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


EdwardM

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The M systems is complete. The lens catalogue is very rich, and the rangefinder camera is now, in film and digital, very mature. You can improve small things, but that is all. I think Leica could offer an electronic body with M mount, with EVF. It is an interesting direction for Leica to explore, and M users would be delighted. Maybe this would bring the possibility of new zooms. 

 

The manual focus lenses are the weak and strong point of this system: many people don't want MF lenses, but these lenses are appreciably smaller. The M user base is small and difficult to expand, but it is very loyal. The system is unique.

 

 

 

The new system with AF lenses is aimed to a wider, more conventional base of potential photographers. Therefore, the price and specifications will be a key factor here. People will compare this system with the alternatives in the market.

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Whomever is the head of marketing at Leica right now, if he or she is reading this, is, first, laughing uproariously at this speculative fever, and next, anticipating a bonus.  I've been tuning into this forum since 2003, when there was eager speculation about what the Digilux 2 would be like, and never have I seen such wild speculations as can be found on the previous 35 -- 35! -- pages of this thread. This makes anticipation of the M8 seem so last decade...

 

All that is certain is that if --when? -- a new M is released this fall, there will be a furious eruption about its strengths/deficiencies, with an End Times Coming series of pronouncements worthy of a cult fearing doom.  And if there also is, or instead is, a new platform camera, prepare for the same!

 

One way or another, Leica's most engaged customers are working themselves into a speculative lather. Well done, Leica marketing honcho!

It is a very nice lady and thankfully she isn't aware of these doomsday threads / threats

 

Hmmmmm to think of it, could be a nice amusing read for her - a printed booklet over coffee on a rainy day

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I never thought I would ever say this, but I would be willing to switch completely to the SL system if it turns out to be well thought without the weaknesses of the A7 series. However I have a lot of doubt that it is going to be up to my expectations.

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Why would an M user want an EVF? I don't, but others do. 

 

So they could use macro, zooms, non-rangefinder coupled lenses, lenses longer than 135mm and, umm, let's see ...  I don't see the M changing a huge amount (hopefully). If anything, I'd like to see a lot that's on the M(240) ditched, but that s just me. 

 

The new "SL" (or whatever it's called) - I don't see that having anything to do with the M at all. But I do see that as a far more attractive proposition than the hopeless compromise that the M(240) is. As a rangefinder, fine - but two viewfinders, live view, view and that Swiss Army knife multi-function grip?  No thanks ...

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I do see that as a far more attractive proposition than the hopeless compromise that the M(240) is. As a rangefinder, fine - but two viewfinders, live view, view and that Swiss Army knife multi-function grip? No thanks ...

You are in a minority of a minority here

 

The M240 has a near perfect blend of features IMHO

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Why would an M user want an EVF? I don't, but others do.

 

So they could use macro, zooms, non-rangefinder coupled lenses, lenses longer than 135mm and, umm, let's see ... I don't see the M changing a huge amount (hopefully). If anything, I'd like to see a lot that's on the M(240) ditched, but that s just me.

 

The new "SL" (or whatever it's called) - I don't see that having anything to do with the M at all. But I do see that as a far more attractive proposition than the hopeless compromise that the M(240) is. As a rangefinder, fine - but two viewfinders, live view, view and that Swiss Army knife multi-function grip? No thanks ...

I agree. Sometimes I miss close focus abilities of non RF lenses, as well as accurate framing, and of course tele lenses. The M is unbeatable for fast street shooting though.

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Why would an M user want an EVF? I don't, but others do. 

 

So they could use macro, zooms, non-rangefinder coupled lenses, lenses longer than 135mm and, umm, let's see ...  I don't see the M changing a huge amount (hopefully). If anything, I'd like to see a lot that's on the M(240) ditched, but that s just me. 

 

The new "SL" (or whatever it's called) - I don't see that having anything to do with the M at all. But I do see that as a far more attractive proposition than the hopeless compromise that the M(240) is. As a rangefinder, fine - but two viewfinders, live view, view and that Swiss Army knife multi-function grip?  No thanks ...

Hi,

 

For *me* the M is the best compromise so far. The RF for street / people and EVF / LV for slow tripod work. Unbeatable. I can see that others outside the RF camp might be interested in a new SL. For me it will just be another mirrorless competing with a myriad cameras made for menu-fondlers and well-made DSLRs for action.

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Thank you Colonel... 

 

But Ikarus John has a history of over exaggerating the 'unnecessary functionality' of the M(240)... but uses an M60... Which is essentially a stripped down M-P (240) no matter how much he argues about it.

 

I understand his reasoning though, I have a similar approach to things... so I don't use live view, nor do I have a multifunction hand grip, I dont use the add on EVF... even though I have one... and the 'movie' function is permanently off... so much so that every time anyone mentions it I have to think hard to remember it is actually there...!

 

It is as simple a camera as you want it to be... 

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I agree. Too simple and it's just a hindrance to use. Too complex and it is not so fast to use. I find the M blindingly fast to use. For example a EVF would mean the camera would have to be on to look through the VF. A major slow down and flaw.

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But why would anyone want to look through a camera that is shut off? (Presuming the photographer has developed some feeling for what FOV a given lens provides. And besides, the M viewfinder is not particularly accurate, anyway.)

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But why would anyone want to look through a camera that is shut off? (Presuming the photographer has developed some feeling for what FOV a given lens provides. And besides, the M viewfinder is not particularly accurate, anyway.)

 

the same reason you can change aperture and speed when the camera is off. It means you are always ready.

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Hi colonel, I don't know about 'always ready'. How long does it take to check the FOV, aperture and shutter time, presuming one does not need to check other settings like white balance, exposure compensation, etc. And once the photographer has decided his/her FOV, shutter and diaphragm are OK, how long does it take for the M to start up? 

 

I guess it's all personal preference and that it could be argued that a camera with EVF, zoom lens, AF, auto ISO and in P(rogram-mode) may be faster.

 

Regards,

 

Peter

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