Next generation M will be the M11 (not the M10)

[tom0511]

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If Leica wants the M line to be successful in the next 4 to 6 years, the next Generation Leica M must be a clear step up from the current M Typ 240:

More mp, but also some real innovations (maybe a hybrid viewfinder).

Leica Management must be aware of this.

 

The rumored M10 clearly is not that camera: The rumored M10 cannot be the next generation M.

I believe the M10 is an M Typ 240 with some cosmetic changes: Slightly thinner Body and an extra Exposure Compensation Dial (and/or ISO dial), but same 24 mp sensor.

 

And it does make sense for Leica to release such an M10, in case the next Generation M is not ready yet.

 

My guess is we have to wait for the next Generation M (which has to be the M11) for at least another year.

 

I am not sure your assumption in the first sentence is true. In opposite I believe the success of the M is based on NOT changing too much.

Who needs/wants a hybrid viewfinder in a M?

If you see how many people did go from M240 to M262 to MD - I agree with the other answer who said: less is more.

[pico]

I think that those who wish for more features of the M digital are entirely uninterested on photography itself.

.

[anickpick]

I am sure my assumption is true.

 

Having said this, I should probably share how my wife described my character in one sentence a few weeks ago: "Eric, often wrong, never in doubt"

 

Seriously, I agree that the M has to stay simple, rangefinder, beautiful. 

Also, to me, the real jewels are the lenses. 

 

I guess one can interpret differently what "a clear step up" means. If I compare my M240 to my M6, I see so many aspects that have been hugely improved.

So to me, that could mean better high iso and dynamic range, an electronic shutter or lower base iso (so one say goodbye to the nd-filters when shooting fast lenses wide open in daylight), or a much better EVF with higher resolution, no time lag and  moveable focus point.

Hybrid viewfinder? Well, if it is really well implemented, I would love to try it.

[jdlaing]

Moveable focus point? On a camera with rangefinder coupled lenses? Perhaps you can explain how you would implement a moveable focus point with a lens mounted that has no eleconic connection to the body.

[jaapv]

I think that was about the EVF/LV. A movable focus point is especially practical in tripod photography.

[jdlaing]

I think that was about the EVF/LV. A movable focus point is especially practical in tripod photography.

Ok. So tell me how to do it with an M body and M lenses.

[lct]

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Ok. So tell me how to do it with an M body and M lenses.

 

Just put a modern EVF on it. Nothing could be simpler.

[jdlaing]

My word. For such a bunch of camera experts you boys amaze me sometimes.

 

Moveable FOCUS POINT is for AUTO FOCUS lenses.

 

You set the point and the camera tells the lens where to focus. We already have EVF/Live view.

 

You must fondle an M lens to focus. With EVF/Live view and an M lens you simply focus on the point in the scene that you want in focus. We've had that since the M-240 came out. If you're looking for a little point of light in the EVF/Live view that tells you that focus on that point is locked........you ain't gonna get it.

 

Think about it for a few minutes and the light will come on. Or it won't.

[lct]

I do it all the time with M lenses my friend. Useful to compensate field curvature for instance.

Edit: Most of my pics here has been shot this way:

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/249421-sony-fans-show-your-sharp-corners-with-m-r-wides/?p=2947994

[jdlaing]

Do what all of the time?

[lct]

Move the focus point of course. Not sure where's the problem.

[jdlaing]

On what camera?

Moving the point of focus on an M camera is easy with EVF/Live view.

I already said that above.

[lct]

Not sure to follow you here. It is not possible to move the focus point in the current M240's EVF. Or am i missing something?

[Exodies]

And why not a moveable optical rangefinder patch? The lens has nothing to do with where in the viewfinder the patch appears.

[anickpick]

Yes, I meant the EVF.

 

No, it is not possible to move the focus point (which with manual lenses of course only makes sense when you zoom in) in the current M240's EVF.

 

I use the feature all the time when using M lenses on the SL with lenses that have almost unpredictable field curvature like the 35 fle

or generally with fast lenses shot wide open. With the SL this is surprisingly easy and fast to do: focus exactly where you want and composing at the same time. 

[anickpick]

"And why not a moveable optical rangefinder patch?"

 

Now that would be some real innovation. I have no clue whether this is even possible to engineer though.

[david strachan]

Why?

 

I like to focus without having to twiddle knobs and rockers.  Readjust your POV...and expose.

 

A tripod is different matter...but who uses tripods. Except for a very few today? But I can still work with that...just like the "old" days.

 

I've never used it on any of my various electronic cameras.

 

all best..

[FrozenInTime]

Many rangefinder lenses have significant field curvature - so achieving sharp focus on a close up object at the corner of the frame takes a bit of trial and error.

In such cases, if it was even possible, moving an optical rangefinder patch to the edge would not yield correct focus.

 

Live view with focus peaking or moveable magnification seems the most practical solution.

The other option was once implemented by Hasselblad in their H series - given the focus distance and calibration data for the lens, a gyro corrected focus lock shift correction could be applied via the AF lens motor.

[Exodies]

Many rangefinder lenses have significant field curvature - so achieving sharp focus on a close up object at the corner of the frame takes a bit of trial and error.

In such cases, if it was even possible, moving an optical rangefinder patch to the edge would not yield correct focus.

<snip>

The camera knows which lens is installed (6 bit coding) so can know the field curvature so an appropriate mechanical adjustment of the optical rangefinder can be made depending on where in the field the patch has been moved to.

Just like individual frame lines, it only seems difficult until someone bothers to do it.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Guest]

A round CMOS will come before that

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On a more realistic note: thanks for the link to an interesting thread, lct!