any other Leica users here?

[zippyt]

Is it either of those contagious?

i was going to say gusentite !!

Seriously though Jag please escuse my ignorance , but ,, with a SLR you are looking thru the view finder THRU the lens ,so you can see what the lens sees ( sorta ) , from what it looks like with this fancy new toy you have you are looking thru an off set view finder , NOT thru the lens , thus the point and shoot comment .

[xoxoxoBruce]

Originally Posted by zippyt

Seriously though Jag please escuse my ignorance , but ,, with a SLR you are looking thru the view finder THRU the lens ,so you can see what the lens sees ( sorta ) , from what it looks like with this fancy new toy you have you are looking thru an off set view finder , NOT thru the lens , thus the point and shoot comment .

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. The Leica is retro and chic but it's like the '50s Bently, cool but I'd rather drive the Honda.
My '57 Chevy is retro and chic but I'd rather drive the PT Cruiser, everyday.

[glatt]

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.

[xoxoxoBruce]

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.

Excellent point. I hadn't thought of that even though I've experienced the annoyance of having the noise ruin the next shot.