[Leica] Re:Re: Ten years behind? I think not.

[frank.dernie at btinternet.com (FRANK DERNIE)]

Don't want to get into a pissing contest Felix but
yes, I have been writing software since 1969, and have
had an EOS camera since the 620 and have lenses from
12mm to 500 :-). I do not find modal controls
ergonomic and whilst it is easy to use a manual I do
not find Canon cameras intuitive despite having used
them for years, I do like the thumb wheel on the back
though. OTOH on the R8 contols fall immediately to
hand and I am NOT referring to the 3 normal controls
you mention. The viewfinder, the heart of a camera
IMHO, is much better on the R8.
I do not consider being able to programme a VCR as a
good training for learning how to use anything because
they were also designed by cretins who have never
heard of ergonomics or intuitive controls. Most modern
equipment is "styled" rather than designed as looks
are more important than function - ergonomics is a
lost art.
Frank


--- Felix Lopez de Maturana <fmaturana@euskalnet.net>
wrote: > >I have an extensive EOS system and a limited
R
> system.
> >I find the R8 by far the most ergonomic and logical
> >reflex body I have ever used, though i consider it
> >ugly. The control layout and viewfinder are
> lightyears
> >ahead of and EOS1n. I OTOH find the lenses a bit
> pricy
> >for an amateur. I am waiting to see what I
> personally
> >think of the digi back before deciding whether to
> buy
> >it or an EOS 1Ds.
> >Frank
> 
> I have too an extensive EOS system -four bodies and
> nine lenses from 14mm to
> 400mm- and find not their layout as beeing
> "lightyears" behind the Rs. Nice
> and exaggerated astronomical example. The EOS is a
> camera with a lot more of
> features -you may discuss if they are useful or not-
> and they are rather
> easy to manipulate. They are easy if you are used
> to. If you believe that a
> camera has to have just the diaphragm ring, the
> focusing ring and the speed
> dial then a EOS is like a spacial ship control
> board. But if you know
> longtime ago how using a computer - I build up
> mines-, how programming a
> VCR, how using a mobil phone with camera or video, a
> playstation or, even,
> iif dpouse force you using home appliances, washing,
> cooking or anything
> like that, I cannot believe you find difficult an
> EOS. You may hate it, like
> Mark, why not?, but it's rather simple using it
> after some minutes of
> reading the instructions booklet.
> 
> On the other hand, I use my EOS 1Ds, actually my
> best camera, and of course
> I'll make a try to the R digital back, but I think
> it's not easy it may work
> better. Kodak, with IMACON, the makers of sensor are
> right now producing the
> DCS 14n and testers do not cry marvels about. And in
> my opinion when the R
> back will launch the second generation of EOS 1Ds
> -probably MKII-will be on
> the market so it will be even better. I appreciate
> my Leicas but I have not
> any kind of feeling about. They are just excellent
> tools for my pleasure.
> 
> Lenses, are a different matter. Mainly M lenses.
> With some exceptions, APO
> lenses specially,  I find R system has not such a
> collection of masterworks
> as M one.So the true answer to our dreams could be
> the M digital. A simple
> camera with outsanding lenses. But again the sensor
> size matters as I want
> my 21mm to be a 21mm not a 27 and 28 to be a 28 and
> not a 36 and so on. And
> the finder to have frames according the real view of
> the lens not as the
> Cosina/Epson digital. Leica is the best but has a
> difficult path in the
> future. I sincerely doubt even of his survival. See
> the Contax case with his
> extraordinary RTIII, Probably a walking cadaver.
> 
> Felix
> 
> 
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