Too early to speculate on the next M?

[colonel]

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I think conservative gets confused with simplicity and the "soul of photography"

 

I like to have control of focus, shutter and aperture all the whilst in a compact FF body that delivers stunning pictures. Oh and if it's made beautifully and is a pleasure to use then sublime

 

If I want to use a E-M1 or D810 for something particular then I will. Some people want a million things to tweak and pop up in the viewfinder. Good for them.

[VictoriaC]

Anywhichway leica isn't going to be able to please everybody. All the same La Vida Loca (which I follow on twitter) has just announced on their website that there is a new M on the the way. A high mega pixel model and who knows what else. Personally my ideal would be something closer to the technology high of a Nikon with the design aesthetic of the M. Till then I'll just have to keep on debating whether to settle for a 240 or not (things like the blackout or slow refresh rate of the 240's EVF are disappointing to read about). I do think in all likelihood that I will buy an MM though, the question is do I buy 2nd hand (and broken in so-to-speak) or new?

[mjh]

All the same La Vida Loca (which I follow on twitter) has just announced on their website that there is a new M on the the way. A high mega pixel model and who knows what else.

I don’t know what they’ve been smoking but La Vida Leica! haven’t got a clue.

[thighslapper]

I don’t know what they’ve been smoking but La Vida Leica! haven’t got a clue.

 

 

Leica have yet to produce an M where the processing power of the camera can cope with the sensor resolution.......

 

.... there is absolutely no point adding pixels or any other gizmos until they can get the whole package working as fast as the competition.

 

I am certain the next iteration will enable the M to use autofocus lenses ..... the T is a step in that direction already ........

 

As for and hybrid viewfinders and the like, it will take a remarkable feat of optical and electronic engineering to integrate an in camera EVF into the existing form factor ..... which Leica will not abandon as it is the Leica Signature.

 

Any developments MUST retain the current basic form, optical rangefinder and backward compatability with M series lenses ........ so a look at the T and XV will give you a good guide as to the likely trajectory ....... evolution .... rather than revolution .....

[jaapv]

And the normal product cycle is three years.

[Kloss]

:I am certain the next iteration will enable the M to use autofocus lenses ..

 

But why should the next M have such a feature if I may ask?

 

I think we can agree that there are very different groups of users that are taking pictures with Leica gear, especially with the M Series. While one group seems to prefer all the new technologies that might be possible (LV, EVF, touchscreen, WIFI etc.) another group of users seems to prefer simplicity.

 

So I think the market is big enough for several different concepts of cameras, as well for Leica. The development (and success) of the MM ( simplicity) and of the XVario on the one hand and the T on the other (high technology or state of the art) seem to show this.

 

So my guess would be a new M that is going back to the roots if it comes to the features and -for all the high tech freaks- a strong development of the T concept.

 

BR

Thomas

[Jennifer]

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I can't see Leica autofocus enabling some new M as I can't see them embarking on the production of a series of autofocus M lenses. And though their external EVF will, no doubt, improve over time I don't think it's at all likely that they'd ever build one into the camera itself. OTOH, I can't envisage that they'd want to take the top M model backwards either. Though the M's electronics may well never be revolutionary, inevitably sensor resolution will drift upward, ISO performance will improve and processing power will increase, that's the evolutionary nature of digital technology all of which, I suspect, they'll continue to be stuck with buying in from others.

[colonel]

Anyone have any news?

 

I'm still very happy w M9P & M-E. Am hoping they stick to their roots and just update those & maintain form factor:

 

ISO, write speed, file size, sapphire glass, weather seals etc. would open my wallet. I passed on the 240, IQ at best the same to me, after scrutinizing sample files.

 

I find the 240 IQ superior, particularly the colours and the detail

but I suspect an update will just have more pixels, better ISO, faster, etc. you know the routine. The 240 is pretty much good enough for me based on my style of photography

[Avatar]

There will be a CMOS-based M Monochrom sooner or later.

 

agreed..I say sooner..you say later

[tobey bilek]

Color rendering from ccd or cmos is the same. The designers/engineers decide on how the the colors come out based on the filtration over each pixel and filtration of uv/ir built into the sensor cover.

 

We always have the option of profiling the camera to tweek the colors back to color checker standard. Adobe ACR and LR can be set to bring up the profile automatically so there is no extra work. Then use a preset to tweek it to your preference.

 

If you use auto WB or JPEG, there is too much work to do.

 

I am of the simple camp. Minimal controls on the camera.

[Ted Lemon]

I do think in all likelihood that I will buy an MM though, the question is do I buy 2nd hand (and broken in so-to-speak) or new?

 

New or good condition second hand the MM is a wonderful camera - my favourite M and really follows the style and handling from your M6/7 which you could then use for colour!

[colonel]

Color rendering from ccd or cmos is the same. The designers/engineers decide on how the the colors come out based on the filtration over each pixel and filtration of uv/ir built into the sensor cover.

 

 

 

.

 

 

Whatever the engineers have decided I find the colours from the M240 more accurate and punchier then the M9 (I only use DNG).

 

I think part of what people think is the unique M9 (or CCD look) are the slightly weird M9/M8 colours which give unprofiled photographs a slightly ethereal look. This can be simulated with the M240 if you have the time or inclination