ColColt Posted June 30, 2015 Share #1 Posted June 30, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I need some advice on camera choices. I've been mulling over the R7 and the Leicaflex SL2 for about a week now and both have their good points. The two things that are keeping me from the Leicaflex is the battery(defunct PX625 in the states) and the lack of a diopter adjustment which I need. Some years back I had an M2 but had better eyes then and not as near sighted as now. There was no problem with focus but, I fear there would be now. I can't find one locally to try it and no longer have the M2. The reason for being is I've found a super nice M4 but don't know that I'd need something like a 0.5+ diopter to correct the vision. That's the diopter I have to use in my Nikon F2A and it works fine. All in all, I suppose I'm looking for advice but I'm leaning toward the R7 since it does use common silver oxide batteries and has the built in diopter adjustment. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Hi ColColt, Take a look here Body Decisions. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
hamey Posted June 30, 2015 Share #2 Posted June 30, 2015 I have a few R cameras and the R7 is one of my favourite models, personally thats the one I would choose. Good Luck. Ken. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbealnz Posted June 30, 2015 Share #3 Posted June 30, 2015 I reckon either would be perfect. The optimist in me says the diopter adjustment isn't really the issue it could be, surely you can fit a suitable prescription to the V/F eyepiece? Like the Nikon system. SL2? Gorgeous, old, quirky, wonderful camera (I don't own one, but have an equally wonderful SL). Batteries? They can be converted, mine isn't, but I did have an SL which had been converted, so again, no real stumbling block. Just a slight speed-hum. Gary Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted June 30, 2015 Share #4 Posted June 30, 2015 I'd choose the R7 - the SL2 is no doubt a fine classic Leica but you may have to send the camera off to get the meter recalibrated for newer batteries, and you'd want a CLA on an older body like that. The R7 has multi metering modes which are useful. You could also consider an R6 which is more like the SL2 (fully mechanical shutter). Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColColt Posted June 30, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted June 30, 2015 Actually, the R6.2 was my first choice but everyone seems to want M2 prices for them so, I looked to the R7 next. I had ran across a nice R6 but it had the grid screen and I didn't know how difficult it may be to find the standard split image screen so bypassed it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted June 30, 2015 Share #6 Posted June 30, 2015 I've had an SL and R4 since new, and also have an R6. The SL still has an unmatched solid, precise feel when using it, and I don't find the battery to be a problem, using a silver 386 cell in the CRIS adapter which reduces the output voltage. I rather prefer the smaller size of the R4-6, and tend to use the R4 most, as my wife can use it better in program mode. The R7 should be good, but at the price of these bodies there is little risk in any choice. Lately my R lenses see the most use on my Sony A7 - my R solution for digital. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColColt Posted June 30, 2015 Author Share #7 Posted June 30, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) I looked into the MR-9 CRIS adaptor for my old NIkon FTN but was told it draws too much current for the MR9's voltage regulator. I trust it works much better in the SL/SL2...great looking cameras. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColColt Posted July 1, 2015 Author Share #8 Posted July 1, 2015 One potential problem I see, maybe not at all, is the small window in the R6-R7 cameras I've looked at, where you can see the film can from the back. It seems to me whatever material it's made of has the possibility of deteriorating over time and causing a slight light leak. Is that cause for concern? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted July 1, 2015 Share #9 Posted July 1, 2015 The foam seal around the window will degrade and fog film. I just put black tape over the window. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColColt Posted July 1, 2015 Author Share #10 Posted July 1, 2015 I suppose there's no way of knowing that with a new(to you) camera until your expose your first roll. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColColt Posted July 2, 2015 Author Share #11 Posted July 2, 2015 (edited) I think I've decided if I'm going to get an R camera it's going to be the R6.2. I'm a bit of a Luddite when it comes to cameras and the simpler and less electronics the better. I have a couple of digital cameras but must confess I don't really like them. Oh, they take nice photos and you can see the results immediately but I don't like having to go through a menu to change things. I suppose that's why I still have my Nikon FTN and F2A. It doesn't get more simple. I did look at the M series but Mama Mia, they want the equity in your house for a body and lens. Edited July 2, 2015 by ColColt Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
topoxforddoc Posted July 2, 2015 Share #12 Posted July 2, 2015 Would you consider a R8/9? It looks a bit clunky next to a SL2, but ergonomically it's great. There's a built in diopter adjustment in the VF. The VF is really bright, although the SL2 probably just sneaks it in terms of VF quality. A R8 is cheap now, perhaps GBP300 for a body. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevelap Posted July 2, 2015 Share #13 Posted July 2, 2015 (edited) Flores have several R8's under £300 at the moment, two under £250. Edited July 2, 2015 by stevelap Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColColt Posted July 2, 2015 Author Share #14 Posted July 2, 2015 Would you consider a R8/9? It looks a bit clunky next to a SL2, but ergonomically it's great. I'm not really interested in those-too much of the electronic technology. I'm bordering on being a Luddite and the less amount of electronically controlled cameras the better. I still miss my 1960 Impala. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted July 2, 2015 Share #15 Posted July 2, 2015 I still drive a 1973 VW Beetle! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColColt Posted July 2, 2015 Author Share #16 Posted July 2, 2015 Excellent vehicle. I had a 74 Super Beetle but someone decided they wanted it more than me and it vanished a year later I bought it...never did find it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvaliquette Posted July 6, 2015 Share #17 Posted July 6, 2015 ... I'm bordering on being a Luddite and the less amount of electronically controlled cameras the better ... Switch the R8/R9 to "M" for manual mode, and you can forget all about the electronics! Guy Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColColt Posted July 6, 2015 Author Share #18 Posted July 6, 2015 Never have liked the looks of those two. Some love the body shape for it's ergonomics but, I still like the traditional look and feel. I guess it's what you grow up on. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hugh 38 Posted July 10, 2015 Share #19 Posted July 10, 2015 I have both R7 and two SL2's . I use the SL2 more as overall I do prefer it . However if I were starting from scratch I may go for the R7 . As mentioned the R7 uses readily available batteries , no need for adapters , re calibrating etc. The spot meter on the R7 is good as is the program function when you need to be quick , point , focus , shoot. You can use the other functions on the R7 as well . The TTL function on the R7 is very good. I seldom use flash but occasionally I have photographed social functions . I have a Metz 45 potato masher flash which I link up with t he SCA adapters , camera to Program and off you go . I get good flash pictures with it. I think the light meter on the R7 is more sensitive , may be wrong. The built in diopter is handy. Normally I wear contact lenses , but if I am not wearing them I can easily dial in the correction. The R7 has half stops on the shutter speed dial . I have found the foam seals can be easily replaced . I think the R7 takes interchangeable focus screens , can be handy say you do architectural work with the 28PC . The R6 certainly does. I am not sure why I prefer the SL2 , but I do . The viewfinder is perhaps a bit better. Perhaps it is because I am more familiar with them. Whichever you get I am sure you will enjoy it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildlightphoto Posted July 11, 2015 Share #20 Posted July 11, 2015 Switch the R8/R9 to "M" for manual mode, and you can forget all about the electronics! Guy The R8 and R9 are electronically controlled even in manual mode. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.