PBase

Quick update on the Mercury II cx: my Mercury came in the mail in mid December '05 and since then I have shoot 2 rolls with it. I LOVE IT! The shutter is wonderful: very smooth, quiet, and unique. One thing I have noticed, however, is it is best to crank the shutter (via the dial) in one smooth sure complete twist, rather than in increments as it can stick on you. Mine probably needs a good cleaning and service. As far as exposure goes, I reccomend B&W film because of it's superior exposure lattitude. I did not use an external meter, but still got pretty good results using the formula:
1/film speed @ f16 (please ask if you do not know this one). Oh yeah, the half frame format is just so cool. It is like having a digital traditional as you get 72 frames per roll of 36!