Will Leica Ever Have a Mainstream Mirrorless AF ILC?

[krooj]

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As proof that I have too much time on my hands, I keep pondering on whether Leica will ever compete in the growing AF mirrorless ILC market. I know there was a lot of speculation and eventual disappointment from the release of the X Vario from those wanting it to be a FF ILC AF system. FF ILC AF just seems like such an obvious market on which nobody has really capitalized yet (Sony is about to), and it's obviously a destination for Canon and Nikon over the next 10 years, as they phase out the SLR form factor.

 

I am not suggesting Leica cannibalize the M system: there are many companies that willingly produce and sell throwback/halo product lines akin to the M. I am suggesting that if Leica were to sell a $4.5k ~ $6k AF ILC FF body with a new suite of Leica 35mm AF lenses, with all the quality that system would entail, they'd be in the market well before Canon and Nikon and slightly after Sony. Depending on what lenses were planned and given a compatible mount, such a system could dovetail nicely with a cheaper APS-C ILC body, essentially working in reverse of the current mirrorless system evolution.

 

Such a system wouldn't necessarily even need to be made in Germany. Leica seems to have a good working relationship with Panasonic, and considering the potential market segment differences between µ4/3 and FF, I can't see Panasonic being outright against it. Maybe bodies made in Japan and Lenses made in Germany?

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[colonel]

Not sure this thread belongs in the M section.

 

Anyone who has used the x-Vario will see an excellent platform for an APS-C interchangeable lens camera

I am skeptical about a FF non RF as incorporating AF would make massive lenses and leaving AF out with the M mount would only be around £1000 cheaper body then the M, having it with the RF would be much more desirable.