Disappointed_Horse
Well-known
Hell, if we're dreaming here, I'd like it to be an all-mechanical M-mount rangefinder shrunk down to the size of a CLE. Basically like a 20% smaller M-A or MP. But again, not holding my breath.
Leica to announce a new M-mount M6 film camera in Oct 2022
- Thread starter p.giannakis
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So, take what they are already making and reduce the size? I think that would make it more expensive for them.
ptpdprinter
Veteran
Sounds like the old Leica CL. Not sure that's a winning strategy.
JeffS7444
Well-known
10% discount: Direct from Leica for demo and refurbished units, need to put your name on the waiting list.
Greater discounts can be had by buying secondhand cameras.
But I am guessing that the market for <4500 USD M-cameras is not one that Leica wishes to pursue.
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Why not a new Leica III? A small camera with a rangefinder, interchangeable lenses and interchangeable viewfinders? Everyone can then compose their own camera. Long live the individualism.
Erik.
f.hayek
Well-known
If it is an M-mount, why would a CLE be so unacceptable to some? I really like Erik's idea of interchangeable VFs!!
Disappointed_Horse
Well-known
A brand new CLE would be perfectly acceptable to me (especially if they gave it proper 28/35/50 frame lines instead of the 28/40/90 frame lines). I personally wouldn't buy a 40 year old CLE due to my (possibly unjustified) concerns about reliability of the electronics. I'm old enough that I don't have to worry whether a new camera I buy today will be working 40 years from now.
f.hayek
Well-known
With so many Leica III out there begging for buyers, why?? A window for the RF and another for framing. Going too far backwards.
Maybe it can be sold together with a Ford Model T...😎
Erik van Straten
Veteran
Most people can't get a film into a III. The camera must of course be redesigned.
Erik.
That is the point, the second hand market has went up a lot. M6 ttl for $4500? I am thinking Leica thinks they can capitalize on those prices by offering something new. They obviously think there is a market if they are making another film camera.
Evergreen States
Francine Pierre Saget (they/them)
One can still find a Hexar RF for about $1000 USD, cheaper than most Ms made by Leica. And you get a 1/4000th top shutter speed, auto advance, auto exposure and useable 28mm frame lines! I've never used one but it sounds like the best deal on a film M one can find today.
Range-rover
Veteran
It would be great for people who have access film developing or do it themselves, but for most of us who use a digital M might or might not
want to get one. It's great to hear their making one, I wonder how much of it will be made in house like the old Leica M's or parts out sourced?
want to get one. It's great to hear their making one, I wonder how much of it will be made in house like the old Leica M's or parts out sourced?
Bill Blackwell
Leica M Shooter
My guess: A Leica M-A (or MP) made somewhere else - China perhaps?
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
If Leica cannot keep up with film camera demand it is probably for one of two reasons: large demand or small production. It could be a combination. But with the amount of used Leicas and other 35mm cameras for sale I wonder just how many resources any manufacturer wants to put into building film cameras. I wonder if film cameras are a fad pr a trend.
Again, used Leica prices have gone up a lot. Any Leica with a meter is like $3000+. Put Leica in a search in Instagram and see how popular they are. Fad or trend? Are you really asking that on a rangefinder forum.?
Bill Blackwell
Leica M Shooter
Or maybe Leica is simply producing their allotted numbers while keeping prices up. Leica wants a backlog. Increasing production to meet current demand would eventually force prices down and/or create an overstock situation (Leica wants neither). So what do they do? They spin the story - "we can't keep up with current demand" - which is, to be blunt, total B.S.
However, if this rumor is true, then this helps them with current demand.
Bill Blackwell
Leica M Shooter
Yes, they could have the best of both worlds: Increase supply with a competing product made elsewhere (assuming my theory is correct), while at the same time keep the German-made supply low, thereby maintaining high prices.
We'll know soon enough. ...
boojum
Ignoble Miscreant
I do not think Leica is using cameras to pay the rent. Cameras are a prestige sideline. "Back in the day" Japanese audio houses would have a top of the line piece of gear that was immaculate in appearance and specs that they sold at a loss just as a prestige item. An example of just what kind of quality they could crank out. I have no idea of whether Leitz makes or loses money on their cameras but they sure are a prestige item. When someone whips out a Leica others may note it. On the rare occasion when I will put a Leica on the table in a restaurant or some such place often someone will remark on it. And not to say what a cheap piece of junk but rather to admit they would like one, too. I'd put it on the bench seat alongside me but am afraid I'd forget it and walk away without it. I doubt the chances of returning after a forgotten one and finding it.
As for rising Leica prices, there are a slew of FSU copies which work just fine and take the LTM lenses. Zorki comes to mind but I would need someone's advice who really knows.
As for the "fad vs trend" question I was questioning the vitality and longevity of the film craze not the camera craze. Even though cameras are predicted to be entering their final decline. You'll have to pry mine from my cold dead fingers. LOL
As for rising Leica prices, there are a slew of FSU copies which work just fine and take the LTM lenses. Zorki comes to mind but I would need someone's advice who really knows.
As for the "fad vs trend" question I was questioning the vitality and longevity of the film craze not the camera craze. Even though cameras are predicted to be entering their final decline. You'll have to pry mine from my cold dead fingers. LOL
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Not entirely sure what you mean, Erik. I shoot with my M4-2 interchangeably with my M10-M. The goal is photographs I am satisfied with ... both do a great job.
G
