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Leica C2/C3 comments until June 2003

G

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Has anyone gotten their hands on either of these models? How do they compare to the Z2x?
 
I am now planning to buy a P&S camera with a wide-angle zoom (at least 28mm) and hesitate on choosing Leica C3 or Yashica T Zoom. I believe they are similar and comparable on optical quality and controllability.

However, I concern more on the optical quality at wide angle because I tend to use it more on landscape shoots. Yashica T Zoom seems to have dark angel problem at 28mm, which can be seen from the s&le photos provided by local dealer. Is it a common problem of wide-angel P&S Zoom? Leica C3 has a lens with larger diameter. Does it perform better in light drop off at the edges? Any experienced users please advise.
 
Hi Ken,

You'll have to wait for more people to get their hands on these cameras (the Leicas) before there will be any meaningful comparisons. If price wasn't an object I'd go for the C3, if only because it has a larger aperture at 28mm (3.5 or so vs 4.5 on the T zoom). I can't see the Leica lens being too much different (hopefully no worse) than the Yashicas.

From what I've heard the Yashica is capable of very nice images. From what I've seen on posted photo's, there is some definite vignetting at 28mm, at least under certain conditions. To be honest, I'd be surprised if the Leica did not exhibit some vignetting as well. You have to make some compromises in lens design on cameras of this type. That is why many of the high end P&S zooms usually have only a 2x zoom; less compromise within the limits of the lens performance.

Let us know if you go for the C3, and give us your impressions.
 
Would vignetting only occur when the lens is wide ipen, or at alf f stops?
 
My experience with vignetting is that it occurs when shooting wide open in very bright conditions, e.g, a clear blue sky. Even the best wide angle lenses will produce light fall (not really vignetting) in this condition. However, a good lens will reduce the light fall off to a minimum and is not so great as to ruin the image.
 
Looking at the C2 (haven't seen the C3 in real life yet), it's much better than the old zoom camera. It's smaller, better built with better materials and has a real image finder that's clearer and easier to use and more convenient than a Minilux'. If the lens is of the same quality as the previous 2x zoom, than you have a super camera. I wasn't impressed with the C1 (great looking design but awkward handling) and from what I've heard, many defective camera's are being returned and the lens seems to be nothing special. These comments come from a reputable Leica dealer. The C2 enjoys a much better reception, both in camera and in lens quality. If the C3 is build to the same standards, it will be a very interesting camera.
 
After handling the C3 in real life, I can confirm my initial impression in tha't it is a much better camera than the C1. The outward appearance (body) is similar to the C1 (although a good grip has been added), the viewfinder, optics and controls are all first rate. C1's viewfinder was smalla and blurry, this one has much better eye relief and is very clear and sharp. All controls are easy and the camera feels very substantial. The optics are excellent, judging from the first testshots i've seem. Compared to a similar range Canon zoom, there is a noticable difference in tonal range, contrast and overal sharpness. As for a true p&s camera, it can be highly reccomended.
 
Thanks for posting your impressions of the C3. Some further questions (sorry if these have been discussed already.)

1. Does the C3 offer any exposure compensation settings?

2. How is light fall-off (vignetting) at wide wide open aperture? This is usually more noticeable with slide film.

3. How is shutter lag on the C3?

4. Have you used the flash and how do you find it in terms of power and close-up shooting (does it tend to wash out close shots)?

If you have the opportunity please post a URL/web site. Thanks again.

-- John McCormack
RESIST ALL HAPPY SNAPS !!!
 
The C2 and C3's tech specs are published on Leica's website. I believe both camera's have the usual +1.5 ev feature. Vignetting could not be determined, judging from prints. I haven't seem any slides. The prints however, looked extremely well and evenly exposed, beautifully balanced and sharp. I did not notice shutter lag beyond what is to be expected. C3's shutter release is similar in design to the C1, it is almost flush with the upper deck and therefore somewhat difficult to find when you're looking through the finder. However, with a little getting-used to, I don't expect it to be a real problem. With regard to the flash, I believe the flash output is controlled bij the measured (autofocus) distance. There is no manual distance setting, as with the Minilux Zoom. Both camera's have the usual, to be expected, features and nothing more (or less). But you can expect a better than usual lens and better than usual built quality and materials and outstanding design. All in all, both seem te be very competent camera's, enjoyable to use and with a long-lasting value.
 
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