[LRflex] Re: ...M8 Photos & Infra-Red (for Ted)

> Doug, Bill, et al:
>
> Leica's stated goal, with the R10, is to bring out a camera which
> would be, to the current dSLR market, what the M3 was to the
> rangefinder market in the 50's.  Something both revolutionary and
> stunningly good.
>
> Amazingly the idea of improving on the DMR idea, making a changeable
> back that could be used to upgrade the sensor, etc., was not floated
> during our "R10 design discussion", so I can speak of this without
> violating my NDA.
>
> I did, however, submit the idea to Leica (with full credit to it's
> source, Doug!) .   If you follow that idea through, while referring
> to the results of our little survey, you find that most will accept a
> camera which is the size of the present R8/9 without the motor winder
> or DMR attached.
>
> I presented the idea that (for cost) they build on the current R9,
> because the basic body, mirror box & finder are already designed for
> full frame imaging and it's ergonomics are excellent.  They could
> install the shutter cocking motor in the space where the film went or
> where the film take-up reel is.  The battery and SD card would go
> into the remaining space, along with any needed
> electronics.  Electronics for AF, etc., could go under the top plate,
> where the film advance gears used to be. And, of course, the back
> would  be fully removable. carrying the screen, sensor etc,
>
> Later development of newer models would be able to feature things
> like removable finders (SL quality, waist level, etc) , etc., but
> they would still use the same "docking port" for the digi-back.  In
> essence, a Hasselblad system for the 35mm sized dSLR market!
>
> And, as Doug suggests, if the R10 were made this way, it would,
> perhaps, be feasible to then build the M9, with different focusing
> body, rangefinder focusing and thinner "M-sized" body accepting
> M-series lenses, yet still accept the same digital backs.  This would
> substantially reduce the cost of engineering future models in both
> ranges, while increasing profits.  If the identical backs are not
> possible, at least similar backs, where the form factor would fit
> each design, but the electronics would be common to both, thus still
> reducing development costs!
>
> But the key in both systems, for both pros and amateurs alike, would
> be the preservation of investment!  Leica cameras last 30 years.
> Digital bits are outmoded in two, and horribly dated technology by
> 6.  Interchangeable/upgradable backs would mean they sell us a camera
> & back for, say $5000.  The pros would buy the upgraded back every
> two years or so, while the amateurs might buy one every 4or 6
> years.  If we assume that the backs sell for $2000 each, over a 20
> year life, the pro will buy 1 camera and 9 backs, for a total sale of
> $23,000.  An amateur, who upgrades, say, every 5 years, on average,
> would still buy one camera and 3 backs, for a total of
> $11,000.    But, the cost would be spread over numerous years and not
> hurt nearly so bad.. except, perhaps, the first time!
>
> This preservation of investment would also encourage photogs of all
> stripes to invest in lenses, as they know they will be able to use
> them on future models.  And for Leica, the money is in the lenses,
> not the cameras!
>
>   Other than a polite 'thank you", I have heard nothing further on
> this idea.  Whether Leica go for it, or not, will be up to them.  But
> at least we've given them the idea!
>
>   David.

all well and good David...

for Leica at present, the future is the M8...and it seems they are  
having some difficulty with that.

I sincerely doubt they are thinking much about the M9 and the R 10....

you may be thinking about it more than Leica.


Steve


> PS:  Bill: I enjoyed your "rant"!
> ---
>
> David Young,
> Logan Lake, CANADA
>
> Wildlife Photographs: http://www.telyt.com/
> Personal Web-pages: http://www3.telus.net/~telyt
>
>
>
>
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