Leica Digital "M"

[Denyse]

I have just returned to the States, from a trip to the Olympic Games. While I was there, I had a long conversation with a person who I thought at the time was just another Leica "M" fan. I had my system, and we started chatting by a fire and comparing ideas.

All of a sudden the gentleman, took out his card, and he was from LEICA, and asked me if I would be interested in going Digital IF I could still use my rangefinder lens'. I said I would in a minute!

He then took out of his bag a Leica Rangefinder camera that said MD on the front. It looked nothing special. He told me to see how it felt. As soon as I got my hands on it, I saw the LCD viewer on the back. I could not believe my eyes. It was an actual Rangefinder Digital. I grabbed my bag and took out my camera, and put my F1 Noctalux lens on it, and gave it a go. WOW! It was fantastic.

Alas, I had to give it back to him, and though he did let me use it the next day for a while, he said it was still just a prototype, and would not be on the market for some time to come.

What a let down. I tried all of my girlish charmes, and female wiles on him, but to no avail, he went back with the camera, and me with a very great hunger to get one.

[Photo-John]

I need pictures! Where's the proof! ;)

Tomorrow I have a meeting with Leica. And we're already on the list to get one for testing. I'm hoping that Leica has something - at least a prototype - to show me.

[Denyse]

Tell you what... you get it to test, and tell me where you are, and maybe I can work on you to say, you were "robbed"?

I went to a Leica dealer today, and he was 110% dumb. He did not even know there was a digital back for my R9! But he did try to sell me an Epson RD1. What a peice of junk (my own opinion).

Oh well, back to saving my nickles and dimes. I still want a 2007 Shelby.

[another view]

I went to a Leica dealer today, and he was 110% dumb.

This doesn't apply to just cameras...

The Leica M thing has always fascinated me. It's not just a camera, it's the approach to photography in general. Epson has their Leica-like digital body, and hopefully that's just the first of many M-mount digital cameras.

[Photo-John]

I went to a Leica dealer today, and he was 110% dumb. He did not even know there was a digital back for my R9! But he did try to sell me an Epson RD1. What a peice of junk (my own opinion).

I can't believe the dealer didn't know about the Digital M. I'm pretty sure Leica has made a public announcement about its development. I talked to them yesterday and they said there's no way you saw a Digital M. I'm not saying you didn't. But the Leica guys I know, who are from Germany, say the camera isn't yet ready for use outside Leica facilities. I will get one for testing, but it's going to be a while. And the camera probably won't be available to the public until sometime next year. They are excited about it, though. It will be interesting to see what the hardcore Leicaphiles have to say.

[Denyse]

Really... I saw one. I really wanted to buy it. I took my checkbook out and was ready to write a check, even a deposit for being on the list.

The man said if he could, he would have traded it for my M4 because it was a "Midland" model. Heck, I know what it is worth, and I would have been tempted if he could have made the deal.

I learned long ago, that things are tested in the field. Companies are famous for swearing on a stack of bibles that such and such in not available, even when a photo with the object is their for proof.

I can wait, but it is hard to be patient in doing so. I am now on the hunt for more Digital Information. And I still have a check waiting.

[Photo-John]

Here's what I know about it:

1) There's very little information available
2) Until about a year ago they were claiming it was impossible, because of the lens position
3) The official release will be in Germany, at Photokina 2006
4) I'm on the list to get one for testing!

I sure wish you had some photos of it. Did you not have a camera or did the guy ask you not to take any pictures?

[Denyse]

I never thought to taka a picture OF the camera itself. I took some pictures with it, but since hindsight is 20/20 I really screwed up! I thought there were photos of the camera already. Talk about stupidity. But, heck I am just a girl. When I see a diamond ring, I want to put it on, not to take a picture of it. ME VERY SORRY!

Do you have a photographic store? If so where?

What I did not try was if the camera would use my f2,8 135mm lens, I should have to check the placement of the rangefinder windows.

I know wish I had asked if my Visoflex III would work on the camera.

Sheesh... and I make jokes about DUMB BLONDES!

Move over girls...her comes the world's dumbest Red Head.