Re: [Leica] M and R

[InfinityDT@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/7/99 8:02:38 AM Eastern Daylight Time, 
dmorton@journalist.co.uk writes:

<< However that only solves the short term overstock problem. What do they do 
 about the long term future of the R line? They have a product that 
 consumes considerable resources (even after they've shed 100 staff) and 
 which isn't paying its way. I really don't believe that Leica has the 
 resources to develop a new R body any time soon.
 
 However you look at it, the poor sales performance of the R8 is a *big* 
 problem for Leica. >>

If Nikon hasn't already thrown it all out, maybe Leica could purchase the 
tooling for the F4, omit all the AF mechanism, and build it with an R 
lensmount and appropriate meter and diaphragm coupling.  It's a battle-tested 
design, 5.7 fps built-in motor with 4fps optional with a smaller grip, 
interchangeable 100%-view finders, matrix metering that works with 
non-CPU/ROM lenses, and a great (even if not state-of-art) TTL flash system.  
Most of all it wouldn't send Leica into bankruptcy to do it.