deal - glass was pristine though).<br>

The M6 condition is about 8.5, and the Nokton came with a hood, boxes, and is basically new. I was actually looking for the Zeiss 35/2 (based on the reviews and images, I prefer its rendering), but there is a severe shortage of Zeiss lenses here, apparently... <br>

Nevertheless, I am thrilled with the trade, and just wanted to share the joy :D. If anyone is looking to get an M body, I'd suggest checking out Korea... R's are extremely cheap as well, with most shopkeepers complaining that they don't sell. <br>

This is my first time using an actual rangefinder (X100 doesn't count :P), and there's a bit of a learning curve, but I'm enjoying it :). <br>

Is there a way to find out when this camera was made? The serial number starts with 246****</p>

<p>PS: I must say, Turkey (Istanbul) had the worst airport security - calling the man in charge didn't help one bit. You <em>will</em> be required to put your film through the x-ray machines. Speaking of x-ray machines, some of my films have gone through x-ray machines (the weaker ones for hand-carry) about 10 times and still have no streaks. In Israel I was advised by one of the security staff to put my film in the luggage - <em>when flying out of Israel</em>. They put the bags through an x-ray first, and then call you aside if they need to open it. I was told they don't xray the bags after checking them in. So hold your film, after your bag has been x-rayed, put it in the bag - and talk to the security personnel about it, as they will hand inspect the film.</p><div></div>

<p>I agree with Starvy... go with the M8. <br>

One thing I don't quite like about using full frame lenses on m4/3 bodies is that the focal length is doubled, which means I'd lose the wide-angle (unless I'd buy the panasonic/olympus lenses).<br>

At least with the M8 (or Sony NEX) you get a 1.5x crop factor, instead of 2x - not that much of a difference for some.<br>

This is probably a bit off-topic, but the Fuji X100 (not yet released) is enticing...</p>

<p>Nice shot, Ellis!<br>

I was there about two weeks ago.</p>

<p>Thanks Robert,<br>

I thought I'd never get an answer :).<br>

I like Photo Prisma, but as I mentioned, I was just wondering if there are cheaper alternatives. Do you remember how Panorama compared to Photo Prisma?</p>

<p>Hi all,<br>

I posted this question in the "Film and Processing" forum, but didn't get a satisfactory answer. So hoping to find an answer here.<br />Does anyone know of a good photo lab in Jerusalem that does C-41 and E-6? I just need the film (35mm) developed and scanned.<br />I found a good lab that does both (www.photoprisma.co.il), but it's kinda pricey (it adds up, and I'm a student :P)... one C-41 roll is 25 NIS (about $7) for developing and scanning. But slides are about $15 per roll... and that's with a student discount.<br />I don't need fancy scans - just good enough for facebook (for now). But I also don't want my film scratched and ruined, neither do I want to spend hours over the photos in post-processing...<br />Also, I'll be going to Pusan, Korea this winter for a little over a month. Can anyone recommend any labs there?<br />Thanks in advance.<br />Dave.</p>

<p>Thanks John. <br>

I guess it's just that I remember being able to develop a roll of C-41 at Target for $1, and then I would scan the film myself :). The "important" film would go through Wal-Mart to Dwayne's, and wouldn't cost too much more. I almost never got the film scanned anywhere 'cept home. </p>

 

<p>Hi all,<br>

Does anyone know of a good photo lab in Jerusalem that does C-41 and E-6? I just need the film (35mm) developed and scanned.<br>

I found a good lab that does both (www.photoprisma.co.il), but it's kinda pricey... one C-41 roll is 25 NIS (about $7) for developing and scanning. But slides are about $15 per roll... and that's with a student discount.<br>

I don't need fancy scans - just good enough for facebook (for now). But I also don't want my film scratched and ruined, neither do I want to spend hours over the photos in post-processing...<br>

Also, I'll be going to Pusan, Korea this winter for a little over a month. Can anyone recommend any labs there?<br>

Thanks in advance.<br>

Dave.</p>

<p>I fly often and always have my camera bag (Inverse 200 AW), and a backpack with me. Never had a problem.<br>

If you take a roller bag/suitcase, instead of, say, the backpack, they might have you check it in at the gate. (Read Avery's post).<br>

On international flights, you can probably pull of taking a small suitcase (small!), camera bag, and a backpack - done this before, but wouldn't risk it with TSA nowadays... they're pretty picky lately - and they have their reasons, of course.</p>

<p>Chuk, thanks. At the moment I do not mind the 2.8 aperture, but I'm thinking somewhere along the way I will, so I might as well aim for the summicron :D. For now though, save save save. I also prefer the 35mm view to the 50...<br>

The pictures were really nice, thanks for the link.</p>

<p>Thank you all! As I said, I'm very excited about the new camera... hehe :D... I also hope I will never have to relinquish any of my R cameras/lenses... what little of them I have, anyway... :P<br>

Chuk, I was also sort of looking around for a 35 lens - not seriously though, since funds do not quite allow it yet :). Any you'd particularly recommend?<br>

Ulrik, the foam seals was one of the first things I checked... heart thumping... lol... all is fine. The whole camera inside and outside really seems as if it was just taken out of the box...<br>

Duc, I also switched from the Nikon system: A dslr and some film slrs... Loved the Nikons as well... looking back, I should've gone Canon though - for the flexibility in lens mounts/adapters etc.</p>

<p>It is a beauty! It looks as if it has never been used previously... I put in a new set of batteries in and the meter works great. At first it kept firing at the same shutter speed - which got me worried; later I realized I had the shutter dial set in at the "red 100" setting - for use without batteries :P... <br>

I must agree with previous posts, that it is pretty loud - much louder than I had anticipated. But the viewfinder is brilliant! Love it! One sad thing though, the aperture and shutter speed settings are not illuminated :(.<br>

The serial number is 1639xxx, so I guess I should not be expecting any metering problems :D...<br>

The camera is now coupled with my 50 'lux (e55)... mmm, can't wait to take it out for a spin!!<br>

Anyway, just really excited, and couldn't refrain from posting :P</p>