besides lenses, does any one use other makers of access. in their systems in order to save money or improve the performance vs leitz_and_leica?

I used an olympus metal threaded hood on my 28 (e49) instead of the rectangle leitz one ($$$).

I use a big round chrome (i don't remember the maker and it's not marked on the item) 21mm aux. viewfinder rather than the leica one. i tested side by side in the shop, it's a little better (frame lines not so far on the perifery) and much cheaper.

I use a generic strap that's more comfortable and cheaper than the L.

I use a gmp grip. the gmp one allows my finger tip to reach behind the back of the grip, feels more secure while carrying not shooting.

i use generic lens caps (i try to find threaded metal ones) when a used purchase doesn't include one.

i use b+w filters rather than the leica branded ones.

i use eagle creek and other generic bags rather than the leica eveready or combi bags.

however, i've never used leica or other lenses on my cameras, they're leitz_not_leica :*)

-- Steve (leitz_not_leica@hotmail.com), April 26, 2002

Answers

On a sidenote, I'm curious about the "leitz-not-leica" thing. Probably it's been discussed, but I'm wondering: If Leica calls (at least current) lenses "Leica lenses" in their literature, and the people who make them stamp/engrave "Leica" on them, why are they not "Leica lenses"? I'm certainly not offended, just wondering what the beef might be with calling them Leica lenses. Or perhaps you are only using older lenses engraved "Leitz"? Forgive my ignorance here. Cheers Scott Squire

-- Scott Squire (scott_squire@hotmail.com), April 26, 2002.

B+W MRC filters; Komura 2x teleconverter; Sekonic L208 meter; generic selftimer and cable release; Kirk QR plate; "Canon" table tripod w. Leitz ballhead fitted with Kirk QR clamp; I'm sure there's a lot more. The only "Leica" bag I own is a useless unpadded canvas one (like the M Classics bag), the other Leica bags are huge, heavy leather cases. I think almost no one uses Leica bags or cases.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), April 26, 2002.

I thought Leica branded filters are made by B+W anyway.

-- Tim Franklin (tim_franklin@mac.com), April 26, 2002.

If they are, they are the single-coated kind, not the Multi Resistant Coating...and the Leica filters are a whole lot more expensive, guess the "Leica" engraving is very costly to do ;>)

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), April 26, 2002.

I have a similar approach to both lenses & accessories. Other than a new Leica M lens carrier & the table top tripod, I don't own any modern Leica accessories that weren't included w/my Leitz & Leica lenses of which I only have 2 a piece. I do have an old 12585 hood, a couple body caps & ever-ready cases, & a single filter that came w/a Leitz lens I bought--all bought off eBay. Otherwise, I use Domke Gripper straps, B+W & Heliopan filters, Gitzo & Manfrotto tripod/monopod/ballhead, etc. However, I also have almost the entire line of lenses & accessories for the Zeiss Ikon Contax RFs & most of them do double duty on my M3, M2, & Canon P.

-- Chris Chen (Wash., DC) (furcafe@NOSPAMcris.com), April 26, 2002.

Tom A's Rapidwinder and soft release.

-- ray tai (razerx@netvigator.com), April 26, 2002.

I don't think I have any Leica accessories. The bags I use are old Tamrac, Tenba, and Chase-Harper (motorcycle tank bag). Bogen tripod and ball head. Whatever straps that I pull off old camera or that they have at the local shop. Sekonic meter. Whatever gets the job done . . .

-- Mike Dixon (mike@mikedixonphotography.com), April 26, 2002.

I have some unoriginal things, but the only things I bring with me (other than the original M4+50/2.0+UV filter+Lens hood+strap) is a Gossen Sixtomat Digital and a homemade glasses protector. I stuff it into whatever bag I bring with me, currently a Samsonite "Trunck & Co" backpack.

-- Niels H. S. Nielsen (nhsn@ruc.dk), April 27, 2002.

Rapidwinders.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), April 27, 2002.

B+W filters (UV, Polarizer, ND), Sekonic 308B, ancient Kalimar monopod, unbranded cable release, Ziplock gallon bags for when it rains , Schneider 4x and 6x loupes.

-- George C. Berger (gberger@his.com), April 28, 2002.

I have a generic cable release and a cheapo Japanese self-timer for use with my M6 TTLs. I've used the self-timer only once and it worked OK; it's not a very nice accessory but a bargain at $2.50 and, I suppose, better than nothing.

I have a very recently acquired Voigtlander 15mm Heliar lens - first impressions are good.

My camera bag is a Lowepro Nova 3, into which I can just about get all my Leica gear and which serves my purposes well.

-- Ray Moth (ray_moth@yahoo.com), May 01, 2002.