[LRflex] Re: To R8 or R9 or just forget about 35mm film
- From: blazingleicas@xxxxxxxxx
- To: leicareflex@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:17:49 +0000
I must agree with David in regard to the R8/R9 vs Leicaflex SL. I've been using 2 of the SL's since 1969 and bought the R8 in 1997. While the R8 is more ergonomic, it's no match for the ruggedness and dependability of the SL, and I haven't even started talking about the SL's brighter screen. True, the R8 has a more sophisticated metering system and the camera will 'talk' with an SC3501 compatible flash unit. Still, My Leicaflex SL's and Honeywell Strobonar 880 have served me well in every situation.
Regards,
G. Schlittenfahrt
-------------- Original message from David Young <dsy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>: --------------
> Herr Herr, replying to Walter Kramer wrote:
>
> >Walter Kramer wrote:
> >
> > >I'm just looking for opinions and perhaps insights from people who may
> > >have moved from early Rs to the R8 or R9 cameras.
> >
> >The R8 fits my hands better than the earlier R bodies do, especially
> >with one of the larger lenses. Up to 90mm or so the smaller Rs are
> >fine (for me), beyond that I prefer the R8's better grip. The
> >handgrip for the R4/5/6/7 winder did not work well for me.
> >
> >One thing I don't like about the R8 is the mode dial. It's much too
> >easy to change it inadvertently. If I were starting over I'd get
> >the R9 instead of the R8 for this reason alone. However,
> >considering all the options for a film Leica reflex camera my first
> >choice is a Leicaflex SL or SL2.
>
> Good Mornin', Walter!
>
> I agree with Doug ... the R8/9 is much more ergonomic. Larger, it's
> true, but a much better finder than the other "R" cameras. (I say
> this, having owned the R3/5 and 6.)
>
> However, I'm not sure I'd agree with Doug about starting with the
> R9. The only problem with the R8 was it's mode dial, which was far
> to easily moved. However, all they needed to do with the R9 was use
> a stronger spring and slightly larger detents, so that the dial had a
> positive "click" into place, and was not so easily moved. Instead,
> they installed a push button lock, so that changing the mode dial
> became a two hand operation --- and not a convenient one, at that.
>
> It solved the problem, but it was like using a howitzer to hunt
> mice. Engineering overkill - to the point where I lamented my old R8!
>
> I do agree with Doug, that if I were buying a film camera, the SL or
> SL2 would be my first choices, with the R8 second. The R5/6/7 series
> would be my third choices.
>
> Cheers!
> ---
> David Young
> Logan Lake, BC
>
> Wildlife Photos: www.furnfeather.net
> Rodeo Photos: www.galleries.furnfeather.net
> Personal Website: www.main.furnfeather.net
>
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