Could a full frame sensor be retrofiited to the DMR?

[Vickko]

Could a full frame sensor be retrofiited to the Leica DMR?

Okay, sure, that's only the first step. What firmware to run would also need to get worked out.

But, could it be done?

Vick

 

[Rob-F]

I suspect the devil is in the details, here. Doesn't the sensor have to fit right up against the film rails, in order to maintain the proper flange to image plane distance? I don't know how much room is needed around the edges of a sensor, for electrical connections or mechanical considerations. The only real "no-go" that I can imagine would be a lack of physical room. Apart from that, there are plenty of full-size sensors around; and surely there are people who can deal with the electronics. So I think it's mostly about getting the sensor to fit.

Me, I'm thinking of getting the Leica R to Nikon rear lens flanges, and just shooting my Leica R glass on my Nikons, both film and digital.

 

[rxmd]

Could a full frame sensor be retrofiited to the Leica DMR?

Okay, sure, that's only the first step. What firmware to run would also need to get worked out.

But, could it be done?

In short: no.

Instead of ripping out the old small sensor and gluing in a new one on top of it, you'd have to design a whole new digital back. It will take a lot of resources in terms of know-how, manpower and material expenses. It could be done (in the sense that there aren't really any technical hurdles that are absolutely impossible to overcome if you're willing to take a grinder to your camera body), but for most of us that's only a theoretical possibility and will firmly remain so for the foreseeable future.