[Leica] "Best" R-Series Lens

[jhnichols at lighttube.net (Jim Nichols)]

Hi Ted,

I think, for us "old guys", its a case of "use what you can get your hands 
on, without breaking the bank".  I used Leica LTM cameras and lenses for 
many years.  When film processing began to disappear because of the success 
of digital equipment, I decided to explore affordable solutions.  I chose 
the Oly 4/3 system because of their good autofocus lenses, and the 
capability of using older lenses with adapters.  I have a collection of 
Pentax Takumar glass, and had heard of the quality of Leica-R lenses.  I 
subsequently bought three R lenses:  a 28 Elmarit, a 50 Sumicron, and a 60 
Elmarit Macro.

I have enjoyed using all of these lenses on two 4/3 cameras, and, with a 
total investment of just over $2K USD, have enough digital gear to meet my 
needs.  Sure, I continue to look at other glass that I could use, but I have 
no real requirements that I can't handle.

Now, if I could just get away from medical aggravations that come from 
having been around for eighty years, I would like to get out and take some 
more pictures..........

Jim Nichols
Tullahoma, TN USA
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <tedgrant at shaw.ca>
To: "Leica Users Group" <lug at leica-users.org>
Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2010 11:04 AM
Subject: Re: [Leica] "Best" R-Series Lens


> The best "R series Lens" is the proper one you are using for the 
> assignment you are shooting!  Quite simple really! And a no brainer!
>
> However and unfortunately, I only have one R lens left " 280 2:8 with the 
> 1.4X & 2x extenders, with shoulder brace and pistol grip. used with a 
> Canon adapter and they work extremely well together. Considering the great 
> number of R lenses I had accumulated given at times I would be using 3 
> motor driven R bodies hanging off my body at times.
>
> I suppose one should merely shrug their shoulders and accept the folly of 
> Leica not to move with the electronic times of the digital world to create 
> a camera that was of a reasonable price for the many Leica dedicated 
> followers. A shame  really, as my Leica's went through hell and back with 
> me over the years capturing some very nice life moments. And I'd still 
> have everything if times were different.
>
> But I am not going to fall behind as Leica did and "whine about what they 
> did, are doing, and not doing! But move on through the use of adapters. 
> Make the best of what you have and if you find it's not working to your 
> liking through the use of adapters?
>
> Then  really move on, bite your lip and scrunch yer gut and change to a 
> modern affordable digital camera that fits your hands and quality demands. 
> And definitely work well with your eyesight and pocket book!
>
> Those who go on and on about why didn't they? What they could have done, 
> what they didn't do and all the normal thinking people common sense 
> questions by Leica owner folks, none of which  have absolutely one iota of 
> influence in the Leica boardroom! It comes down to.... "Either get in the 
> life boat and move on!" Or go down with the sinking ship whether you like 
> it or not. It's Leica's loss simply because they do not have the money to 
> maintain the production of  a camera 99.9% of people on this list can 
> actually afford..
>
> Oh yes lots will bring up the S2 and how fantastic a machine it is... you 
> are right, no question. Had one in my hands, made exposures and if I were 
> a millionaire I'd have a couple. I'm not! :-( ERGO! My Canon's and near 
> constant use of the M8 capture very fine images and I fully expect Canon 
> to be around for some years to come,  even though Leica & myself are 
> pushing up daisies!
>
> Oh I know I've heard all the rhetoric about back orders for M lenses and M 
> cameras, that is wonderful! But the dedicated R followers as many of us 
> are , it appears they've kissed us off like the vanishing Dodo bird! Then 
> again??????????
>
> Have a nice weekend! I'm going out for a quiet early Sunday morning walk 
> about and hopefully find something nice to photograph with my M8! :-)
> Cheers,
> Dr. ted
>
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