[Leica] Intro

[driggett at mac.com (Christopher Driggett)]

Don,
        Thanks for your response. I will definitely try it out. Most of the 
pictures I shoot are for family friends and the occasional HS sports 
parent which the Nikkors did a wonderful job. The main reason I am 
going to range finder is that I miss the control of my mind vs. the 
computer. I rely too much on the D2h or coolpix 5400's brain. I had 
picked up a nikkormat a couple of weeks ago and missed the good ole 
days of me being in total control.

Thanks again for the info and opinion.
Cheers,
Chris

On Jan 1, 2005, at 7:48 PM, Don Dory wrote:

> Chris,
> Well, you did ask.  Please bear in mind that I am an incurable lens
> acquirer so I have glass from way too many manufacturers.
>
> Compared to current Nikkor glass whether single focal length or zoom 
> the
> current Leica RF glass will be much more resistant to flare, hold more
> detail into the corners, higher contrast, and very much useable wide
> open.  Specific world class (best in the world unless you are into
> bokeh) would include the 24 Elmarit, the 28 Summicron, either 35 ASPH,
> the new 50 ASPH, and the new 90 Summicron.  For specific images the 75
> Summilux is also world class although the new Nikkor 85 F1.4 is 
> possibly
> better.
>
> The above opinions are based on thousands of frames taken with Leica
> glass and others.  If you technique is good, you will see some
> outstanding images cut on film or sensors.
>
> Why would you not care for Leica glass?  Some say the new lenses have
> too much contrast.  In fact in a recent Japanese exercise, some 50's
> Canon RF lenses did very well on the Epson sensor: the issue seemed to
> be holding on to the dynamic range.  The new lenses are extremely well
> corrected so the transition to out of focus is pretty abrupt. Also, if
> you images depend of bold graphic design for their impact then the 
> money
> spent on Leica glass is wasted (Meisel and Turner for example).
>
> If you are not a lens snob then Cosina is making some really good 
> lenses
> as well, probably as good as the Nikkors.  I know for a fact Cosina
> makes at least one of the Nikkors.  They have a good 21, a gem of a 25
> although you do have to zone focus, a nice fast 28, an excellent 35
> F1.2, the new 40 F1.4 is probably about the same image quality as the 
> 50
> F1.4 Nikkor.
>
> Also, pretty amazing is the 15mm Heliar from Cosina.  This little fella
> will make you very upset at how much you paid for your 14.
>
> Also, Zeiss is introducing what promises to be some pretty wonderful
> lenses as well.  Well grounded rumor indicates February availability in
> Japan for the 25, 28, 35, and 50mm focal lengths.  A nice 15, 21, and 
> 85
> will follow soon.
>
> Most people on this list have a standard walk about lens, probably most
> use a 35, I tend to go for a 50.  A few use the 28 as normal.
>
> See if the K&S folks will rent you an M6 and 35 ASPH (either aperture 
> is
> fabulous). Possibly another focal length if you tend to another
> direction.  If you have never used a rangefinder before it will be
> important to see if you get along with the view before you plunk down a
> whole lot of money.
>
> Unfortunately for me, I prefer rangefinders for people pictures.  I 
> will
> probably be waiting a few years for the digital revolution to come to
> me.
>
> Then of course, there are the literally thousands of lenses made from
> 1925 or so that can be used on an M for very specific images.
>
> Of course your mileage will vary.
>
> Don
> dorysrus@mindspring.com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: lug-bounces+dorysrus=mindspring.com@leica-users.org
> [mailto:lug-bounces+dorysrus=mindspring.com@leica-users.org] On Behalf
> Of Christopher Driggett
> Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 6:44 PM
> To: Leica Users Group
> Subject: Re: [Leica] Intro
>
> Don,
>       Thanks. I have now problem purchasing from over seas as I am
> into
> Marklin trains and ebay.de.
>
> I am use to Nikkor top of the line lenses. How good does Leica's
> compare. Please do not through fruit and tomatoes at such an uninformed
> soon to be Leica user.
>
> Thanks,
> Chris
>
>
> On Jan 1, 2005, at 2:30 PM, Don Dory wrote:
>
>> Greetings Chris,
>> Welcome to the saloon.  As previously mentioned, the Epson RD-1 is the
>> only digital RF out.  It can be acquired through Samy's in LA and B&H,
>> both frequently are out of stock.  I would also try Rich Pinto at
>> Photovillage.com as he can frequently come up with things.  Another
>> source would be Robert White in England: no problems shipping from
>> England to the U.S.  Another source would be Dr. Yao in Hong Kong,
>> check
>> the archives for his email; again, a very reputable supplier and a
>> fellow Lugger.
>
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