Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/09/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Thomas J. Donovan wrote: > Lugnuts, > > I own a R7 & a R8 w/ the 24, 35 f2, 90 f2.8., 100 apo, > & the 180 apo f2.8 lenses. My R7 has the winder/strap > & I have the R8 winder as well! So far so good ;-)! > > I'd like to get a third SLR; either a R7 or the R8. The R7 is > light weight, great reliability, & great balance w/winder/strap. > The R8 has features that merit attention; viewfinder brilliance, > better tripod balance w/ 100 & 180 apos, & easy bracketing. > > However, R7s are nigh impossible to purchase. Opinions > please, as to optimal path: a.) Buy an R8; get it over with! > b.) Locate a new/"good" used R7; any ideas? c.) Do nothing > & just get on with my photography. Two camera bodies are > more than enough ;-)! I have both these cameras and I bought the R7 new, after purchasing the R8 (also new). I went for the R7, because it's a bit more pocketable. I've never placed them on the scales and forgot what the specs say, but I doubt the R8 is *significantly* heavier. It's just bulgier. The R8 is beyond a doubt in my mind the better camera, though. I use the manual setting to 16 secs, and high speeds are very useful for shots in good weather with large aperture (for background blur). The R8 is smoother and the winder is more of a joy, too. The controls are more and better, and the viewfinder has more info, and you can see it without moving about in front of it to catch a glimpse. The ergonomics of the R8 are way better, as are many more things. If you are going to put your extra purchase through a lot of work, I'd recommend another R8. If it's more of a backup camera, take the R7, just because it's as compact as it gets, without winder/drive. You can get new R7 cameras. My local store sells them, and I've seen shops in rural USA having them on the Net, as well. Just that Leica has taken them out of production, doesn't mean that there aren't any left. When the decide to take the R8 out of production, sales of new bodies are going to continue for many years yet :-) Bernard