[Leica] Petition for initiating M8 lens identification in firmware

[mitcha at mac.com (mitcha@mac.com)]

After being up for 24 hours, the petition has been signed by 144  
people, after deducting 14 prank signatures. Here are some of the  
comments posted:

> The price of owning Leica digital gear is already through the roof.  
> Many people will sacrifice a lot to get a M8, but then all they can  
> afford is second-hand Leica lenses. The cost and the hassle of  
> having them coded is totally unncessary and unjustified, and  
> perceived by many as an abusive way for Leica to pump as much money  
> as possible from the pockets of their customers.
>
> Own M2, M8 and a variety of coded Leica lenses. I do not really want  
> to modify my non-coded Leica lenses (by machining or replacement of  
> the flange). It just seems criminal to defile such masterpieces. So  
> please include a manual lens selection in the firmware.
>
> I cannot work without my Leica lenses long enough to send them to be  
> coded.
>
> I own an MP and six lenses, none of which are coded. The expense of  
> coding, as well as the risk of shipping damage/loss is the main  
> reason I have not bought an M8. The ability to use old lenses on a  
> digital camera is very appealing to me.
>
> Excellent update idea for an excellent camera.
>
> I stay in Singapore. Its takes at least 1month to code lenses. Its  
> not possible for me to do it, as result I need to use 3rd party  
> software to fix it (cornerfix)
>
> I?am also missing this feature al lot and it is one of the reasons  
> why I waited for years to get an M8. I would only invest in a future  
> M9 if it also - besides lenses - has a lens identification firmware,  
> at least for LEITZ and LEICA lenses.
>
> I own an M8, M6, M5, MP, MP3, M3, M2, R9, R4, and SL2, as well as  
> over a dozen lenses. I have owned Leicas since 1963. I am heavily  
> committed to Leica mentally, emotionally, and financially. I agree  
> that Leica AG would serve the interests of its numerous R8 customers  
> by making lens identification in software an alternative to having  
> their lenses coded by Leica AG. I cannot think of a good reason for  
> Leica AG not to offer this option if it has any sense of  
> responsibility to its loyal customers, as I believe and trust that  
> it does.
>
> I support making Leica M8 firmware possible ti identify the Leica  
> lens attached -- rather than coding at $175 for each lense.
>
> i done it. If you in Asia, its takes at least 1month to code  
> anything, so there is no way i can do it.
>
> I own and use M8 extensively, and it is a great camera! Adding this  
> in the firmware would be of great help, I will not send any lenses  
> for coding anyway because of costs and waiting time...
>
> I own and enjoy using an M8, an M6 ttl, and eight different lenses.  
> For financial and logistical reasons (pita factor), of these, only  
> three have been coded. Several viable hand-coding solutions have  
> proliferated over the course of the M8s lifespan, which have already  
> largely eliminated any economic in incentive for not implementing a  
> firmware-based means for lens identification.
>
> I have been a loyal Leica customer for 20 years, and I feel this is  
> the least Leica can do.
>
> Please implement this option as it makes tremendous sense, or  
> explain very carefully why this cannot be done.
>
> I do have many Leica lenses and 3 Zeiss. I do not have over 1000  
> Euro to spend in coding all those lenses.


?Mitch/Potomac, MD
http://www.flickr.com/photos/malland/sets/72157594271568487/