On Sun, 04 Oct 1998 04:42:44 GMT, colyn.goodson@airmail.net (Colyn Goodson) wrote:
>On Sun, 04 Oct 1998 02:32:59 GMT, d_ruether@hotmail.com (Neuman-Ruether)
>wrote:

>>> I go backpacking in Arkansas and usually carry 2 Leica screwmount
>>>bodies and 35, 50, 90, 135, and 200mm lens along with a viso and hoods
>>>etc. The load is much lighter than the lightest SLR with the same
>>>lens complement..

>>Lighter than the Nikon FG with 28, 50, and 100mm E-Series lenses
>>+ a TC200 or compact-version 200mm f4...??? ;-)

>My experiance with Nikon has been with my F's and older Nikkors so I
>don't know how much weight you are referring to but I can say that
>your set-up listed above would have more bulk which would be a
>disadvantage when hiking through thick brush...

The FG, 28, and 50mm E-lenses are VERY small, and VERY light,
and the 100 is also unusually light... I suspect the metal Leica
gear would be considerably heavier, and the body larger than the
little FG... The 200mm may be the exception, but it would be hard
for me to believe that a Leitz 200 + the reflex gizmo would be
lighter or smaller than the compact Nikkor 200mm f4. And the 100mm
can well substitute for the combination of 90mm and 135mm lenses...
So, I find it difficult to understand your conclusion above...;-)

>Why would you want to stick a converter between your body and
>lens?????

As an alternative to the 200 for occasional use, if size and weight
are paramount... Good images can be made with it at medium-small
stops with the really sharp 100mm E. The Vivitar 2X Macro converter
would also be a good choice, since it is also a good 2X, and includes
the macro feature. It would work well with the 28 and 50 to cover
macro needs as well in a light and compact versatile system.

>I have handled a few series E lens and they feel cheap.. I know they
>use the same glass as the better grade Nikkors but the barrel design
>is mainly plastic.......

Yes - the issue was small size and weight, with good (enough) glass...
I prefer metal myself, but on a 14-mile hike, I sure would consider
the weight advantages of those E-lenses...! ;-)