Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/09/26
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]David: First off, never apologize for asking questions, I am betting that almost everyone on this list has asked similar questions at least once in their careers. I think that your choices of lenses is pretty good, especially of you are on a budget. I would for sure avoid the Summar. Interesting lens, but few would trust it for any pictures that can't be readily retaken, especially below 5.6-8. Try and find a 35mm or 90mm Elmar over 600,000 to assure that it is coated. Though I like my uncoated Elmars, coated ones are just easier to use because they are less likely to flare. Check your Sumitar for separation and cleaning marks--it is prone to both. As for finders, do not discount vintage Leitz finders like the VISOR or VIDOM or the others whose code words slip my mind. They work and they are cheap. Other of your colleagues on the list have recently suggested that the Canon finders are also good, and often cheaper. Single focal length finders are nice, but often considerably more expensive. I am heartened to see that someone is ignoring all of the bells and whistles of the R* (you fill in the number) and starting out with screw mount equipment to use, not collect. They are quirky, often slow (OK, slower) to use, but they are also fun. Nothing is as satisfying as showing a sparkling print taken with a 40+ year old camera that puts the prints of the latest plastic widgetflex to shame, or is at least their equal. Of course you know, this first Leica is kind of like a free shot of heroin--soon you will be hooked for life. Jason M. Tetzloff Dept. of History, Purdue University 1358 University Hall West Lafayette, IN 47907-1358