Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/10/17
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Erwin, You mention that Leica (and other manufacturers) need to keep to their roots to develop their camera lines. If the M line is getting left behind, though, there is another issue. The needs of professional photographers, at least, has changed since 1954. The major changes are a predominance of color use and an expectation by clients (magazines, corporations) for enhanced lighting. Both of these demand metering sophistication that the TTL is beginning to address. For fast changing situations, an auto mode, especially for flash fill, is nearly imperative. Since the M does not have intermediate shutter speeds, precise exposure requires setting of F/stops and that means transferring manually the F/stop to the strobe. Yes, there are purists. But I just returned from 5 cities, 7 days shooting trip using mostly available light, but some flash assisted, and the M is just not very handy. Using Leicas and Nikons side by side (shooting, for instance, an airport firetruck emptying its 1500 gallon water tank through the remote nozzles in less than 2 minutes while moving), there is no comparison. I'm shooting chrome in changing light, moving subject, sometimes flashfill (back light the water and fill the shadow). The precise exposure needs, especially, are vital today. No fixing it in the darkroom. The Contax, at least, has recognized this and attempted, however poorly, to create a camera that supports professional needs. If only they had given it a real rangefinder..... Leica's "roots" are optical quality and small size--not lack of features. Now they need to take the technology in the R8 and bring the M up to date. donal - -- Donal Philby San Diego www.donalphilby.com