Originally posted by Kunzite The point is, L mount is a popular opinion - we all agree on that. But, is it actually an option?
From what I have read. L-mount is probably an option. Panasonic and Leica (obviously) were going to develop for the L-mount regardless of what other companies decided to do. Sigma was invited as was Olympus. Were other companies invited? I don't know. Ricoh seems like a prime candidate for the partnership. Panasonic doesn't appear to be interested in developing on-sensor PDAF and they are going for the large body. Sigma will use a Foveon sensor. There will be a market for a manufacturer who can make compact FF bodies using PDAF sensors and there will be a market for compact glass. Everything from Sigma and Panasonic is huge and expensive... Leica obviously so. Panasonic is struggling so I don't see them adding more L-mount bodies in the near future. I think the 3 that they currently have will be improved via firmware updates over the next 2-3 years before we see new bodies as Panasonic will focus on glass. A GH-5 & G9 replacement should come late next year.
I really wish Olympus had decided to join the L-mount. FF mirrorless is where the growth is and has been for the last few years.
Ricoh has to eventually do something. This is not an industry where you can rest on your laurels. Look at what has happened to Canon and Nikon in just a few short years. They are playing catch-up in the market. Obviously Canon and Nikon are huge companies and they still command a massive share of the industry, but they have fallen behind in several key areas.
Leica is the only one who could keep someone from joining the L-mount as the L-mount is theirs and they would have to grant a license, but other than a license from Leica I don't believe there is any restriction. There are anti-trust laws against cartels and the L-mount alliance would find themselves in trouble if they were working together to restrict competition.