[Leica] Digital Leica "M"

[bdcolen at comcast.net (B. D. Colen)]

There's so enormous a difference between film cameras and digital cameras
that comparisons regarding obsolesence are mute. All 35 mm film cameras can
use the same capture media - any film in 35 mm size. So the fact that Leica
Ms are simply mechanical boxes, obsolete in he eyes of some, in no way
effects their ability to capture an image on film.

But digital cameras do not all use the same capture medium. A Canon EOS MKII
DS is not an EOS MKII, is not a 20D, is not a Nikon D200, is not a DX, is
not an Olympus E1. And the digital capture medium - or the capture media -
is/are still evolving; what is cutting edge today may be yardsale material
tomorrow.

On the other hand, that which is yardsale material may still produce
excellent images.


On 12/6/05 1:40 PM, "Mark" <macdude4@bellsouth.net> wrote:

> I would not say that a 2-year old Digital camera is obsolete, but
> only that better cameras have come along, If you are happy with the
> image a camera can deliver it never becomes obsolete. BUT, getting it
> repaired is another story.
> 
> Those of us that use Leica?s are used to having and using a 20-40
> year old camera that still makes excellent pictures ( Look at what
> some members here do with screwmount cameras ).
> 
> If I were Leica I would have designed the Digital M so that it could
> be upgraded. That way when the parts don?t exist to repair it Leica
> could simply upgrade it.
> 
> As to whether there will be a second hand market for the Digital M,
> that depends on durability of the electrical components, how easy can
> they be replaced or repaired. I know that anytime I buy a used Leica
> I automatically figure in the price of a CLA to the amount I bid.
> 
> My purchase plan at this point is to wait until the first lot of the
> Digital M?s have been sold and any hidden problems fixed, then if the
> picture quality is as good or just close to as good as my D2x I will
> buy one.
> 
> Mark
> 
> On Dec 6, 2005, at 12:31 PM, Jerry Lehrer wrote:
> 
>> David,
>> 
>> Prices such as that would limit me (and others) to the second-hand
>> market, as they have for film Leicas. BUT do you think that there will
>> be a viable market for USED digital cameras?  Nothing has stabilized
>> in the digital photo world.  A 2 year old digital camera would be
>> obsolete. The advancement/ features curve vs. time is far too steep.
>> 
>> Used digital cameras will be like used computers; landfill, and toxic
>> landfill at that!  Yes I know that there are a handful of so-called
>> "classic" computer collectors, like slide rule collectors.
> 
> 
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