I suppose it was only to be expected. The Leica M is not immune to the sensor bloat phenomenon. While many rangefinder fans would have been happy to continue with an out-dated 24MP sensor, Leica has to keep up with the Joneses and the advent of the 40.89MP high-resolution sensor is therefore relatively unremarkable.
The change of sensor mid-series is unprecedented, as Leica watchers will attest to. If I‘d been asked a year ago, I would have acknowledged the eventual need for a higher-resolution sensor but I would have been certain that any change would be delayed until the arrival of the next series, thought to be the M11.
However, with the M10-R joining the M10-M, the immediate future will be dominated by that 40.89 megapixel sensor. It is likely to be the sensor chosen for the M11, whenever it arrives, and the move to higher resolution probably sounds the death knell for the old 24MP unit. Instead of running parallel models, Leica quashed the 24MP Q and SL sensor as soon as the new models were announced. The reason given was production capacity.
While the current M10 (£5,750), M10-P (£6,490) and M10-D (£6,490) will continue until stocks as long as stocks last, I don‘t hold out much hope for a medium-term continuance of manufacture. Their days are now numbered. Street prices will probably fall (except, perhaps, for the outlier -D model) and I would not be at all surprised if the production of the 24MP sensor has already ceased. Even if this decision has been taken, however, Leica will keep the models current while stocks last.
Photo Huw John, Cardiff. Supplied by Leica in connection with the launch of the M10-R 
Photo Huw John, Cardiff. Supplied by Leica in connection with the launch of the M10-R Photo Huw John, Cardiff. Supplied by Leica in connection with the launch of the M10-R
M10-R(I)P
Before the arrival of the M11, I would also expect to see an M10-RP (or, more likely, a continuity M10-P fitted with the new sensor). We’ve already had the Monochrom and that is normally the last gasp of a model series before upgrade. But the -P designation is a vital part of the product mix and I cannot see the current model continuing without a sensor upgrade. These days, the only difference in the -P model is cosmetic, primarily the presence of that top engraving.
I do fear for the future of the excellent M10-D because it sells in relatively small numbers and I suspect it won’t pay Leica to upgrade the sensor, more’s the pity. Yet I am just one of many who is convinced by the -D concept. Several leading photographers I know do have a soft-spot for the screen-less M. Jono Slack is one of them.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that rumours of the death of the M10-D have been exaggerated. I’d just be happy if they kept the current version going, 24MP sensor and all.
M11 not imminent
Where does this leave Leica and the rangefinder for the immediate future? The M11 is expected, but the sensor change in the M10 range tells me that it isn’t as imminent as many thought. Otherwise, I feel sure, the new sensor would have been delayed until the announcement of the next model.
Perhaps, in this regard, the M10-M and M10-R should be regarded as interim upgrades, serving to postpone the arrival of the M11. The M10 series is coming up to 3½ years in circulation. The M9 lasted three years while the M240 stretched to five. It is now quite possible that the M11 will not arrive until 2022.
Conundrum
The form and function of this next M is something of a conundrum. With the M10 having reached the desired convergence in size with the M7, and that not far off the original M3, I struggle to imagine what new tricks the M11 could bring to the party.
At Photokina in 2014, Stefan Daniel told me that the ultimate objective was to shrink the digital rangefinder to the dimensions of the M3. Well, they did that and I think any more fiddling with the basic concept would be counter-productive. The M is a one off, a traditionalist camera which doesn’t benefit from gratuitous fiddling. If you want something different, try the SL2.
What could Leica do to turn the M11 into a real upgrade, given that they’ve already released the major attraction, a bigger sensor?
The big trick, of course, and one that everyone has been hoping for, is a hybrid viewfinder, incorporating an electronic display into the existing optical rangefinder. We know that Leica has experimented with such a device but, up to now, it has presented too many problems, not least of which being cost, to be viable.
I am no longer sure that this is the case. A hybrid viewfinder would be one killer feature for the M11 and could trigger the sort of upgrade rush that Leica can normally only dream of. There will be many M users who will not be attracted by the larger sensor of the M10-R and -M but would rush to buy any rangefinder featuring a hybrid view.
In any case, even without a hybrid finder, the M11 would need a completely new accessory EVF. The current Visoflex, though adequate, is some six years old and beginning to show its age. Going the whole hog with a hybrid finder would solve that problem.
Stabilisation
Another oft-requested change is the addition of in-body stabilisation. It would undoubtedly be a game-changer for the M11, but I doubt that it will happen. At the current state of technology, adding IBIS would result in a thicker, weightier camera, perhaps returning it to the dimensions of the M240. That, I think, would be seen as a retrograde step by M users. After all, if you want a Leica with IBIS, the cheaper SL2 is the obvious answer.
One improvement we will almost certainly see is a faster processor, one that permits the current 2GB buffer size to be increased, possibly to 4GB.
Any further changes, given that the camera has reached optimum size, will be limited to rearranging the deckchairs — but in the nicest, non-Titanic sense. Not a lot needs doing, frankly.
If I were to polish my crystal ball and seek out the M11, I would expect to see the new camera emerging in 2022. I think there is a very good chance it will have a hybrid viewfinder and a few minor tweaks, but certainly no change to the traditional appearance.
What’s your view?
When do you expect to see the M11? Or will there even be an M11? Could we be stuck with continuity M10 for much longer than anyone thinks?
A further question to ask is whether you think the M10 in its various guises has reached the ideal form and function for a digital rangefinder. Maybe we don’t want too many changes.
Hello.
An ideal m11 would be an m10 +
Internal memory
Much better battery
Faster
It would large enough
Thank you, Matt, for a very interesting and knowledgeable comment (article?). Would you like this converted into an article under your byline. I think it deserves wider readership. Mike.
Mike, thank you for the offer, but I’m still a bit too shy for my own article (Hopefully will work up the courage someday!) For now, I thought my comment might just serve as part of the thought-provoking conversation started by your article.
Sorry to hear that, Matt. I’m always happy to turn outline notes into an article and you can, if you wish, use a pseudonym. I could find some pictures of the M4 and other stuff mentioned. Anyway, it’s up to you but please do give it consideration. You write well and your reasoning is sound. Mike
Thanks for the encouraging words Mike. I don’t mind you tweaking my comment into a standalone piece and posting it with a pseudonym as long as the article is upfront about this. (I would prefer to just be referred to as something like a “millennial film M user and reader of the site”).
Good. I will look at it and email you direct with suggestions. Mike
Hi, Friends, I like one M, with a cost of u$s 6000.- maximun, for “photographers”, no millonairs !!!!
No more Mp
No more IBIS
No more EVF
Just one M with a cost what a photographer can affordable.
I think many people will agree with you in that, Miguel. But I suspect we’ve seen the last of $6k Leica rangefinders. Even £6k is unlikely these days the way the prices are rising. Don’t forget, though. That the original M9 sold at this price and that’s 11 years ago.
The future of leica m lens line will end up having a variant that has autofocus similar to the leica q but of course with interchangable lens….what fuji has done with their xpro line is what many want in the leica m rangefinder…a stripped down contax g digital rangefinder in a m body….
No more digital upgrades for me. I was convinced by a discussion here a few weeks ago that the constant increase in prices of M6’s and 7’s I have been monitoring brought them closer to the price of new whilst their electronic innards were becoming ever more fragile. So, I just received a gorgeous brand new black paint MP this week after some pleasant chat with Mayfair (thank you Sumi). I have an M10-P which will do me just fine. I have an M3 for a superb 50mm viewfinder and analogue experience (though someone did say I could just take the batteries out of my MP of course!). I’m done. I promise. 100% over buying new digital M’s with more mp’s than I can conceive of extracting the incremental benefit from. I’ll keep reading of course but will observe from afar.
Probably the most sensible decision, Des. The fact that M9s are still so popular tells me the the M10 will still be desirable in 2030. Technology will have moved on, of course, but the old M10 will still be producing the same excellent photographs. Your MP is a good choice as a long-termer, too
The rangefinder is an interesting device, very beautiful to be handled for a photographer. Net, clean and sharp if made by Leica.
But all the photographer needs is an image in focus. A rangefinder focusing can be emulated electronically, not through an hybrid device but via evf.
The point is an electronic Leica M is a pure contradiction, or maybe a CL, unless users want to have a Fuji and pay for a Leica. In my experience a hybrid viewfinder is inconvenient. It makes you doubting every shot to end using just one.
Hi Mike,
The likelihood of a hybrid viewfinder is very small unless the whole rangefinder optics, frame mask and mechanism can move out of the way to implement the same setup used by Fujifilm. But if the mechanical rangefinder can be replaced by an electronic one, freeing up space, a hybrid viewfinder setup would then be possible. Nowadays, mobile phone cameras are so small and high res, it can easily replace the rangefinder prism. The focusing cam can be replaced with a mini laser rangefinder as the cam, but not to mechanically move the prism, but to measure the distance of the rear lens from the focal plane (i.e. the sensor). The laser temporarily turns off when the shutter opens. The laser measured lens-sensor distance is used to actuate, using a micro motor located behind, the small camera that replaced the rangefinder prism. The freed up space can then accommodate the hybrid setup, which will be used to project the digital rangefinder patch, the electronically generated frame lines (which means frame lines can be customised or added, and can be arbitrary, from the menu). At the same time, histograms can be displayed, aperture, shutter settings too can be displayed. The system is still manual focus, but has the good stuff from the fujifilm x system. Fully customisable. Further bringing the rangefinder camera into the modern era.
Thanks for this explanation. I can’t pretend I fully understand, but then I don’t have the necessary technical knowledge. However, it sounds like you have a very good idea of what’s necessary and what problems Leica’s engineers could face. Let’s hope something comes of it.
Hope so too. That will be something interesting to see. If Leica ever considers hybrid. Thanks for ur article. Very thought-provoking.
They have to fix the ISO dial in M11. it’s difficult and awkward.
I’d love to see a spring loaded ISO dial that you push to release. The dial pops up to adjust and pushes back down. Or forget all that and just let us turn the dial without any release.
Couldn’t agree more. Just sent back my M10-P as the ISO dial was stuck solid 75% of the time that I wanted to adjust ISO settings. Apparently, it’s a problem with magnets being too strong…
Leica must make such terribly crippled cameras because people are endlessly complaining about what they DON’T have! I mean that huge SL2, much too heavy, and the Q2? Doesn’t even have a bayonet mount to change lenses! The Leica CL? For goodness sake, it doesn’t even have full frame! And finally the M series..no AF, no image stabilization, no hybrid EVF, no close focus. Are they kidding us?
Most people are happy with the M as it is and as it has always been. But we know that Leica will be itching to add more features to justify upgrades. Really, they could have just continued the M10-P for another five or ten years and people would still buy it.
Yes, I think the M is mature. I hope Leica doesn’t change it too much. There is great value, and it seems a rare trait, to be able to recognize when something is good and leave it alone.
Very well said. Not everyone needs features.
Agree. I have an M10, but if I was to buy another M digital, it would be the M10-P (to go with the M10!). I’m not bothered about the M10-R. I have a Lumix S1R with 47mp. It’s great, but I only use it for landscape work. I shoot a lot of night photography and find the S1 a lot better for higher ISO values (even at ISO 400). I find 24MP more than enough for street photography and images that I mostly look at on my computer…
Having just returned my M10-P (the ISO switch was almost immovable) I have bought a Fujifilm X100V as my everyday camera, and ‘invested’ the remainder in a beautiful M3 and a Hasselblad 501c and lenses. I’ll probably add a 50MP digital back for the latter at some point then call it a day.
I was disappointed with the sensor on the Q2 (and, I suspect, other full frame higher resolution sensors) because noise was apparent so low down the ISO range. 24MP seems to be the sweet spot for many reasons.
Fascinating discussion, as always, Mike.
X100V is brilliant.. I keep tempted from time to time to get a Q and then I look at pictures with X100v and I think damn why are you so good… 🙂
I use X100V with the inbuilt TTL flash on with lower flash power and the portraits come out wonderful.
Anathema! Electronic features in a Leica M?
I don’t think we will see an M11 before, at the earliest 2022. When it comes it could sport a hybrid viewfinder and perhaps IBIS but also, as a major new feature for M-shooters: A new electronic shutter encompassing much faster shutter speeds. A faster shutter speed in an M, would be a very welcome feature since the best Leica glass out there are so fast, that you can’t shoot them full open in normal daylight conditions, without the bother with ND filters.
Good point about the shutter speed, Sting. I hadn’t considered this. But that 1/4000s shutter is definitely a limitation with the fast glass.
Well Stig – if the M11 has the same sensor as the M10-R . . then it won’t have an electronic shutter, as the readout time is too slow (which is why it doesn’t have one already!)
Hi Jono, then maybe they need to work on read out time of sensor for the M11. I have heard rumors that famous photographers such as Thorsten get royalty service on their rangefinder adjustments and service. I never see them complaining about calibration delays but wonder if you can enlighten us amateurs?
Do away with the pure optical viewfinder and mechanical rangefinder and you will have killed the last camera available offering any link between the digital craze and real photography. I think the M needs to retain these traditional features.
And what would it mean for the MP and M-A? Would Leica continue the manufacture of traditional viewfinder and rangefinder only for the film cameras, or would we lose the last mechanical cameras still manufactured (for which a whole system is available)?
I think you have forgotten the Fuji X-Pro. It has a superb optical viewfinder as well as a EVF. Don
I didn’t mention the X-Pro although I have used it (and the X100 series) in the past. I deliberately avoided it because I thought it would confuse the issue. As far as I am aware, the rangefinder element is simulated electronically. I never found it very involving and always soon returned to the full EVF. Perhaps I didn’t give it enough chance.
Incidentally, at one stage I did hear a rumour that Leica had discussed the Fuji viewfinder technology with Fuji but nothing came of it. But this is probably not true, just wishful thinking on someone’s part.
Not criticising the Fuji X-Pro viewfinder (but I could) but the point is that it isn’t a rangefinder.
Never owned an X-Pro, but I did have an X100F with the hybrid viewfinder. I always used the EVF and hardly ever the OVF – unless I wanted a trip down memory lane. I suspect if the M goes to hybrid, most people will just end up using the EVF as it’s easier and more accurate. Personally, I use the M for the experience of the OVF. I have other cameras that I use if I need EVF (I tend to shoot with an M10 and one lenses and an Oly EM1ii and 12-100 combination to give me options and an overall light weight set up if I am out.
I had the same experience with the X100, Mark – and with the X-Pro. I tried the rangefinder but then returned to the EVF. However, part of the problem is that the Fuji rangefinder system is a big disappointment for someone who is used to an M. It seems more of a gimmick than a useful tool and most of the Fuji owners I’ve spoken to think the same. I haven’t come across anyone who thinks the Fuji rangefinder is something to use all the time.
Hello Mike. I agree with you on many points. I am a street shooter, and for someone shooting unpredictable subjects at 24mm-50mm, handheld, in variable lighting conditions, there’s no way I am going to consistently reap the benefits of a 41MP sensor, less so IBIS. Besides, 24MP was more than enough to print 16×24 exhibition prints – I’ve even mixed in some 16MP APSC prints in the same show with no discernible loss in image quality. The increase in MP and consequential increase in price is therefore of little interest for me.
1. More robust body. (I have had repeated problems on rangefinder misalignment and shutter issues)
2. Better battery life.
3. Better processor / buffer. This would lead to better ISO performance (though the results at 6400 are already excellent).
4. Faster turn on time.
5. Keep the same dimensions.
6. More fluid ISO dial.
7. Rear screen flush with body.
8. Front customisable button re-fashioned as a rewind releaser lever.
7. Price below USD 6.5k.
Personally I do not see the value of a hybrid viewfinder. I shoot a rangefinder precisely because it’s a rangefinder, but if they do include one at no compromise to the optical glass then I hope that does not affect the price. If they updated their visoflex and encased the digital components inside of their beautiful brass brightline viewfinders then I think many people would be satisfied by this.
Alternatively Leica can simplify their product line and come out with a straight forward M11 with the upgrades cited above, and alongside it an M11-P with a higher MP count, IBIS, hybrid viewfinder, BSI, 2 SD card slots, 8k video recording, global shutter, internal autofocusing mechanism, 25FPS, animal eye autofocus, machine learning, no blackout beast. At least they would cater to both markets, and be able to more clearly distinguish between the standard and P models.
My M11 list:
1. As I type, my 15 month old M10-P is at the spa in Wetzlar having it’s eyeballs aligned. I would like an electronic version of the roller ball on the lens cam. I can envision how to do this electronically and non-contact. Then use a stepper motor to move the focus patch. A bonus would be any lens cam that’s off could be fine tuned by the stepper memory. Outwardly, it would work and appear the same, sans the need to go on holiday. Of course, a full hybrid would be peachy, too. However, without addressing the mechanics I think the rangefinder calibration is just a fact of life. I do believe Leica has taken the mechanics as far as humanly & manufacturing-ly possible, even with the premium pricing. Holding the tolerances involved over temperature, time and mechanical shock are one tough nut mechanically.
2. I want a diopter adjustment! I’m tired of fiddling with my glasses and horribly expensive screw on diopter lenses that all too frequently fall into the grass somewhere. With glasses, I find I lose too much of the frame lines and the ‘looking outside of them’ thing.
3. IBIS, of course. Yes, I would be willing to give some mm in all directions- 3 to 5 would be OK. The upside would be worth it. Battery life then becomes another issue, I’m sure.
4. When I traded my SL(1) for the SL2, pixels were not the driver. Now that I have them, I don’t want to give them up. My suspicion is the M10-R would suck me in the same way. I crop, therefore I am.
5. The Visoflex really is long in the tooth. On the upside, it has a diopter adjustment!
Yes, I use my SL2 with M lenses, and all the above (mostly) goes away. But there’s nothing like the magic of an M; it’s the feel of it. Hard to quantify. It’s real, and apparently it does sell cameras.
Yes, I lust after the monochrome. Sigh.
I have to disagree that the Visoflex is or was adequate. It is a severely overpriced piece of garbage considering it has Leicas name painted on it. I think there was a lack of camera processing power to be improve display which was behind on introduction. I had to epoxy mine down from new has it easily popped up to the vertical position at the most inconvenient moments. It was also not integrated into the camera electronics to switch between LCD and EVF. Talk about terrible haptics. Then my M240 kept freezing and needing battery to be removed and replaced after I removed my snug as a glove half case. So after I waited 6 months for the Leica terrible service to calibrate my rangefinder I sold the pair to someone and purchased an SL which I loved once I put a half case on it to minimize the stupid sharp edges. I recently received the SL2 and it now has the edges fixed and it will be one of my M glass cameras. My other M camera is an open box M9 that I purchased a few months ago and I will never sell it due to the gorgeous CCD rendering. And if the M9 needs the 6 month calibration I have an SL2 to comfort me. Why leica cannot fix this calibration time is beyond me. I always tell people if you cannot afford to M cameras do not buy the Leica M. i do not need anything more than 18-24 MP so the M10R is not on my excitement list.
For a M11, I would be delighted with an EVF of the Q2 quality and then would not care what the MP were. I would not care if it was shoe mounted as long as they did not assign the design to the guy who graduated at the bottom of his class like the Visoflex. What I am currently debating on is a Monochrom as long as it is not the M240 varient.
As you see, I am not a Leica fanboy but a photographer who expects quality and service when I purchase a premium brand. However, I am in smitten with Leica glass. My wife can generally spot my Leica images due to the rendering.
There were a few auto typos but hopefully you can figure things out.
My comment on the Visoflex was rather tongue in cheek. I am more inclined you take your view, especially in connection with then tendency for it to flip up with little provocation.
It was the EVF2 (made by Olympus) for the M240, and I agree about the poor quality and it snapping open to vertical. The Visoflex 020 for the M10 was better, with higher resolution and auto-switching, but still ‘laggy’ to my mind.
I use both frequently (Visoflex on the M10-D and TL2) and VF2 on the X2. You are right, it is the VF2 that flips up too eagerly. The Visoflex is better, more solid, but is now getting old (especially as a companion for a £7,000 camera.
As I hardly ever tip it up to look through the EVF vertically I solve the problem via fitting a very small elastic band on mine. Mind you its a pity the elastic band does not say Leica on it, but then again if it did I probably would not be able to afford to keep replacing the elastic bands
I have a source for Leica-branded elastic bands. They come in three sizes and have a screw to fit into the grip of the m cameras. They cost £75 each, plus VAT. They come in red, with a dot, and black for the Monochrom.
I use Blu Tack, the ultimate Leica accessory.
William
Both the Olympus and Leica accessory EVFs are designed and manufactured by EPSON. Leica (and Olympus) were likely obliged to use whatever EVFs were available / in the pipeline two or three years prior to the launch of the various M … and also X2 and X Vario models. Leica likely do not have the resources (in the broadest sense) to design and manufacture their own EVFs. Furthermore, sensor manufacturers are likely queueing up at Leica’s door with their ‘latest and greatest’
There is a viable option to continue to expand the M10 family with gradual improvements/changes as the trend is now. While I would like the excuse to buy another lens or camera, I would do so just for a change of pace rather than an upgrade. My M10 is likely to satisfy me for a decade. Leica knows this. The SL & Q are lateral options.
Hi Dan
Just make certain you don’t try an M10-R. I had similar feelings to yours, but the first SD card from the M10-R changed all of that
I’ve come to realise that the demon of the ‘megapixel war’ is actually just a negative spin on the concept of a ‘higher sampling rate’ it’s a no-brainer as long as it doesn’t have a negative effect on high ISO (which it doesn’t)
I used gaffer tape on mine until I got tired of non Leica owners laughing at my reason for using the gaffer tape to fix my Leica product. Sort of like having to steady the bumper on your Rolls or Jag with duct tape.
Hi Jono, I could agree with you on wanting a 10M-R when I see the files except I am experienced enough to know that the high resolution will show up any minor focusing errors even worse than 24MP. At least one will know sooner when their rangefinder needs to go to Leica for a 6 month eye ball adjustment (I love that!). For great sharpness the external pathetic evf will be required which negates the elegance of the camera. Maybe Leica should tell people to only take pictures at f/5.6 or f/8 when using the rangefinder on the M10-R. I will wait for M11 if it solves focus accuracy issue whether rangefinder or EVF.
I think the Thamber would be the perfect lens to use with the M10-R.
I am only hassling you as I see this as a serious issue that 48MP will accentuate based on real personal experience.
I see Leica’s rationalisation behind a single model of M series as being fairly short sighter in terms of plotting strategically for the future. – if they do stop production of the M10, 10-P etc, then they are solely reliant on the M10-R, and I am not convinced that is a decent idea.
We live in an age, when options are what drives people in many ways. Yes too many options can water down a companies advantage, or cannibalise sales in other areas. But a single option is a risk. I think they should sell a version of the 240, as they did last year for a cheaper price – this encourages people in to their systems and with a brand new M, rather than punt on second hand one. I even felt the M9 refurbished models where a similar positive step towards unit diversification – they draw in new clientele, new customers, and we all need a lens, a something else, and in there you excel with additional sales if you have the price set correctly. Even Apple have multiple models of the Iphone 11, the Ipad, Mac, and Macbook Pro. Why because they recognise that some people come in at different price points, and people will happily run with a slightly older or small tech as a compromise, rather than pay premium for a the latest and greatest. I reckon their Iphone 11 sales versus the Pro models is considerably different – because not everyone wants to punt 1k on their phone, whereas £700 on a slightly lesser spec is fine.
I fear that if only the M10-R is the entry price point for a new unit, and is beyond the means of the younger generations, then Leica is missing a trick.
Sorry that looks long – but I am sure you get my drift. They need to sell, to thrive, and if new units are were they make the most money, then they need a diversified strategy for new units to bring in new customers. Without that they are reliant on their usual market to deliver. Not everyone wants a 41mp range finder costing almost the same as my Toyota, more than it if you needed the lens too.
So they are missing the younger generation and ignoring the ‘older’ generation by not having an evf. Someone needs to shake the marketing department… I understand the history and meaning of the word ‘M’ but that’s no use without an evf. I don’t like attaching a visoflex either that just spoils the minimal look.
My ideal camera would be without an LCD but one that has an evf and a small inbuilt grip for better ergonomics.
Good thoughts Dave – I don’t think they’ll be ditching the 24mp M-10 cameras either (with the possible exception of the D) Lots of people only want 24mp, so why not make cameras for them?
I personally don’t believe Leica can push the price much further. I didn’t upgrade my SL but bought into the Hasselblad system instead. Not a flawless camera but it does provide better files and at a lower cost. Similar brand heritage, user experience, build quality, design, simplicity and minimalism. The 2 most expensive lenses are around $5K whereas for the M system we now have two $12K lenses and one $14K lens. Simply too much IMO. Leica also has to stop these outrageous price increases of 5-10% every other year, eg. the Summilux-TL initially retailed in 2016 for $1,995, now for $2,795, that is an increase of 40% in only 4 years time… Anybody’s salary went up with 40% in the last 4 years?
I think one could be fairly certain that the price will rise as far as Leica’s market research tells them is possible. Leica couldn’t risk producing a fairly small volume camera and then price itself out of the market. Were even a small percentage of the target customer segment (especially existing users) to throw in the towel, it would likely spell financial disaster. Once lost, customers are expensive to recapture. I think Leica will push as far as it can, but no further. So the final price will be set by us, the depth of our pockets and, to a large extent, our willingness to let heart overrule head.
With the world economy in a mess I think it will be a while before anything like M11 hits, I feel people will vote with their pocket books on the sale ability of more mp FX VS BIGGER BANG FOR THE BUCK with medium format. Leica is making Fuji and Hasselblad look good.
Hi Mike,
A well written, thought provoking article, thank you,
Regards,
John.
Thank you, John.
Hi Mike,
You ask what we should expect from a M11 should it happen? Simple it will cost another couple of grand more.
That‘s probably true. In fact, the M10 Monochrom at £7,250 looks positively cheap when compared with the M10-R. And the M10-R is £1,850 more expensive than the M10, even though it does have the M10-P‘s „silent“ shutter. So you are probably right. I‘d expect the M11 to start at £8,750. How‘s that for a guess? If it does incorporate a hybrid viewfinder, then the sky‘s the limit. Let‘s say £9,500.
Why have a hybrid finder when there might be a suitable ‘all electronic rangefinder’ in development … and which could be manufactured at considerably less cost than an optical rangefinder? Shock! Horror! … But if the technology is there and it works, why not?
That is a fair point, and I suspect you are peering in to Leica’s future options. perhaps.
Yes that of course is another issue. I think an all-EVF M would have a ready market, particularly among older users who find difficult focusing the rangefinder. It would also have the supreme advantage of dispensing with the adapter which, inevitably, spoils the looks and dimensions of any M lens. It’s just that I think some at Wetzlar believe an M without the rangefinder would be the thin end of the wedge, an unfortunate precedent. But it’s a good thought.
Hi Mike, I’ve been one waiting patiently for an M with an evf or a hybrid. I was expecting this R to have an evf considering the number of megapixels and requirement for more accurate focus as a result. I do not understand the recent trend of having more pixels. That might allow someone to crop picture but it doesn’t change the focal length.
I tend to agree. If there is to be no significant step forward, such as a hybrid viewfinder, I would regard the current M10 as the one to stick with. I am currently not interested in the -R or the -M, although I thought the same about the Q2 but then went on to buy (and love) it. At least we have something to talk about!