The next digital M: When?

[eleskin]

I am wondering when we will see the next M and or a newer sensor with later generation technology? I held off for some time and am using My M8 occasionally and use mostly my x Pro1 and Sony A7r with adapter. I agree nothing replaces an M but since the M24O had been out for a time now, something tells me to wait and see what may he coming if I am to spend $7k.

 

[Day]

Lets watch at Leicas history:

2006 M8
2009 M9
2012 MM
2013 M

So 2015 MM MKII and 2016 M MKII?

 

[jsrockit]

Probably 2016.

 

[mfogiel]

I think the Summilux 28mm is a milestone, as opposed to disposable bodies...

 

[jaapv]

MM will have a longer cycle, maybe 5 years.

 

[CameraQuest]

I'm wondering when the M240 will have an up to date EVF. Hopefully that can be done with a software update. An update is way over due.

Stephen

 

[coelacanth]

I really wish they'll consider "low-end" or rather a niche (like MM) body that's same size as film M. I can go without back LCD if that's taking too much space. Just have EVF port (hidden in hotshoe like T) if you want a display of some kind... It's just that the film M size, dimensions etc are just so perfect.

 

[CameraQuest]

I really wish they'll consider "low-end" or rather a niche (like MM) body that's same size as film M. I can go without back LCD if that's taking too much space. Just have EVF port (hidden in hotshoe like T) if you want a display of some kind... It's just that the film M size, dimensions etc are just so perfect.

I agree, but that is just not going to happen.

The closest thing to a low end M240 is a used M9. Today's Leica does HIGH END and HIGHER END, never low end.

Stephen

 

[judsonzhao]

I agree, but that is just not going to happen.

The closest thing to a low end M240 is a used M9. Today's Leica does HIGH END and HIGHER END, never low end.

Stephen

ME is a lowered end model, and I will be surprised if some thing liken ME II comes out as a simplified M240 when it hits 3 or 4-year mark of production

 

[Pioneer]

Just pick up an M3 or M4. Send your film to the lab and have it scanned. When you find a really good shot, have it drum scanned.

Better yet, get a Mamiya 7II. 🙂

 

[Kwesi]

ME is a lowered end model, and I will be surprised if some thing liken ME II comes out as a simplified M240 when it hits 3 or 4-year mark of production

There is a good chance the M240 will stay in its current form at the ME price when the next flagship arrives with bigger sensor built in wifi and who knows what else late 2015 will bring.

 

[airfrogusmc]

I hope it's an M-E with the new sensor and not a lot of bells and whistles that are on the 240.

 

[Colin Corneau]

I guess I'm naive - I don't see the business case for a high-end, high-cost item that is essentially obsolete in 4 years or less.

I love rangefinders but I think for capabilities you'd be hard pressed to beat a Canon 5D Mark III currently. And to pay a premium for less features..? I don't get it.

 

[judsonzhao]

There is a good chance the M240 will stay in its current form at the ME price when the next flagship arrives with bigger sensor built in wifi and who knows what else late 2015 will bring.

Bigger sensor is not quite likely, then everyone should dump all their lenses.. sheesh...

Leica would never lower the MSRP of a camera officially, that's why ME comes out instead of M9. There's hardly a chance you will see the M240 marked as $5450 something on BH or so..

 

[jaapv]

I'm wondering when the M240 will have an up to date EVF. Hopefully that can be done with a software update. An update is way over due.

Stephen

It most likely won’t. Sounds emanating from Leica suggest that they tried but could not get it to work due to hardware limitations.

 

[jaapv]

I really wish they'll consider "low-end" or rather a niche (like MM) body that's same size as film M. I can go without back LCD if that's taking too much space. Just have EVF port (hidden in hotshoe like T) if you want a display of some kind... It's just that the film M size, dimensions etc are just so perfect.

A few years ago I would have agreed wholeheartedly. However nowadays, when I pick up a film M it feels uncomfortably thin.😱
Strangely enough I don’t have that effect with my iiif. That still feels perfectly proportioned.
My conclusion is that the ergonomics of the M3 were a step back from the Barnack Leicas.

 

[YYV_146]

I guess I'm naive - I don't see the business case for a high-end, high-cost item that is essentially obsolete in 4 years or less.

I love rangefinders but I think for capabilities you'd be hard pressed to beat a Canon 5D Mark III currently. And to pay a premium for less features..? I don't get it.

For some, the M rangefinder is appealing because of less features.

I like RFs, but as it is the M240 is too expensive for the performance it delivers. But if Leica makes a new M with a truly high-end sensor, decent EVF support and a better implementation of peaking and LED framelines, I could see myself buying one for $6-7k...

 

[Kwesi]

Bigger sensor is not quite likely, then everyone should dump all their lenses.. sheesh...

Leica would never lower the MSRP of a camera officially, that's why ME comes out instead of M9. There's hardly a chance you will see the M240 marked as $5450 something on BH or so..

Quite right. I meant to say more megapixels. The M240 would be rebranded to take the position of the current ME. Lose the direct video button, perhaps disable video recording capabilities but keep Live View, and you have an "economy" M240 for $ 5450. The next flagship M then slots in at $6950.

 

[airfrogusmc]

I guess I'm naive - I don't see the business case for a high-end, high-cost item that is essentially obsolete in 4 years or less.

I love rangefinders but I think for capabilities you'd be hard pressed to beat a Canon 5D Mark III currently. And to pay a premium for less features..? I don't get it.

Less features is exactly the point for me and many like me. The more stuff the more separated the photographer gets from the process. My MM has more features than I want or need and I have no reason to upgrade. The resolution is more than enough for me as well as the low light capabilities. I will shoot with this camera until it dies and I can no longer get it repaired. Come on get off the gadget go round. It can be extremely rewarding.

 

[CameraQuest]

It most likely won’t. Sounds emanating from Leica suggest that they tried but could not get it to work due to hardware limitations.

Olympus was able to upgrade inexpensive cameras from the ancient VF2(the M240's EVF) to the much better VF4 with just a software upgrade. If the M240's designers were so short sighted they did not envision easy EVF upgrades, it doesn't say much about Leica's commitment to their customers.

Stephen