jrc Posted September 4, 2009 Share #1 Posted September 4, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Now that an M9 seems possible, it also seems like we're going to get a fairly mundane machine -- full frame, probably, and it may not require filters. But that seems like a threadbare minimum compared to what some were hoping for over the past few years. If the rumors are correct, there will be no Live View, no innovative frame lines, no focus confirm or in-body IS, no pivoting screen on the back, no additional weather sealing, or Leica-specific post-processing software to optimize image quality -- nothing that might attract the attention of a new generation of users. It appears that we are essentially going to get a FF M8, perhaps with a bit better ISO range and a critical flaw (IR vulnerability) corrected -- and that's the end of the story. I personally was hoping for more, but it doesn't feel like it's coming...I'm now more intrigued by rumors of a second body than I am by the M9. JC Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 4, 2009 Posted September 4, 2009 Hi jrc, Take a look here The romance is dissipating. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
mooky Posted September 4, 2009 Share #2 Posted September 4, 2009 I would like to see a different, non-traditional M camera. But really, Leica has to do the traditional M in FF; if anything it's a completion of the design into modern technology. There is plenty of future ahead of the M line, and maybe they will incorporate more into it. But once back in the 70's, Leica came out with the different M5 and it totally freaked out the 'loyalist M users', it was an excellent camera with a clean design and a outstanding meter system but it was a tanker in the market. Perhaps Leica will have a future M that will be more modern in function and form without replacing the traditional M body/camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fotomiguel Posted September 4, 2009 Share #3 Posted September 4, 2009 Just perfect! If everything is as it seems, the M9 could be a life partner. The romance just begin. 18 mpx, FF, good high iso, no filters, nice shutter, keeping it as a M camera. What else can I wish? The dream come true! I can't sleep... I love my M8 and It's been a pleasure to work with it. The M9 seems to improve in the M8 making my perfect camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ho_co Posted September 4, 2009 Share #4 Posted September 4, 2009 jr-- I have somewhat the same feeling. But we do need a full-frame M digital. Look at the benefits it will give those who bought new wideangle lenses just to cope with the M8's crop factor: Suddenly, those lenses will become super-wides. And if we don't want super-wides, they'll make great trade-ins toward other lenses or even toward the M9 itself. What about the price? Someone said 5500 euro. Isn't that only about 10% more than the M8.2? We'll probably at least get the 0.72x finder back. I'd rather see the 0.85x since digital needs more accuracy, but Leica is conservative and most people have been happy with the M8's focusing, so they'll probably just return to 0.72x. (And sell more VF magnifiers to boot. ) Since we're not seeing M8s keel over due to moisture, I still don't see the need for yet better sealing. LiveView? I can't imagine why one would want it on a rangefinder. Same with the added bulk of a pivoting display, which would only be of use with LiveView anyway. As for snazzy alterations to the frame lines, that would require changing the camera's shape and feel drastically, as well as demanding a much higher price. I don't think adding "in" features will add to the rangefinder's appeal, though you're right--I already know what I want, and Leica has always more than fulfilled that. As moo says, there's still a lot that can be done with the rangefinder system; and at the moment, the M9 as "nothing more than" an improved M8 may be just the ticket. I think Miguel's got the idea right. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bo_Lorentzen Posted September 4, 2009 Share #5 Posted September 4, 2009 Romance.... Well, a full frame digital M, with traditional rangefinder, viewfinder frames etc, not very many buttons. thats about what I was hoping for. already have a G1, and a host of slick digital cameras, just wanting a simple straight forward no bells photographic tool. . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
usccharles Posted September 4, 2009 Share #6 Posted September 4, 2009 the main reason i still keep my MP around is because it is full-frame. if a full frame digital M does come, i won't get rid of the MP, but i will guarantee i will be using it more as an ornamant than a camara. no frills no gimmics no tricks. just a full frame sensor that my M lenses can show its full potential. that is all i want. and with software these days to mimic film like tone and grain during post process, i really would have no need for film 99 percent of the time. just my opinion. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwelland Posted September 4, 2009 Share #7 Posted September 4, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Now that an M9 seems possible, it also seems like we're going to get a fairly mundane machine -- full frame, probably, and it may not require filters. But that seems like a threadbare minimum compared to what some were hoping for over the past few years. If the rumors are correct, there will be no Live View, no innovative frame lines, no focus confirm or in-body IS, no pivoting screen on the back, no additional weather sealing, or Leica-specific post-processing software to optimize image quality -- nothing that might attract the attention of a new generation of users. Sounds good to me. I'm trying to find the problem here. Better weather sealing sounds like a positive addition but the rest sounds like the recipe for a FrankenLeica IMHO. It appears that we are essentially going to get a FF M8, perhaps with a bit better ISO range and a critical flaw (IR vulnerability) corrected -- and that's the end of the story. Well if that's the end of the story then it's pretty much my upgrade list sorted. I personally was hoping for more, but it doesn't feel like it's coming...I'm now more intrigued by rumors of a second body than I am by the M9. JC Nothing wrong with that either. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Henri Klein Posted September 4, 2009 Share #8 Posted September 4, 2009 Just perfect! If everything is as it seems, the M9 could be a life partner. The romance just begin. 18 mpx, FF, good high iso, no filters, nice shutter, keeping it as a M camera. What else can I wish? The dream come true! I can't sleep... I love my M8 and It's been a pleasure to work with it. The M9 seems to improve in the M8 making my perfect camera. a digital cam is never a life partner. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted September 4, 2009 Share #9 Posted September 4, 2009 ...If the rumors are correct, there will be no Live View, no innovative frame lines, no focus confirm or in-body IS, no pivoting screen on the back, no additional weather sealing, or Leica-specific post-processing software to optimize image quality -- Hoorah...! And as for "romance"... it's a computer with a lens on the front - do you hug your laptop? "Romance" - God that puts my teeth on edge just to type it - if you want to think in those terms, is an all-mechanical M or Barnack where talent takes precedence over microchips. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocker Posted September 4, 2009 Share #10 Posted September 4, 2009 Hoorah...! And as for "romance"... it's a computer with a lens on the front - do you hug your laptop? "Romance" - God that puts my teeth on edge just to type it - if you want to think in those terms, is an all-mechanical M or Barnack where talent takes precedence over microchips. Regards, Bill Well said that man. I wonder if we are supposed to be "passionate" about all this as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted September 4, 2009 Share #11 Posted September 4, 2009 Now that an M9 seems possible, it also seems like we're going to get a fairly mundane machine -- full frame, probably, and it may not require filters. But that seems like a threadbare minimum compared to what some were hoping for over the past few years. If the rumors are correct, there will be no Live View, no innovative frame lines, no focus confirm or in-body IS, no pivoting screen on the back, no additional weather sealing, or Leica-specific post-processing software to optimize image quality -- nothing that might attract the attention of a new generation of users... New generations need to learn photography. An M9 w/o gadgets could be the perfect tool for that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MPJMP Posted September 4, 2009 Share #12 Posted September 4, 2009 It's a Leica M. It's supposed to be simple. The less electronic garbage the better (as much as this is possible on a digital camera!). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ljclark Posted September 4, 2009 Share #13 Posted September 4, 2009 Now that an M9 seems possible, it also seems like we're going to get a fairly mundane machine... I personally was hoping for more, but it doesn't feel like it's coming. JC Thank goodness. This past weekend I ran some tests with a new wide-angle zoom (Tokina 11-16, to replace Nikkor 12-24) on one of my D300s. Of course I had to check the calibration and fine tune the AF first. I got out to the Dulles Air & Space and couldn't figure out why it didn't AF at all. Then I remembered I reset the shooting mode from normal sports programming (AF at 1/2 shutter press) to the "artsy" (RAW files) mode where I use the AF button on the back instead. When I got the D300s I also downloaded the extensive Excel sheet from Nikonians that people use just to keep track of all the choices, most of which are there to support other choices -- a true self-licking ice cream cone. With the M8, on the other hand, I put on a lens, select ISO, and frame the shot. I twist this round thingy on the lens until the rectangular thingy in the viewfinder lines up with the rest of the viewfinder image. If I want to change the aperture I twist another round thingy on the lens. And there is that round thingy on the top of the camera for the shutter speeds. Then I press the shutter button. Life is simple. Back at the computer I deal with these DNG files that really don't need to be messed with very much. We'll soon find out if the M9 is a little more weather resistant. But if the M9 turns out to be the camera described in the leaked Japanese site -- and those upgrades are executed without a host of new glitches for Leica -- I think the M9 sounds just fine. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fotomiguel Posted September 4, 2009 Share #14 Posted September 4, 2009 a digital cam is never a life partner. I know, but it's just the way I like and I understand photography that I feel I won't need any upgrade else. In the future Robots will shoot and you will stay at home choosing images. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
leica007 Posted September 4, 2009 Share #15 Posted September 4, 2009 New generations need to learn photography. An M9 w/o gadgets could be the perfect tool for that. A very expensive route for a learner. You need to get an M9, if and only if, you already know how to take photos. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoppyman Posted September 4, 2009 Share #16 Posted September 4, 2009 Now that an M9 seems possible, it also seems like we're going to get a fairly mundane machine -- full frame, probably, and it may not require filters. But that seems like a threadbare minimum compared to what some were hoping for over the past few years. If the rumors are correct, there will be no Live View, no innovative frame lines, no focus confirm or in-body IS, no pivoting screen on the back, no additional weather sealing, or Leica-specific post-processing software to optimize image quality -- nothing that might attract the attention of a new generation of users. It appears that we are essentially going to get a FF M8, perhaps with a bit better ISO range and a critical flaw (IR vulnerability) corrected -- and that's the end of the story. I personally was hoping for more, but it doesn't feel like it's coming...I'm now more intrigued by rumors of a second body than I am by the M9. JC JC this all remains hypothetical at this point of course. Each person has their vision of what they would like this new camera to be and yours is valid for you. This M user considers that those changes, 24x36 sensor, internal IR solution (and better high ISO performance) IF they appear, are exactly what M users want. Those that like M cameras to work the way they do now. Personally I do not want Live View, innovative frame lines, focus confirm or in-body IS, pivoting screen on the back, additional weather sealing, in my next M. (Complexity, reliability, form factor, cost, irrelevancy). I expect that it will be a refined M8 which right now is a superb rangefinder camera. You can find those things in a dSLR, I'm sure. That is not to disrespect your views, only offer another viewpoint. On Leica specific post-processing software I suggest that bundling of LightRoom would be no bad thing. Those that want can purchase other converter programmes as now. LR is enormously popular and useful. For those with C1 (all M8 owners in that group) now there ought to be an update for any new camera standard. One aspect to consider is that Adobe have recently revised the DNG standard. One of the aspects of that appears not well known yet, is that the new standard allows for in camera corrections (for example vignette correction) to be recorded in the EXIF and perhaps optionally altered in the post processing. That potentially has great significance (where the camera makers implement it). Imagine being able for example to alter the corrections applied for specific wide angle lenses. Can you see some possibilities there? Think coding as well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lct Posted September 4, 2009 Share #17 Posted September 4, 2009 A very expensive route for a learner.You need to get an M9, if and only if, you already know how to take photos. I meant rich learners of course otherwise a mere Bessa is a very good tool indeed. Seriously i was not rich at all when i bought my first Leica, a superb M4. Lovers don't count do they. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertknappmd Posted September 4, 2009 Share #18 Posted September 4, 2009 If the M9 does indeed have the said specs, then the Romance is just beginning IMHO... The RF is supposed to be stealthy and simple....:) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pleeson Posted September 4, 2009 Share #19 Posted September 4, 2009 All these discussions remind me of a group of young children on Dec 24th. Patience is a virtue Possess it if you can Seldom in a woman Never in a man ;-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtZ Posted September 4, 2009 Share #20 Posted September 4, 2009 All these discussions remind me of a group of young children on Dec 24th. Patience is a virtue Possess it if you can Seldom in a woman Never in a man ;-) African children? Indian children? Asian children?... or just spoiled American and European children? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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