Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/05/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Re: M7 wish lists: My main wish would be to modernize the loading. While there was once a good reason for the bottom loading with flip-up back (maintaining structural rigidity), I think we've seen plenty of rigid high tech cameras today (F5, RTS, EOS, etc.). Give us auto-loading with a regular hinged back, maybe with auto advance to frame #1. An auto rewind option would be great too. Obviously, this means a built-in motor, but I don't need this to be super speed: 2 FPS would be just fine, the noise level is the most important factor for me (see Hexar). Load and rewind are the two areas where M-cameras are still much slower than today's designs, and this can be a big problem for photojournalists shooting rapidly moving situations that require quick film re-supply. Sure, this was alright in the 1960s, but so was the horse-and-buggy 100 years ago. The other electronic advances (AE, AF, DX, higher shutter speeds) are nice but I can live without them. I would be happy to see a spot metering pattern as an option. In my opinion, the M-camera shape is already more "ergonomic" than anything else made. The rounded sides fit in the hand perfectly in both horizontal and vertical positions and the controls are ideally placed (for right-eyed users). While I bought a Leica-made M-grip, I really don't think the camera needs this, except for the very occasional tripod- or flash-bracket situation.