Re: What would an M7 have?

[Donal Philby <donalphilby@earthlink.net>]

Chris:

An M7 should have:

1.  Half increment shutter speeds.

2.  A slightly bigger dial (as someone mentioned earlier)

3.  Faster film change system.

4.  A tiny motordrive (I can't believe the size of the standard motor 
drive; maybe if it went 15 FPS or something, but it's bigger than the 
camera!) or a standard bottom mounted winder (as was made 3rd party 
for the M4 (I think).

5.  Higher sync speed.

The main reason for 1, 2 and 3 is the increasing use (since 1950s) of 
color transparency film that requires precise exposure and often 
bracketing--but quickly.  Sometimes it is nice to bracket by shutter 
speed, perhaps because it is so easy and Nikon aperature rings are 
either sticky or loose.  I find that with my N90s, I bracket mostly by 
shutter speed. Also color film often benefits greatly by very slight 
flash fill.  And our expectations for professional work often demands 
flash fill, and it would nice to not be restricted to 1/50th.

The reason for #4 is for those of us who are left eyed.  I used to be 
right eyed and the crank handle was not a problem.  Now it is.  I have 
to take the camera away from my face to wind each time.  Breaks 
concentration.  A timy motor winder/drive (see new R8 winder) would be 
perfect.

- --Donal