Any interest in a new Leica M film camera?

[kevin m]

Would anyone besides me be interested in a new Leica M film body? I'd love it if they offered a replacement for the M7 that had the shutter from the M8. The faster top speeds and 1/250th flash sync would more than compensate for the slightly louder shutter noise, to me.

Leica could keep making the MP for the traditionalists, and modernize the M7 to make it a better professional tool.

I have half a feeling they'll be dropping the M7 entirely, though, and putting all their eggs into the M8 basket, so to speak. 🙁

 

[Harry Lime]

I would be interested in a mechanical, metered M body with framelines that are exactly identical to what is found in an M4. Same set and EXACTLY the same size.

HL

 

[FrankS]

I'm thinking leica will stick with the MP and M7 via a la carte program, and the M8, updating the M8 as they can. If leica could build a hybred shutter like the Nikon FM3a, that's the only improvement I can envision. Then the MP and M7 models could meld into one. It's not like they are going to build an auto focus M film camera.

 

[back alley]

Would anyone besides me be interested in a new Leica M film body? I'd love it if they offered a replacement for the M7 that had the shutter from the M8. The faster top speeds and 1/250th flash sync would more than compensate for the slightly louder shutter noise, to me.

Leica could keep making the MP for the traditionalists, and modernize the M7 to make it a better professional tool.

I have half a feeling they'll be dropping the M7 entirely, though, and putting all their eggs into the M8 basket, so to speak. 🙁

it's already here and it's called the zeiss ikon 😉

joe

 

[kevin m]

The Ikon comes close, but the flash sync is only 1/125th, right?

And why no self-timer?! :bang:

 

[mfunnell]

Perhaps they could put in automatic film loading, advance and re-wind? And a little window on the back, so you can see what film is loaded. No, if that were possible, then surely someone would have done it 😀

...Mike

 

[kevin m]

Perhaps they could put in automatic film loading, advance and re-wind? And a little window on the back, so you can see what film is loaded. No, if that were possible, then surely someone would have done it

Funny, Mike! I own a Hexar RF, too. The best all-purpose M body ever. 😱 But after calling Sony 'service' a week ago, I'm a bit worried about long-term servicability issues.

 

[raid]

The body should be as good as the M3. I suggest an adaptive viewfinder to multi- focal lengths with built-in automatic multi-spotmeter, as in a Canon T90. Then, I would have my perfect camera!


Raid

 

[x-ray]

it's already here and it's called the zeiss ikon 😉

joe

Exactly what I was going to say. I just purchased one and have 5 M's but the ZI has quickly grown to be one of my favorites. The ony thing you mentioned is the 1/250 vs the ZI 1/125 sync.

 

[mfunnell]

But after calling Sony 'service' a week ago, I'm a bit worried about long-term servicability issues.

I got a good price in an e-bay auction, so I have a spare layed away for a rainy day. Its in slightly worse condition than "mine", but fully functional. Beyond that, its in the lap of the gremlins what afflict electrical things. Plus I have an M3 to fall back on (and for other reasons).

...Mike

 

[Trius]

I was going to say the baseline and framelines of the ZI, with multi-spot metering a la OM-4t, and mechanical so that if the battery goes I can keep shooting until I have time to pop in a new battery. Add built-in viewfinder magnifier that can be switched in.

 

[kevin m]

...but the ZI has quickly grown to be one of my favorites.

No kidding? 😕

Must be a good camera, then... ( I have yet to be seriously tempted by a Bessa body)

...is it mainly the viewfinder?

 

[back alley]

it is not a bessa body.

 

[LADP]

I would be interested in a mechanical, metered M body with framelines that are exactly identical to what is found in an M4. Same set and EXACTLY the same size.

HL

Agreed, and I would like the preview and rewind levers to be machined all metal (like M2 & M3). I would also like it to have the old style lift up rewind knob instead of the newer angled crank rewind. No red dot, and no engraving on the front of the body please. For giggles, make it a double stroke.

 

[egpj]

No kidding? 😕

Must be a good camera, then... ( I have yet to be seriously tempted by a Bessa body)

...is it mainly the viewfinder?

ROFL.......:angel: 😀

 

[back alley]

whatyoulaughingat?

 

[kevin m]

...it is not a bessa body.

I wasn't implying that it is. I've owned a few M's and the Hexar RF and like them both, but the Bessa bodies, despite some attractive features, aren't up to the build quality of either the Leica or the Konica. Too tinny. Too loud. (I'm talking about the R's and R2's. I have yet to try the R3s)

If the Ikon has a better build quality than the Bessas, then it's a real temptation.

 

[egpj]

whatyoulaughingat?

A new Bessa - $700

A new Zeiss Ikon - $1300

A new Leica M - $2800

His comment and your response - Priceless!

 

[Trius]

kevin: joe's short response was to point out, as I'm sure you're aware, that while the ZI is built by Cosina, it is a Zeiss design, with Zeiss engineering, a Zeiss-supervised manufacturing/assembly process and Zeiss QC. So, it's not a Bessa; if it were, it would say "Zeiss Ikon Bessa" on it, or some such.

The OM 2000 or PC (can't recall which) was made by Cosina, as were some other models from major brands, and from everything I've read by people I respect, Cosina's bodies have gotten better and better over the years, and my impression is that the ZI is the best they've ever produced. (It will be interesting to see what the R4a/m is ike.)

So yeah, I think a temptation to try the ZI is quite justified and understandable. The viewfinder, baselength and framelines are really, really attractive to me.

 

[ZeissFan]

Actually ... a new Leica MP starts at $3,995 and a new M7 starts at $3,495. Considerable amounts of money. Excellent cameras, yes, but certainly at a price.

Any experience with the Bessa does not apply to the Zeiss Ikon. Different body, modified electronic Copal shutter, different viewfinder and rangefinder system, different body shell and covering. Once again, it's not a Bessa. Cosina was the contract manufacturer that built the body to Zeiss specifications.