How good is the metering system for leica compact ??

[kex]

Any leica compact user around ?
how does the metering system of leica compact fare compared with Nikon metering ?
Good enuff for slides ?
how are the results of prints ?
Are the image tack sharp when doing portraits ?
Are the focusing in dim light accurate ?


thanks !!

[waileong]

I'm using a Minilux. The metering is superb. I have shot Provia, Sensia, E100VS, all of them were correctly exposed, brilliant colours, even with flash the colours are not flat (if you're not too close to subject-- else just use smaller aperture to reduce exposure).

Prints are beautiful too, I've used Portra, Delta 100/400 and XP2. I have two 10x15's that I like done up and framed so far, looking for more.

Sharpness depends on your zen breathing skills, and of course with a tripod if you can get one. But must also ask your subject to stay still... sometimes it's not me who moves, it's the subject. Minilux is leaf shutter and 40 mm lens, so can easily handhold to 1/45 (although the camera shake light blinks at < 1/60)

Focusing in dim light is accurate for Minilux (uses active infra-red), difficulty is seeing through the tiny viewfinder more than anything else.

Can show some pix to you if want (don't have film scanner to upload).

Originally Posted by kex Any leica compact user around ? how does the metering system of leica compact fare compared with Nikon metering ? Good enuff for slides ? how are the results of prints ? Are the image tack sharp when doing portraits ? Are the focusing in dim light accurate ? thanks !!

[kex]

how much did u pay for ur compact ?
the CM is not available locally leh..sianz ½
would prefer one with a fixed focal and fast lens.
which one would u recommend?

[waileong]

What I pay is shhhhhhhhh.... But I bought 2nd hand lah, so not $900+...

I would love to have CM, it addresses the pet peeves of Minilux owners-- smaller, lighter, bigger viewfinder, faster shutter speed-- while retaining the same lens and the classic look and metal feel.

But SRP is US$1,000, which means it will likely be more than $1,000 here... Maybe in 3-5 years time I can get a second-hand CM for $500 or so, who knows? Hopefully film will still be available then.

CM is the right name, it's a great M-quality lens and thus this is a Compact M. Maybe if they can come up with a digital back for it (if can come up with panorama back, then why not a digital back, right), they would have a real winner.

Not many top-quality P&S with fixed focal length and fast lens, there's the T3 (damn good also, I waited and waited, but no one was selling 2nd hand, so I bought Minilux) and maybe the Nikon 35Ti. There's also a Minolta one, right, damned ex also. But if you are spending > $500 for a P&S, might as well get a German one, either Leica or Contax-- get the German name, quality and luxurious feel.

Originally Posted by kex how much did u pay for ur compact ? the CM is not available locally leh..sianz ½ would prefer one with a fixed focal and fast lens. which one would u recommend?

[kex]

I saw at similar leica minulux with about the same specs as the CM selling for ard S$1200,hope the CM is around that range.
Schimdt marketing informed me that the camera should be available in S'pore in november.
The CM is certainly worth considering,the design is very classic and the lens should be very good.Definitely a Compact M-class with a built in flash
A 50mm summicron alrdy cost more than $1500 new,this is maybe a good alternative to leica optics.

[kex]

eh.. waileong,how is the bokeh of the summarit lens on slides or B&W film ?Issit of Leica quality ?