Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/07/12
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]It seems that Leica faces a fundamental incongruity. A year or two ago someone on this list referred to his purchase of a Leica M as getting the "camera of a lifetime." Both the quality and expense of Leica equipment---cameras and lenses---have contributed to supporting such statements in the past. But the speed and scope of development of new technologies, especially digital technology, appear to undermine the practicability of long-term commitments, not for the individual (who, for example, can always find, purchase, and drive an antique car, if he chooses), but for the manufacturer of anything very much better than throw-away "plastic crap." Leica's ethos is at odds with the pace of technology. Art Peterson Alexandria, Virginia -----Original Message----- From: Adam Bridge [mailto:abridge@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, July 12, 2004 13:10 To: Leica Users Group Subject: Re: [Leica] Digital M I keep wondering if there is a way for Leica to break the technology loop of tossing out the whole camera when the next model come out with higher pixel density...blah blah blah. If they could devise a modular design then you could buy the current camera body/sensor and in the future send the camera back to have the new electronics replaced. The body surely won't be worn out unless it's plastic crap. It's easier for an electronics company to do this - but in the long-term Leica needs to become a lens and sensor-mount company and find a model that doesn't involve redesign every two years of an entire camera. They could, of course, still make insanely great, and insanely expensive, lenses and eventually they'd have the back that could make as full a use of them as film currently can...or more. Adam