Thanks everyone for the responses. My local shop had a demo day today, with all the reps there, so I got to investigate a little. Here are my impressions, and my decision. The contax rep didnt see fit to bring an AX (or even any literature for it), would only push the N1. My store had a RX. Tried it, felt good, but it really isnt all that different from my F5, other than size(which isnt an issue to me), and fewer features. Tried the Nikon FM3A-- nice, light, but felt cheap to me. I would much rather have a used F3. Tried the Leica R8... every control fell right under my fingertips (no easy feat, as I have small hands). Best SLR viwefinder I have seen, really nice camera-- seems very thought out. So... I have decided the keep the F5, 24mm f2.8, 35mm f2, 50mm f1.4, 85mm f1.8, 105 micro, and sb-28. I have learned to rely on the F5, and it hasnt let me down once, except when I told it too-- user error. I know, when I have to get the shot, I can depend on it. Plus, Ive been with it long enough I dont have to think about control position. I will have to rely on my M6 for the tactile aspects, not really any sacrifice, and I will keep my eye out for the occasional to-good -to-be-true deal on MF Nikkors. I may sell off a few things, and save for awhile and pick up an R8 and a 50mm 1.4 to use for fun. I am really impressed with the R8. Thanks again to everyone who responded, you thought of a few options I hadn't considered. Best,

-- Marke Gilbert (Bohdi137@aol.com), November 17, 2001

Answers

Marke

I thought you would find that! That is my opinion of Contax to a tee! The R8 and a 50mm Summilux is a great and expensive combination, and it has an altogether superb tactile feel to it. The 50mm Summilux is about the best 50mm 1.4 (or any 50mm for that matter) in existance.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), November 21, 2001.

I wouldn't quibble with your choice one bit. The Nikon F5 and lenses you plan to use are really nice.

Just thought I would mention that the AX was never a very good example of Contax gear. It was an AF stop-gap product. Further, Contax has announced the discontinuation of the entire manual focus line, favoring the AF stuff instead (bummer dude). As nice as the R8 and Summilux are, they are big, heavy and expensive. I personally feel the Contax Aria and Zeiss Planar 50/1.4 are the best SLR to complement an M6. I am biased, of course, as I have the Contax and a half-dozen fine little Zeiss lenses. The Zeiss 85/2.8 Planar alone is enough of a reason to shoot Contax AFAIC. No complaints at all. Some things that makes the Aria so nice are the 3 fps motor drive, matrix metering (R8 doesn't have these features) the light weight, solid feel, and extremely quiet operation. In my opinion, the Aria is easily the best manual focus camera ever made. But, as I said, I am biased.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), November 21, 2001.