[Leica] Re: G1 as M8 surrogate

[lrzeitlin at optonline.net (Lawrence Zeitlin)]

On Dec 7, 2008, at 6:06 AM, Robert wrote:

> Here is a thread with photos shot with a Pana G1 (??4/3 mount) using
> M-mount lenses including a Canon 50/0.95:
>
> http://forum.getdpi.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4194
>


We live in interesting photographic times. This discussion on the G1  
is reminiscent of the speculation about the M8 before it was widely  
sold. If the G1/Leica system works out it is a way for us cheapies to  
use Leica glass for digital photography. Today I had the opportunity  
to fondle a G1 at a New York area photo store. For an $800 camera it  
is light and plasticky and doesn't have the apparent quality of the  
older Leicas. But who can tell what lurks inside electronic cameras.  
If the price history of digitals is any predictor, I expect the cost  
to drop sharply after the holidays. Especially when Olympus comes out  
with a rival camera.

As far as size goes, it is approximately equivalent to my CL but with  
a somewhat different form factor. Not all Leica glass is large and  
heavy. The 40mm Summicron from the CL would fit nicely on the G1, as  
would the collapsible Summicrons and Elmars. I have some very tiny  
LTM lenses, a 35mm Summaron and a razor sharp 100mm Canon that would  
not overpower the G1 body. Indeed, the flange to sensor distance is  
so short that, with proper adapters, just about ANY 35mm camera lens  
could be mounted.

I guess I'll wait a few months to see what the competition between  
Panasonic and Olympus produces, or wait for the catastrophic fall in  
M8 prices as Leica struggles to avoid bankruptcy.

Larry Z