The German version of the L-camera-forum meeting/Q&A session (in English) with Leica just came online. The main points:
- R-solution: Leica is working on a mirrorless solution, but for financial, technical and other reasons the exact details are still unclear.
- S-system: three new lenses are expected - 24 mm ultra wide angle, 30 mm super wide-angle (with optional central locking) and 30-90 mm zoom. Still evaluating a possible tilt-shift lens.
- X-system: new firmware by the end of 2010, X system will continue with a new model, but will keep the "Leica simplicity". Do not expect HD video, GPS, etc. in the X line.
- M-system: M9 successor will not have AF-assist/focus confirmation, weather sealing is on the their wish list, M9 firmware is stable, cracked sensor is caused by the manufacturing process of the supplier (will be replaced for free).
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9 Comments
“Central Locking” should be translated into “central shutter” – as opposed to using the focal plane shutter in the camera.
Very happy to hear their consideration for weather sealing for the M”10″. However, why do I have a feeling it will not be standard. Knowing Leica, it’ll probably be an “upgrade” option ($$$) ala the Saphire Glass upgrade of the M8.2.
Well, I’m really really considering to buy a M9 but being an Olympus E-X and SG/SHG Zuiko User I know what the Weather sealing is about.
And hearing now that they are “considering ” Weather sealing for the M10 in 2012 or so.. well then I will def skip the M9 and wait for the M10(a used M8 fits the bill for now as well)
B
Any weather sealing would mean they would have to change all the internally machined edges which would mean a complete redesign – in order to do it correctly that is. It would be a standard feature in a next gen camera….IMO.
interesting topics… I was at photokina and regarding the X line, one of the “engineers” that was there at the booth answered my question “where is the X going” – he said to me, they will address the feedback, being faster focus performance, lack of video, and zoom… so take it like that, I also expect without someone telling me, that the X line will become the highend, pocketable short zoom profi camera. Which is what it suggests in its first incarnation – that was the start, or experimental, idea. And it was successful, so they push it further.
I also asked why there is such a big hole between the X and the M…. he only suggested they realize that and maybe something fills it. Normally in this situation, if there really was nothing to fill it, they’d make the argument of why do you need something there…. My hunch, somethings going to fill it. But when is the question.
And lastly, I had never knew about the Ricoh GRDIII pockatable, fixed 28mm camera before last weekend (just never paid attention I suppose) but I fell in love with this thing. I also mentioned its camera – ability to this same engineer and the comment was somehow admitting that the X could be more involving of a camera tool – not sure if that is suggesting something is going in that direction or… but I made my point and it was recognized without the ” oh really ” comments.
I hope they consider developing a DSLR that can take both R and FourThirds lenses.
I wouldn’t count on it – they have said that 4/3rds is not something they would continue with and it appears that the only DSLR will be the S2.
Received a promotional e-mail today from Leica:
The APO MACRO SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5/120 mm kills two birds with one stone …
Wouldn’t recommend to throw this at birds though !
After reading very carefully their comments what stands out to me is how they completely misread, or were surprised by the high demand which encompassed all the production capability. too, was the amount of $$$ they spent deveolping the S2.
Then the comment on Leitz Park, though I’m not sure if they still plan on moving there (?) but that has to be a bit of disapointment to them that they aren’t there yet. But all the demands, economic, on-hold product development and most certainly the higher than expected demand for the M line, lenses included seems to have really strained their plans.