Re: What would an M7 have?

[Oddmund Garvik <garvik@i-t.fr>]

Leica M is a system and a certain philosophy. I do not believe that a
future M7 should change anything about that, or it would not be a Leica
M any more. The M is not obsolete, it just has some mannerisms as a lot
of other cameras. It has been *take it or leave it* since many years
now. I have used M's the last 25 years, and I am quite satisfied with
the results.  The viewfinder could be better, of course. What about a
commercial version of the M6J (also in black)? 

After 42 years Leica M has become almost the perfect rangefinder. If you
want an automatic rangefinder, go for the Contax G2. If you want an
electronic shutter, and want to shoot with M-lenses, you can go for the
Minolta CLE. It is even smaller than a Leica M, and fair enough as a
camera. 

I should like a new version of the recent Minilux as a second, or even a
first camera. With a much better viewfinder at the left side, not in the
middle (and why not also an angle viewfinder like on the Yashica T5?).
With shutter speed indicator in the viewfinder. With indicators for DOF
around the command button, so that you can control manual focusing if
you want. With a lens that goes right into position in manual mode to
eliminate delay and noise. With manual ISO, and without AUTO flash as
default. They can keep the same lens if they want, and everything is
perfect, for me. Then I might even consider selling the M, because I
almost wont use it any more. 

I need a small, simple, and discrete in-pocket camera, which I can
always bring with me. I am a little fed up with *shoulder cameras* and
photobags. Even the M is too heavy for everyday use. I want a
point-and-shoot that gives me creative control as well as the ability to
take a brainless 1 second picture.  I want to be an "invisible"
photographer, able to take a picture unnoticed.  This is the original
Leica/Barnack concept as far as I can see. In my opinion a new
*Minilux-x* is the best way to update this concept. 

Oddmund Garvik