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User comments btil June 2003

G

Guest

What is your experience with the R6/R6.2?

Now that it is discontinued, is there any hope for a new all mechanical R-body?
 
G

Guest

Dirk, the only truly succesful mechanical 35mm left is the Nikon FM3A. Why? It can be used as a backup to AF Nikons and has a huge lens stable to pick from. Mechanical cameras are dying off and the fact that the M7 is partially electronic tells you that there will probably never be any new truly-mechanical cameras in the future. Even Hasselblad, Rollei and other saw the light years ago.

Chuck
 
G

Guest

Charles,

after having attended the Leica Forum Meeting at the Photokina, I can tell you that the "case mechanical camera à la R6.2" is not yet closed.

The dead of the R6.2 was decided already years ago, since the shutter-producer announced the discontinuation of the R6.2 shutter.

So there was a "last order" for this R6.2 shutter (as typical in the camera industry) and as soon as this stock is sold, the end of the camera arrives.

Because of different reasons it was at that time not possible for Leica to use shutters of i.e. Nikon etc.

Since Leica is not a multi-billion-company it needs time for financing and developping new projects.

So my guess is that although there might be no successor within the next 12 months, in the long run it is very likely to have a new mechanical body - if Leica users then still want to have one...

dirk
 
G

Guest

>>>if Leica users then still want to have one<<<

As long as there's still Kodachrome I'll want a mechanical-shutter camera. My fantasy is that Leica will develop this camera from either the SL2 or R8/R9 body shell, not a modified R6.x. The smaller cameras are handy for hiking or with smaller lenses but I don't get a good enough grip on them when using long lenses. BTW the grip on the R winder was "the last straw" for my R4sP. When using the grip and the 400mm f/6.8 my right hand was painfully contorted, and I couldn't reach the mode switch or shutter speed dial.
 
G

Guest

I do not think at all that an SLR-line with just one body is survivable. They should come with a (smaller!) alternative to "the brick".

For sure, there are Leica-"sympathizers" who do want neither an RF nor today's big R8/9.

Considering the mechanical renaissance in other luxury products, the conclusion is a fully mechanical R6.3 with low cost of development, such as Nikon FM3A.

But perhaps the whole engineering staff is working on the R9 digital???
 
G

Guest

> I tends to agree here, a Leica R6.3 will be an interesting addition to the Leica R portfolio. Today's big R8 and R9 might not attract the whole population, and a smaller fully mechanical R6 design will appeal to many. But if Leica Camera AG is spending all the man power to develop a Leica R Digital... that will be at least a great news to many of us.
 
G

Guest

R6 VS R6.2....can anyone tell me the real difference in the two camera above the shutter speed difference and the obvious? They seem like the same camera to me, but I cannot seem to find out any information about the "insides" of the two models to compare. Funny, you can buy a R6 for about $5-600.00, but try to buy a used R6.2 and you will pay up to $1300!!! Is there THAT much differenct between the two cameras????
 
G

Guest

To my way of thinking the R8 is fantastic for shooting either portait, studio or general activities i.g.weddings, but if its a good light action camera for general abuse and fantastic pictures in extremely tough trench situations then you want a Nikon F3 HP with or without the motor-drive,sorry.
 
G

Guest

Differences between the R6 and R6.2: Not all that many but, as I understand it, the R6.2 was given an improved shutter mechanism, top speed of 1/2000 sec, an exposure counter that's easier to read and a light meter that's more sensitive.
 
G

Guest

I come into this thread because I'm presently expanding my M photography to include an R capability. I was looking for a back up body to support the R9. The choice of a robust mechanical camera to my (somewhat old fashioned) way of thinking is a good mix of technologies. Years of wilderness photography has instilled in me a certain distrust of batteries and electonic shutters.

I was surprised to belatedly learn that Leica has dropped the R6.2, and have settled for a SH R6. Because nobody will give up their SLs and SL2s!!!

It is my beleif that there is a market for a mechanical SLR with horizontal travelling shutter that gives 1/2000. There are plently of folk out there still using SLs, Canon F1s, and Nikon F2s and F3s for that matter. I remember photojournos complaining about loosing their F3s for the vertical shuttered F4s. Despite the fact the F3 wasn't good in the wet.

I don't know whether it is technically possible to have the aditional ability to shoot flash off the second curtain on a mechanical shutter mechanism. But it would be very handy. BTW the dual mechanical/electonic governed shutter of the Canon New F1 was very good. The operation wasn't as smooth as you get with a Leica but in all other repects it was a well thought out manual system.

If only Solms would bring out an updated mech. SLR along the lines of the SL models. I always wanted a new M3 and now I can, with the MP. Lets hope there is something special down the track with the Rs.

I'm interested in others views on mechanical SLRs and horizontal shutters.

craig
 
G

Guest

Since I also spend a lot of time in the wilds, I've learned to not rely on things electronic. Craing, it's unfortunate that you've not found an SL or SL2; aside from being very robust, the viewfinders of these cameras are exceptional.

I'm also intersted in an SL3. Update the SL2, replacing the CdS meter cell and mercury battery with modern components, and change to R metering cams, and I'll empty my piggy bank to buy a couple of them.
 
G

Guest

I have been fortunate enough to have had a play with an SL and SL2. Finding someone who will part with their Leicafex is another thing! For those who have never experienced the pleasure of a flex, don't go near them unless you are able to either steal or buy it. (purchase is the better option)

Thinking back it was around 9 years ago now, and I've never seen one since. The only cameras that come close to the M3 in my book. The R9 is a very nice camera and the VF is a great improvement on earlier Rs. But the camera isn't anywhere heavy enough and doesn't have that solid feel of the flexes.

My impression of the early 'R'lenses I used was that they were pretty special too.
 
G

Guest

Craig, actually the SL and SL2 show up routinely on eBay, and many american sellers will ship internationally. SLs go fron US $200 to 400, SL2 600-1000. Many people have said is the SL2 is not worth the extra cost over the SL. R6 and R6.2 seem to be much less common.
I bough an SL last year for US $225, and I am very happy to have it.
 
G

Guest

>Craig, which 'early R lenses' were you thinking of? Do you mean the ones >that were 'made in Germany'? I've got a 50mm f2 'made in Canada' but >otherwise all my lenses (bought in the late 1980s and early 1990s) were >made in Germany.

I entirely agree with what's being said here; I also have had some bad experience in Africa and Nepal with electronics.
 
G

Guest

The original question was about a second camera to support the Craig Smith's R9.... Unless his R lenses are all NON-ROM. They will NOT function on an SL or SL-2, which makes all this talk about them useless for him. If he wants backups there are plenty of R-cameras out there.
Happy Snaps,
Sal
 
G

Guest

My R lenses are all current 3 cam with one of my 50s being a Canadian cron.

Yes I was refering to the German made lenses in particular. All though I found some of the Minolta lenses were suprisingly good. Personally, I've found the Canadian build lenses don't produce the same quality charateristics as the German manufactured ones. That is not to say they are bad, just different to my eye anyway. I should add that I don't test gear and can not claim to be a reliable authority in these matters. My observations are based more on the impresion I get from the prints. By in large B+W with some Kodachrome.

The situation was that I had unfetted access to a rather nice Leica collection and could just about play with what I liked. Pretty well the only Leicas I have not had a chance to put film through are the M6TTL, R5 and R7, and 8 and '0'. This was different situation to subjectively evaluation the performance and handling of equipment.

The 'flex or not to flex' question is now a moot point as I am committed to the R6. Which does the job nicely. Because I come from a M3 and view camera background the metering compatibility of earlier cameras and newer lens doesn't faze me as my intincts are to go for the hand meter first.

Let face it, Leica is pretty well all good and relaible stuff. In the main Leicas are nicer to use than other brands, which I believe makes the photographer more comfortable with the equipment thus helping to inspire one to make better images.
When I pick up a Nikon FM2 or 3A I go ugh. My response to R4 R6 type cameras is mmm Ok, but the Leicaflexes, and the R9, make me go-yes lets do some work!!!

The main point is, and I think most would agree, that there is a market for a mech. SLR, and preferably one with a horizontal shutter travel.

craig
 
E

erikj

about 8 months ago, i exchanged a brandnew nikon fm3a + 5 lenses for a used R6 + summicron 2/50.
been livin' in bliss eversince...

thank you Oscar Barnack, wherever you are...!
 
M

mattinasi

Well-Known Member
> about 8 months ago, i exchanged a brandnew nikon fm3a + 5 lenses for a > used R6 + summicron 2/50. > been livin' in bliss eversince... > > About 6 months ago I bought an R8 and a couple of zooms - 28-70 and 80-200, and I have been exceptionally happy with the optics. In fact, both of those zooms are the BEST I have ever used (My other SLR line is Olympus, which has only one _really_ good zoom). BUT, I have had mixed feelings about the R8; it gets finicky from time to time, stops showing information in the VF, stops showing exposure numbers on the back, sometimes stops working until I turn it off and then back on. Maybe I should have gotten an R6 after all... but then, I do like Aperture priority AE which the R6 is lacking.

Thanks for your post, it makes me think, hmm, R6?

- marc
 
C

Craig24

I recently picked up a nice looking R6 as a back up mechanical unit for R9. I am suppringly impressed with it
 
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