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NEW M.. This year.. This Fall...


EdwardM

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... the proposed 'professional' SL may incorporate most of what we have been discussing, but based on a shrunken S which is mirrorless and capable of using AF lenses and multiple other system lenses via an appropriate adapter ...... and cropped output if required.

 

Avoids ruining the original M ethos and provides a cheaper alternative than the current S ....... 

 

And would have my full attention.

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And would have my full attention.

 

+1 Doug, though I'm very happy with my S2-P, I wouldn't mind having a second Leica body with Cmos sensor on which I could use my S lenses, through a Leica adapter, of course. Looking at the MTF's of the S lenses, they'd work great on FF corner to corner. They'd be bigger than strictky needed, but that would not bother me. And if I'd want a smaller, more agile camera for events and such I could just bring the SL with one or two lenses in it's native mount.

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I know more than one  Leica Guru who regards the Q as a Panasonic camera with a Leica skin. The percentage of Panasonic internals is that high. I disagree with them, as the resulting camera has the Leica feeling.

In the end, I agree with Adam. The question is whether there are other-branded clones, and not  who cloned what.

And it does not matter who produced what, but it may be a factor who designed what, or, at least, who set the specifications.

 

 

But wasn't that much the case of the Leica R3 and R4 series and later R cameras prior to the R8 and R9 since the camera bodies were basically a modified version of the Minolta Camera chassis upon which these camera were built?

 

Rich

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The problem is a "professional" 24x36 mini-S makes even more redundant the S system itself. 

 

But, this is something that Leica had considered for sometime subsequent to discontinuing of the R series camera system in 2009.  There had been rumor of an AF camera that would accept R lenses that would be smaller or a smaller version of the S cameras and system for sometime.  Leica later indicated that this new camera and set of AF lenses was not going to be produced.  I really wonder if the SL is a continuation of the idea that Leica had, then abandoned, and is now actually after additional improvement in technology have decided to actually bring to market.  It would make much sense and it would provide a platform for R lenses and at least in part a ready made audience of R owners who still have their glass, particularly their longer Apo lenses who can afford the new camera.

 

Rich

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But, this is something that Leica had considered for sometime subsequent to discontinuing of the R series camera system in 2009.  There had been rumor of an AF camera that would accept R lenses that would be smaller or a smaller version of the S cameras and system for sometime.  Leica later indicated that this new camera and set of AF lenses was not going to be produced.  I really wonder if the SL is a continuation of the idea that Leica had, then abandoned, and is now actually after additional improvement in technology have decided to actually bring to market.  It would make much sense and it would provide a platform for R lenses and at least in part a ready made audience of R owners who still have their glass, particularly their longer Apo lenses who can afford the new camera.

 

Rich

But for long R lenses one does not need a Leica...
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Try an A7R ;)

I have an A7r and unless Leica comes up with the new affordable camera, I will undoubtedly add a Sony A7r later.  But, I also have several M lenses as well, the WATE and the M 90mm f2.5 Summarit.  Also,  preferably, Leica will come up with a way of using R lenses with auto diaphragm so that we can use the lenses more easily.

 

Rich

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In the end, if comes down to what lenses are readily available.  The Sony cameras are a quantum leap ahead of the Leicas in terms of tech (IBIS, 42MPx or 12MPx+lower noise, 4k video, full-frame focusing of manual lenses, etc) but they are still struggling with to get a broad range of lenses out.  Zeiss (55mm / 90mm and, to an extent the 35mm an 28mm) have helped a bit, but they seem to lack production capacity: the Batis lenses (built by Cosina / Voigtlander) are still unavailable 6m after they supposedly started shipping.  The native Sony zooms are bulky and average performers.  Leica M lenses work well enough on the Sony  7rII, if you are not fussy about the edges / corners, so that is what I am using at the moment, since I like their weight.  I doubt that I will go for an SL, at least for a few years, unless they offer a demonstrable advantage over the Sony body (which is a high bar).

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Whatever it is, I hope it has a pair of proper lugs, weather sealing and works with smart AF adapters. If it takes the M lenses it's a bonus. 

 

There is a thread on the German side of the Forum where it's proven that the SL works with the S lenses. I will be waiting for the announcement before paying for the 007.   

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Since this thread started with speculations about a new M, and has morphed into a possible new S, I suggest we start a thread in the S forum to filter further intel.  In a recent Leica blog, Vincent Laine (Q designer) said,"

 

"At Leica we have three design categories or directions: Iconic, Contemporary, and Professional. Iconic is what most people know Leica for and it is the M Design (Classic U-shaped bod, top cover-leather-bottom cover, etc.). Contemporary is the latest addition to our portfolio and was introduced with the Leica T. The last category is Professional and is everything S stands for basically."

Well the speculations in this thread includes what sensor and lens formats the SL may have. So that potentially encompasses S, M and a

T possibilities.Of course anyone can start that new S thread if they wish. I will follow it As a user of the S2 (and the M) I still don't understand why people think that replacing the current S finder with an EVF is desirable. Is it to avoid mirror vibration perhaps?? In this medium format niche the competitors seem to be staying with mirror boxes too.

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Well the speculations in this thread includes what sensor and lens formats the SL may have. So that potentially encompasses S, M and a

T possibilities.Of course anyone can start that new S thread if they wish. I will follow it As a user of the S2 (and the M) I still don't understand why people think that replacing the current S finder with an EVF is desirable. Is it to avoid mirror vibration perhaps?? In this medium format niche the competitors seem to be staying with mirror boxes too.

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/250510-sl/

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This image was posted by Dr Andreas Kaufmann, Leica CEO, on his Facebook page on September 4th:

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206413558871899

 

The following discussion ensued:

 

Edward Karaa What's the camera in the background?

 

Andreas H Kaufmann There could be an answer to this....but...

 

Edward Karaa :)

 

Edward Karaa I really like the design and will surely buy one, if it were a new model, that is :)

 

The same picture but bigger:

 

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/11845208_10206413558871899_3797733082580155581_o.jpg

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I confess being a bit perplexed by rumors of yet another Leica product that will trigger yet more waiting lists. At least on BH, at last check,the most recent releases, the new Monochrom, the Q and the new S are and remain unavailable for purchase.While those of us (heavily)invested in the brand and its products may be willing to wait, at least to a point, the future of every widget company relies on its ability to attach new customers. Leica is not the only manufacturer of cameras in the world. Many potential Leica customers who can not scratch that new camera itch with an immediately available red dot may just move on and be lost forever.

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This image was posted by Dr Andreas Kaufmann, Leica CEO, on his Facebook page on September 4th:

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10206413558871899

 

The following discussion ensued:

 

Edward Karaa What's the camera in the background?

 

Andreas H Kaufmann There could be an answer to this....but...

 

Edward Karaa :)

 

Edward Karaa I really like the design and will surely buy one, if it were a new model, that is :)

 

The same picture but bigger:

 

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/11845208_10206413558871899_3797733082580155581_o.jpg

 

Looks like a V-lux to me. I think he was teasing :)

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