Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/02/19

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Subject: RE: [Leica] M[67] ramblings
From: "Austin Franklin" <darkroom@ix.netcom.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 15:53:31 -0500

> ...but remember
> that a gear can be made any time in the future... a chip can not.
> Close/alternative Replacements are impossible.
>
> I will mention the final alternative... scavenge parts form another body.
> This is done even for the LTM cameras....

Frank,

I don't agree with that.  A PCB can always be made with some circuitry on it
that will replace what ever is in the camera.  The issue, for me, is the
sensors/displays and on other cameras, the motors, as they are very custom
as well, especially the ones used for autofocus.  Sensors/displays/motors
have physical characteristics that must be met to fit into the camera, and
the displays are entirely customized.  A PCB (with associated circuitry) is
cheap, as in REAL cheap to make in any form factor, even a flex circuit, and
in low quantity.  A sensor and/or display would have a minimum buy of
probably 1000 and up, and the NRE (Non-Recurring Engineering) costs would be
high.  Motors can be rebuilt, for the most part.  Now, some cameras, like
the R8, would be more complicated, IC wise, than it's worth for someone to
make a replacement PCB for, but my guess is for the M, it's pretty easy.

Regards,

Austin

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