Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2009/09/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Like you I too am feeling a bit "left in the lurch". I can understand Leica's decision, but I'm not "happy" about it. The DMR was a good compromise and mine still works well, but it needs an "update". Leica's S Daniel said at the launch of the M9 that Leica could not continue "swimming with the sharks" ie Nikon and Canon, but he did not rule out R solutions in the future. In reality I think we are "in trouble". I have not decided what to do, but clearly the choice will be S2 at huge expense. Stick with the DMR at no cost (for me) Canon or Nikon body mixing lenses, or return to FILM!!! cheers from Ballarat Alastair Firkin www.afirkin.com On Thu Sep 17 12:45 , Leonard J Kapner <kapner at earthlink.net> sent: >Forgive me if this issue has been raised and discussed to conclusion, >but I'm at a point with my photography where this question is of >importance to me. > >I am a long-time Leica user and fine art photographer, working >primarily outdoors in the always fluid margin between civilization and >nature. I have an M9 on order. I chose to order it after dithering for >several years on a digital body to complement My M7 and full range of >lenses. I think I am glad I waited and have little doubt that I will >be pleased with my choice, for certain kinds of photography I enjoy >that are not in my "kill" zone. > >But I also have a significant investment in R-series: Several M8s and >a range of prime lenses from 18-280mm. I was very happy a while back >when a Leica factory executive mentioned an R10 in development, only >to learn less than a year later that it had been decommitted. I have >tested the DMR solution extensively and find it clumsy, obsolescent >and wanting. > >Now, I understand there is recently available an adapter line for >current Canon and Nikon full-frame bodies, as well as a Novoflex >solution to mate Leica lenses to micro/3rds format that preserves >aperture priority automation when used with Panasonic reflex digital >bodies. And there are rumors of some sort of subterranean project >involving Leica in the works, to bring us a full-frame reflex solution >that takes full advantage of the hard-coded R-series lenses. > >To my mind, a solution of the best kind would be a Leica-designed full- >frame digital body, with all the functionality of the film R9, plus >focus confirmation. To use my R-series lenses to full advantage in the >kind of photography I enjoy most, I think I need little else. > >To our expert commentators and Leica watchers on the list, what do you >think is the most likely probability for the R-series, going forward? >And if it's not a Leica-based solution, what's next best? > >If you prefer, responses off line also would be welcome. > >Len Kapner >kapner at earthlink.net > >_______________________________________________ >Leica Users Group. >See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information