[Leica] Which camera would you always carry on yourpocket?

[rhc3vt at hotmail.com (Richard Coutant)]

Over the years I've made a very informal study of pocket cameras, trying to 
weigh size, weight, ease of operation, features, lens quality, and other 
characteristics.  The 35S is right up there, although for some obscure 
reason both of mine have suffered recently from the focusing seizing up so 
it's really hard to turn.  For just banging away without thinking too much I 
prefer the Contax T2.  The Olympus XA has been one of my favorites because 
of its ability to take automatic time exposures in near-total silence in 
dark and often photographer-unfriendly places, but I don't think the lens 
quality is up to some of the others. And my large fingers often get in the 
way, particularly in vertical format.  For real lightweight and portability 
outdoors I like my Minox 35GT.  If I have a very sturdy pocket I use a 
Voigtlander Vitessa L with built-in meter; superb lens, fast action, leave a 
filter on it folded; but the weight is intimidating - the thing must be the 
density of the core of Pluto.  If I have two pockets - one for a meter - 
then a IIIa (on topic here!) with collapsible Elmar is a pleasure for a 
leisurely walk, as are Retinas, Agfas, or the Vito III,  and of course any 
number of fine pocketable medium-format cameras.
Right now, my T2, 35S, 35GT, and a Retina IIc all have film in them.  There 
are so many interesting choices, it's hard to go wrong.

Richard

>>My standard glove-box camera is a Rolleiflex 35S, which is a really deadly 
>>camera, accurate, user-friendly, light, and capable of abosrbing 
>>remarkable amounts of damage while continuing to function.  Other options 
>>I occasionally take are a Werra III and my Old Reliable, the Leica IIIc 
>>with its 2/5cm Summitar.  But that Rollei 35S is really hard to beat for 
>>snap shots.