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Originally Posted by telyt
The Nikon flange-to-capture plane distance is .5mm shorter than Leica-R. That's not enough space to fit an adapter.
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Thomas, Doug,
Thank you for reminding us about the shorter Nikon flange-to-capture plane distance. What I had in mind was more along the lines of a few
modified Leica R lenses with a Nikon F lens mount, which could then be used on any Nikon D-SLR camera. Because of the shorter distance, telephoto lenses would be a more appropriate choice. I believe the APO-Summicron-R 90mm Asph and the APO-Elmarit-R 180mm would be two good choices. And if physically possible, I would also suggest the Vario-Elmarit-R 28-90mm Asph. As I mentioned in a previous post, these unique (dare I say "limited edition") Leica lenses would act as "showcase" pieces to Nikon DSLR users, the reasoning being that Leica needs to bring in NEW customers into the brand.
The problem is, as many people have rightly pointed out, and I thank Rob above for his excellent post, that the Leica R camera will need to undergo considerable re-design if it is to attract new, outside (read "non-Leica") customers. IMHO, even before considering issues of AF vs MF, there are several aspects of the R8/R9's ergonomics that require significant improvements.
Let's start with the R8/R9's protection against water. At this price level, a modern camera that does not include environmental seals cannot be taken seriously. The next Leica R10 SLR camera MUST use rubber environmental seals on all possible points of entry for water, dust, etc... That includes all dials, buttons, doors (SDHC memory card door, USB/FireWire communication port door, etc..) and of course, the LCD screen. BTW, I would like the R10 to be able to use two (2) SDHC cards, not just one.
Have a look at this review of the EOS 1Ds MkII about its environmental seals:
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Review: 5. Body & Design: Digital Photography Review
While lower than the R8, the weight of the R9 with DMR or motor-drive is still too high, especially when compared to its competitors. The next R10 should have an
integrated (i.e. built-in) motor drive, just like all other modern 35mm cameras (digital or not). While the R10 would not need to have a speed of 8 frames/sec, its motor and mirror mechanism should be able to reach such a speed (or something close to it) with an additional power-pack. In other words, give the user the freedom to choose: 5 fps out of the box, 8 fps with an accessory power booster. Leica should also look into ways to lower the shutter noise and vibration (or at the very least offer some sort of "quiet mode" at the lower motor speeds).
I would also strongly recommend
re-designing the R9's hand-grip. While its shape might be a close match to the user's right hand, it would appear its design did not take into consideration the high weight of the R9 and DMR or motor-drive. That was also the opinion of the reviewers at CDI (Chasseur d'Images) magazine, who were never known to be "anti-Leica". Quite the contrary (See CDI
Sommaire, issue # 250, Feb 2003).
On the subject of that CDI review of the Leica R9, they also had very bad comments about the R9's focusing screen, which they found to considerably lag behind its competitors. They found the screen way too grainy (reminded them of the viewfinder of the R6 and R7). FWIW, the CDI article suggested that Leica adopt Minolta's
Spherical Acute-Matte focusing screen (which they considered as their "reference" at the time ...). Not having a lot of experience with Minolta cameras, I cannot comment on this but I would suggest to Leica that they contact Sony to get a sample of this screen. It can't hurt to give it a try. CDI also noted that the image in the viewfinder had a slight "greenish" tint - due to the R9's older technology semi-transparent mirror (70% to the viewfinder, 30% to the meter cells). All in all, when you consider that one of the biggest reasons for buying a Leica SLR are its lenses, the camera's viewfinder and focusing screen should be
of the highest quality. A Leica camera deserves nothing less.
The R7 was introduced back in 1992. IMHO, I think Leica should seriously re-consider the R9's viewfinder and focusing screen. A Leica SLR camera deserves the best viewfinder. On a personal note, I would also like to see an HP viewfinder with 0,9x magnification and 100% image coverage (not the current 93%).
Two last points:
1) The position of the shutter release. I agree with Rob. It needs to be re-positioned for greater comfort (especially with a built-in motor and new handgrip).
2) The depth of field preview lever is not very easy to use. It should be redesigned.
There are many other aspects of a future R10 that could be explored but I will limit myself to the suggestions I made in this post for the moment. I do think that the next R10 should be a digital only camera (no DMR), with some sort of intelligent "focus verification" (or focus confirmation) and that it should use a "full-frame" 24x36mm sensor. On the subject of the square format sensor, I'm sorry but I believe going with such a format would imply significant (and costly) changes to the camera's lens mount, not to mention its lenses. I want to be able to use all of my current R lenses on the next R10.
I encourage all forum members to "chip in" and contribute their own opinions, suggestions, criticism, etc ... Let's make the next R10 a camera we can all like and be proud of using - and buying!
Thank you,
John F.