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User comments btil June 2003

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> Hi, Max, My contribution to the excellence of Japanese electronics, I suppose, is my appreciation and retention of my (now ageing) Canon A1 system, which I adore. The bottom line for me is, naturally, the excellence of Leitz glass combined with precise engineering principles. The SL 2 was probably the last entirely German-produced R-series Leica and, for that reason, is a complete gem. If I want a Minolta I'll buy one :-)

Mike http://www.scotcolour.com
 
Dear Mike,

I hate to disillusion you but the SL2 was the first body to incorporate Minolta parts within.

The SL was the last pure Leitz SLR.

Buy an SL and/or SL MOT before the collectors wake-up.

Sincerely,

Justin
 
Justin - I remember that the SL2 did have some parts produced either by Minolta or developed with Minolta engineers. I think it had to do with the mirror swing up and hinge change that permitted lenses with longer back focus to be mounted on the SL2.
I owned and used an SL2 for some years - the only trouble I had with it was a desilvering prism, which I had replaced at Leica NJ for about $600. Otherwise, the camera seemed identical in quality and construction to the SL, which I also owned and used. Personally, I prefer the SL.
But good grief - don't give away the secret about the SL! They can still be had in great condition for reasonable prices - unlike the very similar SL2 which goes for megabucks. The same thing happened with the M2 and M5 - fairly unpopular with collectors, big with users, decent prices - then the collectors swoop in and people are paying $1600 for an M5 and over a grand for a 2.
What's a poor sod who just wants to use the camera to do?
Max
 
You are right Max. I am not considering the important people who take pictures. Collectors are a strange lot. On the one hand they remove anything worth owning from the market at silly prices. On the other hand without them I suspect Leica would have gone out of business. Occasionally they part with something that was overlooked such as the mint Leicaflex I recently bought still in its vacuum pack. I intend to use it as I like the mirror lock-up.

You and I have been fortunate in buying our cameras before this all happened. I bought my SL new in 1969. It has done a lot of work, but periodic visits to Wetzlar then Solms have kept it like new. I tried an SL2 twenty years ago but exchanged it for an SL MOT.

One of the technicians in Germany some years ago demonstrated how superior the mirror action is with the Leicaflex, SL & SL2. Set the shutter on B and then release only the first curtain (keep the shutter pressed down). Subjectively I feel it is better than the M3 which is saying something.

Kind regards, Justin
 
Does any one know whether it is possible to retrofit a third lug to the 2 lug M5?

Also has any got a chrome M5 in good condition they want to sell? three lug preferably. I would be interested if the price is right.

cheers craig
 
> [.Hi Craig - why would you want a 3rd lug for - I have the 2 lug body and do not see the need to add a third - besides when the body is original - do not be tempted to tinker with with it.

How much are you prepared to pay for a 9+ 2 lug black chrome M5?

Best regards

Joseph Low
 
Hi Josheph

Agree about tinking with orig. camera. However the only thing I don't like about my 5 is the way it hangs on the shoulder strap. A conventional lug setup would suit my way of working, particularly when using more than one body. The vertical hang can be a bit awkward.

The system is a little odd considering you are supposed to hold the camera horizontaly for metering!

But I've lived with it for many years now. Just canvassing if it is possible without too much trouble.

How much am I prepared to pay for a 9+ 2 lug black Chome M5? Good Quesition. I don't know what a fair market rate would be. Australia's third world currency exchange rate compared with US and Euro tends to put a nasty sting in Leica purchases. Haven't you got a three lugger? I'd be sorely tempted.

The M5s are a fine working camera. Some call me ludite but the match needle meter readout is by far the superior system. All the info needed in one place and easily read. The position of the M5 VF eyepeice also fits snuggly against my big nose. Handy for slow SS stuff. Ah but I digress sorry.

BTW has anybody got a spare (white) plastic thingy that fits into the centre of the self-timer arm for Blk M5. I lost mine somewhere. I think that they are the same as those used in the orig. M4s.

craig
 
> Tell you where the advantage comes in hanging the M5 by one end rather than > by both - when you wear the camera over one shoulder and shoot with it from > there (ie without hanging it round your neck - ideally from under a jacket. > The strap needs to be on the long side. I've been hanging my M2 like that > (strap connected to the normal lug and to the key of the screw on the M > handgrip. It works very well for quick shooting - reach into jacket, take > camera by the upper end and it comes to the eye surprisingly comfortably. I > found that even with the camera hung in the "normal" way I end up dragging > the strap round till it is hanging near vertically.
 
> [Hi Craig

thanks for replying. BTW are you still able to find the PX625 batteries in Australia? Any chance of you helping me to buy some?

Thanks and best regards

Joseph Low
 
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