M Classic?

[charlesphoto99]

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1 hour ago, DadDadDaddyo said:

Any newfangled doo-whats they've added; no problem: if I don't need them in a given situation then I don't use them.

But I don't wish they weren't there...

It's what they've retained, throughout, that matters. 

The problem is, that Leica have added things (that many don't use) but without doing so in a robust manner in lockstep with the CPU etc. Which leads to things like freezing-gate. Or why the startup/standby times keep getting worse since the M9, which seems to be the exact opposite of what should be happening with the advancement of the tech. So a stripped down digital M Classic (M6D) without any bells and whistles and the most robust CPU one can get would hopefully make the camera more instantaneous and freeze free to use. Just because somebody doesn't use something, doesn't mean it's not taking up precious space in the firmware/hardware. I know this is perhaps an old, tired trope, but if one wants the capability of a point and shoot, there's plenty of much better options than an M for a LOT less money. 

EDIT: I actually think that if Leica took the Classic concept to the extreme it might be a hit: for example a wind on lever (or accessory motor drive) to 'advance' to the next frame. Do it all the way and people will notice, and not just a facelift like the Nikon zF or M11D. 

Edited May 17 by charlesphoto99

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[DadDadDaddyo]

Ok, I guess I do understand. 

I'm just saying that none of the new stuff bothers me. 

The firmware that needed updating? How should that bother me? It got updated. I can't even remember for sure how many versions ago freezing stopped being an issue, not that I ever found it to be much of an issue to begin with. Why should I be bothered? Because it got updated? Because it took a while until even most of those who were unhappy agreed it seems to have been fixed? That's over. I enjoyed the camera before and I enjoy the camera still. 

From my perspective, none of the new stuff detracts from the experience I've known and loved from the past, what, half-zillion years of Leica rangefinder use? (Ok that may be an exaggeration: maybe just four tenths of a zillion....)

To me (and it's just to me), it's what been retained that matters, even while the classic Leica rangefinder has undergone all these modernizations and upgrades. 

Of course, others' experience may be different. 

But for me, they've kept the experience true, and that's amazing. 

 

[charlesphoto99]

@DadDadDaddyo All valid what you say. The thing is, I probably only use 10% of what my Nikon D850 is capable of. But it always works. Even with my M10-R black paint (that's already been back to Leica twice for repairs) occasionally the shutter button does nothing until I either turn the camera off/on again, or remove the battery. And startup and ready from standby should be instant, or close to. So much for it being the 'decisive moment' camera. 

Honestly there's two cameras I wish Leica would make: the Classic M as we're talking about, as well as an M/Q/CL mashup, essentially a modern Hexar AF. Make it with an OVF (no EVF) that has focus points that can be moved around the finder with a joystick on the rear of the camera, a back button for AF, a 35mm 2.8 fixed lens (to keep it small, unlike the Q) and a screen on the back for live view if needed, and keep it to the size of the Hexar (or smaller). 

[marchyman]

8 hours ago, Derbyshire Man said:

Turns out that even then I preferred the M to the Q!

I prefer the M to the Q, too.  That said, put the Q in manual focus mode and treat it like you would the M to the extent possible.  Doing that made the Q more pleasant for me.

[evikne]

I have my doubts about whether an “M Classic” will ever see the light of day. Should it come in addition to the existing D-series? Why not just strip down the D-series to the bare essentials? It's almost there already.

Or rather: It's been there, but passed by.

Edited May 17 by evikne

[steve edmunds]

11 hours ago, Derbyshire Man said:

I took an M and the Q3 to the pub. Turns out that even then I preferred the M to the Q! Pre-focussing with narrow DOF and zone on the M worked better/less intrusively than AF on the Q. I’m learning the AF modes at the moment so that may change but it re-enforces to me the ongoing utility of rangefinders. The M11D with a Rokkor 40mm was also a much smaller package!

did you only realise the Q3 was bigger than your M11D set up after you bought it? i already knew my Q2 was bigger than my M262 set up before i bought it.

[costa43]

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13 hours ago, DadDadDaddyo said:

Ok, I guess I do understand. 

I'm just saying that none of the new stuff bothers me. 

The firmware that needed updating? How should that bother me? It got updated. I can't even remember for sure how many versions ago freezing stopped being an issue, not that I ever found it to be much of an issue to begin with. Why should I be bothered? Because it got updated? Because it took a while until even most of those who were unhappy agreed it seems to have been fixed? That's over. I enjoyed the camera before and I enjoy the camera still. 

From my perspective, none of the new stuff detracts from the experience I've known and loved from the past, what, half-zillion years of Leica rangefinder use? (Ok that may be an exaggeration: maybe just four tenths of a zillion....)

To me (and it's just to me), it's what been retained that matters, even while the classic Leica rangefinder has undergone all these modernizations and upgrades. 

Of course, others' experience may be different. 

But for me, they've kept the experience true, and that's amazing. 

 

I also agree, I own an M11-P and have found the actual day to day experience almost identical to my other M bodies of past and present with some real life advantages when it comes to battery life and electronic shutter. For me It’s an emotional thing not just logical. I want as little between me and the photograph as possible and I’m willing to pay for that simplicity. I have this minimal approach with my wardrobe and my home too, I also prefer less choice on restaurant menus even if I know what I fancy🤣 My brain works much better with less clutter! 

[pippy]

3 hours ago, costa43 said:

...My brain works much better with less clutter!...

Mine too. Once ISO is set then all I really want to think about is aperture; shutter-speed; focus; frame; 'Click'. Move on.

Simple Pleasures.

Philip.

[adan]

Just an observation.....

 

 

[costa43]

7 hours ago, pippy said:

Mine too. Once ISO is set then all I really want to think about is aperture; shutter-speed; focus; frame; 'Click'. Move on.

Simple Pleasures.

Philip.

It’s often the simple little things that bring the most joy in my experience 📸

Edited May 18 by costa43

[dscdsc]

On 5/15/2025 at 11:20 AM, pgh said:

Have you tried this in practice? I only ask because I find my SL2 to be functionally no different than an M in terms of carrying size and weight.

Yes, it feels a bit bigger to hold if only because of the grip and viewfinder, but it generally fits in the same bag(s) and I feel no weight difference. Or if I go no bag, again no functional difference in the size/weight experience. I could see possibly a marginal difference if you’re a person with huge coat pockets and you jam an M in there - maybe an SL wouldn’t fit, but that’s not me anyways. 
 

I had to buy one for a job years ago and it unexpectedly disabused me of the notion that it was a bigger camera. Very different if you use SL lenses, but I’m talking with adapted M lenses. And I think the SL3 is even a bit smaller. 
 

yes. I borrowed a SL2 and also tried out an SL3 for a day (hoping the smaller body of the SL3 would have been noticeable) but they are too big. I don't need the thicker hand grip section, I prefer a smooth body without the bump for the hand grip and the (SLR style) bump for the EVF. The M body is a nice shape that doesn't have any protrusions. The visoflex is okay but it is out performed by the EVF on the SL and other cameras.