Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/06/30
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I have used Leica rangefinders for many years, and presently have an M6 with a 35mm f1.4 ASPH. I purchased a G2 system when our first grandchild was born, thinking that the G2 would be quicker to focus on a moving subject. My assessment of the G2 is that it is a very fine camera, and the Zeiss lenses are superb. For the vast majority of photographers, I strongly doubt that any difference between Leica and Zeiss optics would be noticeable. Leica lenses tend to be a little faster, but then you pay a huge amount more. The G2 is automated, but this is deceptive, because if you don't know what you're doing, you can easily end up with photographs which are out of focus. In dim light situations, the Leica is not so easy for old eyes to focus, but you adapt by setting the lens at the hyperfocal distance, and in general shooting at small apertures. Experienced photographers know by feel where the focussing lever should be in relation to the camera/subject distance. With the G2, you must ensure that the focussing frame of the autofocus is aimed at the right subject, and that the AF is working, which some people find to be a problem with some textured subjects, and also with the 90mm lens. A typical mistake I made at first was shooting two people, with the AF inadvertently focussing on the wall behind them instead of on their faces. When they stand ten feet in front of a wall, you can imagine how out of focus the photographs will be! With the G2, film is wound on automatically, a very considerable advantage, the film is advanced and rewound by motor, and the whole camera and lenses are very samll and compact. The G2 is growing on me, but you definately cannot treat it as a point and shoot. I'd say that for my intended purpose, shooting moving subjects, it's hard to beat, especially in dim light situations. People who shoot more than I do and for whom focussing an M is instinctive, would not benefit as much from the G2. I've touched on only a few of the features of the G2, and on few of the shortcomings, e.g. you would not take such an automated camera into a very cold environment without worrying about the batteries, etc. My conclusion: I'm delighted I can afford to have one of each!