Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/08/26
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Well, maybe. Folks like Eric can correct me, but I seem to recall that Nikon and Canon make some pretty damn good autofocus zooms with 2.8 aps - zooms in both the wide-angle and short telephoto range. Are these lenses "Leica quality lenses," maybe not. But they sure produce nice images and they's been available for quite some time and sub-Leica prices. - -----Original Message----- From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Dan Post Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 1998 12:17 PM To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us Subject: Re: [Leica] Photokina release Y'all I have the distinct impression, and you'll correct me if I am wrong! But- Leica seems to ignore the pack mentality of most of the rest of the camera industry. Everyone else seems to rush designs into production, before they have been fully tested, or optimised. I seem to see a lot of new lenses advertised when I read Pop Photo (Mea Culpa!) but they don't impress me. I can't see the advantage of a 'standard' zoom that has only a 4.5 or 5.6 maximum aperture. I think Leica, for the most part, has, and is, slowly making history by comng up with relatively 'fast' zoom lens. Unfortunately, such precision, and careful research takes time; they can't work out all the 'bugs' overnight. For years the camera industry, particularly the Japanese made great inroads into the market using Leitz and Zeiss designs- made some good lenses too, but when it came to introducing innovations, they were somewhat underwhelming. All the while, Leitz/Leica has been plodding along, and now is starting to introduce some pretty amazing glass. It'll take the rest of the industry a long time and a lot of back engineering to come close. I just hope the prices aren't so high on the Leica stuff that I won't be able to get some of it for my own! In the meantime, I shall endeavor to try and take as much of that older obsolete stuff off your hands as I can! :) Basking in the light, Dan'l dwpost@msn.com