Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/08/09
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Well, Brrrrr, if you didn't get it the first time that B.D, made the point, let me say it again. The camera body has almost nothing to do with the image quality of the picture, except to assist in focus which, I hasten to add, is one of the CL's weakest points...focus, that is. It's the lens that permits one to make a high quality image by and large. If you check the archives, Brrrrr, you will note that I have heaped high praise on the 40mm Summicron on numerous occasions. Attached to any body, that lens could produce world class images. Nonetheless, for reasons that I have stated many times before and that you have noted below, my opinion is that the CL was a real bow wow, especially when compared to any other platform for holding a Leica lens. Buzz Hausner - -----Original Message----- From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us] On Behalf Of Afterswift@aol.com Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2003 10:00 PM To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us Subject: Re: [Leica] Second Thoughts on a Leica Second Body In a message dated 8/9/03 4:24:10 PM, jerryleh@pacbell.net writes: << I would hate to be constrained to the arbitrary limits of an essentially useless camera. >> Jerry, The point is that the CL isn't a useless camera. It is a very fine piece of equipment. But it requires that the photographer slightly change his or her way of working with it. For example, we can't use a lens that extends too far toward the meter element, so we can't use collapsable Leitz lenses. The CL viewfinder is confined to show 40, 50 and 90mm lenses only. I've never used a 50mm lens with it. The meter indicator needle sometimes only vaguely centers on the shutter speed. For most Ms you can buy an eyepiece diopter lens. Only used viewfinder diopters are available for the CL. The rubber lenshades for the 40 and 90 mm lenses deteriorate after about 20 years and there's no replacement available. The match needle TTL meter is delicate, so you must handle the camera with care. Loading film finds you balancing two objects tied together on a strap. But for that you have a brilliant viewfinder, a splendid focal plane shutter, a film plane mechanism that holds film absolutely flat. It isn't only the lenses that are so professional, it's the CL body that complements their precision. Ladies and gentlemen, the CL isn't for everyone. It requires deliberate effort to learn to use it smoothly. But the images are worth that extra patience and acquired skills. br - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html