Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/11/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I don't agree with all the bad comments about the R8; Sure, it's my first Leica body, and never had an other one, but I use sometimes the R6 of one of my friends, I agree that the slimmer and lighter body of the R6 is a joy to handle, but I'm very happy with R8 although it's heavier, it's ergonomically perfect (some nuances) and its design is unique. It's strange how the leica world has difficulty to accept news, even if they are very good (I don't preach for autofocus!). All the dials are perfectly placed, none seems to flaw, and, when I use it, I totally forget the body, it seems always very strange to see it in my girlfriends hands, as if it was the first time I realize it's the R8 I have, very strange. Just three things I regret, the plastic base and handgrip, I think it will be scratched more quickly than the old metal baseplate. I also find the right neckstrap attach (I hope everybody will understand what I mean) is wrong placed, sure, with the 50 summicron, the balance of weights is perfect, but I have this attach in my right palm, and it is a little bit annoying. The third thing, the left part of the body could be a little bit more thick, for its prehensability. But all these little things are exactly what is making a camera so attaching. Think of all these little sacrifices you're making using an M, these little things meaningless are what makes you love to use these cameras so much. Besides these three regrets, I find this camera great, and I think I will one day buy an R6 (not a black one, if possible, my R8 is black), maybe outdoor, the R6 is easier to use, if you don't have to shoot too quickly; the R8 would be the best on a tripod in studio or outdoor when you don't have the time to finely adjust all the parameters. So I don't think that a body has to be the best of all, all can do what you want, although they have their own little differences that makes this one or this other one more appropriate for this or that other work. (I can't imagine making sport views with an M, nor making fine art portrait in program mode and multizone cell). If I had enough money, I would have one of each kind, for these cameras impose the admiration and respect, by their raffinment, construction and ideal, but the lack of money will never make me fire on the M series or other R bodies, they are all Leicas! This was my opinion, I hope nobody is now angry with me, tell me want you're thinking about my opinions Gregoire Vandenschrick