dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
HA.. holy cow - I just read the DPReview item on this camera ("M") - availability is EARLY 2013 - looks like people will have a long time to save their sheckles.
Only Leica decides to announce a camera with at least a 5 month lead time before it is able to be ordered let alone be at any dealership.
Well.. at least we can hope that someone, somewhere, other than Erwin Puts (because he'll be all about praising this camera as the best thing ever... oh.. wait.. maybe that's Ken Rockwell.. ahh.. well.. either/or ), can get one of these in their hands to review it before hand.
Cheers,
Dave
Only Leica decides to announce a camera with at least a 5 month lead time before it is able to be ordered let alone be at any dealership.
Well.. at least we can hope that someone, somewhere, other than Erwin Puts (because he'll be all about praising this camera as the best thing ever... oh.. wait.. maybe that's Ken Rockwell.. ahh.. well.. either/or
), can get one of these in their hands to review it before hand. Cheers,
Dave
bwcolor
Veteran
I understand why Leica would want to use up the parts in their parts bin, but why not spend the extra amount and purchase the 'M'? Of course, I'm assuming that both image results and usability are much better than the ME/M9. Also, any sale of the ME is money in the bank. No new R&D resources were required.
What is different here about this announcement as opposed to previous ones? Leica has always been a niche manufacturer--does this really matter if the camera does what you want, or would you rather buy from a manufacturer strictly because of volume?
What did your imagination think would be necessary to make this a happy day?
dreamsandart
Well-known
It will be interesting how the sensor performs once test cameras are in the hands of reviewers. Things to like so far that I see; improved LCD, use of long R-lenses, LED frames, better high ISO performance (?), a bit different menu handling with the wheel, weather sealing, video… more? What's with the 'M' name? Too expensive to engrave double digits (or other engravings), the last M-series?
For me, although the new M is an evolution design, I can see the M9 still as my digital M. Its got what I need. Still makes nice images with my great M-lenses, don't really need higher ISO with my fast lenses, the LCD isn't great, but fine to check the basic framing, I have a RF Leica because its a RF Leica, so although it sometimes would be nice to use long lenses, its not why I have a Leica, LED frames, again nice, but not necessary, video. again nice, but I have my compact digital I always carry for that.
For someone buying a new Leica and has the cash (its good the price wasn't in the $10,000 range like many thought) its an improved M-digital. If you want the 'extras' a good camera I guess, or save a bit and buy a M9/M9-P while they are still available new.
For me, although the new M is an evolution design, I can see the M9 still as my digital M. Its got what I need. Still makes nice images with my great M-lenses, don't really need higher ISO with my fast lenses, the LCD isn't great, but fine to check the basic framing, I have a RF Leica because its a RF Leica, so although it sometimes would be nice to use long lenses, its not why I have a Leica, LED frames, again nice, but not necessary, video. again nice, but I have my compact digital I always carry for that.
For someone buying a new Leica and has the cash (its good the price wasn't in the $10,000 range like many thought) its an improved M-digital. If you want the 'extras' a good camera I guess, or save a bit and buy a M9/M9-P while they are still available new.
Leica did what I didn't think they would do:
-lower the price of the M9 (by calling it an ME and stripping some features so as not to piss off M9 owners and M9M buyers)
-release the M10 at the same price the M9 was previously.
This is cause for celebration. Who cares what features they actually have!
-lower the price of the M9 (by calling it an ME and stripping some features so as not to piss off M9 owners and M9M buyers)
-release the M10 at the same price the M9 was previously.
This is cause for celebration.
Who cares what features they actually have!
This is not easy in practice. Zoom in for critical focus, and the EVF image shakes like crazy, even with 100mm lenses...would really need a tripod for longer focal lengths, unless the focus peaking gives enough contrast accuracy (in my use of NEX, it doesn't always, when shooting wide open.)
brokencivilian
Established
Does anybody know what the two random buttons are? The one on the face and top plate by the shutter?
segedi
RFicianado
I think the one on the face activates focus aid (live view mode) and the one by the shutter release is to start recording video.
dreamsandart
Well-known
Yes, I agree. Seems Leica was interested in just making it a [difficult to use] 'feature', and maybe with the idea of being able to say 'see, we told you we were working on a R-lenses solution at sometime'. But maybe I'm wrong and its works for some, just not me, the Leica RF finder is one of the main reasons to have a Leica I feel.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
There's no real surprises with the new M and that pleases me. I see the new LED projected framelines as a positive and if the camera has a usable ISO of 3200 it will be a great low light shooter. The other add ons I couldn't care less about!
When I used my M8 for shooting gallery openings I was hampered severely by the crop factor and the camera's 640 ISO limit before the files turned to soup but aside from those limitations it was a far superior tool to my current D700 in that environment. It was extremely easy to focus, it attracted little attention and the benefit of being able to see outside the framelines was a real bonus.
I'd seriously have to consider it as a replacement for the D700 ... depending on price and high ISO performance.
When I used my M8 for shooting gallery openings I was hampered severely by the crop factor and the camera's 640 ISO limit before the files turned to soup but aside from those limitations it was a far superior tool to my current D700 in that environment. It was extremely easy to focus, it attracted little attention and the benefit of being able to see outside the framelines was a real bonus.
I'd seriously have to consider it as a replacement for the D700 ... depending on price and high ISO performance.
brokencivilian
Established
icebear
Veteran
The new M comes with "live view" this is what nearly 95% of all bloggers and would be users demanded. Now they get it and it's a bad day for rf photography. :bang:
.fstops
-
The new M comes with "live view" this is what nearly 95% of all bloggers and would be users demanded. Now they get it and it's a bad day for rf photography. :bang:
I have not come across a single "serious photographer using Leica" that wanted Live view, video and an EVF.
Lets not forget, an EVF is like a SLR viewfinder, there is no space around the frame.
if people are RF-users not simply because its a quirky camera but for practical creative reasons then they'd be disappointed that the only RF-maker is slowly moving to DSLR-type photography.
Edit: At the same time the RF OVF was a barrier for some so the EVF makes Leica more 'accessible'.
david3558
leicaboss
furcafe
Veteran
FrozenInTime
Well-known
Will the 24Mpixels from the new M out resolve the Bayer-less 18Mpixel M-Monochrom ?
Why not make a 24 Mpixel 'new' M Monochrome - just remove the color filter - easy done !
Why not make a 24 Mpixel 'new' M Monochrome - just remove the color filter - easy done !
icebear
Veteran
The new M still has an optical RF hasn't it ??
The EVF is an optional accessory part for people who have a bunch of nice R-lenses lying around somewhere. I guess these folks are darn happy about the option to shoot these lenses full frame digital, don't you think? How many other camera manufacturers have introduced such an option once they abandoned a system completely?
If people don't want to use the evil VF then don't, if people don't want to shoot video then don't and finally if they hate "live view" then don't use it. But in case you want to use any of these features, it is a M style body that give you all these options.
That this wasn't coming at 2499 [insert your favorite currency here] with an optional "buy one get one free", shouldn't come as such a surprise.
FrozenInTime
Well-known
Congratulations to Jean Gaumy for cutting thought the pretentious marketing : He calls the camera the M10 and has blacked out the ugly 'M' and overbearing red dot.
icebear
Veteran
...ahh and I forgot, I have not been longing for live view, video , EVF and even higher ISO in my M9, does this make me a "serious photgrapher" ?
.
dcsang
Canadian & Not A Dentist
Ya.. not far when you think of "regular" daily life.
It may as well be an eon in terms of a product release cycle - then again, Leica isn't following a "normal" product release cycle and I guess we should be thankful for that.
I just look at other camera makers, even makers of other items - Apple for example - who announce and have product to market in a reasonable amount of time (a month to two months) .
Leica announces and then we wait for 4 months.....
But like I said, at least people can save their money to buy the new M.
Cheers,
Dave