[LRflex] Re: ...M8 Photos & Infra-Red (for Ted)
- From: Douglas Herr <telyt@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: leicareflex@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 10:37:06 -0800
This suggests that the primary difference between RF and SLR cameras
would be the viewing/focussing/lens mount modules.
Doug Herr
Birdman of Sacramento
http://www.wildlightphoto.com
On Nov 24, 2006, at 9:47 AM, William Abbott wrote:
> Doug,
>
> The hidden benefit of this approach is that common power supplies,
> shutters and "digital film" (computer, OS, firmware and sensor) might
> be possible across both range finder and SLR devices, bringing
> economies to development, production, and logistic support of both.
>
> Bill
>
>
>
> On Nov 23, 2006, at 10:49 AM, Douglas Herr wrote:
>
>> Bill,
>>
>> Great minds think alike. See
>>
>> <//www.freelists.org/archives/leicareflex/10-2006/msg00160.html>
>>
>> Doug Herr
>> Birdman of Sacramento
>> http://www.wildlightphoto.com
>>
>>
>> On Nov 23, 2006, at 10:03 AM, William Abbott wrote:
>>
>>> David,
>>>
>>> In adversity (i.e. the M8 IR problem) there is opportunity, if it is
>>> recognized.
>>>
>>> What I am about to write could be considered a rant so to be safe,
>>> and to forewarn everybody, let me turn the Rant Button to "On" and
>>> continue. Remember, the red Rant light is flashing. Please exit here
>>> if you'd prefer not to listen. Thanks.
>>>
>>> Leica has "generally" upgraded usability features like control
>>> placement and capability features like highest shutter speed only
>>> when it infrequently changed camera body models. The most changeable
>>> item in the total Leica camera system was one that could be changed
>>> at will by the user, the film.
>>>
>>> Granted, Leica does make changes within a model design if forced to
>>> do so, like the change in the early R8s, if I have that story
>>> straight, and there may be others. It leads to multiple populations
>>> of the "same" (not same!) article, which further leads to
>>> configuration management and logistics challenges, but the means to
>>> manage these have become finely developed in our digital world.
>>>
>>> The digital world is different and other camera makers (you know who
>>> they are) have kept the same system as Leica's, described above, but
>>> they have adopted a continual camera system upgrade policy by
>>> instituting a rapid camera body obsolescence policy, changing models
>>> at the drop of a hat, the antithesis of the Leica camera body change
>>> policy. Buyers seem to tolerate it.
>>>
>>> Leica is part way to adopting a continual upgrade policy when it
>>> changes firmware for a camera body model to introduce improvements,
>>> although it is learning that such "improvements" can introduce
>>> unwanted additional problems, a well know fact of life in the aero
>>> industry.
>>>
>>> Where Leica could shine is to make an M8, say, that has readily
>>> (maybe factory, maybe dealer) changeable digital "film," i.e.,
>>> changeable computer, firmware and sensor. Both of those items are
>>> where technological development has occurred and will occur in the
>>> future. Bet on it.
>>>
>>> To summarize: The old camera is just a box to hold shutter, lens and
>>> film, the latter changeable. The digital camera is just a box to hold
>>> shutter, lens and digital "film," i.e.,the computer and its
>>> operating system (micro-Linux,etc.), its firmware, and the sensor.
>>>
>>> Leica needs to do the system analysis and redraw their demarcation
>>> between their camera "system" and the digital film "system," much
>>> like the MF people have done with changeable MF digital backs and
>>> software for Hasselblad and other MF cameras. It could be a powerful
>>> feature in the M9 (or M8 Mod 1) and R10, IMHO.
>>>
>>> What I am proposing is this: That Leica build range finder and SLR
>>> "devices" that contain a power supply and shutter and which will each
>>> accommodate the full range (or most) of Leica lenses, with changeable
>>> digital systems of sensor, computer, and firmware.
>>>
>>> The big plus is that latter could vary in technical capability (and
>>> cost!) to suit various photography needs, from low resolution b&w to
>>> high resolution, very fast, multiple exposure color.
>>>
>>> To do this would "simply" be (which means it is not simple!) a matter
>>> of system design, configuration management, and creative engineering,
>>> the same things Leica has been known for in the past. Will they do
>>> it? I don't know, but I hope so. Their lenses deserve it.
>>>
>>> The Rant Button now set to "Off" and the Rant light has stopped
>>> flashing.
>>>
>>> Thanks for listening.
>>>
>>> As ever,
>>>
>>> Bill
>>>
------
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