Interview with Kaufmann

[pcsmythe]

PopPhoto has published an interview with Andreas Kaufmann regarding the M8, future of Leica, and Photokina (here).

He says that he's got a surprise for the M, but not a full-framed sensor.

Personally, I like his comment about the "pure image captured by the lens" to avoid "drilling down." That, by the way, should find it's way into the M Campaign.

[pcsmythe]

Rats - I hate typos. Should have been "That, by the way, should find its way into the M Campaign."

What Kaufmann says in the interview is the reason why I bought into Leica in the first place- it's all about the lenses and philosophical approach. Leica's lenses are not only the sharpest, but they render the light delightfully differently than other manufacturers' lenses. Also, rangefinder photography is a different kind of photographic animal from SLR photography (though I still like my R9).

I've read elsewhere that Hasselblad has ditched lens design in favor of software fixes. Personally, I'm not interested in the latest "drilling down" software and prefer to stick with Leica's approach - the best capture through the lens.

Cheers

[dritz]

But what about the R? I'm not encouraged by his statement, "but I can tell you we are seriously investigating the possibility of producing one or more true Leica DSLR cameras, possibly in a format other than Four Thirds." Investigating? That sure sounds weak.

How about a DSLR that doesn't have such a huge focal-length multiplier, and allows me to bypass manual aperture stop-down when wanting to shoot at apertures other that wide-open? Guess I better buy a DMR... I was just hoping for something more.

I just cannot imagine that Leica will do what Contax did. That is, introduce an autofocus system with hardly any lenses. Contax threw away 30 years of wealth captured in their manual focus SLR lenses. If Leica wants the new body to sell, the likeliest first buyers are those who already have R glass. I mean, who would spend $6K on a Leica DSLR if it only had 3 lenses available for it? Their Four Thirds DSLR should show that to be a suicidal approach -- and at a much lower (more forgiving) price point. Their experience with why the M8 is so successful should confirm the need to retain compatibility with existing lenses.

What's so hard about saying, "We are committed to a DSLR that will use existing R lenses without manual aperture stop-down, and with a focal length multiplier that's no worse than the DMR."

Frustrated in Seattle.

[jaapv]

Rediscovering tradional product categories=== Visoflex...???

[sjöbjörn]

Originally Posted by pcsmythe

PopPhoto has published an interview with Andreas Kaufmann regarding the M8, future of Leica, and Photokina (here).

He says that he's got a surprise for the M, but not a full-framed sensor.

Personally, I like his comment about the "pure image captured by the lens" to avoid "drilling down." That, by the way, should find it's way into the M Campaign.

That was very interesting both as it regards the M-line, DSLR, and the point&shoot! Thank you for mentioning the link! If I understood right, we might get more information in July?

[bill]

Originally Posted by jaapv

Rediscovering tradional product categories=== Visoflex...???

What an intriguing thought... A Viso IV with electronic linkages, perhaps a pellicle mirror to avoid swing/slap and the need for contacts and an R-Mount on the front...

Now THAT would be something...

Regards.

Bill

[stunsworth]

Originally Posted by bill

What an intriguing thought... A Viso IV with electronic linkages, perhaps a pellicle mirror to avoid swing/slap and the need for contacts and an R-Mount on the front...

But how many would they sell? My first thought was a digital HD projector, but again, who would buy?

So I'll settle for a digital CL or CM with a cropped sensor.

[bill]

Originally Posted by stunsworth

But how many would they sell? My first thought was a digital HD projector, but again, who would buy?

So I'll settle for a digital CL or CM with a cropped sensor.

M8 users with R glass? M8 users with no R glass but a desire for longer lenses? People who want to carry one body(type) only? Dunno. Intriguing thought, though, as I say. M8 Macro, M8 zoom, anyone...?

Regards,

Bill

[stunsworth]

I doubt they'd release new version of something that SLRs made obsolete 40 years ago. I'm quite prepared to be corrected.

But what about a digital CL with a different mount from the M. Say 8 mp wiith a 1.6 crop, and a new range of small lenses specifically made for that cropped sensor - no need to be full frame compatible. Remember those 24 new lenses that Kauffman mentioned? Some for the M and R for sure, but what about the others?

[sdai]

I'm glad that Dr. Kaufmann admits that Leica has a design partner on the new DSLR system, I offer to withdraw all my comments (strongly) against a new system should this partner is Canon and the new camera will also use the EOS mount - must be the reason Leica hired Maike Harberts from Canon Deutschland? LOL

The R is dead, long live EOS.

[earleygallery]

Hmmm interesting. We must remember that some times subtlety of remarks are lost in translation but there are a few key points.

Dr Kaufmann hasn't said that there isn't going to be an R10 but does say "we know the market wants DSLRs with autofocus lenses" - I've always thought that their next bespoke DSLR would be autofocus, although it does sound that such a camera is still in the planning stage from his remarks, but maybe that is intentional.

"We are also working on developing high-resolution products for the professional imaging market and we're rediscovering a few traditional product categories that Leica was famous for" - could be a digital Visoflex Bill but it could also be another hint at a pro spec DSLR, or even specialist equipment for technical applications. Also 'imaging' could suggest scanning equipment?

He also appears to say that there will be more C Lux and D Lux cameras (a D lux with hot shoe and 'improved' lens, maybe they are thinking of something to compete with the Sigma, using the 4/3 sensore?).

As expected the M8 isn't going to be 'upgraded' anytime soon but this comment is also interesting "Incidentally we will show something else significant for the M system at Photokina, not just lenses" - something film related perhaps?

Clearly they have a lot of plans and that can only be good.

[sdai]

My humble guess is that time will prove all previous rumors starting to circulate even before the M8 launch are true.

Rumor 1: A new auto focus DSLR system with new mount

Rumor 2: An ultra expensive medium format back or camera

Rumor 3: A digital CL

Rumor 4: A digital CM

[gravastar]

Originally Posted by earleygallery

...................As expected the M8 isn't going to be 'upgraded' anytime soon but this comment is also interesting "Incidentally we will show something else significant for the M system at Photokina, not just lenses" - something film related perhaps?.................

A decent flash .......... ?

Bob.

[mooky]

Well,
Once again, reading between the lines begins with hints of R system death, Involvement with companies other than Panasonic (where was that mentioned in the article) Visoflex re-birth, R-lenses on M's....... Geese, people, get a grip. I have an idea; take the man at his word, sit back, enjoy, be patient, and wait and see.
He's been as out-front as he can be, and certainly more than any other Leica owner/ Chairman has ever been in the short time he has been in charge.

[AlanG]

Originally Posted by bill

What an intriguing thought... A Viso IV with electronic linkages, perhaps a pellicle mirror to avoid swing/slap and the need for contacts and an R-Mount on the front...

Now THAT would be something...

Regards.

Bill

Why not just have a digital M with live view and removable EVF with whatever adapter is needed to use R lenses? This could be an RF/SLR hybrid system.

[jackal]

IN SUMMARY: 24mm Summilux 1.4

[luigi bertolotti]

I wonder why he insisted that at Photokina there will be something new for M8 users... not ONLY lenses... what it means ? No new sensor fit for upgrading present M8s... he clearly declares it's a problem... so what ? The Visoflex IV idea is not so strange after all... Visoflexes III are becoming scarce... , and I don't think Kaufmann said so having in mind, say, a pair of new bags... and some "striking" firmware upgrade (say, something like UV/IR issue solved in firmware...) isn't anyway apt for a trade show like Photokina... you must show DEVICES TO TOUCH, not firmware...

Interesting also the statement "DSLRs need Autofocus - market want it"....

[rosuna]

The Kodak CCD sensor presently used in the Leica M8 is of exceptionally high quality and using a CMOS sensor would be problematic for us because the firmware and software to support it would have to be completely redesigned. From an engineering point of view it doesn't make sense for us, and neither does using a full-frame CCD sensor.

Of course. If you change the sensor and logic board you have to rewrite the firmware. Does Leica pretend to preserve this sensor and logic board for the next 4 years? It is difficult to keep the M8 competitive considering the high ISO performance and battery duration.

[jank]

Alan, that would work.
at least 1 Mpixel EVF ( 5x finer than GX100) no Visoflex would be needed for use with R lenses, actually it should work well with M135mm and/or Macro.
Lenses could be coded ,naturally.
it would not be too expensive to do.
It would become a complete expandable Leica system with "electronic Visoflex".
Jan

[j. white]

Originally Posted by stunsworth

Remember those 24 new lenses that Kauffman mentioned? Some for the M and R for sure, but what about the others?

I wouldn't be surprised to discover that some of them are destined for point and shoots and four/thirds systems.


-J.