Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/10/17

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Subject: RE: [Leica] M cameras:
From: Jem Kime <jem.kime@cwcom.net>
Date: Sun, 17 Oct 1999 15:11:16 +0100

The thought that the M3 was named '3' because it had 3 frame lines seems 
odd to me, it wasn't that much later that the M2 and M1 were introduced. 
The M2 still had 3 frame lines and the M1 had 2.
My hunch is that it replicated the 'III' of the preceding series cameras 
but was updated to arabic numerals (from Roman) to coincide with the newer 
line.
All III/3 cameras had speeds to 1/000th sec. and r/f coupling. Leitz merely 
created a sequential line-up following the introduction of the somewhat 
perversely named M2.
But I think it would require a substantial break from the M body shape to 
neccesitate a new name, and that may well happen.

Jem

- -----Original Message-----
From:	AlastairF@bhs.grampianshealth.org.au 
[SMTP:AlastairF@bhs.grampianshealth.org.au]

M cameras:

One thing this discussion has not yet mentioned is the naming of any new
Leica. Being a traditionalist by heart if not nature, I would like to
remember that the first M was "3", and this was because it had 3 frame
lines. That in itself was a big achievement, and if Stephen Gandy is to be
believed, it remains one. The M6 has "6" framelines, and this is why to my
mind, they have not changed the camera's identification with the
introduction of the TTL and High mag versions. So if we are to have an M7,
then one would presume another frame was needed. '24' perhaps, though that
will only worsen rangefinder accuracy, something none of we Noctilux users
would like, so I believe the new M series camera, when it arrives, will
still be an M6, and something will be added to the name to announce its
improved pedigree. What is the German for electronic shutter?