[Leica] Re: M8 review, M9 anticipation

[lrzeitlin at optonline.net (Lawrence Zeitlin)]

There is a rumor that an upcoming M9 will have a 16 Mp sensor using  
the new Kodak high sensitivity chip with built in IR correction  
filters.  Just when I had halfway made up my mind to spring for an  
M8, the thought that my expensive purchase might soon be obsolete is  
disquieting. True, I buy my cars near the end of the model year - but  
then I receive substantial discounts from the list price. The dealer  
is so anxious to get rid of the older models that he will take almost  
any offer and throw in free gas and maintenance to boot.

My M Leicas are 50 years old and a couple of my LTMs are old enough  
to collect Social Security. They have lived such long productive  
lives because the camera is essentially a box containing a  
rangefinder, a shutter, and a film transport. Every film and optical  
advance gave the cameras a new lease on life. The cameras have lived  
through Super XX, Tri X, Kodachrome, Ektachrome, Ektacolor,  
Agfacolor, Fujicolor and Fujichrome films. None required a  
modification of the camera. The cameras have used lenses ranging from  
Elmars, to Summitars, to Summcrons to Summarits. Even an occasional  
Canon lens. All fit.

But with the M8 I face a probable obsolescence in two to three years.  
The camera may still work but its market value will decline by half  
or more. On the other hand, my film Leicas are still worth a  
substantial fraction of what I paid for them, even in real dollars.  
Of course this is irrelevant to a pro. The camera is a tool and  
replacement costs can be factored into the cost of doing business.  
But for a mostly amateur photographer like myself, living on a  
retirement income, the cost of photography is a concern. I envy you  
guys who consider a $1000 lens as cheap.

Too bad Leica didn't adopt the same strategy with digital cameras  
that it did with many of its film models. For an affordable price the  
camera could be updated to a newer version. Imagine an M8 that could  
be converted to an M9 by simple replacement of a sensor model and  
software. The expensive mechanical and optical parts, chassis,  
viewfinder, rangefinder, and batteries would remain the same. The  
lenses haven't changed. Why should the camera be different? Updating  
digital Leicas might be a profitable business for an enterprising  
technician.

Interestingly, Kodak announced today that it made over $500 million  
profit this year, largely from digital efforts. Film sales continue  
to decline and the company plans to lay off another 3000 workers. Its  
workforce is now only half of what it was five years ago. The  
restructuring seems to be having an effect. Share prices jumped  
almost 6% today although they are still well below the level that  
they were in the '90s.

Larry Z