Re: Re-2: Leicas and SLRs from Leitz

[Jim Brick <jim@brick.org>]

At 07:05 PM 10/14/97 +0200, Alf wrote:
>
>To me, a 20 y old Nikon FM is a better SLR than a R Leica or Leicaflex
>(except for the bright screen and the 1/2000, but still better in total):
>smaller, loading system is better, highly reliable, more comfortable
>lightmeter sytem (in her time, and - for me - till today), and a very
>reliable mechanical shutter. And, if I could give names to SLRs, I would
>call or name the Nikon FM as a fine example of a R Leica, not those Leitz
>GmbH products. On the other side, this statement is not true for several R
>lenses.
>
>Alf

This is why there are so many different manufacturers/brands in the photo
biz. I have, as everyone probably knows, two R7's and one R4sP. What no one
knows is that I also have a Nikon FM (7326958). I sold one R4sP and an R6
to get the two R7's. The reason was that I wanted 1/2 shutter speeds as
well as MLU. Interesting note, the shutter in the R4sP that I kept tests
out *dead-on* at all speeds. 0% error! Ernst Hartmann tested it numerous
times as he couldn't believe it. My R6 and other R4sP was and FM is, off,
but within tolerance. I've never tested my R7's. I have to say that I will
take my R cameras and R lenses over my FM any day. Instead of selling the
FM, I mounted it on my Beseler Slide Copier, where it seems to be happy. I
sold all of the lenses. One thing about the FM that I dislike is that the
back is very flimsy. If you squeeze a little too much, while photographing,
the back bends in and out. It doesn't take much. I know many will probably
disagree, but to me, the R Leicas are much more substantial than the FM
class Nikon. The Leica feels and works like it was made out of billet
steel. The Nikon just feels flimsy. The FM doesn't have that problem living
on the copy stand. Actually, it's a perfect camera for a copy stand.

And how can you beat R lenses??? The built-in shades that work over filters
(most lenses), as sharp (sometimes sharper) as any other lens, a Bokeh
heritage :-), neutral color rendition, etc...

Jim