[Leica] Re: M8 review, M9 anticipation

[grduprey at mchsi.com (grduprey@mchsi.com)]

Larry,

This argument is really a moot point.  It is the way of the digital world.  
Just think those who recently bought a Canon 5D, and 30D are now having to 
agonize over their foolish purchases as Canon will soon replace both of 
these cameras with new models.  The Nikon D200 is also slated to be replaced 
this year.  All of these cameras are less than 3 years old.  I suspect the 
M9 is probably 2  or 3 years away as I expect Leica to bring out the R10 
this next year to replace the DM-R.  I realize many think the R cameras will 
be dropped, but I for one think they will live on.  After all DSLRs are the 
main stream.  By the time either is out, I will be retired and will not very 
likely be able to afford either one, so my M8 will serve me very well, as 
will my D200.  If I want to shoot my R lenses, my R8 will also serve a long 
time to come, maybe by then a used DM-R will be down to around $1500 and I 
will be able to purchase one and then I can get rid of the D200.

Gene

-------------- Original message from Lawrence Zeitlin 
<lrzeitlin@optonline.net>: -------------- 


> 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 
> 
> 
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