[Leica] Re: Leica quality control and durability

[Iain.Dawson@ea.gov.au (Iain Dawson)]

     Dave and Jack
     
     I have been contemplating your comments (Leica Users digest Vol 4 
     #25)in the context of my own experiences with Leica M cameras and 
     lenses.  For the most part I agree with you, but different people 
     have different needs and value different things.  
     
     I have owned several (used) bodies (M2,3,4 and 6) and the only one I 
     have had problems with was the one with the perhaps the best 
     reputation - the M4 (the film transport failed intermittently). My 
     current M6 'Panda'(I love it even though others on this list think 
     it is ugly) so far in 3 years has had no problems. No lenses have 
     ever failed. Not a bad record compared to other brands I have owned.
     
     I have never owned an R series for various reasons (so I have no 
     knowledge of the new zoom lenses). One of the reasons I have never 
     owned an R series camera  was that I once worked for an organisation 
     that did and they had a number of problems with them (R3 to R5) and 
     with the lenses (eg diaphragm mechanism failing).  They switched to 
     Nikon eventually. This is a problem for any manufacturer - one or two 
     bad apples can put prospective buyers off even if on the whole the 
     product is better than anyone elses. 
     
     Another reason is that I sometimes need to carry (on my back) my work 
     cameras long distances in rough terrain, often in high temperatures, 
     and be able to work fast. Total weight is important to me.  I also do 
     a lot of macro work so ttl flash is sometimes important. So I bought 
     Olympus first, and, when that system wasn't getting the attention it 
     deserved from the manufacturer, switched to Canon AF. Availability of 
     batteries is not an issue here in Australia, as long as I remember to 
     pack a spare, so I don't need fully mechanical cameras. The Canon 
     system is cutting edge technology, very innovative in design, and 
     capable of the highest quality results.  However if you grip a zoom 
     lens at the end furthest from the camera you may find the side to side 
     movement frightening. I did.  I don't expect these lenses to last as 
     long as a Leica lens.  I probably wouldn't buy a secondhand Canon 
     lens, and I expect to keep trading in my lenses every few years. 
     Nevertheless, for the purpose I have for them, they are 'good enough'. 
      The R8 doesn't tempt me at all.  I think it is too bulky/heavy for 
     what it does, but it obviously suits other peoples needs and is 
     undoubtedly a fine camera.
     
     A good friend of mine, a professional photographer, has sold his R 
     system and uses M series exclusively.  (This is very handy as he 
     occasionally lends me his very fast lenses).  He does theatre 
     photography and this is the best system for the job. 
     
     I can't comment on Contax vs. Leica reflex, other than to wonder if 
     the difference is so great as to make it worthwhile changing? I would 
     probably opt for Contax, as it would fit my needs better ( for example 
     the option of a lightweight second body).
     
     Apart from the functional aspects of M series cameras (and them 
     fitting very well a particular niche in the market that requires 
     quietness and fast lenses for example), there is also the not 
     inconsiderable pleasure of owning one for its classic elegance and 
     simplicity, and particularly the way it feels when you hold it.  
     This could be worth a lot more than the differences in optical 
     qualities, quality control and durability between the major 
     manufacturers. I wouldn't be surprised if more people bought them 
     for the way they feel rather than what they can do.
     
     Iain