Jump to content

Leica M-E


Leica Blog

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

As opposed to what?:confused:

 

As opposed to one with moving parts, I guess. All it takes is an optical glass whose refractive index can be varied over a suitable range by applying an electric or magnetic field. Use this substance in a prism behind the rangefinder window and in one or more elements of the lens, add a bit of circuitry and a focus control and Bob's your uncle. :rolleyes:

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • Replies 61
  • Created
  • Last Reply
The shutters in the two cameras are identical. The M-E is the same as the M9, with the omission of the USB and the frameline lever and the addition of the paint finish.

 

 

The Leica site seems to tell something else. They emphasize the quietness of the shutter, and in the Technical data sheet it says:

 

Closed type focal plane shutter for classic image exposure, with external cocking mechanics

 

External cocking mechanics? That sounds like an old fashioned wind lever?

 

I would like to hear this extremely quiet shutter. Any idea where I can hear it?

Link to post
Share on other sites

as an entry level rangefinder, it's been mentioned that the majority of users would rarely use a frame selector lever to preview which lens they'd envisage using but the bean-counter argument also applies. less mechanical parts to go wrong, be repaired, lost (that dam clockwise screw) or replaced. you can pay slightly more for an mp, m7, m9 or m9-p to get one. more choice is a good thing, right..? love that germanic, naval blue/grey..looks tough.

Link to post
Share on other sites

The Leica site seems to tell something else. They emphasize the quietness of the shutter, and in the Technical data sheet it says:

 

Closed type focal plane shutter for classic image exposure, with external cocking mechanics

 

External cocking mechanics? That sounds like an old fashioned wind lever?

 

I would like to hear this extremely quiet shutter. Any idea where I can hear it?

 

The shutter is identical to the M9 shutter.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't buy the whole 'essentials' part. Before yesterday it was state of the art for Leica, now its 'essentials'. Like a cheap range of food in a supermarket.

 

 

If they want to make a real essentials camera, here is what I think it should be:

  • Identical to an M3 in size and shape.
  • A wind lever to recock the shutter
  • No LCD screen
    • you can set ISO using a dial on the rear like the film cameras
    • Images are recorded in RAW with all adjustments in post-processing
    • Maybe a small e-paper display to show absolute essentials like battery condition and shots remaining (like the M8)

    [*]Extreme battery life - in many months not days

In today's world of full frame compacts and SLR-Video cross overs many people buy Leica because of their approach, simplicity and focus on the basics of photography.

 

That's what I want in a Leica, for everything else I have my 5D mk2.

 

you read my mind :) im m3 user and rd1 comes close to its handling as it comes for digital use but I want a leica.

 

btw I dont see any need for frame selector. Easy to imagine in the head for required and it is cumbersome to change lens every time lol. I modified m3 for a few years ago

 

I didnt knew that Leica copied me for the M for front layout :D

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Link to post
Share on other sites

I am not sure how much Leica saves by leaving off the frame selector but I suppose in marketing terms it differentiates the M-E as an entry level camera.

 

The good news is that Leica must have continuing supplies of sensors and LCD screens so our M9s should remain repairable for a good many years.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I think the M-E is a brilliant idea. I never use the USB port and consider it an potential point of entry for moisture. I rarely use the frame line selector so it really won't be missed IMHO.

 

It would've been nice to have the single lens frames of the new M along with LED illumination but I understand for the price it couldn't be incorporated.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I think the M-E is a brilliant idea. I never use the USB port and consider it an potential point of entry for moisture. I rarely use the frame line selector so it really won't be missed IMHO.

 

It would've been nice to have the single lens frames of the new M along with LED illumination but I understand for the price it couldn't be incorporated.

 

The frames on the new M are in pairs. Just the same as the ME only difference is LED illumination.

Link to post
Share on other sites

you read my mind :) im m3 user and rd1 comes close to its handling as it comes for digital use but I want a leica.

 

btw I dont see any need for frame selector. Easy to imagine in the head for required and it is cumbersome to change lens every time lol. I modified m3 for a few years ago

 

I didnt knew that Leica copied me for the M for front layout :D

 

What have you modified?

 

The first M3's never had a frame preview lever, it was a later addition.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm not in the market for an M-E but I do find the preview lever useful for my TTL. True, I do have a pretty clear recollection of where the other lines are but it is useful (to me, I hasten to add) to get a visual impression of what approximately would end up on the film with my 90 Elmarit-M when I'm currently using my 35 FLE.

 

I would not be surprised it Leica includes this as an upgrade in the future, even as part of an a la carte programme. I asked the guys at Photokina whether there will be such a programme for the M and M-E and while they couldn't tell me they didn't exclude it.

Link to post
Share on other sites

The M-E is an M9 at 80% cost. I am not understanding why it is marketed as an entry level camera. I almost never use the preview lever as I have enough experience with my lenses to estimate their field of view.

I guess Leica had to lower the price of the M9(-P) in order to attract new customers and had to claim to be an entry model to avoid that M9 owner are unhappy about spending more on their camera. Leica needed the M-E to have something to sell now.

That camera models get cheaper over time is normal in this world outside of Leica.

Link to post
Share on other sites

What have you modified?

 

The first M3's never had a frame preview lever, it was a later addition.

 

Hi , I dont know right technical words but I posted another image of rear. What was removed is timer, preview lever, eyelets for strap, x/flash, iso wheel. The boddy nr is #1,09xx

Two steps left for me is to paint black and add plate with two round crcles from inside so from outside it will look flat when painted. Not easy but we will see. :)

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...