Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/02/25
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]christian becker wrote There is always demand for something 'different'. But I doubt many are willing to learn how to handle a RF (the market is already swapped with abandoned M6). Christian here in England a used m6 is difficult to find. My dealer has a waiting list. M6ttl's seem to be less popular though for some reason. Talk of a retro Nikon had me haul out my battered MP. I still prefer its viewfinder to the Leica, but everything else about it feels and sounds unrefined in comparison to my M6 (1985 vintage and equally "run in"). I am an engineer and was brought up on the adage that "an engineer is someone who can do for a shilling what any damn fool could do for a pound". Today we live in a society where obsolescence is part of economics - even when it doesn't need to be - but thats marketing for you. Nothing is made today with the same quality of machining and materials as the M6 and SP. If Nikon have not retained the tooling for the rangefinder series, and one looks at the size of the market, I would be surprised if they could sell their S3 at a profit if it was as cheap as an M6. Fitting a standard electronic shutter and motor wind on would save a fortune but a vertical run Copal is a different shape entirely - it would not fit. The camera would have to be completely redesigned accruing more one off costs. Without the sales numbers it is impossible to calculate a break even sales price for a completely newly tooled rangefinder made to a classic (ie pre electronics & plastic) design. I would be amazed if they could do it at as a viable product - particularly with lenses as well. Nevertheless, if they have tooled for the limited edition who knows. As a user it will be nowhere near a Leica for me. cheers Frank