Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/05/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]As long as Leica modifications are being discussed, the members of our chapter of the Leicaholic Chowder and Marching Society agree that the M camera needs change if it to staunch the defection to the Contax G2. Here is what we propose: 1. The camera should be redesigned to utilize newer technology but should remain relatively small and light. A rollback in weight and size to that of the CL or screw mount Leicas would be nice. 2. The lensmount and focusing mechanism MUST remain the same, permitting the use of all existing M mount lenses. Electrical sensing contacts would be OK if they did not interfere with mounting existing lenses. Since it would be impractical to autofocus existing lenses, a focus confirmation signal should be incorporated into the view/rangefinder. The signal would indicate when the lens was focused on an object in the RF window. This is essentially an autofocus sensor without the lens focusing mechanism. It would be a boon for ageing eyes. 3. The viewfinder should have either a zoom capability or at least a two range (high, low) variable magnification permitting reasonably sized field frames for both wide angle and long focus lenses. A greater eye relief should be incorporated, facilitating the use of the camera with glasses. A multi magnification viewfinder was available in the Canon 30 years ago and a pretty good zoom finder in my wife's P&S Olympus today. 4. A vertical travel, lens opening priority auto exposure capable, metal shutter should be used. Leica already uses this approach in the R series with the Copal-Leitz modular shutter. It should sync at up to 1/250 second. Autoexposure should be at the user's discretion. 5. Manual film transport is OK. An autowinder should be offered as an accessory. 6. A fully opening, removeable back would not only make film loading easier but would permit long roll and electronc accessory backs to be attached. 7 A center mounted tripod screw would avoid the dreaded overhang when tripod use is necessary. 8. Finally, the flash connection should be moved to the front. None of these suggestions is really new. Leica has already incorporated most of them on other cameras so clearly they meet Leica's standards. The only sacrosanct aspects of the M series Leica are the lens mount and the view/rangefinder concept. Everything else is negotiable. Any additions or subtractions from this list? Maybe Leica is listening. - LarryZ