Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/02/24
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]FOCUS is the UK's major yearly trade show for photography and having been there today (the first day of four) there were plenty of goodies to see. First off, of course was the M7. Every bit as entrancing as the rumours had made it out to be. Exactly the same shutter as the M6 so no new clicky clack noises to be discovered. It takes two batteries (of the M6TTL style) in a similar location to previously but with a bayonet (rather than screw cover). The LED display seems clear and inobtrusive, thouigh pointing it towards bright light allows you to see a faint image of the pcb surrounding it, which was illuminating (sic.). The +/- exposure adjustment on the rear was in 1/3rd step adjustments and easily set after disabling the lock button. The on/off button on the top also prevents the shutter from being depressed. I met Erwin Puts and Brian Bower at the Leica stand and Erwin showed me his web page printout which should be on-line by this evening, it looks like a very comprehensive report. The new Digilux 1 reminds me of the Argus 'Brick' camera in some ways, very 'clunky'! But most reassuring in its solidity. Apparently it's meant to be regarded as professional... I can't see it competing with the Nikons and Canons. Close focusing is pathetic, it seems to 'bottom out' at around 8 inches whereas most Nikons sail down to probably 8mm! There is a funky / retro viewing shade (surrounding the screen) which can be attached from the tripod base socket, other accessories are in the pipeline but unnavailable as yet. Media storage is the relatively new Panasonic device SD memory card /Multi Media Memory card, 64mb as standard. It uses a lithgium ion battery which negates the possibility of running it off AAs sadly... It can be attached to Leica spotting scopes for telephoto shots. At the Konica stand there was no interest shown in promoting the Konica Hexar RF, nothing was available to handle. The 35/2 lens wasn't to be seen and no-one had any knowledge of the wide angle multi-focal length lens. At the Voigtlander stall the Bessa R2 wasn't available, yet. Though I had a long conversation with the UK brand manager who thanked you for all the comments you made which I passed on to Cosina and Mr Kobayashi for improving the camera. He's quite sure that that feedback was used in upgrading the new camera. The metal shutter speed dial (as already seen on the ltd. edition Bessa with the 50/3.5 lens.) the forthcoming metal back, etc. Enquiries are ongoing about getting the 50/3.5 collapsible lens into the market place without the camera. The sound of the ltd. edition Bessa seemed quieter than the ordinary Bessa R, apparently the new Bessa R2 is supposed to be even quieter / better. The price of the Bessa R2 is hoped to be not much more than the original Bessa R. Last word on the M7/M6. I asked what the plans were for the M6, and according to Rolf Kruger (over from Solms - and he recognised me from our last LUG meeting/forum at Photokina) it is expected to die a natural death as the M7 takes over sales. However, from other sources, I heard that M6 production has stopped and that there will be a replacement available soon? when? Cost? Cheap? Competition with Cosina? Very interesting.................... The other rider is that public opinion could always vote in favour of retaining the M6 through sales volume so it may well be brought back if demand is sufficient. But interesting..................... regards, Jem - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html