Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/01/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>>>>>>>>>> My girlfriend wants to take an introductory photo class this semester (yahoo!!!) and naturally turned to me for advice on what manual SLR to get. Naturally, since I already use an M6, I've decided to remain loyal to the Red Dot and try to be economical at the same time (no easy task). I have in mind the Leicaflex SL because it has TTL metering. I will also get her a 50mm Summicron-R. Is this a good idea? Anyone have any further suggestions? Also, how much would such a combination go for? Of course, if anyone has a set for sale, please let me know! Thanks! <<<<<<<<<<< If you are concerned about economics, you might want to consider what the price of the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth R series lenses plus a couple of R-8's are going to set you back just in case she (or you) really gets hooked........ : ) You should be able to find a set for around $500 which is probably less than a new FM2 with a MF 50 unless you buy grey market...... but you can find used Pentax K-1000's, Canon ftb's or Nikkormats for $150 to $200...... There are number of possible strategies as far as student cameras. In the college photography class I teach, students are using only a 50mm and no meter.... In some ways this is nice as it forces them to make do with one lens and it forces them to get close to the subject...... On the other hand it's a horrible length for a lot of subject matter that students would like to shoot. Too wide for portraits, action, etc... and too long for much architecture, scenic and certain reportage assignments.... But...... on the other hand, students tend to waste too much space the way it is and a giving those a 28 is the most certain guarantee that you'll have a hard time identifying the subject. At the same time, students with a good eye and ability to analyze the scene can benefit greatly by having several focal lengths.... Duane Birkey HCJB World Radio Quito Ecuador