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The Leica M9 is a Leica Digital CL


Schwarzer_M3

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"Einsteiger" means somebody who buys into Leica for the first time.

 

Ok, so that implies an entry level model. Now what would be easier (read cheaper) for Leica, develop a second new body that would be a 'CL', or reposition the M8 as an entry model at a lower price than currently?

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Ok, so that implies an entry level model. Now what would be easier (read cheaper) for Leica, develop a second new body that would be a 'CL', or reposition the M8 as an entry model at a lower price than currently?

 

Or to rebrand an other manufactueres camera.

 

Then Leica can focus at what they are best at, producing top quality cameras, and at the same time offer a model to entry level customers.

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...

 

Contrary to Adam Smith, companies do not always follow the shortest or the most efficient path to their own interests, so I'm not holding my breath. This could just be pretty graphics from the video production company.

 

My bet's on pretty graphics. At least in regards to it not being a coded message from Solms about something else coming. There may be, but I'd be surprised if that was a hint of some sort.

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Which of course they already do with the Panasonic p&s models. I think there are too many quality issues for Leica to consider picking up a 4/3 camera.

 

Well, if it going to be branded as an lower cost entry level camera, One should not expect Leica M quality.

 

If Leica are suppose to set up a production line for a third camera with the same quality as the M8, the cost would be to large to introduce it as a entry level camera.

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If indeed the M9 is really a CL, then I am even more happy to have kept my M8. There will be, however, lots of disappointment if the M9 is not a FF digital. On the other hand a more affordable digital M will be welcome news and a big surprise. Even at the current price of the M8.2, it remains beyond the reach of most people.

 

I'm starting to suspect that all the hype on the M9 will turn into a fizzle on September 9.

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Even at the current price of the M8.2, it remains beyond the reach of most people.

 

The fact that Leicas are expensive shouldn't come as a shock to any of us. A meal in a good restaurant is more expensive that a meal in McDonalds. More people eat at McDonalds than in restaurants, that doesn't mean there isn't a market for proper food.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by wilfredo viewpost.gif

Even at the current price of the M8.2, it remains beyond the reach of most people.

 

The fact that Leicas are expensive shouldn't come as a shock to any of us. A meal in a good restaurant is more expensive that a meal in McDonalds. More people eat at McDonalds than in restaurants, that doesn't mean there isn't a market for proper food.

 

But, probably, most people that would buy a brand new M8.2 would also buy the M9 if it was the only alternative. So, a continued M8.2 might kill M9 sales since they are substitutes.

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I think that we will have a new entry level camera. My Leica dealer called me today to confirm the acceptance of my S2 deposit and advised to see the podcast with my wife: "Listen, they will bring a new toy for your wife", and he knows that she owns a DIGILUX 2...:)

Yevgeny

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The number of images left should be displayed inside the viewfinder where you have your attention.

 

This might explain the larger viewfinder, as well as the fact that "everybody" loved the ease of use of the big clear viewfinder on the S2. Anyone using glasses can see the clear advantage in being able to see the full picture and even the readings without having to moving around.

 

The only thing I ever miss in earlier cameras is the Nikon F3 HP viewfinder where it was like being in a cinema, watching the picture up there, and with plenty of space around.

 

When I first heard about the S2 viewfinder and saw the big hole, I loved the idea. Of course it has to be big, there's absolutely no point in reducing viewfinder sizes.

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So if I get this right, Nikon does not sell any D700 because the D300 is a substitute?

 

You know, it is not a nice thing to quote in a way that changes the meaning of what you quote.

 

What I said converted to Nikons was that if D700 were the only DSLR camera around, Nikon would sell more D700. On the other hand, total sales would drop, since not all would pay the price of the D700.

 

Since the DSLR marked is a mass-market, there is however more room for more diversification than it is in the rangefinder market, so product differentiation makes more sense. Especialy when you can produce high volum plastic cameras at a very low cost, compared to the production cost of Leica M.

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Hello all,

 

I'm pretty sure the M9 will be a down-sized M8, instead of an up-sized one.

 

More like a digital CL.

 

I have written a summary article on the Leica invitation video and shots taken from it, as well as Leica's written invitation that came along with it. You can find it at www.portretteur.nl

 

Nice try as a thread......

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Maybe the screen is a bit smaller and moved to the left. It may have to do with anything. But do note that the top round LCD has disappeared. It may well be that there is a smaller screen on th RH side. It may have to do with the location of the battery . Or with the viewfinder configuration as Ed notes. The higher top may signify a larger VF window. All guesses. A CL? Who knows? But the M9 will be a full-sized camera.

 

No clue if this was said before, but the LCD on the top could have been replaced by a downscaled screen like the S2 has on top. This would fit into the new Leica system downgrading philosophy (likewise it could be with the sensor of the new camera).

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The fact that Leicas are expensive shouldn't come as a shock to any of us. A meal in a good restaurant is more expensive that a meal in McDonalds. More people eat at McDonalds than in restaurants, that doesn't mean there isn't a market for proper food.

 

I'm sure that those who can only afford to eat at McDonald's would also enjoy savoring a proper restaurant meal beyond their economic reach.

 

So, in the end (on Sept. 9th) we may have a super Leica S2 (which a relatively few will be able to afford) and the entry level digital M9 (that McDonald's patrons might be able to afford). This would cover a wide spectrum for Leica. The legendary M8 would remain somewhere in the middle. Something for everybody :-)

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Wilfredo,

 

Leica simply aren't in the 'McDonalds' market segment, just as The Ivy aren't about to open a take away running out of a caravan on a layby off the A12 !! (UK ref's I know but I don't know the equivalent in the US).

 

The S2 is aimed squarely at the Pro market. The M8 has its market already and the M9, well it all depends on what we find out on the 9th but one thing it aint going to be and that's cheap!

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