Rumor: A new Leica M design

[coelacanth]

A new Leica M design coming soon

http://leicarumors.com/2009/11/10/a-new-leica-m-design-coming-soon.aspx

OK, it's just a rumor, and I am super happy with my MP and can't think of anything to improve (that I need), but It would be nice to see if Leica is actually putting a lot of efforts to a brand new film M mount camera design.

Let's say it's real. Let's say it's a brand new design (not like M4 to M6, but M4 - M5 type of jump). What do you want in the new M?

I'd like an M in a Barnack Leica size/footprint. I don't need any auto stuff. Even lightmeter can be optional. That small package with integrated RF, lever advance, one speed dial, quick load and M mount would be sweet.

Just for fun.

 

[amateriat]

I say: Given Leica's somewhat-withered competition in the film-camera department, I'd say it's likely, but don't be on tenterhooks waiting for it.


- Barrett

 

[Merkin]

Considering they tend to stay about 20-30 years behind the curve, my guess would be an autofocus M.

 

[Pickett Wilson]

I can't think of a single improvement to the M6 or M7. As rangefinders go, they are pretty much the zenith.

 

[Mackinaw]

Hard to believe this one. I think Leica only makes about 100 - 150 film M cameras/month. I just can't believe they'd spend precious R&D money developing a new film camera.

Jim B.

 

[xayraa33]

probably a lower priced M camera, something with a vertical running metal shutter and a hinged back ala the Zeiss Ikon RF camera.

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Why not just buy a Zeiss Ikon? 😉

 

[Santafecino]

Or, for that matter, a Leica CL.

 

[Rob-F]

They could put back into the MP the larger framelines of the early M4-P. I'd appreciate that. I don't like the undersized framelines of M6 and MP models, especially the 50mm frame.

How about a real wide-angle model with even lower magnification than the 0.58 finder? A.50 model would aloow for 24mm framelines that would appear the same size in the finder as the 28mm frame of the .58 model. A 0.44 model would allow a 21mm frame in the same space. The parings would be: 21 & 28; 24 & 35; and 50 & 75. Maybe leave off the 75 for this model.

But I can't think of a reason for an entirely new model. Maybe re-introduce the M4-P with the new wide-angle finder? No meter, just a basic camera.

 

[tonyj]

If only ......

If only ......

- Rangefinder configuration of course.

- Continued ability to use most of the existing Leitz M and LTM lenses.

- Non reliance on a battery to operate, even if there may be some features that do need a battery to operate (like the M6 'classic' for instance). A dead battery would be bypassed for most useages with a full description (included at no extra charge) on how the 'sunny sixteen' rule works, - for our younger colleagues.

- A well designed camera case with the ability to fully remove the top portion - and supplied as a standard piece of equipment.

- Ability to double expose without resorting to trickery.

- Viewfinder diopter adjustment for spectacle wearers.

- Self timer as standard.

- Size to be approximately the same as the III series of cameras. The III series can now become the IV series, as the M's have now been tainted with the digital models.

and so on .... as I dream of my new IVf or IVg camera ........ 😛

 

[varjag]

It can be a film camera on M8/M9 chassis. Same shutter, motor film transport.

That will consolidate their production, and allow them to close down classic M bodies and accessories line. Which is a pity.

 

[splitimageview]

Modernize the viewfinder/rangefinder, and offer a hinged back for easy loading.

 

[xayraa33]

Why not just buy a Zeiss Ikon? 😉

why buy the new Summarit lenses when CV and Zeiss glass are a better deal.

Leica fans want to see a red dot on their camera and are willing to pay more for it.

 

[Larry Manuel]

>I can't think of a single improvement to the M6 or M7. As rangefinders go, they are pretty much the zenith.

Me too. I'm thinking of my M3 as I write this.

 

[Fenwick]

Hard to believe they would design a new film camera in this day and age.

 

[nyx]

Article seems to suggest it will be new color/finish rather than new body. Or am I missing something?

 

[KoNickon]

Having a metered M with 21 to 50 framelines to accommodate that fast new Leica glass would be something. Call it the MW.

This would of course be stepping on the Bessa 4A/M, I realize.

 

[Vince Lupo]

If they could only work a cellphone into it somehow....

 

[robklurfield]

I'd place my bets on something like NYX suggests. These rumors are so often based on nothing remotely related to reality.

I could see Leica introducing a "new" finish, something like the grey steel of the M9, on an M7 body with MP framelines. Call it a new model. Add 900USD to the retail price. This would make fondlers/collectors happy, add to Leica's margin nicely, their turnover modestly and be of no use to actual users.

When whatever it is comes out, I will gladly buy someone's well-loved used MP for a reasonable price. They can use my few $$ to fund their purchase and I'll get a real camera that I can use everyday.

 

[robklurfield]

🙄😉

If they could only work a cellphone into it somehow....