Leica Strikes Back!

*k100d* · 09-05-2009, 10:40 AM

M9 brochure up... or not - Rangefinderforum.com

edit: direct link to the brochure is here
http://en.leica-camera.com/assets/fi...=file_4465.pdf

the rumoured full frame M9 and the APS-C sensor X1 are legit ...
now if these were only in the realm of affordability

*séamuis* · 09-05-2009, 12:01 PM

leica strikes back with what? another chunky M series rangefinder that the masses cannot afford?

*Blue* · 09-05-2009, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by séamuis

leica strikes back with what? another chunky M series rangefinder that the masses cannot afford?

Isn't that the truth. Its too bad Kiev isn't still around to crank out digital versions of the Contax.

lithos · 09-05-2009, 06:47 PM

But I wanna know what sort of $50 filters Leica's gonna send out to correct flaws in the new $10000 cameras?

*k100d* · 09-05-2009, 08:30 PM

somewhere in the brochure they have said to have fixed the stupid IR problem

i think the APS-C X1 with a fixed lens will probably be more exciting to everyone here, depending on the price

*Blue* · 09-05-2009, 09:07 PM

Originally Posted by k100d

somewhere in the brochure they have said to have fixed the stupid IR problem

i think the APS-C X1 with a fixed lens will probably be more exciting to everyone here, depending on the price

Its more like the price of this thing is approaching 645D prices.

lithos · 09-06-2009, 02:12 AM

Originally Posted by k100d

somewhere in the brochure they have said to have fixed the stupid IR problem

It was because Leica didn't want images from their cameras sullied by moiré patterns.

I suppose they hope to sell a lot of them to people working in the flyscreen and sieve industries.

Trouble is with Leica M series digicams, they're extremely over-engineered. Designed to last a for a century, but will be outdated in half a decade.

*k100d* · 09-06-2009, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by lithos

Trouble is with Leica M series digicams, they're extremely over-engineered. Designed to last a for a century, but will be outdated in half a decade.

if the M9 actually does what it advertises without stupid problems that plagued the initial M8 launch, it really could be a camera that is worth keeping for a long time. FF, plenty of high quality M39 and M-mount lenses, good IQ ... just need to get to a point where it's affordable

i always feel like a leica backer on this forum

*Blue* · 09-06-2009, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by k100d

. . .

i always feel like a leica backer on this forum

You are, but there isn't anything wrong with that. Most people can't lay down $10K for a camera body. That is in the digital medium format price range.

Edit: There are a couple of ironic things about that brochure. In the pictures of cameras, it skips from the M9 to the M7 leaving out the M8. Also, they are showing images in Cuba about boxing. I find it interesting since I doubt many Cubans could afford to buy a M9.

krypticide · 09-06-2009, 10:38 PM

Once I start working, I'm totally going to get a Leica rangefinder.

*pingflood* · 09-07-2009, 05:21 AM

Originally Posted by krypticide

Once I start working, I'm totally going to get a Leica rangefinder.

If you're talking about a film one they don't have to cost an arm and a leg.

The Barnack style bodies (I-III) can be had for under $200 in decent user condition. M bodies are costlier, but have come down enough in price that $600 ought to get you something. Of course, if you want built in metering then you're looking at M6/M7 (unless you'd consider the M5, which is a little clunky and odd) and a fair bit more money. I mainly use a M4-2 with MR meter (hotshoe mounted, couples to the shutter dial) which isn't a bad combination.

jct us101 · 09-07-2009, 05:22 AM

I'm not sure what the appeal of the M9 is though. It costs more than any Pentax camera and it's not like full frame is really that expensive anymore.

*séamuis* · 09-07-2009, 05:28 AM

Originally Posted by jct us101

I'm not sure what the appeal of the M9 is though. It costs more than any Pentax camera and it's not like full frame is really that expensive anymore.

the appeal IS the leica. thats the point. its a leica. the company knows its out of reach of most. thats what it wants. for better or worse. this keeps the mystique and the leica name alive. plus, with the continued functionality of so many LTM and M lenses from leica, nikon, canon, voigtlander among others, spanning all the way back to the 30's its the perfect platform for the modern rangefinder user. you mustn't think of the leica in the same context as a DSLR concerning price and market fit. because the M series of digital rangefinders aren't designed to fit.

jct us101 · 09-07-2009, 05:30 AM

So it's just a foo-foo brand?

*séamuis* · 09-07-2009, 05:40 AM

Originally Posted by jct us101

So it's just a foo-foo brand?

I have no idea what "foo-foo" means. but no. its a brand that has a digital camera with its own market. a market in which it is one of the only players. and the most well known and well respected players. thus it can (and to a certain degree) has to charge what it does to remain "The" camera. you like it or you dont. you get it or you dont. it is what it is for the reasons it needs to remain what it is.

I have no idea if that made sense outside my own head.