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Old 05-10-2005, 08:12 AM   #15
glatt
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Arlington, VA
Posts: 27,717
Quote:
Originally Posted by xoxoxoBruce
You're right Zip, the only difference is they went to the trouble and expence of using a duplicate lens for the viewfinder that matches the lens for the film.
Of course the single lens reflex(SLR) eliminated the need by allowing the user to do both with one lens.
I've never used a Leica, but from what I have read about them, the advantage of having a separate viewfinder is you don't have the distinctive and loud "ka-click" noise when you take a picture. That uniquely SLR noise is the mirror flipping up out of the way so the shutter can open and then the mirror flops down again. A Leica just has an almost imperceptible "click" noise. Many photojournalists have praised the ability of the Leica to take pictures in quiet settings withut being obtrusive and spooking the subjects. They find they get better and more natural results that way. It's not very often that you need such a stealthy camera, but when you need one, it's good to have one.
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