Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/12/14
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In a message dated 97-12-14 07:59:12 EST, you write:
> - Is the MR meter a useable item?
You do need to take the camera away from your eye to adjust
the camera to the meter reading value, so I prefer a hand-held digital meter
such as the Sekonic L-408 which has incident, flash and 5-degree spotmeters.
The trade-off is size and "authenticity". From what I've heard, a properly-
working MR, once the Mercury-battery situation is resolved through one of
several alternatives, is a very accurate if a bit slow-reacting meter.
> - Is it worth the $40 to upgrade the camera to the rapid-load film system?
I have not heard of any reputable Leica technician offering to
convert an M2 to the full M4 take-up mechanism for this amount. Are you
perhaps speaking of the "quickload kit" consisting of a slotted spool and
baseplate guide? That kit works well for me, and does not involve a permanent
modification to the camera. You can easily remove it and use an original
spool should you desire.
> - What's the best buy in a 90/2.8. I understand some had a glue problem?
The Tele-Elmarit of the 1970's vintage is a fine lens. I've
heard tell of the "bad glue" problem but I've never actually seen one, and the
lens I have is crystal-clear. The lens is barely longer than a 50 Summicron
and has a nice hood that reverses for storage. It is more compact than the
latest version, and is about 1/2 the price. Shine a penlight through it and
look for signs of any problems.
>