Leica teases "Mini M"

[YYV_146]

Judging my the line up of cameras Mini coming between an APS-C camera labelled Micro and the full-frame M I think APS-H/1.3 crop sensor would be a good bet.

The inclusion of two non-interchangeable cameras could suggest it will be fixed lens, however I reckon it will be M mount.

M would suggest Messsucher, however once again the inclusion of two cameras without rangefinders also referred to a 'M' makes me think not.

My best guess: 1.3 crop factor CMOS M-mount camera with EVF. Priced about 2/3 the price of the M.

...And why anybody would buy such a body at $4000 is beyond me. Sony and Fujifilm have been pushing EVILs for the better part of a decade, their current flagships are only about $1200 or so. The rangefinder experience is gone, I assume that's why most people spend so much for digital m bodies.

 

[TennesseJones]

This makes sense!

Why not an M-mount, full frame, focus peaking EVF finder? It could be a LOT cheaper than an M240 (much easier and therefore cheaper to assemble) and a perfect second body/back-up for M-digi users: I'd probably buy one. That's quite apart from those who might want the best mirrorless camera on the market. Sure it wouldn't be cheap but why would Leica want to make a cheap camera?


Cheers,

R.

 

[jsrockit]

The rangefinder experience is gone, I assume that's why most people spend so much for digital m bodies.

I've always used Leicas because of the rangefinder, but many people seem to use them because Leica M lenses fit on them. Seems to be two camps... people who buy Leica for the lenses and people who buy because it's a great RF camera.

 

[Particular]

Here's the thing - while it may be a Leica camera (i.e. pure Leica and not a rebadged Panasonic) - as usual, how would Leica be able to meet demand. They can't even meet the demand for the M240 currently and they're going to release an all new, only theirs, Mini-M? I can already hear people complaining now about the low production numbers.. not just for this new model but for the current ones as well.

Cheers,
Dave

http://leicarumors.com/2012/06/09/leitz-park-in-wetzlar.aspx/

They will meet demand in their new factory. It makes sense for them to develop products to reach a wider market. This will end up being much more profitable to them than selling rebadges.

 

[back alley]

maybe an updated m9...clean, simple...a full frame m without the 'newness' of the 240...

 

[pdexposures]

maybe an updated m9...clean, simple...a full frame m without the 'newness' of the 240...

Oh so an M-E? 😀

 

[Roger Hicks]

I've always used Leicas because of the rangefinder, but many people seem to use them because Leica M lenses fit on them. Seems to be two camps... people who buy Leica for the lenses and people who buy because it's a great RF camera.

The two are not mutually exclusive. I started using Ms because I like them more than screw-mount, but that was around 40 years ago. Between us, my wife and I now have a LOT of Leica and Leica-fit lenses: 15, 18, 21 (x2), 28, 35 (x2), 50 (x several), 75, 90 (x3), 135. So yes, I have a strong incentive to buy FF cameras with an M mount, especially as a back-up/spare for the M9.

Those who don't care whether they have an RF or not (i.e. can put up with EVF/focus peaking) will have access to a massive range of lenses including many uncoupled that were until recently all but worthless. THEN they can stick an adapter on the front -- I have Nikon F to Leica M, for example -- and then use all kinds of other glass. I'd like to try my 135/1.8 Porst (Pentax screw) on a full frame digicam. And maybe my 600/8 Solid Cat (Nikon mount). And...

Cheers,

R.

 

[back alley]

Oh so an M-E? 😀

or something like it...:bang:

 

[FA Limited]

i really don't see it as an EVF only FF camera. they are selling out all of their existing M Type 240s at this point with lineups years long, why would they bother making a similar device for much cheaper cutting their margins.

 

[Roger Hicks]

i really don't see it as an EVF only FF camera. they are selling out all of their existing M Type 240s at this point with lineups years long, why would they bother making a similar device for much cheaper cutting their margins.

(1) Bigger factory & more production capacity = new products a good idea.

(2) Greatly increases market as backup for M.

(3) People who want 'real' Ms will still buy them, but many who aren't after RF cameras will also buy them.

(4) Sells lots of expensive Leica lenses.

Think of it as a digital M1 with a free finder on the back. And remember that "much" cheaper still ain't gonna be cheap.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

While brainstorming this concept, consider stripping out the whole video mode, too.

Bloody good idea!

The thing is, I know no more about this fantasy camera than anyone else here: my speculations are equally wild. Like many others, too, I know what I'd like. Unlike many others, I know a bit about the camera industry generally.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Exdsc]

Any product that starts with the prefix Mini automatically indicates to the customer that its no good compared to its bigger brother.

Apple used nano (smart), other companies use numbers, for example Nex-6 Nex-7...

Mini, MM, M 240... leica needs to hire a naming consultant... and pay him $1000 a day. lol

 

[Rodchenko]

Oi! The Mini Cooper was the Best Car Ever.

 

[splitimageview]

There are already more posts in this thread in a few hours than Ms in the field in a few months. 🙂 It's not that Leica can't produce Ms fast enough because of huge demand; in actuality the demand is quite small, and they keep production in high-price-labor Germany so they can keep close tabs on the quality control, to avoid manufacturing defects such as loose strap lugs. Oh, wait...

 

[Kwesi]

(1) Bigger factory & more production capacity = new products a good idea.

(2) Greatly increases market as backup for M.

(3) People who want 'real' Ms will still buy them, but many who aren't after RF cameras will also buy them.

(4) Sells lots of expensive Leica lenses.

Think of it as a digital M1 with a free finder on the back. And remember that "much" cheaper still ain't gonna be cheap.

Cheers,

R.

Exactly!
Also exploits the gaping hole between the Fuji Xpro 1 and the Leica M 240.
Unfortunately fuji is too proud of its wonderful X trans sensor to build a full frame sensor for its Xpro camera. In steps Leica to fill its own gap. Well played!

 

[flyalf]

Its a APS-C mirrorless with a M compatible mount and 2 new AF lenses with M mount + built-in chips and electronic contacts.

 

[jsrockit]

Any product that starts with the prefix Mini automatically indicates to the customer that its no good compared to its bigger brother.

Apple used nano (smart), ...

Mac Mini, iPad Mini, etc.

 

[jsrockit]

Unfortunately fuji is too proud of its wonderful X trans sensor to build a full frame sensor for its Xpro camera.

What benefit would they gain at this point?

 

[splitimageview]

Yes, the iPad Mini is definitely no good, that's why they are trouncing larger iPads. LOL

 

[splitimageview]

Unfortunately fuji is too proud of its wonderful X trans sensor to build a full frame sensor for its Xpro camera.

More than likely they realize there is a lot more money to be made in the market they are already in. Corporations generally make decisions based on profit potential rather than pride. 🙂