As an engineer, I derive a certain amount of satisfaction in using a well made, well designed functional piece of equipment. Usually for that to happen, form must follow function and the company must be somewhat driven from within with a vision. Leitz, now Leica has/was driven from within for many years as evidenced by the camera/lens history which with me starts with an M3 kit, progresses to an M6 classic and now a pair of M7's with ASPH lenses.
But and here is the big but, these items are still only tools to accomplish something with and unless a different form offers an advantage to accomplish something, I bypass. I certainly can appreciate the 'Titan' M7 and MP and wonder about the manufacture and why they feel heavier as reported maybe due to the need for increased thickness for forming? It would be interesting to actually know the weight comparisons over a standard M7 body verasa Titan. I can afford whatever I want but I just won't pay the prices asked for these 'Titan' cameras or use a designer product at an increased cost.
Its evident that Leica at some point became driven by the bottom line with the introduction of all these 'Limited Edition' models. I have no problem wiht Leica realizing revenue with 'Safari Editions', they are just not for me unless they offer some advantage.
I'm really much more interested in the performance of the new Noctilux and 21mm Lux lense as both are on the planning board for acquisition but only if they offer some advantage in doing photogrphy as I do it. So I am eagerly awaiting some real world experience with these lenses.-Dick
