I have perhaps 8-10 of the FM FM2 FM2n FM2T breed and a couple F and F2 bodies as well. For a number of years in the mid 1990's I shot with Leica R cameras (which I relaced with my Nikon FMs)...I also own M gear. The M is silky smooth, truly a jewel to use. The FM FM2 et al is not quite as silky smooth but for the price of a $1200 or so used M6 I can pick up a HALF DOZEN FMs or 2-3 FM2s and some awesome glass... Probably opening a whole new discussion here but from REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE I have found my Nikon FM/FM2/FM2T/F/F2 gear as reliable in the field as my M gear and more reliable than my R gear AND in my experience in real world shooting the Nikon glass is as god as the Leica glass and there is a heck of a lot more of it and it is a fraction of the cost... -----Original Message----- From: Douglas Shea <dshea@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Apr 12, 2005 9:13 AM To: rollei_list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [rollei_list] Re: Not My Definition of a Thoroughbred (Re: Nikon vs. Leica) Which Leica are we discussing here, the "R" or the "M?" With all due respect, having used a vast array of Nikon and various Leica "R" cameras I'd stop way short of calling the "R" a thoroughbred. I would also not refer to any of the Nikon FM/FE series cameras as "workhorses" either. As for build quality and expected durability I'd put the "R" and the FM2 in the same league; rather light duty cameras and a notch or two below any of the Nikon F series, especially from the F2 onwards. I'm sure that Leica enjoys seeing the "thoroughbred" reference -- it reinforces their belief in their own advertising hype. Only two SLR's come to my mind as thoroughbreds: the second and third generation Alpa cameras and the Contarex. Doug -----Original Message----- From: rollei_list-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:rollei_list-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Nick Roberts Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2005 9:53 AM To: rollei_list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [rollei_list] Re: Nikon vs. Leica (was: Query: Mechancial Cameras) Thor is absolutely right to describe the FM2 as a workhorse. It's precisely that, not a thoroughbred like a Leica. Just a perfectly good tool. Nick