Re: [Leica] Leica S1

[apbc <apbc@public1.sta.net.cn>]

 Alan Ball wrote
>
>I doubt that many resources were devoted to the S1. It is a very simple 
>piece of hardware with very little in-house technology in it. 

I suppose that could be true in which case why not just leave it to the 
specialists? i.e. the digital technology producers since Leica has no 
tradition in studio photography and insufficient resources to move into 
digital hardware as a significant player. Leica's strong point has always 
been its lenses and the RF cameras. To move into an entirely new product 
field whilst the reflex line is decades behind its competitors seems 
bizarre to me. And yes I know the lenses are great for the reflex series 
and can understand for some that is sufficient motive to use them. Not 
for me and the vast majority of high-end photo equipment buyers though.

 Its good 
>point is that it takes Leica M and R lenses. But fundamentaly it could take 
>any other brand as well. It is not very interesting as a digital studio 
>offer where what is needed is shift and tilt more than anything else. It 
>cannot even shoot a moving (living) subject. Good looking design though.

Again I agree with you but there are other digital cameras that could 
take Leica lenses if anyone felt it was worth the bother to buy/fabricate 
a simple adaptor. Can't help feeling that a tripod bound, studio camera 
for exposures of minutes long would be better off with lenses with 
greater coverage and movements though...


> I believe on the opposite that it is urgent 
>that Leica commits itself officially to produce a digital M body as soon as 
>reasonably possible.

Why? where is the market for this? Anyone on LUG want one? It seems like 
an infinitesimal niche of a niche to me - hardly worth investing in at 
all. Anyway the digital aspect should be handled by the digital experts 
rather than tying up Leica's resources IMHO. It is akin to hoping Leica 
would create their own film stock: not their speciality, nor could it be 
under the present economic conditions.


I would definitely agree with you that the Leica M is the most fun to use 
of all the cameras I have or have used and so long as I can find uses for 
it in my work I feel very happy about it. For my personal work it is 99% 
of the time the one I use. I cannot see myself ever using a digital 
camera for personal work. Let's see in 5 years if I eat my words...

Bests

Adrian

Adrian Bradshaw
Photojournalist
Shanghai, China