semilog
curmudgeonly optimist
In the absence of data, I'm not sure about anything. YMMV.
Why all the Leica bashing lately?
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In the absence of data, I'm not sure about anything. YMMV.
semilog
curmudgeonly optimist
Um, because we're "enthusiasts?"
I can assure you that without emotion, the Leica M would have ceased production a long time ago.
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semilog
curmudgeonly optimist
In an amazing time warp, key aspects of that functionality "filtered down" to the Ricoh GR-1 over a decade before the M9Ti was first revealed. Oh well. I suppose you could say that LEDs in a camera finder are still a pretty neat idea.
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goamules
Well-known
I agree. Your post is the most interesting part of this thread, which I just scanned until I started perceiving the same thing you mention....Going back inside.
Frankie
Speaking Frankly
The M9/T says "let them eat cake" to a customer base longing for leadership in a post-film M8/9 world.
The X100 says "promise land".
The effects are predictable...but no doubt someone will give me a lecture in pedantry.
The X100 says "promise land".
The effects are predictable...but no doubt someone will give me a lecture in pedantry.
semilog
curmudgeonly optimist
Seriously, folks. Click the link above if you haven't.
Who needs to bash Leica when they do something like this to themselves? I give up.
Mister E
Well-known
Leica hasn't made a good camera since at least the M5. I'm not sure why people are just now getting angry?!
semilog
curmudgeonly optimist
Agent provocateur!
Sonnar Brian
Established
The M9ti uses a light emitting diode to illuminate the framelines. After 53 years, they have surpassed Nikon's rangefinder technology which used a small lamp to illuminate the framelines.
In 1954 Leica introduced the M3 which made Nikon and all of the other companies go back to the drawing board for redesigning viewfinders using projected framelines with parallax correction that support multiple focal lengths. Now, in 2010, Fuji has come out with an electronic version of it, and it would be a real improvement over the M3 design in terms of supporting more focal lengths with better parallax correction and show actual field of view. I suspect Leica will be adopting the hybrid VF design in future M series cameras.
In 1954 Leica introduced the M3 which made Nikon and all of the other companies go back to the drawing board for redesigning viewfinders using projected framelines with parallax correction that support multiple focal lengths. Now, in 2010, Fuji has come out with an electronic version of it, and it would be a real improvement over the M3 design in terms of supporting more focal lengths with better parallax correction and show actual field of view. I suspect Leica will be adopting the hybrid VF design in future M series cameras.
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Nokton48
Veteran
Hey Bob,
The M5 has a small but highly devoted group of shooters here, some of whom feel it was their ultimate Wetzlar design. I'm one of them, it's my favorite user hands down.
If Leitz suddenly introduced the "M9CL" for two-three grand, do you think that would affect their M9 sales? Of course it would. But they won't be doing that, they learned the hard way from their marketing lesson.
The 35mm motorized whiz-bang SLR also helped to contribute to the dismal sales of the M5. It was a different time in history.
Just ask Sherry Krauter and you'll get an earful.
PKR
Veteran
I think the problem may be that there is handwriting on the wall.. and it says X100. It's not just Fuji.. it looks like there will be followers.
Some one brought up Ferraris.. beautiful cars. Do you remember when the Ford Cobra beat Ferrari .. 1964 or so. A car that cost 1/10 the price of a Ferrari (please correct me on this). Things change.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/the-cobra-ferrari-wars/
Some one brought up Ferraris.. beautiful cars. Do you remember when the Ford Cobra beat Ferrari .. 1964 or so. A car that cost 1/10 the price of a Ferrari (please correct me on this). Things change.
http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/the-cobra-ferrari-wars/
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The M9Ti is not marketed for people who frequent this forum. Who cares? I won't buy it, but I wouldn't buy an M9 either. Everything is relative, isn't it?
Now, if I were Leica, I might create a concept show camera, similar to what automobile companies do. But if they can sell 500 at $26k a pop, more power to them. I'm a capitalist, I like to see people making money. It helps create new products and helps keep people employed...among many other positives.
Now, if I were Leica, I might create a concept show camera, similar to what automobile companies do. But if they can sell 500 at $26k a pop, more power to them. I'm a capitalist, I like to see people making money. It helps create new products and helps keep people employed...among many other positives.
Frankie
Speaking Frankly
If you shine a flash light onto the frosted window, the framelines in view light up.
Flat LED in red, green, blue, white, yellow... are available on eBay for ~35 cents each. Most sellers offer them by the '100's
Just find a mounting spot inside and wire it up. The 3.3v power requirement even complies with most digital camera batteries.
DNG
Film Friendly
I did....
And 60 camera's sold to China is nothing with a multi-billion dollar government budget. That's like a US Senator tacking on a $5m bill for a local state project (Pork).
I'm sure any company will produce a custom camera (Like for NASA) with a contract to pay for the RD and production cost.
I like Leica, can't afford selling and buying Leica gear on a whim, But, Leica does have to find different markets for it products (Like any business). The M9/Ti is just a high end M9 for the few that collect, and maybe even us it.
Leica does not do new innovation every year. but, they are getting better at introducing products more often. Panasonic has had a huge help in this respect for the more affordable cameras.
While the Cameras Leica is known for take a bit longer to update or replace. This keeps a better cash flow all year round, which is a good thing.
I do hope Leica is in the RD stage for a X1 replacement with a similar to X100 VF as a competitor. And, they can use a classic M3 Leica body as a shell... How cool....
Leica DM3 with a 23mm/2 Summicron, Fixed Lens, O/EVF, 14mp APS-C Sells for $2500.00,
Or with a 17mm/35mm Bi-Summicron (28 or 50mm FOV) for $3500.00
Well, It Could happen !!! maybe.
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Sonnar Brian
Established
I converted my DL-1 Illuminator for the DP-1 and DP-11 to use an LED about 20 years ago. I used two 1.5v button batteries, enough voltage for it.
I saw a 2-month old X-1 up in the classified ads in another forum for $1700. I truly hope Leica comes out with an "X-2" that incorporates a built in optical viewfinder, and adopts this technology to provide true improvements in their M viewfinders, rather than just using an LED to light up the framelines.
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True.
But who cares about illuminating framelines that aren't really all that accurate anyway. 😉
Sonnar Brian
Established
Well- the 90mm framelines on my M8 are perfect for the Nikkor 10.5cm F2.5. And the 75mm framelines are perfect for the Nikkor 8.5cm F2. "worked out for me".
I can't help it if everyone else is using the wrong lenses.
I can't help it if everyone else is using the wrong lenses.
At what distance? 🙂
PKR
Veteran
3.5V or so at 20ma or a bit more depending on the unit (output) for white. Reds/green come in 2.2V or so at 20ma. I think it's a doable modification.
How much room is in there ? Some need a current limiting resistor.
Sonnar Brian
Established
4ft works for me.
Nikkor 10.5cm F2.5, wide-open on the M8 using 90mm framelines. Use inner border of the lines.
Nikkor 8.5cm F2, wide-open, using 75mm framelines. Again- use inner border.
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