If you were on the design team for the M, what would you change or fix?

[michael_kastner]

Sooo, today I see what yesterday I forgot:

<ol START=8 TYPE=a>

<li>

I miss a self-timer and I don't like the Hama add-on. Therefore see

point (d) above.</li>

 

<p>

 

<li>

I don't like my TTL's non-center base socket but I do like the RRS

center mount baseplate (B 30).</li>

</ol>

[fran__ois_p._weill]

Here are my thoughts gents :

 

<p>

 

A � Keep the all mechanical model M6 TTL into production as

a �second option� for some customers (but it doesn�t mean you can�t

use the new body described below as an �envelope� for commonalty of

parts and quick loading). May be, market it as �the adventurers�

camera� or something like that and coat it in olive drab�

 

<p>

 

B � Go much farther into modernization of the RF concept without any

gadgetry:

 

<p>

 

1. Modify the body to have a fully opening back door for quick

loading with capability to interchange it in the future for a full

format very high resolution digital back.

 

<p>

 

2. Back to a flare less rangefinder �a la M 4� (I understand

the flare is due to a simplification in the way the finder is built)

 

<p>

 

3. Change the shutter of the M7 to a fully electronic device

(without the manual speeds capability if it means more complications

and higher costs) with 1/250th of a second synchronization with all

flash units and TTL operations at least to that speed with a

dedicated module and 1/2000th of a second max. speed and very low

speed capabilities) and use the savings in cost and assembly to

lower the camera retail price.

 

<p>

 

4. Camera should be operable in two combined modes: AE with

matrix metering or manual with true spot metering (so no need for AE

lock mode).

 

<p>

 

5. No more different versions for finder magnification but

built in capability to change it manually with three pre-definite

positions : wide angle, medium focal length with very wide aperture,

and tele-lens position. And great care to be exerted these three

positions being usable by glass wearers.

 

<p>

 

6. Rewind crank well protected in the bottom plate now fixed to

the body, used also to open the door by pulling it when motor is not

carried. Rewind lock button being kept where it is.

 

<p>

 

7. Very high speed electronically controlled detachable motor

(at least 6fps) with built in alimentation through a battery pack

which substitute itself to the self contained batteries of the body

when attached as an option (accessory)

 

<p>

 

8. Special low temp. use alimentation to be stored in a warm

pocket (accessory)

 

<p>

 

C � Some new lenses which could be useful:

 

<p>

 

1. A 75 mm f/2.8 lens of a much compact design and with a much

lower retail price than the 1.4 version

 

<p>

 

2. The return of a close up 50 mm lens with integrated finder

corrector for low magnification macro-work which could be useful in

travel photography.

 

<p>

 

3. A 180 to 200 mm tele-lens with very wide aperture with built-

in finder magnifier like the old 135 mm f/2.8 to broaden the useful

spectre of use of the M as to cover all what a 35 mm SLR can do in

the so-called �general photography� field.

 

<p>

 

D � Dream may be: the return of Visoflex in a fully automated way

using electronics (may be with AF included for long tele-lens) as to

spare the necessity to have an SLR equipment and support the burden

of the additional cost. This for macro and long tele-photo works.

 

<p>

 

A "universal M" ? Why not ?

 

<p>

 

Friendly

 

<p>

 

François P. WEILL

[jason_eitelbach1]

Black Paint!!!!!Black Paint!!!!!!!Black Paint!!!!!!

Bring back this beautiful finish that wears so much better

than black chrome:(

oh yeah entry level body....

[michael_kastner]

Hey Ray!

 

<p>

 

My new peeve -- actually the oldest of all of mine here --

traditionally Leica makes (at least here in Leicaland) an official

price increase twice a year. Every October 1 and every March or April

1. Don't try that on for size.