Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2008/02/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Frank, lots of Leica folks out there hoping for new wide primes. The WATE though is perfectly suitable (and more spectacular) for 24x36 sensors or film. You have to be happy with 16-18-21. The lens is not bulky for what it does, although the finder is relatively large and complex. Again there though amazing for what it does. Frankly only the fact that together they cost more here than an M8 is holding me back personally. Do you think that people are looking for wider than 16 (21 equiv) for the current M8 sensor? I do not believe that Leica will produce any lenses that are not equally suitable for film and digital M's. I thought that the alternative in a prime might be a 16 of spherical design with modest aperture and size. A less ruinous price tag might be nice too. Don't forget that Zeiss charge MORE than Leica current prime prices for their made in Germany 2.8 15 and this is for a spherical design. I have had a CV 25 and now the ZI Biogon C 4.5 21. In my view their prices reflect their relative performance. Having said that the ZI was about a third the cost of a new Summicron 28 asph., but on my first couple of rolls of Provia that Zeiss (designed) 21 is stunning. Contrast, resolution, colour rendition very like my Summicron to my eye and the lack of distortion is amazing. I shall post some samples soon. I note that they have a 18 mm cousin for it on the books too. I see those two as Leica's competition in this area, taking into account the new Leica emphasis on the Summarits. I can't see any more exotics from them at the moment either. Roll on Photokina I say! Cheers Geoff -----Original Message----- Subject: RE: [Leica] lens rumors Think logically.... Leica is going to announce ( some day actually deliver) a full frame 24x36 sensor digital camera. Call it a M8+. The 3E was done for the full frame M7 (or less). The WATE was done for the M8, due to the smaller sensor. The M8+ will be a full frame sensor... Why would a lens wider than 16mm be marketing wise a good deal for THAT sensor? And since one has realistically never been a commercial product ( other than the wonderful Voigtlander lenses form Japan, the 12 and 15mm lenses) why would Leica spend the R+D effort for a limited volume lens ? The Voigtlander lenses cost around a few hundred bucks.... a Leica designed, and German produced lens like this would be at least 10 times more...... Too small a market..... OTOH, I would LOVE a Leica WATE!!!!!! ( for film,. Of course......) Frank Filippone red735i@earthlink.net -----Original Message----- On Behalf Of leo Wesson Sent: Friday, February 08, 2008 3:15 PM To: Leica Users Group Subject: [Leica] lens rumors Any heard any rumors of new really wides for the m8 coming out at photokina? -- Leo Wesson Photographer/Videographer 817.733.9157