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Leica announces launch of new "system cameras"


Wolfgang Esslinger

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Good to know that they won't be rushing out the M9 before it's been fully tested... :confused:

 

Well, Mani, at least it won't be the first one out the door. Leica has learned a ton building the M8 and M8.2, as well as the S2, so I really don't expect the kind of major artifact or colour problems that plagued the M8 launch.

 

I'm sure the M9 will be a fabulous M camera. I just hope it isn't Leica's last.

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Well, Mani, at least it won't be the first one out the door. Leica has learned a ton building the M8 and M8.2, as well as the S2, so I really don't expect the kind of major artifact or colour problems that plagued the M8 launch.

 

.....quote]

 

I think I recall numerous threads on how the DMR launch experience prepared Leica for a falwless M8 launch ........ :)

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Well, Mani, at least it won't be the first one out the door. Leica has learned a ton building the M8 and M8.2, as well as the S2, so I really don't expect the kind of major artifact or colour problems that plagued the M8 launch.

 

.....quote]

 

I think I recall numerous threads on how the DMR launch experience prepared Leica for a falwless M8 launch ........ :)

 

Different Manimal. The M8 was an entirely different bird. The DMR was a back. The M8 was an entire camera. Apples and pears.

 

Don't be a knee-biter.

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So is the S2. Leica doesn't have the experience of building and working from custom ASIC technology. The experience gained from the M8 is for discreet off the shelf component technology rather than large scale integrated components and ASICs. If you think their software will be flawless out the shoot you are going to be in for a surprise. I will be shocked as they haven't demonstrated that level of ability in the three years I have been following their digital development. A delay in delivery will be a strong indication that the software isn't there yet. Also, until you put it in the hands of real users (a large number of them) you just can't easily test every combination of events that will illustrate the short comings (bugs).

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I am sure there will be issues with any new camera. Just look at C or N: They also face problems with new cameras, even if these are merely updates. And these competitors have a lot more experience in churning out new products.

 

So for a company which launches a new camera only every few years and concentrates on unique designs, this is a lot tougher.

 

But I hope Leica is prepared for this and has prepared measures to react in a way that will build confidence. Because everybody knows that complex products can go wrong - it is the company's response that counts!

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He said you would be able to use your R lenses he didn't say that it might have to be as a cropped lens but that shouldn't come as a surprise given that the M8 is also a cropped sensor camera.

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He said you would be able to use your R lenses he didn't say that it might have to be as a cropped lens but that shouldn't come as a surprise given that the M8 is also a cropped sensor camera.

 

He never really said it would even be a camera did he? Just a solution. Could be an adapter of some kind.

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R lens 4/3rds adapters were all ready in the market when he made his announcement. If all he meant was putting a red dot on one and selling it under the Leica name he was surely misleading the R enthusiasts.

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Maybe a 0.5x APO Extender for R to m4/3 could be the solution. But I am sure especially the wideangle lenses won't work very good with such an Extender. But you will win a lot of light on the sensor!

 

Kind regards,

Bernd.

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With the quick turn-around time for digital bodies, it's starting to make sense that building 'cookie-cutter' bodies to work with an R lens line perhaps like a bigger GF-1 is possible.

 

It's all about the software insides that changes. With CNC machining used to extremely high tolerances today, why couldn't Leica make a bigger GF-1 type of camera? IF mirror box 35's are becoming fewer, a new concept would need to take it's place.

 

Inside new bodies are chips, circuits, etc. so the outside could be ergonomically designed with the insides merely changed to adapt changes in software, hardware etc. The durability and Leica-quality would not have to change at all. It would be easier to produce full-framed bodies more economically with quality which would leave the major expense to the lenses.

 

I want an R option, as it's what most of my Leica use evolves around. I'm up for a new design that works, if it's modern and still a Leica, I say break the mould for a new system camera.

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Leica said a partner is involved in the solution for R lenses... I don't know what is the direction of that "solution". Video cameras? An "electronic-viewfinder" camera with large sensor? Some kind of hybrid? Whos is the partner? Panasonic? I have no idea, but I would like to know something... in september...

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Different Manimal. The M8 was an entirely different bird. The DMR was a back. The M8 was an entire camera. Apples and pears.

 

Don't be a knee-biter.

 

 

Sorry - i think you're wromg on this -- the DMR provided an experienced in lauching a new high-end digital product - did it not ? ........ lets face it no two products are identical (true products not extention models ie: a signature version)......so are saying no experience can be leveraged - i disagree with you ...

 

whats a knee biter ?

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Leica said a partner is involved in the solution for R lenses... I don't know what is the direction of that "solution". Video cameras? An "electronic-viewfinder" camera with large sensor? Some kind of hybrid? Whos is the partner? Panasonic? I have no idea, but I would like to know something... in september...

 

 

I for one would love to see a Digilux 4, or something with a reasonalby priced camera body with product plans to continue on with the series..... the investment in leica has always been the lenses NOT the camera body...... peronally i think Panasonic has been a good partner - meaning im happy wit hthe digilux 3, style, bulid, look, function, ...and btw i dont give about crap on sensor size.....4/3's, M4/3rs, 2/3rd, or something else - i care about the image quaility produced and a camera body that performs the functions i need....... 5 fps, focus confirmation, auto-focus options, auto iso, manual over ride, great out of the box jpegs, great auto white balance, quiet, works well with flash, looks good, etc.....

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