Re: [Leica] F3 and old girlfriends

[John Collier <jbcollier@home.com>]

I sold my F2A and bought an F3 because Nikon told me that was the last
overhaul they would be able to do on my Photomic finder. I found the F3 to
very reliable and tough camera. My only complaints were the exposure lock
button flying away one day (cured by biting the plastic shank) and the
meter's aperture collar sticking after 15 years of use ( took off the mount
and cleaned it myself). Finally sold it as I was using my Ms all the time
and was only keeping the F3 for the times when I needed a motor. So I bought
a M4-P winder and have not looked back. I do not miss it but it was a great
camera and I loved that 105mm f2.5. Every now and then I look longingly at
used screw-mount 105mm but I love my Leica 90mm just as much. Oh well, sort
of like old girlfriends, had a great time but kind of glad I found what I
have now.

John Collier

> From: Dan Cardish <dcardish@microtec.net>
> Subject: Re: [Leica] F3- was Eos 1
> 
> The why doesn't Nikon produce a new batch of the "ring resistors" that are
> required by the F2 Photomic meter prisms (and I think the F meter as well),
> and which are widely known to have a limited lifespan, and are no longer
> available?
> 
> Certainly Minolta is no better;  my Minolta 9000 is about 15 years old and
> has at least two components in it which are prone to early failure and
> which are now unavailable.  On the other hand (to keep this on topic)
> Kindermann here in Canada states in writing that they will repair any Leica
> built since 1925.
> 
> Dan C.
> 
> At 10:48 AM 06-02-00 -0800, Ken Iisaka wrote:
>> There is an internal, unofficial policy at Nikon to keep supporting its
>> top-of-the-line cameras until parts deplete completely.  This policy is
>> "unofficial" just for ISO compliance.  Nikon has been known to do a run
>> of replacement parts to keep these bodies alive.  Most recently, Nikon
>> produced several hundred rangefinder prisms for its SP and S3 bodies.
>> Also, enough parts are interchangeable from S2 to F2, that you could end
>> up with an S2 with F2 titanium shutter curtains.  I think Nikon's policy
>> to keep supporting its product is just as good as anybody's.
> [snip]
>>