Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/08/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Austin, There are more similarities than not: Good ergonomics (I prefer the Aria). When compared to a poorly designed camera, like the Nikon N70, the improvement is significant. Good viewfinder info. Accurate metering (the Aria adds matrix metering, don't know if that's important). The lens lines are the best in the 35mm SLR world in terms of sharpness and color saturation. Differences: The R's all have a chiseled metal feel which is reassuring. However, plasticky SLR's, when done right, have proven to be as durable. Lenses: Mikiro made a statement about the color quality of Zeiss lenses being cooler than Leicas. I completely agree with him. The Leica line is also more up to date and complete, although you'll rarely find a dog in either line. The Zeiss lenses are more affordable, even in the used market. As a general rule, they also tend to be more compact. Weight and Compactness: For example, a typical setup I walk around with is a body and a 50 and 24 lenses. The Contax kit weighs about the same and takes as much volume as an equivalent M setup, whereas the R setup feels about 50% more, and is bulkier. The Aria is much lighter, and thus I tend to take it out more often. I appreciate the builtin motor winder too. From: Austin Franklin <austin@darkroom.com> >Anyone used both cameras, and can share their thoughts and experiences? > >Thanks. > >