Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2012/08/20
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Vick Ko wrote: "Nice shot Doug. I'm using the split image / microprism collar screen. Checked the diopter setting; it looks correct. Checked whether the screen is upside down - it isn't. It is tabbed, to prevent incorrect installation. I have to work harder on making sure that my technique is correct. I just don't recall missing as many RF shots, compared to the R9." Vick, you are correct that you did not miss as many RF shots. Years back, Leitz Wetzlar published a very detailed chart which explained why RF focusing (with a Leica M) was inevitably more accurate than SLR focusing up to focal lengths somewhere between 90mm and 135mm. This was during the era of the Leicaflex SL and SL2, fine performers both. I do not believe that screen brightness etc. on the R8 or R9 have reversed this factual calculation. For me, anything below 105mm (or, say, 100mm if you use Leica SLR) is M rangefinder territory, where focus accuracy is concerned. Above that, switch to manual focus SLR. Or rely on autofocus. Below 100mm or so, it is better than our old eyes. Emanuel (P.S. If you must, the RF 135mm f2.8 Elmarit-M with goggles can achieve accurate focus, especially on an M3. Otherwise, it's a bit of a pain.)