Originally posted by clackers I love my GR II and its 28mm focal length - personally, I agree with the photojournalists who think 28mm to 35mm is wide enough for lots of context. But this thing is a nod to those who favour the 35mm to 50mm lengths for impromptu/candid/street shooting.
Very hard to describe to non-owners just how good it is to use - the ergonomics and hardware to mean you can operate and shoot completely one handed, and silently! The retractable lens has the disadvantage in that it is not dustproof, but it genuinely fits into a jeans pocket. You can have it with you all the time if you like.
I agree with you Clackers.
I also have the GR ll. When it came to the fixed 28mm F 2.8 lens, I rationalized to myself, before I bought it. My rationalization goes something like this.
If guys like Cartier-Bresson and Eisenstadt got by a lot, using just 50mm normals or 35mm moderate wide angles...a fixed, sort of fast 28 should work out fine. It does, even though I've been somewhat spoiled by zooms...the fixed lens, gives me exercise...as I take over the function of the zoom by walking forward or back...as the situation dictates.
I might be a bit off kilter, by suggesting that my GR ll is a great replacement for my ancient (1951) Leica 11f with it's even older Elmar 50 collapsible...but I do find it is.
As far as dust goes, from the beginning, I attached a GH-3 Adaptor to the body, topped it off with a B+W filter, and then use an old Asahi Pentax, 49mm metal cap from the '60's to keep it covered when not in use. Won't fit into my shirt pocket, but does in a small Vanguard camera pouch, which has a belt loop. So far...touch wood, etc.
...no dust as of yet, in the past 2.5 years. I might be just lucky. I dunno.