Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/09
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> the unfortunate fact that even if a CCD > chip of the correct size were available at a reasonable price, it > wouldn't fit in the film gate of most cameras. First off, it is thicker > than film. Second, there are all sorts of wires coming off the chip on > all sides. This makes it bigger than the film gate. Though that statement is 'mostly' correct. It, in my opinion, it is not correct for the M6. The M6 is technically an excellent candidate for a digital back. Since the M has a (somewhat easily) removable back, the back can easily be replaced by a thicker unit that has the CCD and associated electronics. The area around the film opening is quite generous, and the ASA contacts are right there. The batteries can be placed in the area that the film canister goes in. If you needed more room, a new baseplate can be used (like the RapidWinder does) for additional room. I see the issue more the limited marketplace, and major expense for such a device. Cost to even develop one unit would be on the order of $500k+, and then an additional $500k to make it into a production unit. At $2000/each, with a material cost of around $500 (plus overhead), you would have to sell near 1000 units to just break even. Not very lucrative in my opinion.