Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/10/23
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Well done Jeremy! Raimo photos at http://personal.inet.fi/private/raimo.korhonen nyt myös Kameralehden juttuja suomeksi - ---------- > From: Jeremy Kime <jeremy.kime@bbc.co.uk> > To: 'leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us' > Subject: [Leica] Photokina follow-up > Date: 23. lokakuuta 1998 16:57 > > > LUG members at photokina may remember the chat that alternative viewfinder > systems for r/f cameras were explored by Leica but rejected as zoom systems > took up too much space. Mention was then made of the Canon system of the 50s > which offerred alternative focal lengths via a revolving prism, this was > news to Leica. I sent them a camera to look at to make sure they weren't > missing anything they might have overlooked... > > The camera came back 2 days ago with a note from Burkard Kiesel, > > ======================== > > Dear Jeremy, > > I was very surprised when I found the camera on my desk, Thank you very much > for this creative assistance. Being an engineer I personally examined the > function of the viewfinder. > We have a dedicated optical designer, who also did the optical design for > the Leica M6J and the Leica M 0.85. Years ago when I came to Leica at Solms > I was told that nobody would be able anymore to understand or optimize the > viewfinder of the Leica M camera. All designers were retired or gone already > to heaven (where all Leica people will end up anyway). > > But it was the passion of that young man that we have got a very good grip > on that fine piece of optical engineering. > > You will imagine how interested the fellow was when he got his hands on that > camera. > Thanks again for the feedback. > I personally enjoyed the meeting in Cologne at the photokina and next time > we should do it again. > > Many thanks and regards from Solms, > > Burkard Kiesel. > > =================== > > So! > Good news that we're all going to heaven, or is that only employees of > Leica? > What the camera (a Canon Vt) will have added to Leica's knowledge of r/f > viewfinders I'm not sure, but it seems like they're having to re-learn the > past. Who knows where it might lead... > > regards, > > Jem