Re: [Leica] BEST WISHES AND TWO QUESTIONS

[thibault collin <tc-lnc@u-picardie.fr>]

Hi Walt,

I noticed that you didn't say anything about the photomics!
I'd like to know your opinion about them.
TIA
Thib.

At 07:39 22/12/1998 -0600, you wrote:
>Hi, Lucien, and many thanks.
>
>Yes, the SL series was BEAUTIFUL....and I'm sorry to say that 
>at least mechanically, the Leica R lenses have quite an edge 
>over Nikkors (even my favorites, the late "F" non AIs from '66 thru
>'74 or so).  My only bitch about the SLs was that IF you had 
>shutter trouble or mirror-box problems, it was a write-off at 
>worst, an EXTREMELY expensive repair at best.  Call me simple-
>minded, but if things can be done equally well with half the 
>parts, half is better!
>
>I'm so glad you noticed the quality of finish of the F-F2.  It's 
>>nearly< up to 60s Leica standards, MUCH better than today's 
>finishes.  Internally, the same applies....  As for the black 
>ones, I prefer chrome---although I have a somewhat brassy black 
>one, and used to really like the "rough & tumble journalist 
>look"!! I guess I'm getting old, but I like the chrome Leicas 
>better, too....I've gotten over the "black-paint envy".
>
>I also formed biases due to a couple years in a repair shop....The 
>Nikons of the era were "built for servicing" -- as are the M-leicas, 
>tho neither needs much repair.....they each have a few Achille's 
>heels -- slow speeds and curtain brakes/sync on Leicas, and 
>Finders/screens/advance-rewind clutch on Nikon Fs.....both easily 
>correctible, tho.....  And the biggie -- >WHEN< is Leica going to 
>change to titanium curtains?  A RFDR camera with cloth curtains 
>is the dumbest thing I've ever seen.....I do hope, however, that 
>Leica resists the temptation to go to a modular (vertical) shutter 
>in the M7-M8 -- but it'll eventually come to that-just so they 
>can advertise higher sync speeds-flash has become the standard 
>detriment to journalistic photography!
>
>I realize that some folks are offended by this "Nikon" talk, but 
>if they're REALLY interested in the finest cameras from the past, 
>the SP, F-F2 simply MUST be handled and looked over, as you have 
>obviously done....remember, the F-F2 and the SP were concurrent 
>with the M-2-3-4-SL-SL/2, and the price differential was MUCH smaller 
>then than now, particularly on the lenses, so there was a reason 
>folks brought up on Leicas "strayed" from the marque.....
>
>I'd have to put the fit-finish-function of the late-SP-F-F2 
>solidly in-between "Leica then-and-Leica Now".  However, if you 
>want/need electronics in your camera (some DON'T!) -- the R-series 
>is DEFINITELY my choice, by default.  Todays competitors don't 
>even come close to the quality of R.  Today's students, even 
>mine, can't imagine a non-metered camera, and the younger ones 
>have never SEEN a non-AF 35mm camera!  
>
>BTW, the price gap is narrowing between a clean SL/SL2/R-whatever
>and a minty Nikon >WITH< standard finder!  Try to find one 
>under $4-500!-- I have!-- and they're being hoarded like Ms were 
>15-20 years ago!  History will sort it out.
>
>Best over-eating wishes to all, 
>Walt
>
>