snip
Established
Nh3
Well-known
http://harrysproshop.com/Used_Miscellaneous/used_miscellaneous.html
scroll down to leica section.
Used R8 for CDN$700 and a few R lenses.
scroll down to leica section.
Used R8 for CDN$700 and a few R lenses.
No auto aperture; same way it works if one puts a Leica R lens on a Canon with an adapter.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
I agree with Ken Shipman that the best R4 is an R5. I didn't like the way the R4 displayed the shutter speeds. They were too hard for me to make out in the finder. In the R5 finder, they light up with LEDs--much better. My R5 and R6 also have a diopter adjustment, so I can fine-tune the finder exactly to my eye. That's worth a lot.
The R6 is nice for any of us who also shoot with an M6 or MP (or M7), because it displays the exposure in exactly the same way as the rangefinder models: three LEDs, left, right, and a center dot.
Things I don't like about the Leica R models, compared to my Nikon FA, FE2, and F3: the Leicas feel more awkward to hold and shoot with. The Nikons are more ergonomic. One reason for this is that all other cameras I have used, including the Leica M series, and all my Nikons, as well as Olympus OM series, have the shutter button one inch in from the right end of the camera. For some reason, my Leica R cameras have the shutter button one and a half inches in. This forces me to change my right hand grip in a way that does not come naturally. The camera is no longer an extension of my own hand, in the way that an M2 or M6 is; or in the way that a Nikon F3 or FA is. So instead of the camera being an extension of my own eye, it is now "Rob vs. the Leica R5."
Another thing: the mirror action in a Leica R is a bit sluggish, and the mirror slap is significant. Camera of choise from that standpoint is the Nikon FA.
But, my R5 and R6 have the best damn viewfinders I've used. I can actually see what I'm doing better than with other cameras. And some of the lenses are simply the best: 50mm f/2; 90mm f/2.8; 135mm f/2.8; 180mm f/3.4 APO. (Some of the lenses are just a tossup with the Nikkors: 24mm f/2.8; 28,, f/2.8) So, I persevere with my R cameras. If there's room in the jeep, the Nikons and the Leicas both go. It's an imperfect world.
The R6 is nice for any of us who also shoot with an M6 or MP (or M7), because it displays the exposure in exactly the same way as the rangefinder models: three LEDs, left, right, and a center dot.
Things I don't like about the Leica R models, compared to my Nikon FA, FE2, and F3: the Leicas feel more awkward to hold and shoot with. The Nikons are more ergonomic. One reason for this is that all other cameras I have used, including the Leica M series, and all my Nikons, as well as Olympus OM series, have the shutter button one inch in from the right end of the camera. For some reason, my Leica R cameras have the shutter button one and a half inches in. This forces me to change my right hand grip in a way that does not come naturally. The camera is no longer an extension of my own hand, in the way that an M2 or M6 is; or in the way that a Nikon F3 or FA is. So instead of the camera being an extension of my own eye, it is now "Rob vs. the Leica R5."
Another thing: the mirror action in a Leica R is a bit sluggish, and the mirror slap is significant. Camera of choise from that standpoint is the Nikon FA.
But, my R5 and R6 have the best damn viewfinders I've used. I can actually see what I'm doing better than with other cameras. And some of the lenses are simply the best: 50mm f/2; 90mm f/2.8; 135mm f/2.8; 180mm f/3.4 APO. (Some of the lenses are just a tossup with the Nikkors: 24mm f/2.8; 28,, f/2.8) So, I persevere with my R cameras. If there's room in the jeep, the Nikons and the Leicas both go. It's an imperfect world.
mh2000
Well-known
No auto aperture... I tried a couple R lenses on my Canon bodies... fell in love with the lenses, hated the stop-down metering & shooting and bought the R4. I really love my R4... rarely shoot my Canon bodies anymore.
Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
Then again, they're Leica. I'd probably be shooting wide open 99% of the time anyway!
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Ken, I'm not saying that Leica R bodies are bad or anything like that, but they are in my opinion, has inflated price over value.
Sure I'd like to get a Leicaflex SL2 in black, but I'm not willing to pay those silly prices
I'd rather plunk down money for the R lenses.
Now, if you'd like to experience what a Leica-R *lenses* can offer, go with a cheap Canon body (more adapter friendly than any other brand out there).
I use a plastic EOS Rebel II with a Summicron-R 50/2, some of the samples (wide-open, of course
) can be seen in this past thread:http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66715
Dralowid
Michael
Don't bother with the SL2, this isn't collector territory.
Get a plain SL and enjoy, it's the real deal!
Michael
Get a plain SL and enjoy, it's the real deal!
Michael
snip
Established
The more I think about this, the more convinced I get that getting a 35mm 'Cron, not an Elmarit like I first mentioned (This was merely because I saw that I could get one from a dealer for £150) and installing a Leitax bayonet on it would be very very nice indeed.
Although it goes against the philosophy behind me ditching the Canon 5D in favour of the much cheaper Pentax K10D, it would be quite wonderful I think to shoot Leica glass on the K10D.
//Jan
Although it goes against the philosophy behind me ditching the Canon 5D in favour of the much cheaper Pentax K10D, it would be quite wonderful I think to shoot Leica glass on the K10D.
//Jan
jarski
Veteran
this was good information, thank you. was already considering another system. didnt even know this would be possible. adaptation looks simple enough for a diy job.
In case anyone is interested, I ordered one of the Leitax adapters for Nikon to modify a 50mm Summicron-R to use on my D700. I'll post more about the DIY process and how everything turns out.
jarski
Veteran
me too ! one adaptor for Nikons, but there would be two other R-lenses needing this as well. lets see now with one first. Haoda screen is in mail too, both a bit late for the Christmas though
one adaptor for Nikons, but there would be two other R-lenses needing this as well. lets see now with one first. Haoda screen is in mail too, both a bit late for the Christmas though
I received the Leitax bayonet today. Looking at the bayonet, one would think that it was manufactured by Nikon or Leica. The precision machining is excellent. It took about 20 minutes to convert this lens:
Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
I need to spur Francisco into buying some cheap Leica R glass and converting it now that he has a D700. It has less appeal on my D300.
But on one of my film bodies...
But on one of my film bodies...
Nh3
Well-known
Leica R6.2 vs. Nikon Fm2n?
Why would you prefer one over the other?
Why would you prefer one over the other?
Michiel Fokkema
Michiel Fokkema
I used R3's and now have a SL2, R8 and a R6. all are great, but I prefer the R6. It's just a great little camera.
The SL2 has the brightest vf.The R8 has all the automation if you need it. The R6 is the champ for me. Maybe because it is as close to a M6 as a slr can get.
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
The SL2 has the brightest vf.The R8 has all the automation if you need it. The R6 is the champ for me. Maybe because it is as close to a M6 as a slr can get.
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
jarski
Veteran
got my Leitax exercise done today too ! it took more than 20mins from me (35 Summicron-R), I think its pretty strait forward process. just have to be extra careful of not loosing any of those small pieces
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