Leica teases "Mini M"

[Tom Diaz]

Dear Tom,

Unlikely to reduce Leica sales overall. With an adequate profit margin at (say) $4000, why would Leica not do it?

Cheers,

R.

Roger, i don't know anything about Leica's numbers. You may have more insight. However, whatever margin might be adequate on that hypothetical $4000-5000 camera, I am thinking they could perhaps make as good a margin on a factory that has their badge but is built in a Panasonic factory. That suggests a micro4/3 body to me, like a rebadged GX2.

I might be happy with any number of things I've seen mentioned here, though.

Tom

 

[robert blu]

An x1/x2 type camera with interchangeable lenses (m? R?) or with the possibility to add in front of the native wideangle lens an "adapter" to transform it in a medium tele should be interesting. OVF or a good EVF, of course. But I think who is interested in that segment of market has already made a different choice...
robert

 

[urban_alchemist]

For the record, if they launched a ff fast fixed-lense (preferable 35mm) rangefinder; half the size of the M240, half the price, I'd be all over it as my everyday-carry cam.

 

[Tom Diaz]

For the record, if they launched a ff fast fixed-lense (preferable 35mm) rangefinder; half the size of the M240, half the price, I'd be all over it as my everyday-carry cam.

I'm interested: why does the fixed-lens part appeal to you? That'd be an expensive alternative to the X100, eh?

Tom

 

[paultreacy]

The shutter re-cock is very slow and loud so maybe a new M with shutter re-couck lever? That would be amazing.
http://paultreacy.com

 

[Tom Diaz]

My guess:
a. M8 with fixed 35mm cron
b. M8 with built-in electronic rangefinder
c. X2 with M mount
d. X2 with full frame sensor
e. M240 with APS-C CMOS sensor (i have a strong feeling about this one) 😉

Please, not the M8 with the *@&#&!!! UV/IR filters!

Tom

 

[Exdsc]

EVFs are hard on the eye, even the best ones, even when using AF. A completely manual focus EVF camera--I don't know about that, I wouldn't use one, in fact I'm sick of EVFs, I hate them, but they're better than LCD.

 

[Roger Hicks]

EVFs are hard on the eye, even the best ones, even when using AF. A completely manual focus EVF camera--I don't know about that, I wouldn't use one, in fact I'm sick of EVFs, I hate them, but they're better than LCD.

Works OK (just about) on the M.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Note: this red dot is NOT Photoshopped.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Godfrey]

Works OK (just about) on the M.

Using the same VF-2 EVF unit on the X2 and any of the more recent Pen or OM-D models from Olympus, it works even a little better than on the M due to a higher refresh rate.

Olympus' new VF-4 goes well beyond the VF-2.

I find good EVFs like this have their value in many situations when neither an optical tunnel viewfinder or a reflex viewing system really cuts the mustard. On the other hand, I like simple optical tunnel viewfinders for a lot of things too.

All three viewfinder systems have their strengths and weaknesses. Pick what you like and exploit it to the full.

Regards the Mini-M, I won't conjecture. I look forward to seeing what Leica has to offer. The gods know I have enough cameras already ... !

G

 

[Godfrey]

Which explains why the Olympus OM-D EM-5 is struggling for acceptance.

EVF's may be hard on your eyes, but many find them acceptable and they are not about to go away.

I hadn't heard that the E-M5 was "struggling for acceptance". It seems to be selling quite well, actually, according to the two dealers in my area—one of the best selling high end Olympus models they've had in years, from what they tell me. Good body, good lens system, etc.

I'm not keen on it as I find the controls a little fussy. The new E-P5 looks much better in that regard, and the new VF-4 will make it quite the nice user experience.

But as I've said elsewhere, I really do have more than enough camera gear!

G

 

[urban_alchemist]

I'm interested: why does the fixed-lens part appeal to you? That'd be an expensive alternative to the X100, eh?

Tom

Because there's a good chance they could substantially shrink the camera. As far as I'm concerned, my digital Ms have been pretty much perfect in all conditions except where pocketability was important. Shrink the M, stop that being an issue.

 

[gustavoAvila]

Using the same VF-2 EVF unit on the X2 and any of the more recent Pen or OM-D models from Olympus, it works even a little better than on the M due to a higher refresh rate.

The OM-D drives its EVF at 120 fps (and allegedly bursts to 240 fps). This viewfinder is eminently usable with no perceptual lag or smearing.

The Leica M, on the other hand, can only drive the EVF at 30 fps due to limitations with the Maestro processor. (Leica alleges that the sensor is capable of live view frame rates higher than 30 fps.)

For an EVF to provide a satisfactory user experience, it must be driven at 120+ fps.

As such, the problem is not with current EVF technology but with the capability of the imaging sensor and processing hardware.

All that it is required for Leica to deliver a satisfactory EVF experience is a new Maestro II processor from Fujitsu.

 

[jsrockit]

For the record, if they launched a ff fast fixed-lense (preferable 35mm) rangefinder; half the size of the M240, half the price, I'd be all over it as my everyday-carry cam.

Me too... it's not happening though. 🙁

 

[aizan]

aps-c and an m-mount? dream on!

the mini-m will probably be the aps-c mirrorless system that's been rumored about forever. a new mount is necessary for the wider lenses we see in csc.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

The slouchy M8 and M9 were almost too slouchy for my needs. Seriously slooow. Imagine them even more crippled.
There are some things that Leica just don't understand.

I was upset at my pencil for not writing with ink, until I decided to pick up a pen. Those pencil makers just don't understand I want a pen. To make things worse, now I'm upset that I can't erase the ink like I was able with the pencil. My expectations are not the issue.

 

[stefan-s]

Maybe hybrid: sensor and film in one body?

 

[Tijmendal]

Maybe hybrid: sensor and film in one body?

That would be too cool for school.

 

[mdarnton]

I would accept Leica's full frame version of the Sony Nex7, but that's too much to wish for.

 

[setyotomo]

Whatever it is, i hope it will bring the used xpro1 and m8 down to usd 1000 range 😀