How Long Until The M9?

Kevin
Count me on that list
I used M6 up until I moved over to Canon 5D
Now I'm using Canon 1D Mk3 but am talking to Nikon
I purchased an M8 about 18 months ago and many of the personal pictures on my blog were taken using the camera.
Personally I would love an M9. I'm also considering buying some Zeiss glass for my old 5D

www.markseymour.co.uk

http://markseymour.typepad.com/my_weblog/


Hey, Mark...

Noticed you are new and I would like to welcome you to RFF! Lot of good people here.

Also, looked over your website and your work is impressive!:cool:

Looking forward to more of your posts.
 
A new Interview of Dr. K. in LFI 01/2009
http://www.lfi-online.com/ceemes/page/show/issue_1_09_4
base.php


LFI: Just to be clear: the development of an heir to the R will not lead to the redundancy of the digital M?

Kaufmann: On the contrary. The M system has yet a lot to offer and we’re bound to see it evolve. There will probably always be the classic Leica M, just like there will always be millions of classic Leica M lenses circulating in the world of photography. However, we’re also thinking about what else we can do with elements of the Leica M, particularly its bayonet.
Continue reading in the current print issue
 
Gang sign? It's a secret hand signal indicating to other Leica initiates that you are being assaulted by Canon 5D owners and need immediate help!
 
I have seen teenagers use the "L" sign, normally holding it in front of the forehead. It does not mean leica, but seems to mean something akin to "parent".
 
The M system has yet a lot to offer and we’re bound to see it evolve. There will probably always be the classic Leica M, just like there will always be millions of classic Leica M lenses circulating in the world of photography. However, we’re also thinking about what else we can do with elements of the Leica M, particularly its bayonet.

That's the most hopeful statement they've made yet, as they seem to realize the current M8 is a less-than-ideal digital platform. It would be nice if the best lenses in the world had at least a nearly equal body on which to use them.
 
Ummm.. What Japanese rigs? The other companies are carefully staying out of the DRF niche - is that because there is no money to be made or is that because there is no way they can come up with a competetive camera? I would be happy if you could provide a transcript of a Canon board room discussio on the subject.

This is absolutely right. There is nothing Canon cant do that Leica cant do. The limits of the M8 lies in the RFF design. Full Frame, and all that, is far easier to design for a D-SLR.

I foresee a new M9 at around 2010. I guess that it will not be (completely) Full Frame. While it will have close to twice as much pixels and a f-stop or two better High ISO/Low Noice, - hopefully better. It will have a larger LCD and faster and larger file handling computer. And, hopefully a system for cleaning the sensor and adjusting back and front focusing with certain lenses.
 
For what it's worth, I don't believe Leica should be striving to develop a full-frame sensor for the next M generation. A rangefinder was never meant to be best in class from a resolution perspective...even in the beginning. The development of the 35mm format and cameras that used that film were intended to be portable bringing new opportunities to photographers that were once impossible.

IMHO, Leica should be looking at the Micro 4/3rds format. That's a concept that better aligns with what most want from their Rangefinders (small size, good resolution, interchangeable lense system). The format also eliminates the shutter issue and would provide noiseless actuations...perfect for reportage and street shooting. Not to mention, the technology is open and should be something that could be made without huge R&D from Leica at a price point that is reasonable.
 
Yup, they already have an adapter for M mount lenses for the new Panasonic. The camera is getting very good reviews. Several have commented how it exceeded their expectations. Imagine how good a camera of that ilk could be with good glass, no shutter vibration, in-body vibration reduction, and good high ISO performance. It seems to me the Micro 4/3rds format would be ideally suited to the M series.

The one drawback of the smaller sensor would be the crop factor. I believe it's closer to 1.6 - 2.0x. That's really my only reservation. But, then again, getting some additional distance from my glass wouldn't be that bad for stealth shooting. I guess there always some trade-offs.
 
Yep, it's 2x. Which, if you ask me, is pretty harsh and why I personally - and quickly - dismissed the 4/3rds format for my own use.

Well, if Leica is smarter about it than Canon and Nikon have been, and introduces fast, prime lenses to cover the wide angle end, I'd go for one. Something in the 17-18mm range, no slower than f2.0, please.:D
 
...that kind of puts a crimp on the plan to use your existing (M or 4/3) lenses.

Well it makes for some exciting telephoto possibilities. Your Noctilux would be the worlds only 100mm f1.0 lens. :D
 
They're good stoves, Olsen! We bought it four years ago when the exchange rate was favorable and it was still expensive, but worth every penny, I think. It's easy to use, easy to clean, and reliable.

All the wood in our woodshed was felled with a Husqvarna chainsaw, and the Volvo is Swedish, too, so I guess we have a few Scandinavian imports. :D

3123563526_a416d0f66f.jpg
 
Do you think so? Well, read this:http://web.mac.com/kamberm/Leica_M8_Field_Test,_Iraq/Page_1.html
And don't think that this test only counts in war conditions. I worked with it for two years in more normal professional situations, and I can endorse the conclusion totally. The M8 is a total failure. Professionally not usable in most situations. Far, far behind other camera's. If Leica will not come up with a M9 soon, they will place themselves out of the market. Greetings, Blondie.



HTML:
[QUOTE="jaapv, post: 943654, member: 4125"]
Let's get on taking phtographs, shall we? The M8 has been doing that quite satisfactory for the last two years and will carry on doing so for a long,long, time....
 
Back
Top Bottom