Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/12/09
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]You're the second one I've heard talking about the new Contax 645. Do you have any more details on that camera? Web site? Announcement date? Thanks, jb At 05:32 PM 12/9/98 -0800, you wrote: > > >Martin > >>>So, could those of you who have *experience* of Leica R, Canon FD and/or >Contax please comment on the optical and mechanical properties of these >systems<<<< > >I have an extensive Contax SLR system. I have a limited Leica R system (SL >body and 3 lenses). I used Nikon for a number of years. > >Leica or Contax is a difficult choice. I'd think twice about moving into a >Canon FD system. Good values but no future. > >Leica lenses are mechanically the best. Some Contax lenses, like the >35/1.4, meet or come close. I'm no repairman. I just base that judgement on >feel. I've never had a problem with a Contax lens. I've had some problems >with M lenses, but mainly due to use. I'm harder on rangefinders than SLRs. > >I think very highly of Zeiss and Leica multicoating. I'm puzzled by the >fact that my 50/2 Summicron R is prone to flare. Maybe it's an abberation, >but I can't shoot my 50 Summicron R into a strong light source. Even my >28/2 Contax Distagon is incredibly resistant to flare. I've shot it >directly into the sun on more than one occasion without a hint of ghosting. >That's amazing for a fast wide angle. I've never had a problem with my M >lenses being prone to flare. > >I don't think there's a "bad" lens in either line, zoom or prime. I wonder >sometimes about the future of Contax 35mm SLRs. Kyocera could obviously >match Leica if they wanted to. Not much new lately. Except for the Aria and >the 28-70/3.5. BTW, I just bought that lens. It's my only zoom. Very >versatile. Excellent lens. I'm sure Contax devoted much R&D to the new >Contax 645. Leica, OTOH, has some exciting new offerings. > >Contax has more bodies from which to choose. The focus assist on the RX is >very useful feature. I'm surprised that it isn't offered on more Contax >bodies, or that Leica doesn't incorporate something similar into their >bodies. I like the RTSIII, and I like the R 6.2. Too bad they don't both >have the same mount. > >The Contax 50/1.4 Planar and the 501/4 Summilux R offer a microcosm of the >two lens lines. Compare cost, mechanics, and performance. They both have >outstanding reputations. > >Dave > > > > <bold>________________________________________________________________ Jack Bowdle Sr. District Sales Manager <italic>Red Brick Systems, Inc</italic>. voice: 253-941-5100 PO Box 54129 fax: 253-941-7442 Redondo, WA 98054-0129 email: jbowdle@redbrick.com </bold><underline><color><param>0000,0000,fefe</param>http://www.redbrick.com </color></underline><bold>pager: 800-320-5181 </bold>________________________________________________________________