Digital back for M Leica

[Ron (Netherlands)]

With some technicians I am currently making a study on whether it would be feasible to develop an interchangeable digital back for the different models of the M-camera (M1, 2, 3, 4, 4-2, 4-P, 6, 7 and MP). As part of this feasibility study we would like to know whether there would be interest in buying such a digital back for your M. That’s why we set up this poll.
In order to make the results of the poll more interesting we set the price for the digital back for the time being at USD 900. In order to make it possible to produce such a back at ‘low’ cost, we would first make use of existing and somewhat outdated technique – comparable or a bit better than what you can find in the R-D1. So you would end up with an M3 or MP shooting 6 or 8 megapixel digital shots for about USD 900.

 

[Paul T.]

And the crop factor?

Personally, for a crop factor of 1.5 I would buy another Epson, for 1.3 I could well press the button, as long as ergonomics were reasonably practical...

 

[Merkin]

I think people would be more willing to pay considerably more for a full frame sensor, even if it is only a 10 or so megapixel full frame sensor.

 

[Time Freeze]

To me I like to use my M2 because it doesn't have any electronics. The simplicity of the camera is what makes it a joy to use. My vote is NO but for none of the reasons given. John

 

[ocean7]

I would definitely be interested at FF or max 1.3x crop factor. 8 megapixels is enough for me. Even if that was a b/w only sensor that would be interesting.

 

[payasam]

Price too high, unless sensor is 36 by 24.

 

[dave lackey]

You probably need to add one more category as in "H**l no!"😕

One of the true charms of Leica M bodies is the film camera experience itself! Why digital? What is wrong with film? Digital cameras are a dime a dozen these days but there is only one Leica film camera experience and it gives different results to boot. Now, where is that Rodinal? Oh, there it is...

Now, back OT...I am sure there are others here with no interest in digital. I use both film and digital cameras professionally, but would not have bought the M3 if it were digital.

So, IMHO, h**l, no.:angel:

 

[Fred Burton]

A digital back for a film M is simply not practical.

 

[BTMarcais]

Since I don't have an epson, or an m8, but DO have an M3...even at the 1.5 crop I'd at least be interested, assuming ergonomics are decent.

If I already had the R-D1/M8x, my answer might be different...but those owners probably aren't as likely to need this option anyway.

 

[BTMarcais]

(having said that...I still prefer film.)

 

[splitimageview]

The key will be the crop factor. What size sensor will it be? Same size as RD-1?

 

[rogue_designer]

to have a digital "film" option for the M cameras, would be interesting to say the least. Especially if it was something that could be relatively quickly installed and removed. To allow for shooting with either medium, depending on need and preference.

For me, pricing it under a grand, works well - and I would probably pay more if it could be swapped between bodies and had a minimal crop factor. Having the digital option separate from the camera body is ideal for the way I work. I love that I can use rollfilm with my medium formats, but have the option to integrate a digital back.

 

[eleskin]

I vote yes!!!!

I vote yes!!!!

Why shouid a Leica M be any different from a Mamiya or any other pro camera that has interchangable backs? Leica M's are pro cameras with pro lenses that need pro options. For the price we pay for lenses and cameras with the little red dot, we should have any option we want based on what the individual needs are. Technology is advancing at a blinding pace, and to rule out a digital back because of what may or may not be possible today is foolish. I vote yes for a digital back. I have an M6 and an M4-2 gathering dust since I bought my M8, and I like the idea the only thing I would have to update every few years would be the back. None of this stuff with the M8 and these crazy upgrade plans and continiously ripping apart cameras because we want them to be like a classic M in sound and spirit. For a long time (1996-2006) my M's were gathering dust when I moved to medium format SLR's and rangefinders. 35mm was not giving me the options medium format was with tonal quality and resolution. Digital has closed the gap significantly. I always wanted to return to the rangefinder due to its unique design and size, but could not because I wanted medium format quality in a leica M. The M8 made my dream possible, but it has its problems, and I always liked my M6 better in terms of its timeless build quality (mechanical). I feel we will see a back because the time is right (would cost less than an M8 and would recycle many used cameras from days past, a good strategy in these very tougth economic times).

 

[Fred Burton]

The sensor, the electronics, the battery, the memory card, would all have to live in the back. It would make the camera significantly thicker. Would there really a market for such a thing? How would it be triggered?

 

[Nikon Bob]

I might have been but a Nikon D700 fills my digital needs nicely. OTH an easily installed digital back for M bodies would allow me to have the joy of using a classic RF body and still be digital. My only concern would be for FF with performance similar to the D700. I am afraid that that would be too tall an order considering price point and from what others have said the technical ability to do FF on an RF.

Bob

 

[rogue_designer]

The sensor, the electronics, the battery, the memory card, would all have to live in the back. It would make the camera significantly thicker. Would there really a market for such a thing? How would it be triggered?

The whole thing could be built into a removable base, maybe a bit deeper - ala the leicavit. Batteries could be fitted into the film area. SD cards are thin. Swap out the swinging back for a slightly thicker LCD? who knows.

Trigger off the flash sync, same as for medium format digitals that don't have dedicated bodies.

I think it's feasible. Tho I admit, I am no engineer.

 

[jmarcus]

For those of you people who are saying no, interest doesn't mean purchase. I'm surprised at some of the responses here. It is my dream to have a digital version of an MP. Think don't chimp. As long as the quality was equal to or better then an R-D1 and the ergonomics are pretty good I would say there is a 90% of me investing money in this type of solution. Depending on the size of the sensor maybe even twice the suggested price.

James

 

[CraigK]

I'm holding out for a film back I could slap on the new 5D MkII

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

If this became available for the M2, and it did not require permanent modification (ie., built into the base), and it was under $1000, even with APS-C, I would buy it.

 

[Sparrow]

I would buy at least one, more if it worked well