28mm: (Hexar RF) or (M6ttl .58) or (Minolta CLE)?

[kemal_mumcu]

Maybe I could have asked this in the Leica forum but I'm looking into a second m mount body but one that will allow me to shoot 28mm without accessory finders.

I understand the Hexar has a .60 finder, has anyone compared shooting a 28mm lens between any of these three cameras?

I'd be interested in your observations.

Oh, and I wear glasses if that helps.

Thanks

[back alley]

the 28 was great/perfect on the cle.

[umcelinho]

I think you'll always get a biased opinion according to the subforum you post at

but well, I've tried at a shop once an M6 TTL .58x and had a Hexar RF for some time, also shot a couple times with a friend's CLE.

the M6 feels more reliable, if you're used to Leicas you'll be right at home.

the CLE is pretty cool due to its compactness, if you value this it's really good. the 28mm frame takes up the entire viewfinder area.

the Hexar RF has a viewfinder that is pretty much as good as the M6's, and has a higher accuracy due to the slightly higher magnification. sweet bonuses are the automatic advance, aperture priority, 1/4000, being able to rewind mid roll.. the downside is that it's a bit noisier than the other 2 due to the motor advance. still, my vote goes for it

but be aware that fixing a broken Hexar RF might be a hassle, it's easier to find someone that will repair a Leica. then again it's always a bet whether the camera will or will not show problems.. be them from any brand.

[raid]

I have found the CL to be a dingy camera with a shutter release that felt as if it were less reliable. I sold my two CL cameras in the end. The small body was good for a small less, such a 28mm lens, but so is a Bessa L or T.

The Hexar RF is a serious camera. It is as good practically as an M6, with automation and higher shutter speed. I sold my two Hexar AF and instead got a Hexar RF.

edit: I meant the CL. The CLE is not different.

[Moriturii]

I'd recommend the Hexar RF, as I've always done, it's a professional camera. Post-winter report is that it can handle -15c weather and heavy snowfall no problems as well. In fact, I haven't changed the batteries in the Hexar since I got it a year ago, indicator still shows full. I've thrown it about in my bags, around my neck bicycling, in the car, the little thing is like a brick, it's easily a better camera than Leicas. The thing Leicas do better are insignificant and superfluous.

[kemal_mumcu]

Hmmm, thanks for the quick responses so far.

My intention is to use it with a 28mm F2. A bigger lens. This with a 75mm and I would be covered for almost every situation. (I think) Adding the 75mm to the situation gives one more mark against the CLE, although I wouldn't count it out. I currently use an M2 and have re-flanged my 75 so it brings up the 90mm lines. I find this works quite well.

In some ways, I guess the M6ttl might be the best choice but at $1500 or so I can buy both a Hexar RF and a CLE for one m6. I would only buy one and keep the M2.

Anyway, my goal/ideal is a 28f2/75f2.5 combo on one body with no external finders and a stack of 46mm filters.

I plan to go to the Leica store in the next week or two and ask them if I can peer through a .58x finder to get a better idea as far as magnification is concerned.

[kemal_mumcu]

Originally Posted by back alley

the 28 was great/perfect on the cle.

Joe, you had a Bessa r4 at one time too didn't you? How would you compare the two for 28mm?

[BobYIL]

Kemal, since you can service the M-bodies why do you look for something else? (Sadece öneri..)

[back alley]

Originally Posted by kemal_mumcu

Joe, you had a Bessa r4 at one time too didn't you? How would you compare the two for 28mm?

as far as i can recall, they were both good, but the cle was better...of course this was with the minolta 28 on the cle.
the r4 is one of my all time favourite cameras...but it would not be best for the 75...i would think the cle with a 28 and 90 would be ideal, especially the minolta versions of the lenses...made for each other

[newghost]

I shoot 28mm on the Hexar and just a note to point out that the 28mm framline on the Hexar is not a complete frameline, more like a horizontally inverted "C", if you know what I mean. You may want to check out the user manual online on how the frameline looks like before deciding, it definitely requires getting used to!

Oh btw, I have a TA thumbs up on the Hexar and its a lot better with the slow speed shots!

I also had the 28mm briefly on a 0.72x M7 but found it a little too wide for my liking, I'm more comfortable with a 35mm on a 0.72!

[Tim Gray]

Not used the CLE or the Hexar, but 28mm on a 0.58 finder is pretty awesome. Just about perfect in my mind. Note, I wear contacts - haven't tried it with glasses.

[raid]

Today, I used the Minolta Rokkor 28mm/2.8 on the Hexar RF, and it worked very well for me.