Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/05/15

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Subject: [Leica] Re: Leica changes, a fantasy
From: LRZeitlin <LRZeitlin@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 15:24:44 EDT

As long as Leica modifications are being discussed, the members of our chapter
of the Leicaholic Chowder and Marching Society agree that the M camera needs
change if it to staunch the defection to the Contax G2. Here is what we
propose:
1. The camera should be redesigned to utilize newer technology but should
remain relatively small and light. A rollback in weight and size to that of
the CL or screw mount Leicas would be nice.
2. The lensmount and focusing mechanism MUST remain the same, permitting the
use of all existing M mount lenses. Electrical sensing contacts would be OK if
they did not interfere with mounting existing lenses. Since it would be
impractical to autofocus existing lenses, a focus confirmation signal should
be incorporated into the view/rangefinder. The signal would indicate when the
lens was focused on an object in the RF window. This is essentially an
autofocus sensor without the lens focusing mechanism. It would be a boon for
ageing eyes.
3. The viewfinder should have either a zoom capability or at least a two range
(high, low) variable magnification permitting reasonably sized field frames
for both wide angle and long focus lenses. A greater eye relief should be
incorporated, facilitating the use of the camera with glasses. A multi
magnification viewfinder was available in the Canon 30 years ago and a pretty
good zoom finder in my wife's P&S Olympus today.
4. A vertical travel, lens opening priority auto exposure capable, metal
shutter should be used. Leica already uses this approach in the R series with
the Copal-Leitz modular shutter. It should sync at up to 1/250 second.
Autoexposure should be at the user's discretion.
5. Manual film transport is OK. An autowinder should be offered as an
accessory.
6. A fully opening, removeable back would not only make film loading easier
but would permit long roll and electronc accessory backs to be attached.
7 A center mounted tripod screw would avoid the dreaded overhang when tripod
use is necessary.
8. Finally, the flash connection should be moved to the front.

None of these suggestions is really new. Leica has already incorporated most
of them on other cameras so clearly they meet Leica's standards. The only
sacrosanct aspects of the M series Leica are the lens mount and the
view/rangefinder concept. Everything else is negotiable. 

Any additions or subtractions from this list? Maybe Leica is listening. -
LarryZ