I ran across this interesting account of a Contax G2 user that discovered Leica and switched brand loyalty.

click here

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), August 28, 2001

Answers

Very nice. Thanks. Cured my Zeiss envy caused by the HCB sonnar 50/1.5 bombshell a few days ago.

-- John Fleetwood (johnfleetwood@hotmail.com), August 28, 2001.

While you're there, be sure to look at Dave's wonderful New York street photos.

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), August 29, 2001.

Two things hit me reading this. First, I have also gotten more of the "I know I just got a great shot" feeling that ends up being correct with the Leica than other cameras I use, probably for many of the reasons stated in this article. Second, Leica cameras seem to be designed best for existing light images of people. Whether its street shooting, or portraits of family, friends, or clients, the combination of the chrystal clear finder, non-intimidating style, size and quietness of the camera, no mirror black out or vibration, nearly zero lag time, and the superb wide open performance of the lenses all add up to make the M series camera something very special.

-- Andrew Schank (aschank@flash.net), August 29, 2001.

Andrew,

I have the same feelings about knowing I got the shot with a Leica. When I am street shooting with my Nikon, I know that when I see the optimum peak of action in the finder, I missed the shot, because obviously the mirror is down. With the rangefinder, two of my senses corroborate that the shot was captured... my sight and my hearing. When I hear the shutter click while seeing the shot, I know I got it. I can't say how many great SLR shots are burned in my mind's eye, but didn't actually get on film.

The lack of shutter lag time can't be dismissed as a valid advantage of the M Leica.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), August 29, 2001.

I'm also an ex Zeiss convert but from Contarex and RTS (before those I had Contaflex and my first Ikonta).

I acquired a Leica III and tried to take the first pics with the lens still in ! BUT the share handiness and silence of the camera hooked me. Then I was amazed at the pictures taken with the lens wide open. Spontaneous and silent photography epitomizes the Leica rangefinder. So far nothing but nothing matches it.

-- Tony Brookes (gdz00@lineone.net), December 07, 2001.