New Digital Rangefinder

[PeterP]

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Let us for the sake of argument (or agreement ) assume that the M-8 is an end of the line camera , and Leica were to build a new digital rangefinder camera from the ground up. What would the wish list be ?

From my perspective, First and foremost it needs to be technologically current. That is needs to rival say a Canon G-9 at least. M-mount compatible but perhaps not accommodate all lenses. Perhaps requiring some new designs, additions to the Summarit line perhaps.

_New more ergonomic body – with features (buttons,switches,wheels) integrated.

_3" screen

_Sensor – with a very usable ISO range from 50-3200 (not an unreasonable range),

_15 megapixel, perhaps large raw, and small raw 8-10 megapixel

_self cleaning sensor

_please not a Panasonic version of the same camera for hundreds less – just a Leica whether it is made in Germany, Japan or China

_not a resurrection of a limited use previous camera ( CL ) – but an all new body

not a brass body – use of materials similar to other production model cameras

_price – well under $2000 US – why? Because that is what the market will bear. New user will not be willing to cough up more, especially if they are not going to be guaranteed a perfect image every time

why that price – because you want to attract new users . Let’s face it if Voigtlander or Zeiss or Nikon produced a digital range finder camera they would price it so that it would be competitive . Competitive to prosumer DSLR cameras, and that puts you in the well under $2000 range.

This is a start , we can build from there , or do you feel otherwise.

[Venkman]

And the meaning of this post is what exactly?

[stunsworth]

_price – well under $2000 US – why? Because that is what the market will bear. New user will not be willing to cough up more, especially if they are not going to be guaranteed a perfect image every time

 

No chance at that price.

 

What's a perfect image? Can any camera produce one all the time?

[jackal]

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

just get ouy there take some pictures, don't focus on equipment

[Bob Ross]

A point to consider is, if a dRF could be sold for under $2000, the possible demand might be significant and significantly more than Leica can offer, without making significant capital outlay for new facilities. In other words this is an idea for a company with a lot of spare cash, excess fabrication facilities and marketing adventure seeking.

The idea of a 21st Century "from the ground up" rangefinder taylored for Asian fabrication is interesting. The one that comes closest to the M finder and gives accurate framelines, too, will have the best chance. Doing this from the ground up might mean that the legacy M glass would be replaced by lenses that could "talk" to the body and that would put the owners out of the heritage.

A rangefinder for the masses is a good idea, but if it comes close to bettering the M8 in any way, it will come from the competition first.

Bob

[PeterP]

And the meaning of this post is what exactly?

 

Perhaps the point of this is to focus on what we would like to see in a new camera body as opposed to 'ad nauseum' discussing the M-8 (see Iraq test) shortcomings . what prompted me to start this thread -

"Do you also foresee the possibility of upgrading the M8 with an improved image-capture sensor when one becomes

available as has been suggested by some experts?

Kaufmann: So long as the architecture of the M8 is retained in a future model, it is theoretically possible to upgrade

the CCD, but that would have to include the whole sensor board and supporting electronics package, not just the

sensor itself. The big question is whether it would be economically feasible to do so given our relatively low

production numbers that do not permit economies of scale."

from 'The Future of Leica'

[Guest noah_addis]

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If we're going to discus what we'd like in a digital M---here goes.

 

I'd like to see leica stick to the current mechanical rangefinder but put in a full frame chip, if it becomes possible, or at least make a camera with a little lower noise at high iso. The camera should be true 16 bit and maybe 12mp.

 

I'd like a camera that has no lcd..just a manual iso control where the mp rewind knob is (with some sort of locking mechanism, like lift and turn to change). And the camera would ONLY shoot raw, which would mean less need for an lcd since exposure is more forgiving. Reducing the need for in-camera jpg processing should simplify the digital end a bit. Leica isn't a computer company, so it's wise for them to leave as much of the software and processing to outside companies.

 

I'd also like the camera to have the traditional cloth shutter and a manual wind-on lever, no motor.

 

White balance would be either auto or custom, which could be set by pressing a button and shooting a white frame. Again, with solely raw files, the wb setting is much less critical.

 

Ideally the camera could be the size of an MP, extra thickness might not be needed if we did away with the LCD, but if it is needed, so be it.

 

Let's face it, since a new mp costs $4kUSD, there's no way any future digital M from Leica with a mechanical RF will be cheaper. But I'd gladly pay $5.5k or more for the camera I've described.

 

If leica abandons the M-mount for a new set of lenses for a new digital system, they will have lost me as a customer.