In regards to plastics in general: Modern engineering plastics can be of
extraordinarily high quality and durability. If used properly, they can
yield superior durability and stability in comparison to metal products.
Being metal is not a guarantee of durability. Being plastic should not
be thought of as being disposable.
Lee Penzias wrote:
This is of course to a degree subjective - especially when taken into
account as to the "useful life expectancy" of an item or tool. While
plastics - like polycarbonates, polymers etc have indeed made
successful inroads in some interesting places (machine tools, firearms
etc), they can not aspire to match certain metals in longterm usage
and durability. Plastics can age rapidly compared to most durable
metals. Heat, cold, sunlight, and even small amounts of certain
chemicals etc variously take a toll over time.
While I don't view all plastic items as "junk", I do consider them
somewhat "disposable" - rather like most electrical gadgets - or short
to medium term buys. Plastics are a very practical alternative for
replaceable parts. But when they form the integral body or
non-replaceable parts of an item I consider it a somewhat expendable item.
Lee
----Original Message Follows----
From: Mike <watershed@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: re:[OM] Wide zooms
Moose writes:
> ....There seems to be a common assumption that metal construction is
somehow
> mystically associated with superior optics. Yet several list members
> have made comments about the plastic one along the lines of "I can't
> believe it will hold up, but it takes great pictures (and is so cheap I
> can just buy another if it breaks after a few years)"......
>
Same things were said when the first hand power tools were made with
plastic housings. Reminds me of the "old timers" pontificating on the
merits of sturdy metal vs. cheap plastic. Time has proven the plastic to
be equal to or better than the best metal housings plus they are lighter
and cheaper. Ironically the current crop of metals like ti and mg are
billing themselves as being lighter and stonger than plastic but
definitely not cheaper.
Mike
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