[LRflex] Re: Camera Choice Advice Sought

Kevin,
This mechanical and electrical engineer can't comment on the R6.2 because I never had one, but I used an R4 and an R4s for 10 years with no problems at all, then an R7 for 15 years with no problems. What support Leica will have for any of these cameras in the future is problematical. 

Those R cameras followed an M4 and three old lenses that were magic.
I see an R7 for sale for approx. $650 used and it was my favorite camera of all time.
I sold it to go digital with an R9 (another jewel, though it doesn't look that way) and a DMR but I pine for the R7's size, its feel in the hand, and all around handiness every day. I used it with 35-70 and 80-200 Varios and a 24mm and that was all I ever needed. I think maybe 80% of my shots were in Program or Aperture Priority mode and both worked very well in my travels.
I also have an M8 now and, with my needs, and at my age, well north of 75, and the way the R program is going, the M8 may become my one and only camera and the last camera I'll ever need.
I don't give advice and can only share my experience, and of course, your mileage may vary. 

Good luck and all best wishes,

Bill

On Jun 16, 2009, at 7:40 PM, Doug Herr wrote:


Kevin Willey wrote:


Serious question on an investment dilemma.  Retired after 30 years in
the USAF and finally trying to get serious in becoming a bona fide
amateur photographer. As I have mentioned before, I recently bought a 
Hassi 500CM and 50, 80, 120, 150, and 250 Superachromat.  Have had a
Leica Digilux 2 which I love but find the electronics limiting for
spontaneous shots, etc.  So I bought a Leica R8, 35mm/2 and Vario-
Elmarit 80-200mm/4 lens.  Also bought motor winder which I like more
than I anticipated.  Pics are beautiful.

Also, love the process of shooting MF with Hassi but I want a travel
camera and long zoom options and a backup body.  Rather than go the
M8.2 as I originally intended and then have to invest in a M lens
line, I am considering a second R8 or R9 body. Yet the R6.2 tempts me 
because of reputation, size, all mechanical so I can keep it a long
time w/o worrying about electronic parts to repair R8 or R9.  Do I
lose noticeable image quality with a less capable metering,
programming system in R6.2 versus R8/9?  There is currently a new 6.2
on eBay for $1,700.
I'm sure others will (and should) voice their opinions but I've never gotten along with auto-exposure systems so for me the totally manual metering of the R6.2 would be just fine. I leave my R8 on manual all the time, BTW. Whether that works for you might be another matter, depending on subject matter, personal habits, film choices and the quality level you expect in your photos.
A camera from the R4 through R7 series if chosen wisely is a good choice for a travel camera because of their relatively small size and light weight. IMHO the R6.2 is a fine camera but $1700 is a LOT of cash! Is this US$? The R6.2, being the last mechanical Leica reflex, has probably drawn some collector interest which has pushed the price beyond what would be justified from a user's point of view.
On mechanical vs. electronic, my natural bias as a mechanical engineer is the mechanical camera but it should be mentioned that my daughter's R4sP and my nephew's R4 are about 25 years old and still working well. My R4s, which came to me from a humid environment, has mechanical problems but no electronic problems. All FWIW. 

Doug Herr
Birdman of Sacramento
http://www.wildlightphoto.com


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