I inherited 2 Leica cameras with multiple lenses. They are currently in Germany and I will finally get them in January. I know that 1 of them is about 15-20 years old, the other one 5-10, but that's it in regards to specifics...
They were my Dads and I know he spent a pretty penny on his equipment, sadly my Mom is no help in regards to what kind of camera those are...
<SNIP>
Would your suggestion than be to stick with the m4/3 (heard Olympus has one as well)? If so any preference?
Unfortunately, its still going to be difficult to determine if the camera is M mount or R mount. M cameras were Rangefinders are by far the most popular of the two. R cameras were Leica's SLRs. 20 years ago, both systems were in production and the M system being the older of the two started in the early 50s.
If you remember what the camera might look like, you can try to identify it here:
Main Page - Leica Wiki (English)
I'm going to assume it is an M-mount camera (but no way to know) since it was the most popular (as well as my preference camera). They are designed with a very short film flange distance; meaning the distance between the lens and film is very short. SLRs have very long flange distances because they require space for the mirror box. With that said, its going to be difficult to adapt any M-mount lens to any SLR because of the differences in film flange distances.
However, the m4/3rds cameras you read about are very popular for adapting these lenses because these cameras have a very very short film flange distance.. shorter than the m-mount cameras in fact. This also makes it one of the most adaptable systems ever designed. Many lens collectors (me included) enjoying this adaptability. This is the same reason why they are highly recommended for adapting Leica M-mount lenses. Just like the old Leica M-mount rangefinders, they are also compact in size and Leica shooters like that.
I would recommend sticking to the m4/3rds systems if your intent is to adapt M-mount Leica lenses. R mount is also adaptable since its film distance is longer but no where near as popular to adapt to the smallish m4/3rds bodies. This system has many advantages and disadvantages when compared to a DSLR. You should read other resources or ask more specifics as this is a long topic in of itself.
For me, the choice between Panasonic and Olympus can be easily narrowed down to the fact that they have Image Stabilization implemented in different ways. Olympus has the IS build-in to the body. Panasonic has it built into the lenses which means only their lenses are IS enabled. For this reason alone, I chose the Olympus as the top choice for adapting lenses. It is a big advantage (and a neat factor) to Image Stabilizing a 50+ year old lens. Unfortunately, Olympus does not have a built in Electronic View Finder which means I had to factor in the cost of purchasing an EVF viewer. The EVF viewer is ideal when trying to obtain critical focus with manual lenses. Outside of using manual lenses, I like the JPGs and RAW files straight out of Olympus better. I like the size of their bodies which tend to be smaller than the more SLR like shapes of the Panasonic cameras.
I stress that this is a personal decision as others have chosen the Panasonic cameras for other reasons. Some reasons include, SLR like shaped bodies with a more pronounced grip for comfort. Slightly faster autofocus. Built in EVF. Swing out Back LCD panel. Some also like the user interface / menu system better.
I also like Panasonic's lenses better. But that's a minor thing as Panasonic lenses are compatible with the Olympus m4/3rd cameras as well. Some say they work better...
The issue you described with your G1 is awfully strange and I would cop it to manufacturer defect (all products have a % of defective deliveries). Its a good thing you returned it. I'd still check out either another G1 or Olympus body and give it another shot. I am big Panasonic fan. I think they have brought many innovations to the photographic world despite limited history... makes them think out of the box. I own a TZ5, LX3, and G1.. none of them have given me a single problem.
Once you figure out what camera and lenses are awaiting for you in Germany, I and others would be interested in seeing photos or descriptions. Some of those lenses maybe vary valuable in both quality of optics (amazing how good they were even 50 years ago) and/or collectibility. Some may require a little CLA at a local repair shop but it should be worth it.... in Germany, there should be no problem finding a qualified shop. Heck, I've sent stuff to Leica directly in Solms, Germany for CLA and repairs.
btw... Both Leica and micro 4/3rds users are very slim in the TPF. Probably I could count less than 10 members for each system. If you search, you may find other resources forums as well; rangefinderforum and mu-43 being two to start out with. But please don't hesitate to participate here as well.
Good luck.
