A new Leica M with no screen, no adjustments other than aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Wahnsinn! But maybe not so mad on second or even third thought. Such a beast, a sort of M7 with a sensor instead of a film, is not as daft as it sounds.
This week we have seen renewed rumours of a new stripped-down special-edition M, sans almost everything except the inevitable lofty price tag. It is even suggested the camera could be launched at Photokina. At first I took no notice; just another mad rumour I thought. And it isn’t April 1, after all.
But then I started wondering. Why do we need the myriad of adjustments that are on offer with digital cameras? They get more complex every year and, in many cases, they are there simply because they are possible, not because they are needed. When we used film cameras we didn’t have white balance control, in-camera processing of negatives, movie recording, bracketing, exposure compensation and a hundred other so-called conveniences. We learned to cope and, in some way, we were better photographers as a result. DNG files, with no in-camera processing, would serve us well enough.
The question remains whether this mythical Leica M-minus is feasible. According to rumours the only adjustment control apart from aperture and speed is a large ISO dial following the precedent on all Ms since 1954. How would we adjust the camera, how would we format a memory card, how would we update the firmware (such as it is likely to be)?
I could take good photographs with a stripped-down M, just as I can with an M7, MP or M3. About the only modern feature I would really miss is the ability to set auto ISO preferences to limit speed and sensitivity. I seldom use other variables and, without jpgs to worry about, a minimalist approach is eminently feasible. It is entirely possible that individual basic settings, which would not be expected to change, could be programmed in from a computer application (or a mobile app). I could live with this.
While writing this I have become quite enthusiastic. A back-to-basics digital camera that works just like a traditional film camera and releases you from the tyranny of too many choices: I think it could work. And, could we dare hope for a design where sensor and operating chip could be upgradable, thus giving the camera a longer working life?
Now if Leica could adopt the weight and profile of the M7, for instance, life would be even better. If it meant a thinner body I would even accept a spacing collar on the lens mount (as on the Sony A7) to compensate for the shorter distance between sensor and lens. The only thing I don’t like about the concept is the possibility, as hinted in the rumours, that this paragon of simplicity would cost more than the current all-bells-and-whistles M. That would indeed be difficult to swallow.
There are Leica fans, especially those with a hankering for the simplicity of film but who don’t want the hassle, who would buy this camera. Let’s call it the M7d and wish it well.
I agree with Mike on this one.If this rumour is true it could be a winner as there would be quite a few who would appreciate a stripped down Leica M.I don’t appreciate or need all the myriad of menu items on my Sony a7 but I do appreciate the simplicity of my Leica X1 and X Vario.However the big issue is likely to be the price.It’s unfair to hypothsise on the likely price but I have a feeling that Leica may well follow Porsche who have offered stripped down versions of various 911 models in the past as Clubsport versions deleting the climate control , sound system,sound deadening and various creature comforts such as electric seats and then charged a hefty premium for the stripped down model! And got away with it.
And to reinforce this line of thought Leica will be very anxious not to cannabalise sales of the full spec M models which are very high % margin products.A very competive "Clubsport M" could well do this . and let’s not forget that Leica now have Blackrock – a very aggressive US investment fund holding a 40% shareholding.Profits and particularly margins will be very high on the agenda.Yes a stripped own M sounds like a good idea but I fear the price may well induce tears.