[Leica] A Red Dot story

["Frank Dernie" <Frank.Dernie@btinternet.com>]

Sam,
I agree in a way with your analogy but would dispute the relative 
comparisons. Adding a sound system to a Ferrari would be as easy as adding
an electronic AE system. However converting an M6 to a vertical run metal or
composite shutter to achieve an appreciably faster sync speed would require
a ground up redesign - like converting the Ferrari into a minivan.
I agree that a faster shutter wouldn't make the M worse, it would make no
difference to me personally if it was as smooth. The problem is one of
engineering practicality - it would no longer have the proportions of an M
and no longer use any of the body parts for which Leica have precision
tooling. It could be done but it wouldn't be an M anymore.
my 0.02p
cheers Frank

- ----------



> Sam Carleton,replied
>
> << I've said this many times before (and here I go again), but I honestly
> can't understand the calls for such "improvements" to the M camera as faster
> shutter/sync speeds, AE, back loading, auto advance and rewind, etc.  For
> those of us needing features that the M lacks, but that are available in
> hundreds of other cameras, why not just go with the Nikon, Canon, Konica, or
> whatever camera that has them, and thus get the tools you require? The fact
> that the M is uncluttered by such stuff is the reason that many of us have
> chosen to use it in the first place.
> If I wanted a camera that could autofocus by following my eyeball, I
> wouldn't wait for Leica to add that feature to the M; I'd go out and buy the
> Canon that can do it today. >>
>
> I really want to lets this topic go, it is not going anywhere, but this I
> need to reply to.  I agree with you 100% on things like AE, back loading,
> auto advance and rewind.  But a faster shutter/sync speed is a totally
> different things.  The faster shutter is simply improving what is already
> there.  You seek of the simplicity of the M, I agree.  I do not believe that
> a faster shutter is going to add complexity, look, or feel of the camera.
> This is no different then the M6 and M6 TTL, if I am not mistaken someone
> could pick up either one and shoot ambient light and never know nor care if
> the M6 was a TTL or pre TTL body.  But for those of us that use a flash and
> want TTL, it would make all the difference in the world.
> I agree with you 100%, the AE and auto stuff would be a crime to add to the
> M6.  It is not right, sort of like making a family version four door of a
> Ferrari, or a sports version of a mini van, it simply does not fit, it is
> not right.  But on the other hand, allowing a Ferrari or mini van to have a
> better sound system, if you like music when you drive, use it.  If you like
> to hear the engine or the kids, don't use it.  Having it is not going to how
> one drives the car, simply add something IF the driver wants to take
> advantage of it!
> Sam