Roger Hicks
Veteran
Don't forget the hot shoe! For decades it was just a plain accessory shoe, with no contacts.. . . Regarding the design change: They did! They implemented aperture priority after 40 years!
Cheers,
R.
Jockos
Well-known
If you use a modern dSLR the ergonomics of the camera allows you to rest your finger on the wheel, whilst on a M, the wheel is on top of the camera far away from where your fingers normally would be located.
Thus I'd have to move my hand from resting position to the top of the camera in order to change shutter speed on my M3, whereas with a Canon Id just flick the wheel my finger was already on, providing a simpler, quicker, smoother flow of action.
Unless you're "monkey gripping"
sanmich
Veteran
as for design changes:
How comes that since the late M6's we have three VF magnifications in film M's, but only one in digital bodies?
I can imagine a really great upgrade for these VF's: Only one frame, with enough room around, but a VF that changes magnification with the lens...
How comes that since the late M6's we have three VF magnifications in film M's, but only one in digital bodies?
I can imagine a really great upgrade for these VF's: Only one frame, with enough room around, but a VF that changes magnification with the lens...
denizg7
Well-known
hmm pretty sure with that thinking the m3 woulda never been released..
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Right next to the shutter release is 'far away'? Far enough that you can't change easily it accidentally, certainly.
Cheers,
R.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Which part of my thinking are you criticizing? The idea that you make changes when you can make a better camera, not just for the sake of change.
Advayages of the M3 over the IIIf included a combined range/viewfinder; faster lens-changing; three selectable, parallax-compensated brightline viewfinder frames; a single shutter-speed dial; provision for meter coupling; lever wind; self-resetting counter. In return, the camera had to be a bit bigger: too much bigger, for some people's taste.
Now, what technical improvements are you proposing to incorporate in your redesigned M? The one for which, in your own words, you can't even think of any reason why it should be redesigned?
Cheers,
R.
grantb
Established
Cosina Zeiss already redesigned the M. And did a damn fine job too.
Now if they'd only make it digital.
Now if they'd only make it digital.
Jockos
Well-known
Far enough to be unreachable without changing my grip! For a digital M, the ideal position for me, would be a vertical wheel just in front of, or behind the shutter release. Compared to a film body, there should be space enough after removing the lever.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Feh! I see no need for that!
The only thing about the M5 worth bringing back might be its shutter speed dial. I liked being able to turn it with a finger-tip.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Interesting. I just went and checked both an M2 and an M8. I move my finger, but don't change my grip. Then again, I don't necessarily press the shutter release with the very tip of my finger, either. This is one of those things that had literally never occurred to me as being a problem until you brought it up. It still isn't, for me. I wonder how many take your view, and how many take mine?
Remember that the big, overhanging, concentric dial on the M5 was a long way from universally popular. This could be taken as evidence of the conservatism of Leica users or it could equally be that the traditional dial actually works better for more people.
Cheers,
R.
Jockos
Well-known
Reading this I picked up my M3 for a tryout, and I can indeed bend my finger over the softie just enough to turn the dial, but its kind of stiff this way - nowhere near as smooth as adjusting speed on my former 5D.
Normally I'd use both the index finger and my thumb, which involves changing my thumb grip from the winder to the dial.
The M5 dial is very interesting, Id love to try one of those out, it's still in a horizontal position though.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
This could be one of the reasons I never use soft releases... I've long felt that soft releases and bolt-on finger-grips add bulk without adding anything else.
Cheers,
R.
Steinberg2010
Well-known
I find the M5 shutter wheel very comfortable. Not too stiff but hard to change accidentally also.
~S
~S
DavidC
Established
DavidC
DavidC
The two things I would change is 1. the loading system make it easier to load by putting a swing back.
also 2. put in a rectangular eyepiece in back that can accommodate nikon eyepiece diopters and make eyepiece with larger exit pupil--no more squinting into viewfinder!!
DavidC
The two things I would change is 1. the loading system make it easier to load by putting a swing back.
also 2. put in a rectangular eyepiece in back that can accommodate nikon eyepiece diopters and make eyepiece with larger exit pupil--no more squinting into viewfinder!!
1joel1
Well-known
Carbon fiber top and bottom plates
Joel
Joel
Murchu
Well-known
Seems the humble M has already had a redesign with the advent of the digital M - they got fat!
More seriously though, I would not like to see the M design change, but do think Leica should look at a complimentary digital rf line to supplement the current M's, a line where they could go wild, and implement all the innovation some people would want. They could call it high tech M, or some such, and would have all the sort of latest funkiness the new fujis have for example and more.
Complimenting the range is the key word here, as Leica has already learned the hard lessons of forcing change on all of their userbase. Offering two lines would give the traditionalists (of which I am one) a classic M they know and love, as well as giving those who seek more technical innovation a Leica product as well.
Anyway, just my 2 cents.
More seriously though, I would not like to see the M design change, but do think Leica should look at a complimentary digital rf line to supplement the current M's, a line where they could go wild, and implement all the innovation some people would want. They could call it high tech M, or some such, and would have all the sort of latest funkiness the new fujis have for example and more.
Complimenting the range is the key word here, as Leica has already learned the hard lessons of forcing change on all of their userbase. Offering two lines would give the traditionalists (of which I am one) a classic M they know and love, as well as giving those who seek more technical innovation a Leica product as well.
Anyway, just my 2 cents.
Sparrow
Veteran
A redesign eh? ... like they did with the M5? ... em, no thanks
Roger Hicks
Veteran
bugmenot
Well-known
I want the M9 Titanium design becoming the new design for the new Leica M. It was modern, and it would fit nicely with the more towards live view, HD video capable CMOS sensor. Also, LED lit framelines are far better... And don't make the front look ugly.
Darthfeeble
But you can call me Steve
My biggest problem with the M is the viewfinder patch, I'd like a diopter adjustment to allow me to shoot without glasses. Seems simple enough. S