View Full Version : More, New M8 Pics
Mackinaw
09-06-2006, 12:35
Just saw this on the Leica forum:
http://www.lightmediation.com/blog/index.php?2006/09/06/25-leica-m8-digital-numerique-exclusif
plummerl
09-06-2006, 13:02
With the picture showing a self-timer mode, does this mean that the "Blue Dot" might be the self-timer LED? It is in the same spot as on my Contax G2, albeit a bit on the large (!) size. I suppose a red LED would detract from the Leica Red Dot.
Gabriel M.A.
09-06-2006, 13:17
Interesting that it would have a Single- and Continuous-shooting mode. I wonder what meeting they let that one slip.
The dial does look like the "other" way, just like the M6 TTL and M7.
It does seem to be about 1/4 inch (ok, I don't know my inches, but it's a little) taller than the M7.
Damn this strip-tease!
With the picture showing a self-timer mode, does this mean that the "Blue Dot" might be the self-timer LED? It is in the same spot as on my Contax G2, albeit a bit on the large (!) size. I suppose a red LED would detract from the Leica Red Dot.
I doubt Leica will ravage the M body with that extra dot simply for the self-timer functionality. I imagine the self-timer will be in the form of beeps, rather than an indicator light.
Why doesn't Jorge have these photos?
John Camp
09-06-2006, 14:39
The "puzzle" pictures on the French site seem to suggest there is something to hide on the side of the camera opposite the shutter-speed controls. Yet another site, showing what are thought to be "ideas" or "prototypes" show an LCD panel there. I suspect that there is a simple (non-color) LCD panel, since nothing protrudes above the case in Jorge's photos. That would be a good thing, IMHO; you can get a lot of info for almost no battery cost (although it might detract from the aesthetic purity of the camera.) Jorge's photos now look to me like the camera, all right, but with some details photoshopped out. Well, I guess we'll see in a little more than a week.
I suspect that there is a simple (non-color) LCD panel, since nothing protrudes above the case in Jorge's photos.
non-color? Lol... wishful thinking dude....
he means an lcd status panel.
that website looks like the real deal.
I also like the wheel on the back of the M8, ala canon DSLR style.. once you've experienced the wheel, you simply can't go back.
According to the site there is nothing but a LCD exposure counter under number 9. (the other side of the top)
These images suggest a rather frightening increase in the depth of the M8. I had read that it was supposed to be 2mm thicker. Now that I see how much 2mm is on the camera it looks like a lot... Hope it is an optical delusion.
on the upside, it might improve the grip.
That is what I thought abot the Digilux 2 .What a brick. Now I have gotten used to that my M6 feels a bit thin for optimal gripping.
I think the M8 will feel just fine in the hand. So what if it is thicker or longer or higher. What is most important is that all of us will now have a digital M.
John Shriver
09-07-2006, 09:54
Looks completely consistent with what I saw in the flesh.
Rich Silfver
09-07-2006, 13:01
I guess they are revealing one piece a day. Today #9 was revelaled: http://www.lightmediation.com/blog/index.php?2006/09/06/25-leica-m8-digital-numerique-exclusif
AndyPiper
09-07-2006, 13:09
Yep - frame counter where the rewind used to be.
Chubby little baby, isn't she? (Or perhaps we should just say "Rubenesque"?) Not enough to worry me, though.
tomorrow is the moment of truth!
Wouldn't it be swell if the M8 communicated through the hot shoe with the new Tri-Elmar viewfinder so the proper frame line view in the finder would automatically selected when the camera senses the focal length being changed? This could be done but will it?
Wouldn't it be swell if the M8 communicated through the hot shoe with the new Tri-Elmar viewfinder so the proper frame line view in the finder would automatically selected when the camera senses the focal length being changed? This could be done but will it?
Again I will be trying to start a rumour: there will be an electronically coupled Visoflex 4 which takes R lenses....;):D. It would be a nice thing though:rolleyes:
When will Leica ever get it: shutter speeds beyond a very seconds are very handy. Eh????????? I have owned SLR's with 30 seconds or longer shutter speed since 1975. My EF goes to 30 seconds and I think the Elan 2E does 90 seconds. The M5 on the other hand can only muster 1/2 second. If the M8 pictures are true, it stops at 4 seconds. Damn shame.
Bob Ross
09-07-2006, 14:08
Yep - frame counter where the rewind used to be.
Chubby little baby, isn't she? (Or perhaps we should just say "Rubenesque"?) Not enough to worry me, though.
Hi Andy,
Using the flash shoe as a size mark (21mm) I did get 41mm depth or +3mm, but when I checked the length, I got a surprise with 146mm, instead of the 138mm of the M7 (+8mm). If I didn't goof with my calculations, the M8 will rival the M5 in the plus size dept.:) Since I have used M5s since 1977, I'll be right at home.
Bob
Bob Ross
09-07-2006, 14:17
Wouldn't it be swell if the M8 communicated through the hot shoe with the new Tri-Elmar viewfinder so the proper frame line view in the finder would automatically selected when the camera senses the focal length being changed? This could be done but will it?
On the rear of the flash shoe there are 7 light spots that look to me to be electronic contacts. I posted a similar speculation about it on the Leica User Forum and got a quick reply that it was a reflection off of a plastic piece by someone who seemed to be sure about it. Very interesting reflections, if that is the case.
Bob
Bob Ross
09-07-2006, 14:26
When will Leica ever get it: shutter speeds beyond a very seconds are very handy. Eh????????? I have owned SLR's with 30 seconds or longer shutter speed since 1975. My EF goes to 30 seconds and I think the Elan 2E does 90 seconds. The M5 on the other hand can only muster 1/2 second. If the M8 pictures are true, it stops at 4 seconds. Damn shame.
The M7 will go to 32 seconds in auto mode. I don't have the info on the R9, whose shutter will be used.
The M5 is able to meter in bulb up to 30 seconds, but you have to count elephants to use it:rolleyes:
Bob
On the rear of the flash shoe there are 7 light spots that look to me to be electronic contacts. I posted a similar speculation about it on the Leica User Forum and got a quick reply that it was a reflection off of a plastic piece by someone who seemed to be sure about it. Very interesting reflections, if that is the case.
Bob
I think you are looking at the edge of a milled knob on the back, just below the flash shoe.
Bob Ross
09-07-2006, 17:18
I think you are looking at the edge of a milled knob on the back, just below the flash shoe.
Just like the one that doesn't show in the pictures that Jorge posted:D
In looking at that rear picture again, I do see a light line at the rear of the flash shoe, right where the pattern shows in the top view. I wonder if it is the "write light" with a plastic lens. Also the circular LCD on the left top does not show up.
My latest guesstimate on the size is 146mm X 88mm X 41mm
Bob
AndyPiper
09-07-2006, 18:03
Wayne: the M8 DOES have a cable release socket in the shutter button (wonder how many other digital cameras have THAT!)
Set camera to 'B", insert cable release - one-onethousand, two-onethousand, three-onethousand.....
....the way time exposures are SUPPOSED to be done - otherwise what's the point of the illuminated dial on your Timex?
8^)
As to the flash shoe - that thing at the back (bottom) is just a plastic ramp with three narrow troughs in it to smooth and guide the insertion of the flash foot and contacts onto the camera - I don't have a ttl M around to compare, but I do have an M7 brochure with a top view, and it has the same ramp and grooves.
Bob Ross
09-07-2006, 19:43
As to the flash shoe - that thing at the back (bottom) is just a plastic ramp with three narrow troughs in it to smooth and guide the insertion of the flash foot and contacts onto the camera - I don't have a ttl M around to compare, but I do have an M7 brochure with a top view, and it has the same ramp and grooves.
In checking Leica's website tonight I found it on the M7 & MP. Not something found on the M6 Classic or M5.:o
The R9 shutter goes from 16s to 1/8000 in half steps and from 32s to 1/8000 stepless in auto modes.:cool:
Bob
Wayne: the M8 DOES have a cable release socket in the shutter button (wonder how many other digital cameras have THAT!)
The R-D 1 and a lot of Nikon DSLRs, to name a few...
Mark Norton
09-07-2006, 21:43
Nikon DSLRs? The D2X and D100 do not and I expect all recent ones use the same electric release. Just bought a new Leica cable release actually which still has "Leitz" embossed on the plunger. New Old Stock?
AndyPiper
09-07-2006, 23:23
jlw: I said "cable release socket IN THE SHUTTER BUTTON"
Here are images of all Nikon's digital offerings - all with solid black or silver buttons.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Nikon/
They likely all or mostly have remote releases via dedicated electrical cable (just $79.95 at your friendly Nikon dealer) - but no threaded hole to accept a $5 cable release out of a camera store discount bin (but I think you're right about the Epson).
My latest guesstimate on the size is 146mm X 88mm X 41mm
Bob
That would make it about the same thickness as the Digilux2, which is certainly not svelte, especially with the added width. It would mean I cannot fit it into my Kombitasche M :mad: On the other hand I seem to remember that Leica said clearly that it would be 2.5 mm thicker than the M7. That would shrink your figures overall by about 12.5%. The Summilux would be a very small copy then :D. Maybe it proves that somebody has been playing around with these pictures. I guess we will have to wait for reality to know for sure. Just a short while... :rolleyes:
They've just unveiled another tiny bit.
Not much new info though :(
Well, it explains the mystery of the white dots. What Bob said...
pessoa00
09-08-2006, 07:02
Jorge's photos don't have the print "leica camera made in germany" on the back and this photo does. Does that mean anything?
btw, 1st post!
cheers,
António
Not all beta-versions might be exactly identical:rolleyes: BTW welcome ! :)
My latest guesstimate on the size is 146mm X 88mm X 41mm
Judging by the 35 lux Asph dimensions I guess 147mm x 87mm x 39mm.
For thickness though I didn't count the protruding rear LCD and menu wheel.
Now back to reality... :D
pessoa00
09-08-2006, 08:05
Not all beta-versions might be exactly identical:rolleyes: BTW welcome ! :)
Thanks!
You are probably right, but I'm still hopping the m8 has some easy way of changing iso and exposure compensation and information about battery without having to go to the menu system on the lcd.
Maybe its better it doesn0t have these options. This way I have a good excuse not to buy the camera (besides lack of money :D )
Thanks!
You are probably right, but I'm still hopping the m8 has some easy way of changing iso and exposure compensation and information about battery without having to go to the menu system on the lcd.
Maybe its better it doesn0t have these options. This way I have a good excuse not to buy the camera (besides lack of money :D )
Not a very good excuse :D On the Digilux2 one can do these things without taking the eye from the viewfinder by buttons on the back, as with the Clux1 (obviously no eye to the viewfinder there ;)) If Leica runs true to form, one will be able to use the navigating buttons/wheel assembly for that. I must say that on the Digilux2 the exposure compensation is one of the least used controls for me, it simply goes to manual. ISO I switch rarely, and never for a single shot but that might be due to the fact that that one really needs to be used at ISO 100.:rolleyes:. Battery information is permanently visible on virtually all digital camera's So it might seem your credit-card will bottom out
:eek:
Leicaiste
09-08-2006, 09:05
[QUOTE=pessoa00]Thanks!
I'm still hopping the m8 has some ... ... information about battery without having to go to the menu system on the lcd.
Yes, on the top cover together with number of remaining pictures available.
how are they deciding what section to reveal?
AndyPiper
09-08-2006, 10:14
Supposedly the forum participants over there are voting each day.
"9 svp" = "section 9 next, of you please" e.g.
pessoa00
09-08-2006, 10:32
[quote=pessoa00]Thanks!
I'm still hopping the m8 has some ... ... information about battery without having to go to the menu system on the lcd.
Yes, on the top cover together with number of remaining pictures available.
Do you think that small grey circle is for both remaining pics and battery status? I certainly hope so!
blargh...could they have picked a more boring section?
blargh...could they have picked a more boring section?
They have to keep you interested...If they revealed all the good parts first it wouldn't be a proper strip tease.
Ted Witcher
09-08-2006, 11:24
Just as an aside, I spoke to someone who had played with the prototype and reports that the camera "has no bugs" and the image quality is excellent, surpassing the DMR. Take it FWIW. He said it's everything you would expect a digital M to be, with the only minus being the crop factor.
Just in order to have them right in front of our eyes, I post the pictures here:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=32444&d=1157667179
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=32445&d=1157667205
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=32446&d=1157667226
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=32466&d=1157736921
Just as an aside, I spoke to someone who had played with the prototype and reports that the camera "has no bugs" and the image quality is excellent, surpassing the DMR. Take it FWIW. He said it's everything you would expect a digital M to be, with the only minus being the crop factor.
The camera has no bugs... chuckles... He better have played with that camera pretty thoroughly and took it to bed to make that kind of judgment, if not then I have no respect for that person's judgement.
Yeah It's sad to know that 35 lux on that M8 is not really that wide anymore.. :(
Nachkebia
09-08-2006, 11:40
Well it looks thick! Timer mode? who needs it? :)
Ted Witcher
09-08-2006, 12:11
The camera has no bugs... chuckles... He better have played with that camera pretty thoroughly and took it to bed to make that kind of judgment, if not then I have no respect for that person's judgement.
Yeah It's sad to know that 35 lux on that M8 is not really that wide anymore.. :(
You can chuckle all you want, I merely reported what he said. In his view, there were no operational deficiencies. FWIW and YMMV.
Ted Witcher
09-08-2006, 12:12
So, have we determined that the grey circle is a frame counter LCD?
ffttklackdedeng
09-08-2006, 12:43
So, have we determined that the grey circle is a frame counter LCD?
compteur = counter, so it looks like!
That must be some masochists, deciding to see the 'made in' text before the UI elements.. I guess they keep the most interesting parts for the last days.
Robert
Leicaiste
09-08-2006, 13:31
Do you think that small grey circle is for both remaining pics and battery status? I certainly hope so!
Yes it is.
They've just unveiled another tiny bit.
Not much new info though :(
On closer inspection, I retreat my statement.
It tells us that the M8 is made in Germany!
-sigh of relief-
:p
>On the rear of the flash shoe there are 7 light spots that look to me to be electronic contacts.
Nope. This same thingy is at the back of my M7 shoe. It's just a metal ridge of some dubious function.
This camera is shaping up to be rather ugly looking. A huge LCD. A bulbous rotary dial on the rear and no rewind knob. I know that would be pointless. But still, I'm very much used to the motion.
I think the LCD should either be eliminated or at least smaller. Maybe just a small display of shots remains, white balance, exposure. Just the neccesary tidbits. No need to actually preview the imagine. And the rotary dial could be eliminated and relaed with a few buttons.
My logic is that the majority of buyers are those moving over from film and are very much used to the workflow. I don't need to know what it looks like on an LCD, I just saw the thing when I took the shot.
My logic is that the majority of buyers are those moving over from film and are very much used to the workflow. I don't need to know what it looks like on an LCD, I just saw the thing when I took the shot.
I'm dubious of this reasoning. I suspect that the majority of people who remain "film diehards" by now fall into that camp because film does a better job of fulfilling their needs and preferences; they're not going to switch to a digital camera just because Leica started making one.
I think that the majority of M8 buyers will be photographers who are already committed to an all-digital workflow, but who would like to use a rangefinder camera for certain types of photography. (We all know that while an RF camera is less versatile than an SLR, it's just plain better for some specific kinds of picture-taking; that's why we're RF users!)
People who already are accustomed to working digitally would expect a decent-sized LCD -- not only for instant review but for checking histograms (very important given the limited tonal range of a digital sensor) and for the essential task of making menu settings. Omitting the LCD would put these people off and hurt sales, without really making it any more likely that film diehards would buy it.
This camera is shaping up to be rather ugly looking. A huge LCD. A bulbous rotary dial on the rear and no rewind knob ...
You haven't even seen the camera in person or in an actual photograph and you've already condemned it as ugly? From everything I've seen it looks 95% the same as a film M except with an LCD screen on the back--which really isn't any uglier than the film back/ISO dial on a film M. In fact I think it looks a little bit better without the rewind knob.
If it were up to me I'd eliminate the red dot on the front and make the Leica top script standard. The additional dot on the front (white balance, whatever it is...) bugged me when I first saw it but now I don't even notice it or know why it bothered me.
I think the LCD should either be eliminated or at least smaller. Maybe just a small display of shots remains, white balance, exposure. Just the neccesary tidbits. No need to actually preview the imagine. And the rotary dial could be eliminated and relaed with a few buttons.
My logic is that the majority of buyers are those moving over from film and are very much used to the workflow. I don't need to know what it looks like on an LCD, I just saw the thing when I took the shot.
While I don't often check the LCD when shooting, I find it very useful in difficult lighting situations. Take a shot, check exposure, compensate if neccessary and then don't look at it again. The bigger the screen the easier it is to do this. Given the propensity to blow highlights that digital undeniably has I think not having the ability to preview your shots is a huge mistake. I'm coming from a solid film background and very much appreciate the LCD.
pessoa00
09-09-2006, 15:45
they didn't unveil any pic today :(
stick with film.
Nah, film is for wimps. REAL photographers coat their own sheet-iron plates with bitumen of Judea. If it was good enough for Niépce, it should be good enough for you!
Reading some comments here about film-rewind, LCD, etc., I'm starting to wonder.
Do you want a camera that appeals most to gear-fondling purists and collectors, or one that is an ideal photographic tool. The answer is pretty clear to me. I'll let you guess which route I think Leica has taken.
newyorkone
09-09-2006, 16:22
The comments about looks, rewind button, etc. are ridiculous. Thank goodness these guys aren't designing the M8.
If they were to design the M8, Leica would surely go out of business.
From what I've seen the M8 is very compelling and I think it will help Leica make a strong comeback and keep it relevant, while at the same time, help it stay in existence, which is a good thing for the film users as well. It's not like Leica is going to stop making their film bodies or the lenses will suddenly stop working for film. The digital M8 is an alternative, or an added tool depending on your needs. It sounds to me like the naysayers are just a bunch of selfish brats that still believe the world revolves around them.
Personally I'm tired of buying mediocre Asian knockoffs of real German engineering. They're "not bad" but there's always something lacking, missing or compromised. My 4 month old 5D takes nice pictures but I now need to send it in because of a bad LCD. Nothing renders like my M6 and M lenses and that's why I'm in line for an M8 and I look forward to its release.
deutschland, deutschland über alles!
Reading some comments here about film-rewind, LCD, etc., I'm starting to wonder.
Do you want a camera that appeals most to gear-fondling purists and collectors, or one that is an ideal photographic tool.
Actually they may be one in the same. The M8 looks like it will be a simple, intuitive photographic instrument. If Leica can deliver, both camps will be happy.
Rex
DerrickC
09-10-2006, 02:00
wonder what that little door is on the left hand side. the bump might be a little irritating when holding the camera, but will have to wait and see.
http://www.lightmediation.com/blog/images/pierre/2006-09/03.jpg
pessoa00
09-10-2006, 03:07
up until now it seems this strip tease is unveiling exactly the camera in the pics Jorge showed everybody a few days ago (if you dismiss the lack of the inscription "leica camera made in germany"). Kudos for him!
I still wonder though how you are supposed to set some functions...
Ken Ford
09-10-2006, 05:03
wonder what that little door is on the left hand side. the bump might be a little irritating when holding the camera, but will have to wait and see.
http://www.lightmediation.com/blog/images/pierre/2006-09/03.jpg
USB/Firewire port?
Leicaiste
09-10-2006, 15:04
It is USB port.
humanized_form
09-10-2006, 15:28
Leicaiste.. have you seen the camera? is there something on top of the protruding part of the door? or is it simply usb port? i'm just wondering why it would be designed that way instead of simply being a smooth spring loaded door that didn't interfere with the design.... hmmm.
though the bump out does seem placed about where my finger falls (when not focussing) as i look through the viewfinder.
kevin
that's what i was thinking: why isn't it flush against the body?
Ken Ford
09-10-2006, 17:09
I suspect it's a rubber door as is common with DSLRs - the nubbin is for your fingernail to grab when opening.
I suspect it's a rubber door as is common with DSLRs - the nubbin is for your fingernail to grab when opening.
Sounds plausible, but I hope not. I hate those little rubber doors -- after a few openings and closings they get stretched, and then it's really hard to get them to fit right.
etrigan63
09-10-2006, 22:00
Thats why I use a card reader all of the time.
I've used both Japanese and German scientific equipment. I wouldn't be so quick to make any assumptions about the engineering quality of either country.
Do you want a camera that appeals most to gear-fondling purists and collectors, or one that is an ideal photographic tool. The answer is pretty clear to me. I'll let you guess which route I think Leica has taken.
Obviously. While the fondlers have to wait for Photokina, the photogs were allowed to play with the M8's at Visa pour l'Image a few days ago... The first user comments are out there.
pessoa00
09-11-2006, 02:50
New pic (8) unveil today. Its funny, shouldn't the magnification # be printed on the viewfinder? I guess we'll have to wait until Friday to learn further specs :(
shouldn't the magnification # be printed on the viewfinder?
Not if they only offer one magnification, I guess...
petermcwerner
09-12-2006, 21:55
http://www.leica-camera-user.com/attachments/digitalforum/8551d1158101137-hier-ist-sie-m8-b.jpg
Here the first (?) full image of the back
Ted Witcher
09-12-2006, 22:23
Now that Leica has got this out of the way, and, preliminarily, it looks like it delivers everything one might expect... well, what next?
I propose that Leica continue to refine this version of a digital rangefinder, though I suspect there might not be much left to do. More pixels, some operational improvements, better noise performance (could always use improving), etc. But the crop factor will always be here. So this will be the digital M for guys that have substantial investments in glass and don't want to budge.
But for guys that are willing to budge... a digital M should be created that is full-frame. And thus a new series of lenses would have to be created as well. Start small: just a 28, a 35, a 50, a 75. I don't think one would necessarily cannibalize sales from the other, do you? Hypothetical: if the new series of lenses were comparable in quality to the existing M ASPHs, how many of you guys would be interested in such a system?
AndyPiper
09-12-2006, 23:14
Actually, Ted, likely only the wideangles would need revision to be more friendly to a full-frame sensor. Anything from 50mm up is already fairly "telecentric" in design -i.e. the light rays are fairly vertical to the sensor surface and generally avoid vignetting of the digital sort even with a full-frame chip.
Since we don't have ALL the M8 details yet - Leica may need to look at creating at least one prime superwide (15-18mm) that is f/2.8, if they don't have one up their sleeve already.
THEN they need to look at R/DMR sales (and also the new income flow from the M8) and make some tough decisions about whether to go for an R10 dedicated digital body more compact than the DMR kit, or whether the R line has run its course (I'm not saying it has - but I don't have Leica's inside knowledge on its profitablility now and projected).
At some point Leica has to start returning SOME profit to ACM and Hermes.
There is not a lot of point to incremental fiddling with the pixel count - if you're going to pay Kodak (or someone) for the development costs of a new sensor - better to spend that money on a big jump in pixels (at least 1.8x increase) rather than 12 next year and 14 2 years later and so on.
And cramming 18 Mpixels into a cropped M8 image area is gonna wreck all that nice high ISO performance it looks like the M8 will have. So it will also mean making the transition to full-frame, just to keep the pixels big and juicy and sensitive.
At which point Leica will have ANOTHER tough call - is the technology (either in lens design or sensors) ready yet for full-frame rangefinders? And if not - is it possible to project when it will be?
So it will be a step-by-step process - deciding what needs fixing first, and what is (or may be) unfixable, and carefully applying what should be rather nice income in just the right places to avoid waste while coming up with new products to maintain that income.
Apart from the odd ISO settings (from 160 to 2500, only in full stop increments...) I don't see any door for the SD card.
Lightmediation has added today some more images and you can see that the bottom of the M8 has only a lever on a side which suggests you have to detach the bottom plate to access both the battery and SD card.
If this is the case I don't like it, just like the cumbersome way to change film in M cameras :bang: :)
Btw the small LCD on top shows also the battery status. Nice.
HenningW
09-13-2006, 09:44
You can chuckle all you want, I merely reported what he said. In his view, there were no operational deficiencies. FWIW and YMMV.
There is no camera or other appliance without deficiencies, M8 included (or M7, MP or whatever).
Watch this space on Friday.
Henning
Ted Witcher
09-13-2006, 09:46
Take it up with him.
Leicaiste
09-13-2006, 11:48
It will be difficult to add a handle on the M8, because it will cover the latch which is on the wrong side.
newyorkone
09-13-2006, 11:55
It will be difficult to add a handle on the M8, because it will cover the latch which is on the wrong side.
Perhaps Leica or someone could make a grip that replaces the entire bottom plate.
The removable baseplate will certainly be just as cumbersome as it is in the film world, but you won't have to do it nearly as often. Even if battery life is short and you use an abnormally small SD card (I assume we'll all be using something at least 1GB most of the time), you'll still have to fiddle with the baseplate less often than when you did loading film. I like the idea of its retention much better than having more doors on the side of the camera. The smoothness of the body is one of my favourite things about the M series' ergonomics.
Perhaps Leica or someone could make a grip that replaces the entire bottom plate.
That's an interesting idea, but how am I going to hold the extra weight of the handle plus baseplate in my teeth while changing cards...
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