Rumours from Cologne: M6.2 due out at this year's Photokina?

Have you heard about the rumours of Leica stopping the M6 TTL production and introducing an M6.2, all mechanical, no TTL with an M3 style viewfinder, to be presented at this year's Photokina?<P>One of the biggest Leica dealers here in Cologne confided this news to me, saying that he went to Solms about three weeks ago on a business trip and just by chance had a glimpse at what he was not supposed to see... according to Deep Throat the production is already humming.

Think about this for a minute..... 2004 will mark the 50th

anniversary of the introduction of the Leica M3. The camera you

describe, sound like it could be a special model to commemorate 50

years of the M3 and the timing would be about right to initial

testing for an 2004 intorduction.

Well, it's only my opinion.

Back to the future. Leica got it right the first time, they did catch

lightning in a bottle/camera when they designed the M3.

If what you say is true, an all METAL, all mechanical 'recreation' of

the M3, I will finally buy a 'new' Leica camera that wasn't built

over forty years ago. (i own both an m3 and m2 c. 1960/59.)

To me the M6 and to a greater extent, the absurd M7, are de-evolved

mutations of the pinnical rangefinder design embodied by the M3.

Leica would do well to honor its greatest achievement and release a

current 'M3' for the Leica faithful that have no use for the

electronic 'conveniences', magnifiers, AE, that have been grafted

onto the 'perfect' rangefinder design.

Besides, all the vulcanite has long disapeared from my M3 and the

finder is getting foggy...just in the nick of time an M6.2. Imagine

being able to buy a brand new M3? Can life get any better?

Thanks for the G2, Lutz (and thanks also to Mr./Ms Throat for his or

her comments to you). If Sal's M3 math is correct, a 50-year

commemorative model might make sense. Sounds like a candidate for

black paint only, with someone's logo on the top plate.

 

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Personally, I'd rather see an M6-P, keeping the TTL and the 0.72

viewfinder, but adding flash sync to 1/250 like other "professional"

cameras. (Yes, I'm familiar with the physical shutter issues

associated with sync at that speed, but I like to dream in Velvia color.)

I agree with Doug that the M7 is the antithesis of what a Leica should

be. This theoritical M3 re-issue would be a camera worth getting.

I'm sure it wouldn't cost much more than my M4. The high prices of

M4's and good M3's shows that there is a demand for a all mechanical,

high quality camera.

How about an M3ttl, with anti flare VF and lock?

How about a camera aimed at photographers instead of a collectible? I

mean with multi-matrix metering, program mode, reliable flash system,

fast flash synch, electronic shutter release, etc. Then some good

aftersales service. And some realistic pricing.

 

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But it's not about to happen, is it?

The M6.2 may be a limited edtion for collectors.

Rob's magical new company could be called......hmmmmm......Nikon?

Rob - what you describe already exists, see Konica/nikon/canon

available today at your local 'professionals only' camera store.

The M6.2 would give those of us who believe in the original M3 design

and actually use the M3 as our primary camera (not for professional

photography of course) the ability to buy a 'new M3' instead of

fighting with the collectors for an M3 in good condition. What would

become of the M3 collectors market? I for one would be able to buy my

new 'M3/M6.2' and abandon the user/collector fight for the limited

existing stock of quality vintage M3's and M2's.

Hahaha...aimed at photogs huh? Well...if you have the need for such

equipment, Nikon is a good bet. This photographer here will stick to

an M6 TTL. : )

Me too, James - at least, M6 classic - but isn't it just a bit

disappointing to see them (if it's true) coming out with another

collectible, rather than trying to move the product forward?

 

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If Nikon produced a manual focus rangefinder with the F100's

electronics, I wouldn't hesitate to drop my leica gear tomorrow

morning. I might not have a need for all the modes and functions, but

i would at least have modern flash, metering and reliable service.

I too would consider buying a new m3, however fortunately there are

enough good used ones around, that i can buy one, have a good CLA,

wear it out, buy another one, have a good CLA before i get to the

price of a leica commerative issue camera. now if tempted me with a

new IIIg like built just like the original and like the did with

the "0" series, then I would be seriously tempted

And is Leica going to reintroduce bug-eyed goggled versions of the

35/2 and 35/1.4 ASPH's as well? Or will they reissue a new SBLOO? I

can certainly see Leica making a limited run of "new" M3's like Nikon

did with the S3, but not a full-on production model. If it will have

a built-in a meter I can't see them not using the same meter from the

TTL, including the TTL feature, rather than revert to the M6 classic

metering.

Don't put the cart before the horse. An M6.2 could be strictly a

commerative thing, something like the Nikon Millennium S3 ($5,000US).

Might not be as exepnsive, but maybe it will be. Time will

tell...*IF* it really exists.

When the M7 first came out, my first thought was: now they can stop

producing the M6 TTL, a transitional design, and revert back to the

M6. If it had an M3 finder, fine with me. Time will tell if it will

end up being a limited-production model (or whether it will even

happen at all), but if its a regular production classic M6, I bet

they'll sell a ton of them.

 

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Joe

It sounds suspiciously like an "updated" variant of the M6J - - without the meter, but with the later M-series film loading. Hello,

Sekonic 308B lightmeter! < grin >

I think Nikon has already looked at the RF market and decided they

can't beat Leica's price, or dent Leica's customer base, or even sell

any RF cameras. Nikon is interested in digital, as the new D100

proves. Nikon and Canon both, now seem to be concentrating on

moving "Pro" type digital down to the masses as quickly as possible.

Although, I can see a M6.2 with the "flare resistant" MC RF.

Lutz- Good for you! for keeping your eyes & ears open. I think TTL

and AE are too good a thing. As for all-mechanical-- here we can go

back to the watch comparison. If an electronic camera can be made as

reliable as the electronic watch, then Leica should go for it, just

as watchmakers have. The electronic watch is cheaper by far to make

and its accuracy blows away mechanical. I draw the line at AF: I do

not want it in Leica.

 

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Let them work on a faster shutter flash sync and a self timer and

fixing the RF flare.

 

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With all the M7s out there now, I wonder if anyone has had their

shutter accuracy tested? I used to go to huge camera shows in the

Chicago area. There was always someone there with a shutter speed

testing instrument. The tests were free.

Methinks the Cologne Leica dealer stumbled upon what (if it does

exist) will be the M3J.

 

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Probably engraved top plate, M4 finder lines, chrome or black paint,

indvidually serialed with probably 50-100 for each year, wooden box,

certificate, etc. Just like the M6J but without the meter (TTL or

otherwise). If you want one, I'd suspicion you better have the

better part of 10 grand burning a hole in your packet.

 

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Doubt very much Leica will produce 2 M bodies, one with a mechanical

shutter, and one with an electronically controlled mechanical

shutter, both for the masses. If so they'd just keep on producing

the M6 TTL. And does anyone believe they're doing that?

 

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Best,

 

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Jerry

I agree with Doug that the M7 is the antithesis of what a Leica

should be. This theoritical M3 re-issue would be a camera worth

getting. I'm sure it wouldn't cost much more than my M4. The high

prices of M4's and good M3's shows that there is a demand for a all

mechanical, high quality camera

 

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Their are plenty of auto plastic, out of date, do it all for you,must

have the latest,want to spend loads of money on hype,get bored easy,

have shallow mind,whats new,wonder what this photography thing is

about,they have the latest hype in my photo shop,i have got the

latest,look at me,does it pull females...and on and on

Some special production models are trial baloons: the M6J made it

clear that there was a market for high mag viewfinders.

 

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The S2 was a commemorative of the Contax S, but was a regular

production model.

 

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Its my belief that Leica has to produce a mechanical rangefinder, to

satisfy that segment of their market, and to mitigate the risk that

the M7 won't sell well. Enthusiastic people on the internet isn't the

same thing as sales.

 

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I've seen lots of M6 TTL's for sale recently, but not many M6's. An

M6.2 makes sense.

 

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Joe

Older Rolex watches do not get much cheaper or new ones.A M6.2 would

be a winner, the auto,semi auto market is saturated.

Lutz,

Please also read my posting question from 30 May entitled "Please

spill some the rumours...". There are some interesting responses.

 

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BTW I thought that you were here in Zürich. Too bad you missed

today! I took some of my gear out on the See, but ended up doing

nothing but enjoying the sun and water.

Jerry, if you mean making the M6 into the M6.2 by taking out the

mechanical shutter, and putting in the electrically controlled one...

I think that would be a backfire for Leica. While the electrically

controlled one would be more accurate, there is something about not

needing batteries that I find very appealing.