Re: [Leica] R5-R7 decision

[Akhil Lal <akhil.lal@bcc.cuny.edu>]

Hi Aram,

Having owned all of the reflex Leicas from the Mk II Leicaflex to the
R-7, I'd advise you to get the R-7 over the R-5 even if it costs a few
hundred dollars more. The incremental improvements in the R-7 are really
worth it. Any of these would be a big step up from the R-4.  

The R-8 is liked by many while others dislike it, mainly because of its
size and shape. It is very much a matter of personal preference. Why not
rent one for a weeek from your local dealer to see if it suits you ?
Note that if you do macro work no TTL ringlights are available for the
R-8, whereas the R-5 through R-7 can be used w. the Minolta 360PX flash.

Finally, if you need assistance with focussing why not wait until early
next year when the improved R-8 (?) w. electronic focus assist is
introduced ? The price is likely to be very much higher, though.

Regards,
Akhil 

  
Aram Langhans wrote:
> 
> Maybe I could get some help with my decision.  I use an R4 right now and
> would like to upgrade a bit.  My main motive is that my eye sight is getting
> to the stage at age 51 that I will need some viewfinder diopter help.  I was
> all set on an R5 from a fellow LUGite, but then a friend brought over his
> "new" R7.  A bit larger, but not much.  I have to admit I was always put off
> by the R5's lack of 1 second manual shutter selection.  I take quite a few 1
> second shots as I like to shoot waterfalls, streams and do a fair amount of
> macro work where 1 sec gives me that one extra stop DOF.  I know that this
> speed is available in aperature priority mode, but I have never trusted auto
> modes.  Having shot with an all manual Rollei SL35 for close to 30 years
> before getting my R4 last year, I haven't made the physological switch.
> Often I must use less or more exposure than the meter tells me and in manual
> mode this is easy.
> 
> The R7 has this 1 second and more.  It has 1/2 shutter speeds.  I tend to
> think that f-stop is more important than shutter in my style of shooting,
> and often have to open or close a 1/2 stop to be able to use the full
> shutter steps.  Maybe this 1/2 stop thing is carrying things too far.
> 
> Can anyone give me any perspective in this deilema?  Should I get an R5 or
> spend twice the money on an R7?  Has anyone seen real practical beneifts to
> the R7?  Is the meter more accurate?  Benefits of 1/2 shutter speed
> selection?  Any other real improvements on the R7?  Actually looking at used
> prices it is only a few hundred bucks more for an R8.  R7's are going for
> $8-900 and R8's are around $1100.
> 
> I could get another lens for the difference in price if I bought the R5.
> 
> Decisions, decisions.
> 
> Aram
> 
> This message is made of 100% recycled electrons.  No new atoms were
> destroyed in making it.
> 
> Aram Langhans
> Science Teacher, Naches High School
> P. O. Box 159/101 W. 5th. St.
> Naches, WA 98937
> 
> "Science Rules"
> 
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