R10 smaller than R9?

[mooky]

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After reading David Farkas' Leica display and mini product review (thank you, by the way) of the S2, I was surprised at the size comparison compared to the Nikon.

 

Then after seeing the R7 in the (empty) R10 display booth as the example, if you will, is this a lead-in to the R10? The S2 is small(ish) for it's format size - quite a technological achievement in itself - does this show the way for a smaller sized, FF Digital R10?

 

Logically, one could think that the R9 would be used in the display as the 'evolutionary lead in' to the R10 - not the R7. They designed the S2 around the sensor, which if followed, would give them a clean slate approach for the R10. I'm just thinking aloud, technologically speaking - and I don't mean to start a speculation/rumor thread - but now we have the knowledge that it's coming.

 

Either way, the Leica S2 certainly is impressive both as camera and a statement by Leica that they have some interesting products coming in the future.

[Guest Posto 6]

If the sensor will eventually fit into the M9 as well, I would suppose that it could easily fit into something along the size of the R7. In actual fact, in spite of the nice ergonomics of the R8-R9, I would not be surprised if this size were not the more commercially viable one.

 

From the posts yesterday, it also seems that there could be a family of R10 models- which would perhaps enable more than one size to be made. It will be very interesting to see what actually comes out!

[mooky]

Additionally, and this IS a s-t-r-e-t-c-h; I noticed that comment about the 'family' of R models as well.......

 

So, I would REALLY like a new long term production mechanical R body - as the R6 generaton are like 'hen's teeth' (not easily found). The M line has one mechanical film body and one automatic film body and the one digital. Either way - this is going to be interesting.

[venividivici]

Got to say, I agree totally with OP.

 

It does look interesting that they put a R7 together with an 'invisible' R10. Really looking forward to it.

 

PS: 37.5 Mp S2 would give us a 24Mp R10 if the same pixel density, 16bit CCD, WOW!!!

[stunsworth]

Have to say I prefer my R8 to R4 from a handling/size point of view. I also happen to think the R8 is the prettier camera <grin>

[mooky]

Have to say I prefer my R8 to R4 from a handling/size point of view. I also happen to think the R8 is the prettier camera <grin>

 

I agree, but one has to wonder what they'll come up with given the S2 design. Though with the last motor-drive design/grip of the small R series I liked it more. But who knows?

[rsolomon]

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R9 size and shape in my opinion is ideal, so easy and natural..... add the DMR and its another story (to darn heavy).

[marknorton]

The information accompanying that R7 and "Reserved for R10" display says that the R7 provides the model for the R10 - a compact DSLR along the lines of the Canon 5D and Nikon D700, not the 1dS III or D3.

 

Leica's partnership with Fujitsu is likely to produce both higher performance and higher levels of electronic integration, first in the S2 and then trickling down to the R10 and M9. With luck, The M9 could actually be smaller than the M8.

 

Building the M8 from standard parts such as the BlackFin DSP was all they could do with the budget they had so we ended up with a camera which is thicker than it needed to be. You might think the M8 looks cramped inside but an opened Sony 24MP FF camera showed what masters they are in packing things in.

[zapp]

R7d

followed by the R6.2d with solar panel

[lct]

Have to say I prefer my R8 to R4 from a handling/size point of view. I also happen to think the R8 is the prettier camera <grin>

Ouch! To me the R4 is *by far* the prettiest SLR ever made and i *much* prefer its ergonomy.

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[mooky]

The information accompanying that R7 and "Reserved for R10" display says that the R7 provides the model for the R10 - a compact DSLR along the lines of the Canon 5D and Nikon D700, not the 1dS III or D3.

 

Leica's partnership with Fujitsu is likely to produce both higher performance and higher levels of electronic integration, first in the S2 and then trickling down to the R10 and M9. With luck, The M9 could actually be smaller than the M8.

 

Building the M8 from standard parts such as the BlackFin DSP was all they could do with the budget they had so we ended up with a camera which is thicker than it needed to be. You might think the M8 looks cramped inside but an opened Sony 24MP FF camera showed what masters they are in packing things in.

 

I wonder though with Leica taking the 'clean-slate' approach in designing the S2 around the sensor if we won't end up with an smoothed out looking body that is similar in appearance. I also wonder. what an 'updated M' would look like if they tried the same approach - I like the (very) traditional style of the M8 but I would really like to see what they would come up with for an M if they dared to upset the M crowd, I actually liked the M5. Oh well, time tells all tales.

[stuny]

If you look at the pictures of the S2 you will see a design that is clearly in the same family as the R8/R9, but with some interesting improvements to the earlier camera's ergonomics (ergonomics I like -- I chose the R8 over the R6 partly because of how it felt and worked in my hands. Other R8/R9 owners demur). I suspect that the R10 will appear to be in that same family, and perhaps have even more improvements to the ergonomics. Clearly it will be smaller and lighter than the S2, and probably no larger or heavier than an R9 without a DMR attached. Maybe even smaller and lighter.

 

The R6 and R6.2 ("scarce as hens' teeth") went out of production because Seiko, the subcontractor for the shutter stopped making them.

[mooky]

The problem is, as long as I use film, the ROM lenses won't have a mechanical back-up body except the 6's. As I'm relatively sure (as Leica has told me anyway) that an SL2 or mirror modified SL won't work with them.

[carstenw]

I prefer the R4-style cameras to the R8/R9 when I just have the camera with a small lens in my hand. However, with a large lens on it, like the 180 Cron, the R8 ergonomics blow away the smaller cameras. I was shocked to discover this in the Leica store, as I have been one of the people calling for a more R6-like R10. Now I think I would prefer something closer to the R8/R9 (maybe a bit prettier though).

[cbretteville]

Looking at the shots from Photokina the glass cabinet with an R7 and an empty stand for an R10 has the caption: "Small, light and compact. The Leica R7 is a model showing the way ahead for the Leica R system. Based on technology developed for the Leica S2 the R system goes on to be developed with digital capability".

 

Based on this it is probable that it may be smaller that the R8 an R9.

 

- Carl

 

PS: There is a lovely typo in the German version of the text where it says "die Leica M7"...... so who knows what they mean

[delander †]

Perhaps it will use much of the S2 body part wise but with a smaller sensor and R mount.

 

Seems logical to help keep costs under control for both the S and the R.

 

Jeff

[stunsworth]

...maybe a bit prettier though...

 

Impossible! <grin>

[erl]

With Steve on this one! I took one look at the R8 and had to have it!

[carstenw]

Looking at the shots from Photokina the glass cabinet with an R7 and an empty stand for an R10 has the caption: "Small, light and compact. The Leica R7 is a model showing the way ahead for the Leica R system. Based on technology developed for the Leica S2 the R system goes on to be developed with digital capability".

 

Based on this it is probable that it may be smaller that the R8 an R9.

 

- Carl

 

PS: There is a lovely typo in the German version of the text where it says "die Leica M7"...... so who knows what they mean

There is another funny mistake on their new S2 site. Instead of "medium format", it mentions "middle format", which just made me crack up, but also made me realize that Leica does not know this segment. Even if they design a great camera, the S2, there are still hurdles to be overcome. I really hope they fix this typo fast.

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Hallo,

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[frankbernhard]

Instead of "medium format", it mentions "middle format" …

 

Maybe the Phase One marketing unit could do a little proofreading for Leica. They should know »the segment«.