New (cheaper) Leica Film Camera on the Way?

[james.liam]

Somehow I doubt the Olympus 35 SP and Yashica Electro crowd are going to step up to the $3,000 + "cheap" Leica.

The "$3000" was not put out by Leica, AFAIK. A number pulled out of someone's hat here. BTW, someone has to be paying big money for those Contax T2 and T3, Ricoh GR (film), Minolta TC-1, etc. They are primarily younger shooters with some disposable income.

And for all we know, this new product may be directed more toward nouveau riche Mainland Chinese than anyone else. Consider the popularity of the well-made 35 Summicron 8-element knock-off, the proliferation of products from the two so-called "Artisans" and rise in domestic film production there.

 

[jsrockit]

The "$3000" was not put out by Leica, AFAIK. A number pulled out of someone's hat here.

Well, we certainly know it won't be $1,000 or $2,000... it's not 1990.

And for all we know, this new product may be directed toward nouveau riche Mainland Chinese than anyone else. Consider the popularity of the well-made 35 Summicron 8-element knock-off, the proliferation of products from the two so-called "Artisans" and rise in domestic film production there.

Leica is doing just fine in that market without a cheaper camera. If this rumor is indeed true, the used market can be thanked.

 

[james.liam]

The price depends on what they introduce. A CL with a new 40 Summicron? Yah, 3500+. A Minilux compact with AF? Probably 2000-2500. Think Sofort—it isn’t a lot of money in Leica terms.

 

[jsrockit]

The price depends on what they introduce. A CL with a new 40 Summicron? Yah, 3500+. A Minilux compact with AF? Probably 2000-2500. Think Sofort—it isn’t a lot of money in Leica terms.

The rumor is about a Leica M... not a 1990's P&S or a rebadged Instax camera. And they aren't reintroducing the Leica CL with 40mm either. Minolta is Sony.

 

[james.liam]

The rumor is about a Leica M... not a 1990's P&S or a rebadged Instax camera. And they aren't reintroducing the Leica CL with 40mm either. Minolta is Sony.

Rumor is about film camera, rumor mentioned M. CL was a form factor for a film camera. They can call it whatever they like. CL-M. M-light. Changing the top and bottom plates of an MP and saving $300 is not going to sway customers.

 

[zenza]

Somehow I doubt the Olympus 35 SP and Yashica Electro crowd are going to step up to the $3,000 + "cheap" Leica. Also, Leica does not need anything to make the lines distinct other than materials and price. There's always someone in Leica-world that requires the best of the best. In fact, Leica banks on that. I'm not so sure making a whole new camera would be cheaper than making another M with cheaper parts.

They've already stepped up into $1000 Bessas, $1500 m4-p, and $2500 m6.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

If it were a reintroduced Leica M6 "classic" priced < $3,500 (USD) I would seriously consider pulling the trigger on one.

 

[james.liam]

They've already stepped up into $1000 Bessas, $1500 m4-p, and $2500 m6.

...and well over $3000 for Fuji GF670's and the Hasselblad Xpan.

 

[splitimageview]

If it were a reintroduced Leica M6 "classic" priced < $3,500 (USD) I would seriously consider pulling the trigger on one.

They should then just drop the $5200 price of the MP

 

[scautez]

From what I'm aware the MP and MA aren't currently customisable, with choice of framelines etc. Perhaps the new camera will be fixed option, and the MA/MP will have that ability to customise, as an MA customised with black paint as well would be just like a new M2/M3 potentially.

 

[Out to Lunch]

Perhaps the 'cheapie' Leica rumor will motivate Zeiss and CV to re-think a ZM and Bessa. As long as Leica remains a monopolist in the rangefinder market, you'll pay whatever their marketeers think they'll be able to get away with. Cheers, OtL

 

[jukka]

Perhaps the 'cheapie' Leica rumor will motivate Zeiss and CV to re-think a ZM and Bessa.

I tend to think that this is the best outcome one dares hope. Well, that and a special re-issue of an M6.

Other than that, these rumors and the discussions around them usually tell more about the participants themselves than any real world events. 🙂

 

[jsrockit]

They've already stepped up into $1000 Bessas, $1500 m4-p, and $2500 m6.

You’ve done a poll? How could you possibly know?

 

[jsrockit]

Rumor is about film camera, rumor mentioned M. CL was a form factor for a film camera. They can call it whatever they like. CL-M. M-light. Changing the top and bottom plates of an MP and saving $300 is not going to sway customers.

Well, we will soon see who is right...

 

[Steve_Pfost]

How much was the M6 when it was released?

 

[jsrockit]

Here’s a list from 1987...

https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/images/137353.jpg

Which is why I’m saying it will not be cheap...

 

[raid]

If it were a reintroduced Leica M6 "classic" priced < $3,500 (USD) I would seriously consider pulling the trigger on one.

I took out my M6 classic yesterday. It needs new batteries for its meter. Else, it looks awesome. I will return to using it. Mine has the .85 finder.

 

[james.liam]

I took out my M6 classic yesterday. It needs new batteries for its meter. Else, it looks awesome. I will return to using it. Mine has the .85 finder.

Perfect to try out the VM 2/50 APO on. 😎

 

[zenza]

You’ve done a poll? How could you possibly know?

Super obvious if you're active in Facebook film groups, film subreddits, and Instagram.

 

[jsrockit]

Super obvious if you're active in Facebook film groups, film subreddits, and Instagram.

Obvious that they upgraded or that there are a lot of expensive camera users?