Mini M? [MERGED] AKA X-Vario

[Jeff S]

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I come on for some COMEDY RELIEF.

 

Likewise, even though I prefer much Leica gear.

 

Some routines get better with age; this one shows up at least once a year. Stay tuned for the sequel, beginning in a few weeks.

 

Jeff

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[Rick]

I'll wait for the Leica Mini ME. Was it any funnier the second time?

 

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[NZDavid]

All new cameras have to have an M or an X in their name.

[swamiji]

You know I thought this at first as well, but the more I consider the design I believe Leica will incorporate a built in eye level EVF. It certainly is easy enough to do. I don't think it will be like the X100S, ie dual optical/electronic, but rather a straight LCD like the XE-1. Priced at $5500, same as the M-E it's replacing.

 

Yes, thats certainly a possibility, but why call it an "M"? It is true that the other three do not have EVF built in. So that would fit in their product line.

 

Why call the X2 and D-Lux 6 an "M" . Unless the "M" no longer has any meaning, just a marketing tool.

[D&A]

Although many are predicting this new mini M to be a rangefinder-less camera with possibly a built in EVF finder (maybe a hybrid optical/EVF finder) and of course have a CMOS sensor and to be competitive with the Sony RX1 a full frame 35mm sensor....I would like to see at some point and in addition, a variation of the current Leica M with the same improved quieter shutter, the 1.5 stop improvement of high ISO performance, the weather proofing...but without external EVF connection or compatibilty or focus peaking and those extra external buttons. In other words an updated classic M9. There is room for all three of these variations built primarily on the same chasis...with distict avocates of each one.

 

Dave (D&A)

[rramesh]

As a luxury brand of cameras, Leica is clearly adopting the 8 Ps of marketing. See here http://www.brandchannel.com/images/papers/533_8ps_of_luxury_branding.pdf

 

In line with this approach, this is what I would probably see in the M mini.

 

• No rangefinder - This is make the body long and svelte, like the X2 and will appeal to newer segments of the market.
  
• EVF - Upgradeable with an external viewfinder.
  
• Modified M mount with electronic connectors - Ability to use all existing and newer M lenses and the ability to support newer lenses like zoom.
  
• FF Sensor - I think Leica has a proven concept and will not change and use a crop sensor. Also they want to get production volumes and hence lower unit price with ST Micro. Can't say if they will pass savings to customer though.
  
• Customizable body parts - This will be enable celebrity special editions like the X2 Paul Smith,
  
• Improved electronics - This platform will give Leica the opportunity to experiment with better electronics (Maestro, focus peaking etc.)
  

I would not be surprised if the M240 is replaced by a newer M within 2 years.

[Archiver]

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The marketer's labeling of the cameras as M, Mini M, Micro M and Nano M should lay to rest any insistence that 'M' always means 'rangefinder'. The X and D-Lux cameras certainly don't have rangefinders and yet the marketing department has labeled them Micro and Nano Ms.

 

I'm inclined to agree with those who think that it will be a fixed lens RX1-type camera. Not that long ago, Leica said they did not have the resources to support another camera/lens system, and would concentrate on building the M, S and X lines. Unless their fortunes and resources have fundamentally changed, it seems unlikely that we will see a slew of new lenses for an upcoming ILC.

 

An interchangeable lens camera system that accepts M-lenses and can accommodate R lenses would take a big chunk out of the M 240, especially if it is smaller and less expensive as 'Mini' would suggest, so I doubt we will be seeing this. It might be viable if it uses an aps-c sensor, but then, we don't have long to wait for the big revelation.

 

And it does say a lot about Leica's ability to keep a secret when they announce a new camera with absolutely no rumours, leaks or other unofficial notice. Who knows what else is being developed in some secret lab in Solms.

[StephenPatterson]

Yes, thats certainly a possibility, but why call it an "M"? It is true that the other three do not have EVF built in. So that would fit in their product line.

 

Why call the X2 and D-Lux 6 an "M" . Unless the "M" no longer has any meaning, just a marketing tool.

 

I believe that including the X2 and D-Lux 6 was just a cute marketing idea to keep everyone guessing while clearly showing where this new camera will fit in the lineup (ie as a replacement for the M-E). IMHO Leica has been moving away from the M designation signifying "rangefinder" and instead mean for it to signify the M mount.

[StephenPatterson]

 

An interchangeable lens camera system that accepts M-lenses and can accommodate R lenses would take a big chunk out of the M 240, especially if it is smaller and less expensive as 'Mini' would suggest...

 

But it would open up a whole new market as a second body for all those people who still like shooting with an M9, but who also buy a Sony or Fuji to use with their Leica glass because of high clean ISO and other features.

[MarkP]

No one gives a cr@p about the rangfinder.

 

You are kidding?

[swamiji]

Hmm, I didn't know that the X2 and d-Lux 6 had an M mount

 

Could it be a clue, that the M mini won't either?

 

This however is most likely the missing M mount mirrorless from Photokina. Much like the one you just described.

 

I think there is too much hype for my taste.

[paulsydaus]

I'm going out on a limb, it will be an upgraded M7/Film M LOL!

Seriously though, this is a tough one to pick. My bet is:

1. No optical RF/VF

2. A built-in EVF

3. M-Mount

4. Cool design

 

I know most people on here are numbers/spec people, but don't underestimate how much having a killer aesthetic and functional design can influence the market. Both Leica and Apple understand this.

[StephenPatterson]

With the M240 delays our little sewing circle hasn't had anything this good to talk about in months...

[StephenPatterson]

My bet is:

1. No optical RF/VF

2. A built-in EVF

3. M-Mount

4. Cool design

 

I know most people on here are numbers/spec people, but don't underestimate how much having a killer aesthetic and functional design can influence the market. Both Leica and Apple understand this.

 

#4...very interesting. As I sit here I'm asking myself if I would rather have a traditional looking Leica M230 or a more radical, "modern" design. Honestly I think I prefer the former, but as long as the specs were what I wanted then I would have no issues buying something along the lines of the proof of concept drawing that we've all seen.

[zlatkob]

But it would open up a whole new market as a second body for all those people who still like shooting with an M9, but who also buy a Sony or Fuji to use with their Leica glass because of high clean ISO and other features.

 

I agree.

 

I'm going out on a limb, it will be an upgraded M7/Film M LOL!

Seriously though, this is a tough one to pick. My bet is:

1. No optical RF/VF

2. A built-in EVF

3. M-Mount

4. Cool design

 

I know most people on here are numbers/spec people, but don't underestimate how much having a killer aesthetic and functional design can influence the market. Both Leica and Apple understand this.

 

I think this is the best guess. It is also be consistent with what Thorsten writes:

 

"... it is more likely that Leica Camera AG want to supply an economical entry into the Leica M series of cameras and lenses. And if that is the thinking, the camera would have to take M mount lenses, so as to allow an economical entry and a way to expand the lenses (before one move to the bigger Leica M Type 240 cameras). This reminds of the Leica CL camera which wasn't an economical success. But the reason the CL wasn't a economical success was that Leica Camera AG back then sent so many resources to Minolta teaching them to build cameras. The Leica rangefinder is one of those expensive things Leica might skip in a Leica Mini-M, or replace with a simpler rangefinder."

[pierovitch]

How about a Leica with FF movie with Apple ProRez output to take the Summilux C Leica movie range of lenses plus M and R. Body by Jonathan Ive.

Focus puller with Leica Stanley Kubrick special edition tape measure optional:)

[plasticman]

Forgive me if this has been said (I gave up reading after 8 pages), but these posts are not predictions, they're wishlists.

 

One thing is certain: Leica’s ability to play their cards close to their chest matches Apple’s.

 

The problems Apple face keeping things secret stem from the ordering and manufacturing of parts to have hundreds of thousands of units ready to sell on the day a product is announced. Leica hasn't tended to confront that particular difficulty.

[Ecaton]

My money is on a compact, lighter EVF/live view, M-mount, 1.3 or 1.5 crop sensor (same sensor as the M240) body.

I guess "Mini" does not give any indication as regards pricing.

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[lupico]

For me the one thing relevant is whether or not there will be a built-in EVF.

With only another external add-on thingy it would be a little disappointing. Fuji would be happy though :-)

[Stealth3kpl]

4. Cool design

 

 

So long as it has a shutter speed dial on top, a full frame sensor and the M Mount I'm interested.

Pete