Screen-less fantasy M9 project, comments are welcome and appreciated!

Tung

When I first saw this thread about LCD less M Leicas I went right past it on the here we go again basis. I am glad I decided to check it out and I find your round 3 concept very interesting. I would not own a digicam with out a means to view a histogram and also the blown highlights blinkies. I agree totally with the pointed comments people have made about the folly of ignoring some really good tech improvements. I would even go as far as removing the RF mechanism entirely and focus via the EVF. When you focus the EVF would enlarge the central portion of the display to allow precise focus much like can be done with live view on an LCD. I know that concept won't fly for Leica or Leicaphiles but I hope some other manufacturer that is not so hide bound will eventually come out with something similar. Anyway some neat concepts you have drawn up.

Bob
 
I certainly applaud this effort too. Very nice ideas, sketches and drawings.

I agree that M9 or M8 would look slimmer and more attactive without the LCD on the back.

What about an external LCD that can be attached by a cable or port when needed (just like an ipad)? Well I know it sounds not so practical but you can even produce some big LCD for more details.
 
Can someone please explain why they absolutely require a histogram?
For me, part of the excitement of shooting film is seeing what u get in development. It's like a surprise and a gift. I just think applying this feeling to digital is cool, no matter how backwards it might seem.
 
2WK said:
Can someone please explain why they absolutely require a histogram?
For me, part of the excitement of shooting film is seeing what u get in development. It's like a surprise and a gift. I just think applying this feeling to digital is cool, no matter how backwards it might seem.
Click to expand...

Having an histogram is a very useful feature, especial with digital, but not mandatory.
When I learn the meter and exposure of a new camera (for example, when adding a digital M to the film M), I spent a lot of time with reading the camera's histogram and adjusting my metering habits.

When I shot mainly the R-D1 back then, I "fine tuned" my metering habits and exposure settings with the help of the histogram.

Having a good histogram display is a great help.
 
Great drawings, concept, CAD, etc. I like the idea of projects like this...you never know who's looking and it's a great excersize in creativity!

What CAD software do you use? I love the details you put into your model...
 
… ok, we beat that horse already.

The beauty about a missing LCD is not, that one can feel primarily old times back as with shooting film, but that the darn chubby Leica digitals go back to gym and simply loose fat ;-)

It's like those learner wheels on bicycles - sure are they helpful, should one forget how to ride the thing, but do we all leave them on, as they are so practical ?

It's not about taking away precious LCDs (big achievement in photographic development, really), but about creating a truly simple camera, back to the essentials. A LCD is not essential.

If there even would be a reasonable technical solution, to shoot 36 exposures with a battery less digital M by charging the sensor by rewind cranking the equivalent of rewinding one 135 roll of film and advancing the shutter mechanically, I would run to the shops and buy one, probably even at the grand price of a M9Ti.
 
@ 2WK: Thanks, yep, I hear you. Less is more :)


@Luuca: Thanks, I'd put my name down for one, too, if "they" are making it :)

@Bob: Thanks for your comments and kind words. I personally would love to keep the range finder mechanism, though. It makes me feel that I am connected to my camera.

@menos: Hey, round 3 was mostly based on your idea :)

@Harry: Thanks, I am glad that someone was able to recognize the drawing, lol.

@Jarno: :)

@LeicaFoReVer: Yep, the idea of external screen was on round one drawing, not my favorite solution, but it's a good plan B :)

@menos & 2WK: We might not need histogram if the in-viewfinder-playback is decent enough? I am not so sure about it...
 
@Patrick: Thanks, Maybe I'll receive a 5% off coupon from Leica if they are making this model, lol. I use MAYA for these 3D renderings.
 
I just feel like if you are going this far, go all the way and get rid of any sort of playback what-so-ever. Plus, I would imagine that it is no simple feat to simply put a lcd in the viewfinder that doesn't interfere with the rangefinder, or the brightness of the actual viewfinder itself. Not to mention the cost and development of doing this. It's like....."Oh why doesn't it just pop a little hologram of the picture playback 5 inches above the camera."
 
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When I first read the title of this thread a few days ago, I thought it would never interest me. But Tung, you have won me over. This is a really elegant design! Well done.
 
Thanks for your kind words, Zak. :)


Okay, the screen less design still needs a lot of refinements, but I am out of ideas at this point. Instead of pulling my hairs and losing sleep for the solutions, I decided to move on to other silly digicam projects, and here's a quick preview.
As always, for entertainment purpose only :D Silly/impossible ideas are welcome. I will start a new thread somewhere else when I decide which one to do.

Impossible.jpg

I forgot to draw a Nikon F3-D...
 
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2WK said:
Can someone please explain why they absolutely require a histogram?
For me, part of the excitement of shooting film is seeing what u get in development. It's like a surprise and a gift. I just think applying this feeling to digital is cool, no matter how backwards it might seem.
Click to expand...

For others among us, part of the excitement of photography is knowing it's in the bag: that something close to what we visualized is recorded. That's why we used to spend a fortune on Polaroid backs and Polaroid film. Especially if we were professionals.

I've no doubt there are some who relish uncertainty. So why not buy a Holga? Why bother with a Leica?

Cheers,

R.
 
Roger Hicks said:
I've no doubt there are some who relish uncertainty. So why not buy a Holga? Why bother with a Leica?

Cheers,

R.
Click to expand...

I use a leica m for the lens', simplicity and portability. I wouldn't want to haul anything that requires a polaroid back to shoot on the street, or anywhere else but a studio.

I could easily ask why you bother with a leica, instead of a d3x. A histogram doesn't help much for that ol "decisive moment".
 
I'll take the digital Rollei!

Seriously, seeing this stuff that you can do (the drawings) really makes me want to be an ID guy :)
 
Tung: Awesome thread! :)

BTW, Ill take that Digital Rolleiflex! I was going to propose one actually. That is my digital "holy grail". The camera _I_ would pay any amount of money for.
 
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