Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/11/13

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Subject: Re: What would an M7 have?
From: "Jeff Segawa" <segawa@netone.com>
Date: 13 Nov 96 23:05:30 -0600

>Someone mentioned a successor to the M6 recently. What would you want in
>an M7? Standard camera back for easier film loading? Aperture priority
>exposure mode? Variable field-of-view frames? Would you change the body
>shape (techno-ergo) or the viewfinder (zoom to focal length)? Would it
>actually be a worthy successor with an electronically controlled
>shutter?

Part of the M's appeal is that it's an exquisitely-built anachronism which
has made some gradual concessions to modernity, but not enough to
jeopardize it's status as a safe haven from (too?) rapid changes in late
20th century life. It's safe and predictable, and you know that next year's
model will be pretty much like last year's, with maybe a slight improvement
or change, but not enough to  render your camera obsolete by the
discontinuation of repair parts.

Useful changes: Cover it with the same ultra-grippy leatherette that Nikon
uses on the F5, give it low-contrast (gray on black) nomenclature and lose
the big red Leica bullseye. Give it a high-eyepoint finder, or at least a
non-scratchy eyepiece. Make it less susceptable to dings. Make it even
quieter in operation. Give it a master on/off power switch (built onto
battery cover?) Use pressed-paper (eggcarton stuff) materials for
packaging.
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