This is a misconception as this left-handed camera was specifically designed for right-handers: Exakta was the only company to make a serious study of what side to put the release and wind lever. They found the right hand was able to hold the camera steadier, better at supporting the weight, especially with long lenses, and was better suited to focusing the camera accurately and quickly. Pushing the shutter button and stroking the advance lever take no dexterity and were relegated to the left hand.

I find supporting and focusing a monster lens with my left hand to be, literally, a pain.

As Sigsev mentions, all modern cameras are really best suited for left-handed photographers.

It is the rest of us that should be bitching about the lack of cameras for right-handed people.

Overall, I think lefties aren’t as crippled by having to use their right hands are righties are using their left. It’s just something we’ve had to do so much that it’s not that bad. (Although, there is usually some grumbling involved.)

Actually, I think it’s probably better that the shutter is on the right. All the right hand has to do is hold the camera and press the shutter. Maybe my right thumb has to press a button or spin a wheel on my 20D, but that’s about it. My left, on the other hand — heh ;) — needs to work the zoom and focus rings (which can sometimes be pretty sensitive — find the AF/MF switch, and DOF preview button (yes, I do use it). I think it’s better for my more dexterous hand to be the one doing it. (Similar argument is for guitar playing.)

-sig

It’s much more natural for me to use a right handed one and I can’t image what it would feel like to use a modern camera switch around. With all these buttons and dials to use. On the EXA 500 there were almost no controls at all.