Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/09/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Yeah, we 'chewed the cud' regarding a possible Leica-M Digital, we all thought it was a good idea. They agreed that short of designing a new lens range they ned to make it work with the range they have but that means chip sizes are at present a tall order to make work. We figured they'd already spent some time looking at this possibility and were relieved (I thought, or pleasantly surprised) that we showed so much positive reaction to the concept. No time frame but I'd be surprised if all the solutions could be finalised and produced in the next two years. We hypothesised about what might fill the spool chambers and how deep the extension to the baseplate could go. Now I had a small chat with Mr Kobayashi (CEO of Cosina/Voigtlander) and asked him about his design timing for the lenses etc. He said the idea takes 10"! The optical designer is given a month, then the mechanical designer is given a month and after two months he has a prototype to assess. It's kind of amazing in comparison! Leica, I'm sure, did not mention anything, on or off the record, that they did not want us to hear. They remarked they'd learnt their lesson from the R8 winder (and other items) that people do not want to hear about items which will not become available for years. they must be able to support the interest shown from promotion. Jem - -----Original Message----- From: Birkey, Duane [SMTP:dbirkey@hcjb.org.ec] Did any of you who attended Photokina ask or hear Leica talk at all about a digital M series camera or when it might hit the market???? Also... did they mention anything else that might be in development??? On or off the record.... Duane Birkey HCJB World Radio Quito Ecuador Duane's Photographs of Ecuador http://duane_birkey.tripod.com